Originally Posted by Botnst

I cannot imagine anybody in the USA enjoying a relationship in which we are subject to the whims of foreign dictators, princes, potentates and terrorists. Also, I cannot think that any rational person in the oil-producing countries would give a care for us if we were NOT buying their oil.

We are in this world, right now. Knowing the nature of our circumstances is the first step in doing something about it.

Were we do abandon the ME completely (except for trade), what would be the effect?

One could argue that we needn't completely abandon the ME. That is true. perhaps we could have some moderate position. What would be the effect of that?

Some o fthe nutcases over there believe with deep religious convictions, that we are the Great Satan. They believe that, not because of oil, but because of our economic power and our notions of government.

Our economic model (sort of a free enterprise system) is demonic. We charge interest. We manufacture and sell that which is haram (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal), we tolerate a free expression of disgusting behavior like extra- and pre-marital sex, homosexuality, full equality of the sexes, idolatry, and atheism. Worse, our media is so pervasive that it is seducing the young Muslims from true happiness into the false happiness of lust instead of love. Plainly, the Prophet (PBUH) warned of such behaviors and as clearly prescribed a cure.