gime sufficiently civilized tobe allowed to sell them” (Heilbrunner, 1996, p. 4). Conclusion: Current Issues Just how relevant is the issue of oil to America today?According to Hoagland, “In 1973, America consumed 17.3million barrels of oil a day, importing 6.2 million barrelsor 35 percent. One out of every 10 imported barrels camefrom Saudi Arabia. By 1980, consumption and import patternshad not changed. Last year Americans used 17.7 millionbarrels a day. Imports rose to 8.8 million barrels--50percent of consumption. Saudi Arabia accounted for 15percent of U.S. imports, and 86 percent of all U.S. importscame from the Persian Gulf” (Hoagland, 1996, p. 5B). In addition, the problems that the U.S. faces inmaintaining a presence in the Middle East are far from over.According to Hoagland, “The death of the 19 airmen atDhahran testifies to the real cost that Americans pay forcontinuing to rely so heavily on energy supplies that can bedisrupted at the drop of a crown, or the rise of a madman”(Hoagland, 1996, p. 5B). ...
