CheechI have a much simpler conspiracy theory:- the USA want to...

Cheech

I have a much simpler conspiracy theory:

- the USA want to run the oil business
- Saudis were first some time ago (in return for resolution of the Isralli/Palestine situation - of which is still a thorn in the USA's side), the USA are protecting them in return for supply of oil
- Kuwait is under control and know who protects them
- Iraq needed to be controlled as they are the second largest producer and they were the biggest threat in the region (not that their forces were too much chop)

Whilst the USA rebuild Iraq, they will attempt to maintain high oil prices so that the rest of the world pays for the rebuild.

So we have the USA controlling the 2, 3 and 4th largest reserves (the 4th is their own). They will move to get the Saudi's where they need them as well, so a few left field attacks in Saudi might get them to straighten up a bit.

Having forces in this region is critical and it is highly unlikely that they will never move out of the region, well, until the oil runs out.

USA will move to lower oil prices if inflation emerges in their economy (productivity increases are offsetting higher prices), but are likely to reduce them to support Bush getting in, which would be a short term tactic.

Phil