There is a gnashing of teeth and deep guttural growls that ensue when nations collide over the control of oil. The battle over oil has sparked war, fueled the threat of terrorism, and threatens to pit the world’s most powerful nations, such as the United States and China, against each other. Still, the wealthiest oil nations, such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, are positioned to create much tension over the issues of oil.

Oil and the War in Iraq

Oil from Iraq is especially common and desired among oil companies for several critical reasons. One of the reasons Iraqi oil is so valued up to this point, according to experts, is the quality and value of the product itself. The oil reserves that lie under Iraq have a low sulfur content, a high carbon content and a “lightness” that make it more ideal for refining. Also, Iraq has a high quantity of oil. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that Iraqi oil reserves may be home to over 400 billion barrels of oil. However, analysts argue that both the current quality and quantity of Iraqi oil may be more alleged than actual. For all these reasons, Iraq is high on the list of oil-related conflict, as was visible in the Gulf War and is visible today.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been a huge center for oil related conflict. Most journalists claim that the conflicts in Saudi Arabia have essentially focused primarily around oil issues. Islamic militants have attacked Saudi Arabian oil workers. Saudi restaurants, schools and hotels have all been points of violence that many say was spawned from deep conflicts over oil.

China

Currently, China is on the move to becoming a more powerful world force, in every way. The government is providing the infrastructure for massive industrialization, one aspect of which includes highway construction. The Chinese are ushering in a new era; one of the combustion engine. Instead of pumping bicycle pedals, more and more Chinese are filling up their car’s gas tanks. This sharp increase in oil demand by China has already caused many to blame them for the current hike in gasoline prices. Such accusations threaten to inspire a rise in tension between the United States and China as both imposing nations compete for pieces of the black oil pie.