Musings

Middle East Crisis Sends Oil Price Skyrocketing

The sudden escalation of violence in the Middle East has created unrest around the world — and it has the potential to cause a rapid surge in oil prices.

For those who have not been following the news, the conflict is between Israel and the Hezbollah of Lebanon, which the United States and several of its closest allies refer to as a terrorist organization. In late June, after Hamas militants crossed the border from the Gaza Strip and captured an Israeli soldier, Israel sent troops into the territory. On July 12, Hezbollah militants captured two more Israeli soldiers and killed eight others. As a result, Israel launched air and artillery attacks, striking many Hezbollah sites in South Lebanon and later Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Hezbollah responded by striking several cities in Israel, including Haifa, a major city in Israel.

Oil prices have risen to as high as $78.35 a barrel, the highest they have been since Hurricane Katrina. Thankfully, as other nations around the world try to defuse the situation, oil prices have slipped down to under $74. But the price could skyrocket at any moment. In fact, the price could reach more than $100, and experts are saying this could cause gas prices to go to way over $3 a gallon — maybe even over $4. Many fear that these exorbitant prices could remain constant for a long time.

The price of oil also is affected by the diplomatic standoff dragging on between the West and Iran over its nuclear program. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has even stated that if Syria is invaded by Israel, there will be consequences. The West essentially knows what these consequences are, and where they will hit: their wallets. There is a very simple plan Iran has: to cut off its oil exports. As far as the United States is concerned, our nation's dependence on oil is slowly but surely weakening us as the days go by.

Somehow our nation must find a way to break this addiction to oil, whether it is by conservation or by finding and switching to an alternative form of energy. To continue being the America that every nation knows to be a superpower, something must be done to take oil, and/or our dependence on it, out of the equation.

However, there is one controversial yet potentially effective method of conserving oil, in addition to carpooling, biking to work or telecommuting: increasing the driving age. Although at first this measure may seem harsh to teens, it is something that could work and be enforced. Yes, I know many of my peers will be outraged at this suggestion. However, a little pondering with a global vision while focusing on the good this measure will bring will appease most rational teenagers. They will be doing something that will in turn better the world. The less oil we use, the less dependent and vulnerable the United States is. Also, this harsh measure may force our young minds to look for alternatives to oil.

posted by thethoughtless @ 4:54 PM