It is quite clear that an occupation force in the mideast was the primary motive. Public fell for the excuse (remember Powell's speech). US strategic interests plain and simple whether we agree or not.
Yes and it is currently -7.7, lowest in a year (-10.0 is recession territory). ISM down to 56.7 (which is okay, still). Arrows are pointing downward. Open to any data besides these articles that refutes what I just posted.