This article puts the Iran crisis is geopolitical perspective. It invites consideration of the wider context of the Great Game for dominance of Eurasia and global oil and gas supply. Sadly, the prognosis is that an attack on Iran is almost certain, with its unknowable consequences.
The Energy Vulnerability Summit in Petaluma California, May 19, 2006 was a resounding success. Many local elected and appointed officials from all over the region attended the summit to learn about the local implications of rising energy costs. Richard Heinberg discussed the main factors influencing energy costs and supply, and Julian Darley presented case studies on exemplary municipalities around the world that are preparing for the implications of future energy constraints. The attendees of the summit went away with new information and motivation to begin preparing their communities by developing demand reduction strategies and by investigating alternative energy sources. The next session of this important summit will include business leaders and the public, and is planned for September 29, 2006. For further information contact
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Canada pays for U.S. oil thirst
Written by Webmaster
Friday, 02 June 2006
The rapid expansion of Canada's oil sands development program has been a mixed blessing. Whereas production is running ahead of schedule the environmental impact has been massive and the natural gas and fresh water being consumed are in limited supply or even declining. With the money to be made producing syncrude from oil sands no one expects a voluntary slowing of the exploitation of this resource, but very real obstacles will have to be overcome and large tracts of land will be trashed in the process.
We keep hearing about China's investment in Sudan's oil industry and there is the accompanying criticism that in their zeal to source petroleum the Chinese are abetting atrocities. This article makes clear that the major western oil companies BP, Shell, ExxonMobil and Talisman are a major part of the "Chinese" investment.
The author launches his argument from a review of former Republican strategist Kevin Phillips new book, "American Theocracy: the Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century." In fact, he argues that "If Bush did not consider oil when deciding to invade Iraq, it would be the first time in fifty years that guaranteeing an uninterrupted flow of Persian Gulf oil was not a central element of U.S. foreign policy."
The Energy Vulnerability Summit in Petaluma California, May 19, 2006 was a resounding success. Many local elected and appointed officials from all over the region attended the summit to learn about the local implications of rising energy costs. Richard Heinberg discussed the main factors influencing energy costs and supply, and Julian Darley presented case studies on exemplary municipalities around the world that are preparing for the implications of future energy constraints. The attendees of the summit went away with new information and motivation to begin preparing their communities by developing demand reduction strategies and by investigating alternative energy sources. The next session of this important summit will include business leaders and the public, and is planned for September 29, 2006. For further information contact 
