Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said on Thursday, oil was a factor in Australia’s contribution to the unpopular war, as “energy security” and stability in the Middle East would be crucial to the nation’s future.
Does this mean that we are all consuming “conflict oil”?
The fact of the matter is, whenever there is a valuable natural resource, there is sometimes conflict. Whether it be by rebel gangs, military invasion or legal action.
The problem therefore is not exclusive to diamonds, however, due to diamonds’ immense value and portability, the problem of conflict diamonds has gained the most attention lately in the media, whereas oil still seems accepted as no viable alternative exists at present.
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