BlueMax said:
7_V,
US foreign policies have been 'oppressive and manipulative for a many decades. Claiming that other empires have done so in the past is not an excuse or the way forward. We have to learn from the mistakes of the past so that there is better a future for all.
Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that the situation in world politics is moral, ethical or right. I'm just saying that's how it is.
After the October 1973 Arab invasion of Israel there was an Arab oil embargo. The US fleet, which was needed for the USA to continue (rightly or wrongly) its war in Vietnam, was disabled because their oil supplies had been cut. The USA made it clear to the Saudi royal family that if the supplies weren't re-established, the US would safeguard them for itself. The Saudis relented and, behind the backs of the Arab world, broke the embargo and supplied the US fleet.
I don't mention this because it's right or wrong, just to emphasize the dependence of the world's superpower on Arab oil. Incidentally, it should go without saying that the economies of the oil states are also totally dependent on the sale of oil so the relationship is mutual.
What about the UK? What would happen to our economy if the oil supply was cut off or if oil prices increased dramatically? What level of unemployment could we sustain before we could no longer support the benefits system and our economy and way of life collapsed? 15%, 20%, 25%? Would we let that happen?
World politics are not and have never been about morals or ethics, only expediency. Is this right? No, of course not, but it's how it is and how it's always been. It's also disgraceful, in my view, that we have done so little to develop other forms of sustainable energy or are doing so little to prevent global warming. Nevertheless, we're not and sadly those of us who should know better, do precious little to sway our own or the USA government either.
... Whether or not "Bin Laden, Al Qa'eda or any 'terrorists' give a tuppenny f**k about the resources of the planet" does not come into it at all. His objective as Bin Laden clearly stated in the recent tape (and on those rare occasions when we are allowed to hear his views) is that he want freedom for his country, Saudi Arabia, whose rulers are feudalistic and puppets of the US.
If freedom for the people of Saudi Arabia is what Bin Laden wants, he's going the wrong way about it. Terrorism has not and will not succeed.
Incidentally, BlueMax, I've noticed that you put the word 'terrorist' in quotes. That's up to you. My opinion is that it demonstrates a level of naivity bordering on foolhardiness. That's just my opinion. However, when you're quoting my posts I would appreciate it if you didn't alter my text or meaning by inserting the quotes. I like to call a terrorist a terrorist. Your quotes imply a justification. There is no justification.