Excellent post, Arioch. In the 19th century, when Britain was earnestly bulding its empire, they said they wanted to civilize the entire world, but they were really looking for resources and new markets for their products. It's well-documented by all historians. Now for all you naysayers, why the hell would the US today be doing any different? Are Americans better than the British were back in the day? Not at all. It's about the almighty dollar, and always has been.