Warning Shots

If we are preparing to attack Iran, we will need our Gulf friends to pump as much oil as they can to compensate for the loss of Iranian oil on the market. And we'll need the cooperation of our allies and others in at least a passive fashion.

So is this part of the President's state of the union address a type of warning to the Saudis to work with us lest we turn our attention to making their only export obsolete? And reduce our incentive to defend their governments in the process, I might add.

America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources -- and we are on the threshold of incredible advances.

So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative -- a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research -- at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy. (Applause.)

We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars, and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. We'll also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn, but from wood chips and stalks, or switch grass. Our goal is to make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within six years. (Applause.)

Breakthroughs on this and other new technologies will help us reach another great goal: to replace more than 75 percent of our oil imports from the Middle East by 2025. (Applause.) By applying the talent and technology of America, this country can dramatically improve our environment, move beyond a petroleum-based economy, and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past. (Applause.)

And have we put sanctions on foreign countries as a shot at others to keep quiet until we deal with Iran? (from Jane's email alerts)

The US government has imposed sanctions on nine separate EU, Indian and Chinese companies alleged to have sold military equipment to Iran. * Six Chinese and two Indian companies have been banned from doing business with the US, along with Austrian small-arms manufacturer, Steyr-Mannlicher.

I'm just assuming our government has been quietly setting the stage for action, having learned our lesson in our long-telegraphed war against Saddam.