Iran Deal Imperils Our Energy and National Security
August 30, 2015
Sunshine State News
Those of us who make it a point to stay up-to-date on foreign affairs took great interest in last month’s Iran deal aimed at stopping the volatile country from developing nuclear weapons.
One of the main sanctions the United States lifted in the deal was allowing Iran to export more goods, chief in importance to the country being oil. Not only does allowing Iran to sell oil to a broader global audience improve Iran’s economy, it puts American companies at a distinct disadvantage on the market. Perhaps more important to America, it puts our national security at risk.
The ban on U.S. crude oil was put in place in the 1970s at a time when there was a shortage of oil, you had to stay in line for hours to get a rationed amount of gasoline at the fuel pump amidst fears there wouldn’t be enough oil in the country to sustain us through war time. Middle Eastern countries that controlled the oil market put the United States in that position because they controlled the oil market.
Fast forward to 2015 and the United States is in the middle of an energy revolution, where the country is producing more natural gas and oil than it has in decades and has established itself as an energy powerhouse. We have enough energy that we are able to continue developing new technologies and new sources of energy to supplement traditional fossil fuels. This is good for our economy and we ought to be using that strength to our full advantage.
There are different types of crude oil located in different parts of the world, with some being used for gasoline and other types being used for petroleum-based products – anything from vehicle tires to drinking cups, surf boards and footballs. The United States has an abundance of “light, sweet” crude it currently can’t sell to its allies, while the country needs “sour” crude oil from other countries. So, even with the ban lifted, importing oil is necessary. With the country better able to market its goods globally, America will have more of an influence on oil production and pricing, giving us less of a reason to send our soldiers into conflict.
Read more at Sunshine State News.
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