the simple answer is that most iraqis wanted it. and a lot of iranians still wish for it. this is from talking to both iranians and iraqis. real people.
the foolish thing about it , is that the wish of many to harass and kill our troops after the war and also to prevent the reconstruction of Iraq merely causes the continuation of troop presence there. an unintended consequence of a belligerancy that makes no sense.
I hope the French learn something. if they do, there will be less Syrian influence in Iraq. and less terrorism. perhaps if the French learn that they really are Dhimmis, it will piss them off enough for them to change. Same with the Russians. as the terrorism coninues,it only makes Bushes world view more correct.