In 2011, Syria announced it had discovered a promising gas field. This resulted in fierce battles between the government forces of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and rebels factions. These gas fields would impact the economy of Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. This potential energy revenue of a trillion dollars has attracted many countries, especially the US. Syria has been one of the most strategic locations for natural gas; struggle for dominance of oil pipelines is a key factor in the US involvement.
Turkey’s desire to become the main bridge of natural gas and oil between the East and the West has become jeopardized by the so-called Islamic Pipeline, causing them to be a key supporter fighting Assad’s regime. The Islamic Pipeline is set to be one of the larges gas pipeline in the Middle East. Set for completion in 2016, the pipeline spans 3,480 miles through Iran, Iraq, Syria, and South Lebanon.
The pipeline clearly will have an effect on other gas and oil pipelines, but specifically the United States. America’s plan to invade Syria is not about chemical weapons, but is only a smoke screen to divert us from the real agenda. Many people are losing lives in Syria, but nobody is mentioning the potential energy revenue that may affect many countries. Before the US decides to have another war in which innocent people will lose their lives, we need to know all the facts.
Sources:
Aaron Klein, “Is this what Syria war really about? Major oil, gas interests run through Middle East nation,” KleinOnline, September 9, 2013, http://kleinonline.wnd.com/2013/09/09/is-this-what-syria-war-really-about-major-oil-gas-interests-run-through-middle-east-nation/
Jerry Robinson, “Why Syria?”, FTM Daily, August 27, 2013, http://ftmdaily.com/what-jerry-thinks/why-syria/
Student Researches: Janet Baron, Melissa Ramirez, David Moncada, and Stephen Gomez (Santa Rosa Junior College)
Faculty Evaluator: Susan Rahman (Santa Rosa Junior College)