grimvader
02-27-2003, 07:09 PM
I figured that this would be the perfect forum to post this little hypothesis.
After a "discussion" I had with my roomate on the reasons for the Gulf War, I fleshed out an idea I had on what might be the true causes. This may take a while, so please bear with me:
Back in the 80's one of Reagans main goals was to shut down the USSR. Now, although Russia was a Communist country, they did have one major export: Oil. In fact Russia was, for a time, the second largest oil producing nation in the world.
So, the question is: How to you crush the "Evil Empire" without ever firing a shot?
Answer: Take away their only source of income.
Trading oil was the only "real" money Russia ever made. Of course, seeing as how they're a communist country, they turn around and pump said "money" back into the military. So, lets say, the Saudis begin to increase oil production thereby cutting the cost of gas at the pumps. In fact, gas prices per gallon over the years looked a little like this (these are averages):
Jan '86- $1.20
June '86- $1.00
Dec '86- .85 cents
Jan '87- .82 cents
June '87- .86 cents
Dec '87- .90 cents
Jan '89- .95 cents
June '89- $1.20
Dec '89- $1.02
The Saudis cut oil prices to the point where the Soviets could no longer compete. As a result, the Soviet Union collapses in Nov. of '89.
Still with me?
Ok, another good question is: Did the Saudis have any incentive to cut oil prices?
Answer: Maybe.
Suppose the US made a deal with Saudi Arabia to help keep the peace in the Middle East. The Arabs come up a bit short militarily and since the Saudis and the Jews have hated each other for what, 2000 years, they would have a vested interest in US military protection.
The conclusion is: The United States didn't start the Gulf War to liberate Kuwait so much as to protect Saudi Arabia; which some believe was Saddams next target.
End of Line
Grim
After a "discussion" I had with my roomate on the reasons for the Gulf War, I fleshed out an idea I had on what might be the true causes. This may take a while, so please bear with me:
Back in the 80's one of Reagans main goals was to shut down the USSR. Now, although Russia was a Communist country, they did have one major export: Oil. In fact Russia was, for a time, the second largest oil producing nation in the world.
So, the question is: How to you crush the "Evil Empire" without ever firing a shot?
Answer: Take away their only source of income.
Trading oil was the only "real" money Russia ever made. Of course, seeing as how they're a communist country, they turn around and pump said "money" back into the military. So, lets say, the Saudis begin to increase oil production thereby cutting the cost of gas at the pumps. In fact, gas prices per gallon over the years looked a little like this (these are averages):
Jan '86- $1.20
June '86- $1.00
Dec '86- .85 cents
Jan '87- .82 cents
June '87- .86 cents
Dec '87- .90 cents
Jan '89- .95 cents
June '89- $1.20
Dec '89- $1.02
The Saudis cut oil prices to the point where the Soviets could no longer compete. As a result, the Soviet Union collapses in Nov. of '89.
Still with me?
Ok, another good question is: Did the Saudis have any incentive to cut oil prices?
Answer: Maybe.
Suppose the US made a deal with Saudi Arabia to help keep the peace in the Middle East. The Arabs come up a bit short militarily and since the Saudis and the Jews have hated each other for what, 2000 years, they would have a vested interest in US military protection.
The conclusion is: The United States didn't start the Gulf War to liberate Kuwait so much as to protect Saudi Arabia; which some believe was Saddams next target.
End of Line
Grim