US and Oil: Examining the War Claims in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya

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In summary, it is a common belief that the US went to war in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya for oil. However, there is no evidence that the US has actually extracted oil from these countries for profit. The idea of "wars for profit" is not entirely accurate as the US does not seize oil for its own gain. While the US may go to war to protect the supply of oil, it is not a direct means of gaining profit. Additionally, the cost of having oil supply interrupted is much greater than the actual dollar price of the petroleum. The US also has a preference for "free markets" and often views those who nationalize their oil as villains. Furthermore, there is speculation that the release of the Lockerbie bomber
  • #1
KingNothing
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I often hear people charge that the US went to war in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya over oil. What reason do I have to believe that this is the case? I haven't heard a single report of the US extracting any oil at all from these countries.
 
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  • #2
I would say it isn't true except in an abstract sense.
 
  • #3
Would 'Wars for profit' be abstract?
 
  • #4
Alfi said:
Would 'Wars for profit' be abstract?
No, maybe "abstract" wasn't the right word. What I meant was that sometimes we go to war to protect the supply of oil. But we've never seized the oil for our own profit, despite conspiracy theories that we would.
 
  • #5
Alfi said:
Would 'Wars for profit' be abstract?
If the US's wars were profitable then why aren't we discussing expanding our military operations as a method of reducing our deficit?
 
  • #6
it's a mistake to think about the actual dollar price of the petroleum (you really need to include natural gas here), you need to think about the cost to the economy of having supply interrupted. that cost is many times greater than how much the actual sticker price is.

as far as controlling that supply, the US seems to have a thing for "free markets". our biggest villains in mainstream press seem to be those who nationalize or speak of nationalizing their petroleum. like Chavez. also, the Lockerbie bomber was released not long after Ghaddafi made some noise about nationalization.

there's also something in my blog if you're interested.
 
  • #7
I still want to know why President Obama isn't trying to educate Iran about the long term benefits of Wind and Solar energy?
 

1. What is the relationship between the US and oil in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya?

The US has a complex relationship with oil in these countries. Prior to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the US had economic and political interests in securing access to their oil reserves. In Libya, the US supported the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, who had control over the country's oil industry. Additionally, the US has been accused of using the wars as a means to gain control over these countries' oil resources.

2. How has the US involvement in these countries impacted their oil industries?

The US involvement in these countries has had a significant impact on their oil industries. In Afghanistan and Iraq, the wars have caused major disruptions to oil production and infrastructure, leading to decreased exports and revenue. In Libya, the overthrow of Gaddafi and ongoing conflicts have also resulted in a decline in oil production. Additionally, the presence of foreign oil companies and privatization of the industry in these countries have raised concerns about exploitation and inequality.

3. What evidence is there to support the claim that the US went to war for oil?

There is no definitive evidence that the US went to war solely for oil. However, there are several factors that suggest oil played a significant role in the decision to go to war. These include the US's history of involvement in the region's oil industry, the economic benefits of controlling oil reserves, and the presence of oil company executives in high-level positions in the US government at the time of the wars.

4. How has the US justified their actions in regards to oil in these countries?

The US has used various justifications for their actions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, including promoting democracy, fighting terrorism, and protecting national security. However, many critics argue that these justifications are a cover for the US's true motives of gaining control over oil resources. Additionally, the US has also argued that their involvement in these countries will ultimately benefit their oil industries and the global economy.

5. What are the long-term effects of the US wars on the oil industries in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya?

The long-term effects of the US wars on the oil industries in these countries are still uncertain. The ongoing conflicts and instability in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya have hindered their ability to fully recover and develop their oil resources. Additionally, the privatization and foreign control of their oil industries may continue to create economic and political issues for these countries. It is also possible that the US's involvement in these countries may have lasting impacts on global oil markets and the relationship between oil and war in the future.

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