Michael Klare Speech

In August of 2004 Michael Klare released his book Blood for Oil, he spoke about the book and its relevance to the current disturbances between the US and the Middle East. Mr. Klare is not an eloquent public speaker, but his information and connections are well researched and formed. The book focuses on US policy and energy. The major link between terrorism and energy is revealed in a compelling way. Before the 9/11 tragedy George W. Bush was greatly concerned with attaining more oil for the US, this concern is emphasized by the release of the NEP. Anyone can look around and see that Americans are greatly dependent on oil. We could not go about our comfortable daily lives with out an abundant supply of oil at low costs. America was the first place that oil was developed and used on such a massive scale. Big business formed from the desire for oil’s conveniences. John D. Rockefeller with Standard Oil was only the beginning. Now there are a few Exxon or Chevron stations in every town. This displays our addiction to oil. After clarifying America’s interest in oil Mr. Klare gives us a small history lesson from the time of WWII. He explains the legislation known as the lend lease act, and that it ensures that America will provide assistant to countries essential to US security. In 1945, the leader of our free world, President Roosevelt, met with the King of Saudi Arabia, the sovereign power of a country that is abundant in oil. During that five hour meeting the two seemingly different men worked out an agreement to benefit both. They formed an alliance that provides Saudi Arabia’s royal family with protection and ensures the US with privileged access to oil form the region. Every since that meeting we have had a continuing interest in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Finally, the 1990’s Persian Gulf War is tied in to the equation. When Saadam Hussein invaded Kuwait it threatened the Saudi Arabia border and in doing so threatened our control of its oil. I was surprised to find out that we were not the only ones to offer assistance against Hussein; the other offer came from Osama Bin Laden. The US encircled Iraq attempting a containment and sanction strategy that only hurt the citizens and made Saadam stronger. We formed a lasting presence of outside military force in the area, which was distressing to Osama as well as the Royal family. This brings us back to the happenings of 9/11 and the cause of it – our countries greed for oil. The US is now militarizing ties with other countries, such as Nigeria, who have important resources. I’m shocked and appalled at my government’s hypocrisy. In every conflict our own economic interests have been top priority only covered by reasons of self-protection or freedom for others.