Whats driving the newfound American interest in African oil?
Angola and Nigeria alone will account for nearly half of all the growth in OPEC output this year, and America is currently importing as much oil from these two countries as it is from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Within five years or so, West Africa will probably account for a quarter of U.S. oil imports. Around the world, oil companies have been locked out of the best oil and gas provinces, from Venezuela to Russia to Iran. As Dick Cheney put it: “The good Lord didn’t see fit to put oil and gas only where there are democratic regimes friendly to the United States.” West Africa is mostly friendlier than Iran or Venezuela; its oil is mostly light and sweet—ideal for making motor fuels—and production is surging. It’s hardly surprising the region is attracting a lot of American interest now. 2. Has American government and corporate involvement had any positive effect in reducing corruption or poverty? Attitudes are changing. There’s growing awareness of environmental problems as well as risin