politics
March 19, 2026
We need to be honest about Iran – and how our rampant greed for oil is causing mayhem
Oil has empowered capitalism, and some of the world’s most exploitative regimes. Move away from it and we can solve some of the key issues we face
TL;DR
- Donald Trump's actions regarding Iran are linked to historical Western interest in Middle East fuel sources, dating back to the 1953 coup against democratically elected Mohammad Mossadegh.
- The 1953 coup, driven by Mossadegh's nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, led to the reinstatement of the shah and, subsequently, the 1979 revolution.
- The concept of "free market capitalism" is challenged, with the article claiming it often involves resource plunder, coercion, and state benefits for the wealthy.
- Global military power is seen as a tool to ensure resource profits, particularly oil, flow to corporations.
- Reducing oil dependency is proposed as a way to disrupt exploitative relations, defuel dictatorships, and combat climate breakdown.
- An urgent, emergency program to transition away from fossil fuels is advocated, comparing its necessity to nations mobilizing for war.
- Fossil fuel interests are actively working against climate action and democratic reform, contributing to a "democratic recession."
- Overcoming demand for fossil fuels is presented as a means to overthrow current tyrannies and move towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
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