Black Gold Surprise: America's Energy Dominance and Middle East Policy

Question: Who is the world's top oil producer today?

While most might think it's Saudi Arabia, the surprising answer is the United States. Since 2013, US oil production has skyrocketed, surpassing Saudi Arabia and Russia to claim the top spot in global oil production. A significant portion of this vast production goes to domestic use and strategic reserves, with the surplus making the US the world's third-largest oil exporter. The story becomes even more impressive when we turn to natural gas. The US leads in both production and exports. It's truly a nation that has it all (see graph below).

This transformation stems from the shale revolution, technological innovations, and US government policies driving oil and gas drilling permits. Interestingly, under the Biden administration, which declared the climate crisis an "existential threat" and promised strong carbon reduction policies, oil and gas extraction has increased dramatically (see graph below).

If past US Middle East policy was about ensuring a stable oil supply, now that America is the top oil producer, is there still a need for such deep involvement in Middle Eastern affairs? Here are a few reasons why the US remains engaged:

1. Maintaining global oil market stability

- While the US is now a major producer, global oil market stability remains crucial

- Instability in the Middle East affects global oil prices, impacting the US economy

2. Preserving geopolitical influence

- The Middle East remains strategically important

- Influence in the region is necessary to balance power with Russia and China

3. Protecting and supporting allies

- Maintaining relationships with key allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia

- Addressing regional security issues, such as countering Iran's nuclear ambitions

4. Combating terrorism

- Concerns that instability in the Middle East could lead to increased terrorist activity

- Need for information gathering and cooperation in international counterterrorism efforts

In conclusion, despite becoming the world's largest oil producer, US involvement in the Middle East is based on complex political and economic interests that go beyond oil supply issues. Even with energy independence, US Middle East policy remains a crucial part of its global strategy, a trend likely to continue in the future.

(Source: Guardian)