INTERNATIONAL CHOKE POINT GULF NARROWS TO 34 MILES
The following comments from Caitlin Talmadge, a political scientist at George Washington University: “There are also some recent signs that Iran itself understands the additional economic and political costs it would pay in the event that oil could not get out of the Strait. After all, Iran’s own economy depends on the ability to export oil and to import refined gasoline, as does the economy of one of its major international patrons, China. It is hard to imagine that aggression in the Strait would provoke anything but a strengthened international coalition against Iran though it is possible that the regime sees domestic political benefits in the current crisis, or is intentionally using it as a way to drive up oil prices.” [Source: The Monkey Cage, Blog of the Year]
U.S. would probably capture and hold the Islands of Hormuz which would not be returned anytime soon leaving another long term military base that the Pentagon would need to budget for.
OIL PRICES TO CLIMB AS A RESULT OF IRANIAN SANCTIONS
Caitlin Talmadge: Is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at the George Washington University, where she is on the faculty of the Political Science Department and the Elliott School of International Affairs.
[Picture Source: Washington Post]
