How does oil independence undermine U.S. national security?
Oil dependence fuels terrorism and war. Investigations have shown that individuals and charities in Saudi Arabiawhich boasts the world’s greatest oil reserveshave been the most important source of funds for al-Qaeda. Saudi officials have turned a blind eye to this problem for years. And so have US officials, who are loathe to unsettle the relationship with this important source of oil. Our oil addiction makes us less safe, not more. Reliance on oil also unduly influences US foreign policy, helping to push the United States into unnecessary conflicts that generate resentment toward us. Oil has long been a major factor in the decisions of US foreign policy-makers. In 1953, the CIA engineered a coup in Iran when the democratically elected leader suggested nationalizing the country’s oil resources. More recently, government officials have dramatically increased the US military presence in Colombia, in large part because the country is a significant oil producer. And of course there is the
