Quote:
Originally Posted by boxcar
So you don't think the Saudi's oil would amount to a hill of beans in the grand scheme of things? Any country on the planet (especially an already-oil-rich nation) could attack SA and everyone would just give a big yawn? You do realize that the Saudi's alone account for about 13% of the world's crude oil production and over 1/3 of OPEC's production? If you don't think any country threatening a Saudi takeover would have any geopolitical consequences, then so be it.
And if you don't think Russia and China are superpowers (even Grade "B" ones), then I think you're delusional. Methinks the U.S. would have more than its hands full in dealing with both of these all at once and simultaneously.
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To your first point. Yes. The United States doesn't need the oil. Europe can buy from Russia, Venezuela, Canada, the US, the rest of OPEC who doesn't like S.A. btw. All are preferable to getting involved in what is tantamount to a Holy War in the Middle East.
As far as Russia and China why would they risk a conflict with the United States. One in which they have so much to lose and so little to gain over some Muslim Theocracy? Putin, the smartest leader in
realpolitik today sure as hell wouldn't. Russia likes Iran insofar as they trade with them and cause us problems but they aren't risking a war with the US and potentially NATO over it.
You're far more likely to see what we see in Syria where they support their guys and we support ours in Proxy War fashion. Israel wouldn't take sides in that conflict.
