Former Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan has come out with a book, The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World. Initial coverage of the book has focused on his criticism the Bush administration’s (and Republican Congress’) excessive spending.
[One wonders if he is trying to set up a scapegoat in the event we head into a recession.]
But here’s an excerpt that strikes me:
Without elaborating, he writes, “I am saddened that it is politically inconvenient to acknowledge what everyone knows: the Iraq war is largely about oil.”
No, we don’t hear much about oil, do we? We’ve heard plenty about vanished weapons, rebuilding schools, purple fingers, and supposed al Qaeda strongholds. But we’ve not much about oil. From either party, really.
After four years of endless debate on this war, one would think someone would start addressing the elephant sitting in the corner. We have a national dirty little secret.
Brian:
I suspect many people would say an overiding reason we are in the Middle East is oil. Specific events may not be oil related directly, but in the broader context our way of life is dependent on a steady supply of oil. I do not, however, view this fact as part of a conspiracy by oil companies, but the just the reality of politicians trying to keep their constituents happy. Yes, we need more foward thinking politicians looking to alternative energy sources.
I believe another big reason we are in the Middle East is driven by our Judeo-Christian background that has an interest in preserving Israel and the holy land. Nothing scary here either, just the preference of a highly religious population.