Middle East Research and Information Project

Critical Coverage of the Middle East Since 1971

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Insecurity

The Oil for Security Myth and Middle East Insecurity
Flames and smoke rise from oil wells set ablaze by Islamic State militants before they fled the oil-producing region of Qayyara, Iraq, 2016. Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters
MER Article

The Oil for Security Myth and Middle East Insecurity

Since the end of World War II, US policy toward the Middle East has ostensibly been dedicated to protecting the free flow of hydrocarbons to sustain the global economy. In reality, America’s pursuit of energy security has increased insecurity in the region through conflict, militarization and suppor
Jacob Mundy • 19 min read
The Oil for Security Myth and Middle East Insecurity
Flames and smoke rise from oil wells set ablaze by Islamic State militants before they fled the oil-producing region of Qayyara, Iraq, 2016. Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters
Current Analysis

The Oil for Security Myth and Middle East Insecurity

Since the end of World War II, US policy toward the Middle East has ostensibly been dedicated to protecting the free flow of hydrocarbons to sustain the global economy. In reality, America’s pursuit of energy security has increased insecurity in the region through conflict, militarization and suppor
Jacob Mundy • 19 min read