On the Middle East

Our government has such a great deal of interest into the goings on of one particular region on Earth – the Middle East. So many administrations have attempted to micro manage the region’s affairs, with disastrous results for the most part. For example, a recent attempt here on part of the government to instill democracy enabled a terrorist group to rise to power. This, clearly, was not our government’s intention.

Why then do we spend so much of our energy here? Is it because Israel, the seeming epicenter of our attention, has such historical significance, being the ancient homeland of the Jews and the birthplace of Christianity? Well then, why not turn our attention to the African continent with its rich history and significance to many of our people? Furthermore, why hasn’t the US been more involved with the problems that bedevil Africans – genocide, AIDS, brutal governments?

The inescapable truth is that our government has been pursuing its own self interest in the Middle East. All our machinations in the region have been to make the locals happy and assure the continuing availability of the region’s oil supply. Hooray. Protecting our own interests is the absolutely right thing to do, but, as most things government, this is being done in about the stupidest way possible.

The United States has an abundant store of oil and other energy sources. These could easily be tapped and relieve our dependence on foreign energy. What a boon for the United States, and the world in general, for that matter. We would create many meaningful jobs, we could proclaim our independence from foreign oil, and the Middle East becomes just another region. The whole world’s calculus would change. Israel and her neighbors would probably be able to forge the long needed peace in short order under the new calculus.

Achieving self reliance would go a long way to advance national healing and a balance so that we are once again on the right side of justice. It has been a long time since the days of President Reagan when America would defend democracy, eschew evil, and support her allies. When America is strong and independent, we are the beacon light for the world.