Key Dem: Attacks on Libya are 'because of oil'

[The Northerner]

The United States military action against Libya is motivated by a desire for affordable and accessible oil, a top Democrat on environmental issues said on Monday.

Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), the ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, said he agreed with President Obama's decision to launch, along with allies, attacks against Libya and its leader, Moammar Gadhafi. But Markey said the attacks were primarily motivated by oil.

"We are in Libya because of oil," Markey said on MSNBC. "It all goes back to the 5 million barrels of oil we import from OPEC on a daily basis."

"I think all Americans know why the president made this strike," he said. "As long as no American soldiers are on the ground ... then I think it's a good decision for the president."

Political unrest in Libya and other Middle Eastern nations with high oil production contributed to higher prices per barrel of crude oil, which translates to higher energy costs — particularly in gasoline. (Oil was up to above $102/barrel as of midday trading on Monday.)

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/151045-key-dem-attacks-on-libya-are-because-of-oil

[aquart]

1. Uh huh. And...?

[Aerows]

2. Yes, we are, Captain Obvious. Thanks for pointing it out. n/t

[David__77]

3. I will try to find out my rep's viewpoint on the matter.

If she supports this, she does deserve a primary challenger, in my opinion.

[fittosurvive]

4. Actually, that would be British oil, as in British Petroleum.

While the US doesn't acquire much of its oil from Libya, the Europeans do.

It's their problem, not ours.

[gratuitous]

5. Nuh uh!

I read on the internets that it was solely due to our deep and abiding concern for the independence-loving people of Libya. That's why this little dab of military intervention is called the Operation for Independent Libyans.