roger stern describes a growing oil crisis within iran. stern explains that the revolution created bloated subsidies for oil and gasoline consumption. however, the government has diverted remaining profits to nuclear production.
[Iran] has failed to reinvest in new production. Why? For the mullahs, the short-run political return on investment in oil production is zero. They are reluctant to wait the 4 to 6 years it takes for a drilling investment to yield revenue. So rather than reinvest to refresh production, the Islamic Republic starves its petroleum sector, diverting oil profits to a vast, inefficient welfare state.
the us maintains that iranian attempts to acquire nuclear energy are diversions. the eu also solidly opposes unregulated attempts to acquire nuclear power. stern explains that iran may or may not be pursuing nuclear weapons. however, he concludes that the growing energy crisis might actually require oil rich iran to identify alternative sources of energy. this clearly complicates growing international consensus to regulate and sanction iran.
outspoken circle
defense minister amir peretz led the disastrous invasion into lebanon, and he has been widely condemned by israeli politicians. however, recent initiatives have helped build trust with mahmoud abbas and the secular fatah movement. retired adviser baruch spiegel datials one plan to close more than 250 checkpoints in the palestinian territories. while it is important to guard against terrorist attacks in israel, the checkpoints are incredibly ineffective and inhumane.
spiegel does reconfirm israel's commitment to the border fence and wall. the border has been undeniably effective against terrorist attacks. however, i believe the central problem with the border is that it annexes private territory across recognized 1967 boundaries. israel retains its sovereign right to safety and security. however, i believe the continued plan to establish fixed boundaries beyond israel proper is arrogant and misguided.
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