Iraq did not choose us, and the war was definitely not random. We forced ourselves upon it. They posed no threat, yet we invaded. Oil was a part of the equation, but not the sole reason. Iraq is in a strategic area and has enough oil that its use (or non-use) will affect global prices. It's more likely to be used as leverage than profit. The bases being built on Iraqi soil are not built for a brief occupation as was mentioned. They are built to be permanent bases.