Afghanistan, as noted, was seen as a stepping-stone to Iraq and the Gulf, but it was also important for other strategic reasons. As political analyst, and University of London professor, Gilbert Achcar notes: . ..…

The outcome of this struggle will be determined on the ground in Iraq. . ... See also the definitive new book by Greg Muttitt, Fuel on the Fire: Oil and Politics in Occupied Iraq (London, Bodley Head, 2011). . ..…