Do we really want to rule the world?

I got this link to an article in the Atlanta Journal Constiutution from Altercation, who in turn got it from Tapped. The writer does an exellent in jopb in discussing the imperialist underpinnings of our current foreign policy. Read this article, and follow the links.
ajc.com | Opinion | Bush's real goal in Iraq
This war, should it come, is intended to mark the official emergence of the United States as a full-fledged global empire, seizing sole responsibility and authority as planetary policeman. It would be the culmination of a plan 10 years or more in the making, carried out by those who believe the United States must seize the opportunity for global domination, even if it means becoming the "American imperialists" that our enemies always claimed we were.

Once that is understood, other mysteries solve themselves. For example, why does the administration seem unconcerned about an exit strategy from Iraq once Saddam is toppled?

Because we won't be leaving. Having conquered Iraq, the United States will create permanent military bases in that country from which to dominate the Middle East, including neighboring Iran.