Oil Prices

Here we go again. The pundits, talking heads and Chicken Littles are all saying the sky is falling. Yes, oil prices are up due to the situation in Libya and other Middle Eastern countries. It's a good chance that oil prices will be ridiculous for the short term, but once things settle out and the fighting ends, prices should go down. If there was a reason to switch to alternative fuel sources, this is it. I don't know anyone who isn't affected by the huge jump in fuel prices. It affects the cost of everything and food prices worldwide are rising dramatically and putting food out of the price range of more and more people. Not a good situation. The sooner we move to renewable and alternative sources of fuel, the better. The whole world will be better off.

Fighting in Libya

Looks like Libya is heading for a civil war. Not that there ever was a war that was "civil". The rebels are pushing towards Tripoli and Khadaffi's forces are fighting back. This is probably going to be a prolonged situation that will affect everyone, since it will affect the price of oil, which has jumped tremendously in the last few weeks. It's (as of today) at $104.91 per barrel and will probably continue to rise. So much for the economic recovery. Here's hoping that things end quickly in Libya and Khadaffi gets it and gets the hell out and lets the Libyan people decide their own destiny.

Civil War in Libya?

Looks like there may be a civil war starting in Libya, since neither side seems to have the military strength for a decisive victory. The rebels pretty much hold the eastern half of the country and a few cities near Tripoli and Khadaffi's forces hold the rest. According to some reports, the rebels have been capturing tanks, artillery and other military hardware. This situation will probably go on for a while and will most likely cause oil prices to skyrocket as the speculators pee their pants. I think the rebels will want to keep the oil flowing so the money will keep coming in. I think the day of the Middle East despot is coming to an end. Here's hoping all the people in the Middle East will free themselves from the dictators they've been suffering under and be able to have the chance to choose their leaders and progress and modernize their countries. Here's hoping.

Al Queda Fading?

Could it be that the democracy movements in Egypt, Tunisia and elsewhere my put Al Queda out of business, or at least make it irrelevant? Could be. According to an article in the New York Times, (Link) that may be happening. The protests have been (relatively) peaceful, non-religious and the protestors have only used force to defend themselves. Not exactly Al Queda's game plan. The question remains whether they will use the uprisings for their own ends or fade into obscurity and become a footnote in the long history of the Middle East. We'll find out soon enough. Let me know what you think about this.