Imagine the possible difference in Iraq and CENTCOM strategy if up font we'd qualified and articulated that the access to natural resources is a vital interest to U.S. (our security, our economy, our prosperity, etc.) and that the growing and persistent threats of terrorism, WMD, coercion, blackmail etc. by non-state actors and irresponsible states in today's globalized world cannot be allowed to threaten those vital interests because nothing is isolated anymore. The world has changed and we must adjust.
I'd totally agree with such qualification. The only thing I'd add would be a linkage to the vital interests of the peoples of the region. perhaps we should have worked harder on the front end at building a coalition among neighboring Arab states.

Then again, maybe they were on to something and could chart the dark waters ahead.