Gas prices are at record highs, and Americans are getting hit hard as we head toward Independence Day celebrations with our friends and loved ones. There doesn't appear to be any relief on the horizon, either.
One major contributing factor to the high price of gas is instability in the Middle East -- most notably the war in Iraq. A report released July 1st by the National Security Network details the relationship between the escalation of the war and the price of a barrel of oil:
The Bush Administration’s decision to invade Iraq and its failure to manage the security situation has hurt our energy security. Since the invasion, there have been 469 attacks on Iraqi oil pipelines, facilities, and personnel, and production has stagnated at prewar levels. The invasion of Iraq also increased the threat of terrorism by creating a training, recruiting and fundraising magnet for Islamic terrorists in the heart of the world’s most vital energy producing region.
Gas prices have soared since before the start of this war, increasing from about $20 a barrel in 2002 to over $140 a barrel today. That's an unprecedented and unsustainable seven-fold increase over a mere six years. Some of this increased cost is due to massive speculation in the oil market as a result of the war, which is adding upwards of $30 to the cost of a barrel of oil.
The way to relieve the pain of our ever-increasing fuel costs is to demand an end to irresponsible and aggressive foreign policy endeavors like the war in Iraq.
CCAG is working to make sure that your voice is heard. Together we will work to bring an end to the war and relieve your pain at the pump.
