[randomopining]

Hmm I like some of your points but I think it could be too conspiracy driven. I don't see how stability would increase prices of oil? Wouldn't it actually decrease the prices, in that there would be more supply and more consistent supply? Less/No Disruptions would be priced in.

Really wouldn't the resource-rich countries just collude to increase the prices and extract extra value out of the other countries?

You're assuming that countries like Iran aren't playing a zero sum game to get as much of money and power as they can?

[zackmorris]

No, you're right and I agree with your points. The key point I was trying to make is that the US demonizes Iran precisely because it can't control it and skim its oil profits. Iran knows this, which is why it's always saber-rattling to protect its livelihood.

I feel that the US went wrong back in the late 1970s when Jimmy Carter was trying to transition off oil to solar and other renewable resources. I'd guess that he probably supports nuclear power too since that was his job in the Navy. That was all buried under a wave of propaganda when Ronald Reagan came in, and we're still living under that disinformation campaign today. Our dependence on fossil fuels and that conspiracy are what prevent Middle East peace today IMHO.