totally unexpected.

Not lethal - in fact, at risk to ourselves - taking great pains not to create even One new martyr:

Like, occupying Saudiland as you suggest. Our shield? A few rather large mortars aimed at that little tent in Mecca. (Suitably publicized). Thus: aim-at the same sort of Icon as ... our destroyed Icon of Unrestrained Capitalism. Tit for er tat. This last - to disabuse any of the locals, fresh from training class, of seeking Murican-style Fame.

Can damn well bet the Sheikhs aren't about to do a Saddam and torch the oil fields, just to Show Us. Lose all those AC-equipped Mercedes?

Then we talk turkey, 'negotiate' a binding stable 5 year oil price schedule - time enough for us to get off asses, discover hydrogen... and a few other items no one wanted to pay attention to last quarter, when money was free.

Yup: Surprise! *there's* the play wherein we'll catch the conscience of the Sheikhs. (Part II is classified)




OK now that it's secret - let's get busy.

Ashton Clausewitz Bonaparte