There is no question in my mind that other national interests will "try Obama on for size". Additionally, a coordinated effort between several nations and extra-national terror linked entities would not surprise me. Russia has extreme interest in a revived price for its natural resources, which have been extremely stressful on its national economy and financial health. Look for additional pressure on Georgia and the Stans countries, which were formerly part of the Soviet Union and have significant oil and NG resources, which they are only beginning to develop and commercialize. Chavez may well take some sort of provocative action such as announcing a cutback in Venezuelan oil exports to the US, combined with an announcement of diversion of oil to China instead. One can then of course count on N. Korea to contribute in any way possible. Such as a test of their long range missile capable of reaching the US.

This coming period will be extremely stressful on the world tranquility. God help us all if Obama is not up to the test which is coming.

Oil has the potential under such a scenario, to shoot significantly higher. It is my hope that while in Canada, Obama will discuss the oil sands in a positive light with the Canadian authorities. The US may well need Alberta and it oil sands very much.

Brian