Quote Originally Posted by Papewaio View Post
So we have 2 sets of solutions and some synergy.

Get off our oil addiction. Its a simple choice increase solar, tidal, wind and for base load nuclear and then use EVs rather then subsidising dictators. We should not be using food for petrol substitutes... maybe for machine lubrication and pharmaceutical substitution.

Help the youth in these countries get skills to get jobs. It will either diffuse the timebomb/get them ready for a oil independent economy or give them the skill set to fight for democracy themselves without leaving a bitter oily residue in their mouths about the west.

I think the first set has to be done, otherwise we will never have the willpower to front these regimes. In the end of the day our habits in oil and drugs are what are doing a lot of the damage in third world countries. As far as drugs are concerned treat addicts as well addicts, make it a health sector issue first and foremost. Any crimes that drug users comit make them face the full force of the law, without the benefit of 'I was under the influence'.

We kick out habits, we kick out the dictators. No need to invade, or prop them up. Help the people and one day those communities will be happy to trade with us.
you know what is guaranteed to eventually work. buy their oil and otherwise ignore them no matter what they are doing