What would happen to US foreign policy if the US found alternative energy sources to oil?

Question

Would the US give the finger to the entire Middle East and ignore them completely? Or would the US use this as a reason to completely tear down all the countries that it hates, now that they have nothing to lose?

Would the US ignore Israel as well, since any strategic reason for keeping them as allies would be unnecessary now that the Middle East is useless to the US? And/or on the flip-side of the coin, would the US make new enemies of countries that the US has befriended just for their oil, like Saudi Arabia?

When I say "alternative energy sources" I mean sources comparable to oil, not wind and solar energy. Pretend they find some magic rock on another planet, I don't care. The point is how the US would change its policy if oil was no longer a factor.

Answer 1

They would still be the same old bully. Their war industry needs the jobs.

Answer 2

It's all about money, the United States has the ability, knowledge and resources to pursue alternative fuels. But, too, much money is being made by Arab countries and the oil companies to allow this to happen.

Back in the late 70's early 80's interest in ethanol was taking hold, along with some conservation efforts, but then the price of oil dropped, hum..wonder why? Anyway, this killed the market for alternative fuels. If money is being made off oil, then why invest in alternatives? I wish this wasn't the case, as the United States would be far better off being less dependent on oil producing countries.

To answer your second question, I still think the United States would support Israel. I think the relationship would still be important, because of the political ties. Plus, the United States would still have to remain engaged in the region for military purposes. I don't think it would be a good thing for the United States or our allies, if the middle east became dominated by aggressive regimes, bent on disrupting the rest of the world.

sanrun

Answer 3

There are alternative energy sources but there is not much money like on oil, and yes the actual government would like to erase from the map the whole North of Africa-and surrounding areas, just for being Muslims, the extreme right of Christians has a hand on the decision of the actual White House, and believe me, they are nothing like Jesus planed his followers to be

Answer 4

The current war on terror is just another Holy War, but oil spoils may become a bonus.

Lots of Americans still believe that Iraq was involved in 9/11 although Iraq had nothing whatsoever to do with 9/11 and the media rhetoric to justify the invasion in the first place was nothing more than a politically orchestrated litany of lies. That's religion for you.

President George W Bush has made it clear that he reads the Bible, prays to God, and that God told him to invade Iraq. Very recently he referred to the USA’s war against terror as a war against Islamic Fascists. The other side, the Islamic Fascists, of course refer to G W Bush and the USA as Christian Infidel Dogs and so the Holy War of Words goes on, like the Axis of Good (Christianity) at war against the Axis of Evil (Islam).

The above is quite mild to all the evil religious words being thrown by each side, but of course, it doesn’t stop there does it. The same sides, Christianity and Islam, are physically at war with each other, murdering innocent men, women and children in the process.

Humanity has a horrific track record of atrocities and killing caused by religion, and this war seems to be no different, just another Holy War in the name of religion, inflicting it’s madness once again onto humanity. Religion is so evil, it has even infected the President of the United States of America.

I think alternative energy would help maintain the momentum for Holy Wars. Seems to me, that US Foreign Policy is full of hatred and bile, but that's the effect religion has on politics.

Answer 5

I think if the US found an alternative energy source other countries would probably follow suit. I don't think that should give us a green light to "tear" down anybody?? It would be a great thing for the whole of humanity.

Answer 6

Nobody's mentioned that the politicians probably haven't found a way to adequately tax alternative energy sources. I looked into a hybrid Escape and was told that I would be taxed like $2500 to even leave the lot.

Answer 7

The US can't afford to circumvent oil usage because it would destroy a large chunk of our economy and create mass job losses. This would force the US to focus heavily on domestic policy and allow China a greater opportunity to make friends with the Middle East. I'm kinda drunk so don't take my word for it.

Answer 8

We already have many alternative sources of energy (wind, solar, nuclear, ...) But the US foreign policy is based on stupidity which is also endless among US politicians. Hopefully there are still some wise voters left out there.

Answer 9

Don't fool yourself. America is still dependent on foreign oil. Then you still have the oil companies with their lobbyists trying to gain political favors from members in Congress. Right now,we've barely scratched the surface when it comes to alternative fuels. Producing them is one thing,getting the oil companies to allow the public to use them or even know about them is another. That will probably be in another generation.

Answer 10

It has been estimated that we will need oil for the next 75 years. Lots of money to be made between now and then

Answer 11

Your first statement is close. The U.S. would shun relations with those countries, possibly even ceasing diplomatic relations with them, treating them like backwards monkeys. No flights in or out of those countries by direct routes would happen. Israel would have to learn to fend for itself, because we would care less about it.