Meaning: This quote by Peter Schuyler, a politician, reflects a critical perspective on the United States' actions during the Iraq War. The quote alludes to the prioritization of protecting the oil fields in Iraq, suggesting that this action was among the first taken by the U.S. upon gaining control of the country. Furthermore, the reference to an administration quote about how the oil would pay for the war implies that there were expectations or assurances regarding the financial benefits of controlling Iraq's oil resources. This quote encapsulates a viewpoint that questions the underlying motives and priorities driving the U.S.'s involvement in Iraq, particularly in relation to oil interests.

The Iraq War, which began in 2003, was a deeply controversial and divisive conflict that had far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. One of the central issues that garnered significant attention and criticism was the role of oil in the U.S.'s decision to engage militarily in Iraq. The quote by Peter Schuyler underscores the perception held by many critics that the U.S. had a strategic interest in securing and controlling Iraq's oil reserves, and that this interest influenced the prioritization of protecting the oil fields in the early stages of the occupation.

The protection of oil fields in Iraq aligns with the broader context of the U.S.'s foreign policy objectives and the significance of oil as a critical global resource. Iraq has long been recognized as having substantial oil reserves, and the control and access to these reserves have been a major factor in geopolitical considerations. Therefore, the quote by Schuyler highlights the perception that the U.S.'s actions in Iraq were driven, at least in part, by a desire to safeguard and potentially exploit the country's oil wealth.

Moreover, the reference to the administration's quote about how the oil would pay for the war raises questions about the economic and financial motivations underpinning the U.S.'s involvement in Iraq. This statement suggests that there may have been an expectation that the control and exploitation of Iraq's oil resources would offset the costs of the war. Such an assertion implies a transactional or mercenary approach to the conflict, wherein the potential economic gains from oil were factored into the decision-making process.

The quote by Peter Schuyler captures a broader sentiment that the U.S.'s actions in Iraq were driven by strategic and economic interests, particularly in relation to oil. This perspective has been echoed by numerous critics and analysts who have scrutinized the motivations and consequences of the Iraq War. The prioritization of protecting the oil fields and the expectation of oil revenues offsetting the costs of war underscore the complex interplay between geopolitics, economics, and military interventions.

In conclusion, Peter Schuyler's quote encapsulates a critical perspective on the U.S.'s actions in Iraq, particularly regarding the protection of oil fields and the expectations surrounding the financial benefits of controlling Iraq's oil resources. This quote reflects a broader discourse surrounding the Iraq War, highlighting the complex intersections of geopolitics, economics, and military strategy in the context of global energy resources.