I propose we reduce our dependence on the ME. Short term there is no easy fix.
I see.... just ignore them and they'll go away, right?
Listen.. I have little problem with reducing our dependence on Mid-East oil. But oil is a fungible commodity, as is most energy commodities. So exactly how will you avoid being impacted without the rest of the world being impacted? You can't hide from the problem Zeuspaul. Even if we reduce our reliance upon oil, the rest of the world, and the global economy, is as dependent upon it as a newborn baby is to its mother's bosum.
And if the alternative you propose is to depend on more expensive alternative fuels, you have to ask yourself exactly how you're going to implement that change to full scale production/distribution, as well as the potential economic impact it will have. We have to use the cheapest form of energy available in order to remain economically competitive.
But more importantly, the problem of Islamic Facism is not going to go away. Without US leadership, no nation will be willing to deal with the problem until absolutely confronted with no other option (probably as the result of a nuclear or chemical suicide attack).
Again, remember that despite all of their oil, the region is a economic basketcase full of corruption and cronyism. Sure they have oil, but that is strictly controlled by the power elite. The average Arab muslim is dependent upon the flow of that oil for their livelihood. It has little diversity outside of that oil wealth. But even more, it has a growing population that its population cannot sustain.
I don't know how many times I have to repeat myself on this issue... Demography is going to dictate the future of the muslim world. You simply cannot ignore it. 40% of the muslim world is under 18. 50% of Saudis are under 18. 70% of Iran's population is under 30.
Baby booms have tremendous impacts on societies. They often force change.. But they can also provide a human resource pool for totalitarian governments and megalomanic leaders with aggressive aspirations towards their neighbors. And that's what I'm hoping we are able to avoid by sending a message to various autocratic and corrupt governments that it's time for progress and modernization.
And that is going to create friction. It's going to create hostility with certain groups who have a vested interest in keeping muslims ignorant and in physical/spiritual bondage from their militant cult of death.
Unless, of course, you think we should be embarrassed by our attempts to quash reactionist movements and to promote modernization and change.
That's the theory but it doesn't work. The Israelis have tried that with the Palestinians.
Lessee.. The Israelis killed Yassin last week. Aside from a pathetic attempt at sending a reluctant teenage suicide bomber and two quickly perforated frogmen, where has been the expected counter-attack?
Why do people become leaders? Is it because they have a death wish, or because they like to be able to convince other people to carry out their bidding? I haven't once seen a Hamas leader carry out a suicide bombing. They send their foolish underlings while the leaders go home to their families.
But when you start directly targeting the leaders and their families, they quickly recognize that they are very likely to wind up like their easily manipulated ignorant followers.
Hawk
If not, then just actu |
