Modern day Israel was created by the British and American Empires within the British colony of Palestine. The Palestinian petroleum fields were strategically important for the British and American steamships that burned raw petroleum to fire their boilers without concern for the toxic pollution they created.
As a matter of convenience, it’s easier to control the limited land of Israel than all of Palestine. Similarly, the British Empire created Kuwait around an oil field rather than attempting to conquer a huge section of the continent.
It may surprise some readers to learn that some merchant ships still burn raw petroleum as their cheapest fuel. It’s called “bunker” fuel because it was originally stored in the ships’ old coal bunkers.
The British Navy sailed its warships, globally, to expand the Empire.
Today, the US Navy rules the waves — maybe. But the US Navy has been transitioning to nuclear powered ships that generate electricity to operate electric motors to drive their propulsion systems. The US Army is working to transition its land-based vehicles to hydrogen fuel cells power. So, the importance of petroleum is diminishing.
For more than 110 years, all of the wars in the Middle East have been about access to fossil fuels that will soon become unnecessary.
Modern day Israel was created by the British and American Empires within the British colony of Palestine. The Palestinian petroleum fields were strategically important for the British and American steamships that burned raw petroleum to fire their boilers without concern for the toxic pollution they created.
As a matter of convenience, it’s easier to control the limited land of Israel than all of Palestine. Similarly, the British Empire created Kuwait around an oil field rather than attempting to conquer a huge section of the continent.
It may surprise some readers to learn that some merchant ships still burn raw petroleum as their cheapest fuel. It’s called “bunker” fuel because it was originally stored in the ships’ old coal bunkers.
The Brits also managed to get most of the sea coast and river delta. Very efficient. 😈 Thanks for the background! It’s important.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."
The British Navy sailed its warships, globally, to expand the Empire.
Today, the US Navy rules the waves — maybe. But the US Navy has been transitioning to nuclear powered ships that generate electricity to operate electric motors to drive their propulsion systems. The US Army is working to transition its land-based vehicles to hydrogen fuel cells power. So, the importance of petroleum is diminishing.
For more than 110 years, all of the wars in the Middle East have been about access to fossil fuels that will soon become unnecessary.