[link|http://z.iwethey.org/forums/render/content/show?contentid=159106|#159106].
zIWeThey is a maze of twisty passages, all alike. :-)
Don't get me wrong, there are many things the US, and others, can do to lessen our dependence on ME oil. But as long as the industrial world runs on petroleum, the ME is going to be a vital region. Kerry's [link|http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=bombast|bombast] about "energy independence" won't change that.
[edit: modified the WeeCode for bombast to get rid of the quotes]
Cheers,
Scott.