Oil Skyrockets on Middle East Turmoil

The turmoil in the Middle East and in North Africa has skyrocketed oil prices over the instability in Libya and other Middle Eastern countries. The Chaos and turmoil in Libya, with leader Moammar Gaddafi vowing to continue, and coupled with the instability of Bahrain, has fueled a spike in the cost of oil on world markets.

The Obama administration is facing daunting challenges to stability in the Middle East and a major strategic overhaul of U.S. Middle East strategy is now long overdue. In Libya, the U.S. has few options, as we have minimal economic interests in the country and few contacts with elements inside the country. The U.S. needs to exert leverage over our European allies who have substantial economic and political influence inside the country.

For years European countries have criticized the U.S. for its hegemonic approach to international problems; well now is the time for the Europeans to take the lead. If they fail to do so, then they should stop complaining when the U.S. leads the way.

Currently the president has been silent on the situation in Libya, as his Middle East strategy is in disarray. The president needs to lead or subsequent events will begin to overtake the administration.

Leadership means you have to lead!

http://militarybriefingbook.com/browse.cfm?category=Energy&subcategory=Energy%20Security

http://militarybriefingbook.com/browse.cfm?category=Africa&subcategory=North%20Africa