Ambassador Steven's sycophantic drivel in the latter half went in one ear and out the other for Eric, but the first half made it clear that his goals had been achieved.
In fact, America's main strategic objectives in Iraq had been fulfilled. With the demise of old Sadaam, who clamored to uncouple oil and the US Dollar, every day spent in Iraq was a drain on American resources.
Their long-term military presence was to ensure the 'gold and silver' they obtained in exchange for troops, weaponry, the US Dollar, political support, oilfield shares, and 'democracy and freedom.'
But reality taught them that merely smashing a country and propping up a puppet government couldn't stabilize the situation nor allow for easy money-making.
What was needed there now was construction, employment for the locals; otherwise, the region would forever serve as a breeding ground for terrorists.
