US Still Held Captive by Middle Eastern Oil Interests

The United States' dependence on Middle Eastern oil is a long-standing issue that has been discussed by presidents since Jimmy Carter.

Despite efforts to reduce this dependence, the country still relies heavily on imports from Iran and Saudi Arabia.

A recent Wall Street Journal headline notes that Gulf states have resigned themselves to Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the ongoing problem.

One reason for this dependence is the difference in crude oil production between the US and the Middle East.

The US primarily produces light, sweet crude from shale formations, while the Middle East supplies heavier, higher-sulfur crude that is difficult to refine using old US refineries.