how about the cost of war?

That was what I mentioned. The US will only attack a nation if the cost of the war is significantly lower than the revenues from it. Iraq produces crude oil worth some $95 billion every year. Add to that the huge natural gas production. I am not sure about the American expenses in Iraq, but I think that the expenses will be slightly less than that amount.
Regarding Russia, the cost can reach trillions of $$$. Definitely not worth it.