We need not tarry on the plausibility of this sudden conversion. The fact that the words can be articulated tells us more than enough. So it might not be a bad idea to bomb the refineries too, while dismantling further what remains of Iraqi society. The region is highly volatile and turbulent. Alliances can quickly shift.
Alliances are likely to shift again.
But fundamental interests remain stable, and the two warrior states are making it as clear as they can that they are dangerous, and others should beware. That should frighten the world properly, and ensure submissiveness, it is hoped. The most ominous aspect of all of this is, perhaps, that the openly declared contempt for the law of nations and professed norms of civilized behavior proceeds without eliciting even a twitter of principled comment among the educated classes. Their position, with impressive uniformity, is that the criminal stance of the US and its client are so obviously valid as to be beyond discussion, even beyond thought. The world should take notice, and it surely does, outside of narrow sectors of privilege and power.