ATLBob

Nigeria: The Elephant in the Corner

Solid article with some good points and observations; however, the US doesn't really have any direct means to impact greater stability (and more oil production) in any of these areas, IMHO. Perhaps instead of focusing on resources in other parts of the world, the US should look to areas that it can directly control such as allowing access to the oil reserves that surround the US: in Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. With all due respect to those who wish to preserve the environment, this isn't an 'either/or' proposition, because I believe that the environment and drilling can peacefully co-exist. There are proven means of drilling and production that would allow increased oil production with minimal impact on the areas in question. In addition: we shouldn't be debating an 'oil vs. alternative fuel' platform: we should be agressively looking to capitalize on both opportunities, finding environmentally sound ways to better use the natural gas and coal deposits within the US, and also reducing our overall energy consumption.