As long as we have to purchase oil from foreign sources, we are de facto NOT "energy independent" (as we once were, briefly). We have to make policy on the basis of economic reality, not idealism. Also, keep in mind that the PRICE we pay on oil is determined by the world market, as it will make sense for our oil producers to sell it at high prices to others who are able to buy it. No relief at the gas pump.
It is not only oil that is transported through the Red Sea. It is EVERYTHING. You distort your thinking by not considering all the facts. Suppose no oil was being transported: there would still be a monumental problem if the Red Sea was blocked from traffic. Very few "other nations" have the naval capability to keep the Red Sea open, and it is not very clear that we do, either.
Transport around the Horn of Africa is much more expensive. Enough to severely compromise the supply of goods. Tossing this off as being of no import is, well, short-sighted to say the least.s
The Houthis are simply 21st-century pirates and should be dealt with as such. Only a strong naval power has ever been able to deal with pirates. It may hurt US more to tolerate them, than to put them out of business.
'Very few "other nations" have the naval capability to keep the Red Sea open'
And WHY is that?? Inquiring minds would like to know, why OUR blood and treasure are counted upon to protect international shipping lanes for ALL Nations!
Put together, the needs for international shipping and free trade through the Red Sea benefit more nations put together than US by some magnitude.
It is time for them to step up. Where is the British Navy anymore? Japan has a Navy. Why does not e.g. India?
Why do the exporters and importers of goods and services not have to defend the shipping lanes?? Why have they not developed the Naval Power to protect their own interests??
SIMPLE. Since WW II the US was the only power left standing!! [Other than the nefarious USSR]. But now all their war-ravaged economies have recovered. They have the largess to fund social benefits, because they are STILL relying on the WW strength of the US -- But THEY NOW have the economies to support their own defense interests! And it is time and beyond time.
NO MORE. Our Republic is NOT the policeman of the world, just because we managed to win WW II when so many other nations were prostrate. They are prostrate no more!
So, you would rather tolerate an interruption of all trade (including ours) and/or a significant increase in prices? I guess so. The other navies do not have the capability of significant power projection.
Your reading of history is deficient if you think WE won World War II to the exclusion of other nations.
As long as we have to purchase oil from foreign sources, we are de facto NOT "energy independent" (as we once were, briefly). We have to make policy on the basis of economic reality, not idealism. Also, keep in mind that the PRICE we pay on oil is determined by the world market, as it will make sense for our oil producers to sell it at high prices to others who are able to buy it. No relief at the gas pump.
It is not only oil that is transported through the Red Sea. It is EVERYTHING. You distort your thinking by not considering all the facts. Suppose no oil was being transported: there would still be a monumental problem if the Red Sea was blocked from traffic. Very few "other nations" have the naval capability to keep the Red Sea open, and it is not very clear that we do, either.
Transport around the Horn of Africa is much more expensive. Enough to severely compromise the supply of goods. Tossing this off as being of no import is, well, short-sighted to say the least.s
The Houthis are simply 21st-century pirates and should be dealt with as such. Only a strong naval power has ever been able to deal with pirates. It may hurt US more to tolerate them, than to put them out of business.
'Very few "other nations" have the naval capability to keep the Red Sea open'
And WHY is that?? Inquiring minds would like to know, why OUR blood and treasure are counted upon to protect international shipping lanes for ALL Nations!
Put together, the needs for international shipping and free trade through the Red Sea benefit more nations put together than US by some magnitude.
It is time for them to step up. Where is the British Navy anymore? Japan has a Navy. Why does not e.g. India?
Why do the exporters and importers of goods and services not have to defend the shipping lanes?? Why have they not developed the Naval Power to protect their own interests??
SIMPLE. Since WW II the US was the only power left standing!! [Other than the nefarious USSR]. But now all their war-ravaged economies have recovered. They have the largess to fund social benefits, because they are STILL relying on the WW strength of the US -- But THEY NOW have the economies to support their own defense interests! And it is time and beyond time.
NO MORE. Our Republic is NOT the policeman of the world, just because we managed to win WW II when so many other nations were prostrate. They are prostrate no more!
So, you would rather tolerate an interruption of all trade (including ours) and/or a significant increase in prices? I guess so. The other navies do not have the capability of significant power projection.
Your reading of history is deficient if you think WE won World War II to the exclusion of other nations.
"The other navies do not have the capability of significant power projection."
That is my point! They need to step up.