A Cuban Oil Crisis?

Mar 18, 2010 | 0 comments

From Gary Bauer’s Daily Updates:

Several decades ago, at the height of the Cold War, the Russians made a very aggressive move into Cuba, threatening U.S. national security interests. They did so in part believing that America’s young, charismatic president was weak and naïve. But John F. Kennedy stared down the Soviet threat and forced the Russians to leave the island. Facing another young, charismatic president who many believe to be weak and naïve, the Russians are back in Cuba today – this time threatening our economic interests.

Today’s Washington Times reports that while the Obama Administration is preparing once again to ban offshore drilling, Russia is getting ready to start drilling in the Gulf of Mexico to acquire the oil just off our shores. Here are some excerpts from the Times editorial:

Offshore oil production makes economic sense. It creates jobs and helps fulfill America’s vast energy needs. It contributes to the gross domestic product and does not increase the trade deficit. …Americans understand the fundamental points: The oil is there, and we need it. If we don’t drill it out, we have to buy it from other countries.

The Obama administration … views energy policy through green eyeshades. Every aspect of its approach to energy is subordinated to radical environmental concerns. …But we have not yet reached the green utopia, we won’t get there anytime soon, and America needs more oil now.

Russia more sensibly views energy primarily as a strategic resource. Energy is critical to Russia’s economy, as fuel and as a source of profit through export. Russia also has used energy as a coercive diplomatic tool…

It may not be as dramatic as the Soviet Union attempting to use Cuba as a missile platform, but in the energy wars, the message is the same. Russia is projecting power into the Western Hemisphere while the United States retreats. The world will not tolerate a superpower that acts like a sidekick much longer.”

The administration’s policy of denying access to our own resources only makes sense when you understand that it wants $7 a gallon gasoline.