How will energy insecurity lead to geopolitical tensions-USA in the middle east Flashcards
Background
In March 2003 USA and allied forces invaded Iraq (4th largest oil reserves in the world); the then
leader was considered to pose a threat to the security of Western oil supplies in the Middle East as
he was making deals with Russian and Chinese oil companies.
-Before the invasion the USA put
pressure on Iraq to admit it had stockpiled weapons of mass destructions or faces military action.
The USA goal in invading Iraq was to reduce its dependence on Saudi Arabia for oil and increase its energy security by introducing a new supplier, Iraq.
-The USA hoped that its involvement in Iraq and
Afghanistan would democratise the Middle East.
-However, America is excluded from deals between Russia, China and Iran and is fighting hard to secure oil by means of energy pathways running through
friendly countries.
