When it comes to the Middle East, rational thought is often absent in multiple countries. With all due respect, your post betrays a naivete about the Middle East: There is not only the natural resources, which is typical in geopolitics but also there are great emotional and civilizational issues around the Holy Places and there is the Israeli desire to expand and to bully everyone in the region. And Israel makes Washington do irrational things, contrary to America's own interests and right now Netanyahu has his man in the White House. Watch what's happening in Lebanon these days.