To the Point
Is America's Thirst for Expensive Oil Fueling Dictators?
After a decade in which oil-producing countries struggled with weak markets, booming prices have suddenly rearranged global politics. All but forgotten during the 1990's, OPEC now is influencing decisions from Washington to Beijing. Also, producing stem cells without destroying human embryos, and Southeast Asia's booming trading powers try to unite. Will concerns about Myanmar's military dictators leave them divided? Jim Sterngold guest hosts.
By Jim Sterngold • • 1h 0m ListenAfter a decade in which oil-producing countries struggled with weak markets, booming prices have suddenly rearranged global politics. All but forgotten during the 1990's, OPEC now is influencing decisions from Washington to Beijing. How will Washington deal with powerful oil exporters who are determined to confront US might? Also, producing stem cells without destroying human embryos, and Asia's tiger economies have long put business ahead of politics, but now they must confront Myanmar's democracy crackdown. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.
(L-R) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud attend the OPEC meeting in Riyadh, 17 November 2007
Photo: Hassan Ammar/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesStem Cell Breakthrough
Two teams of scientists, one in Japan and another in Wisconsin , have solved a medical riddle by producing stem cells for research without destroying human embryos in the process. The discovery may allow scientists to get around ethical concerns about harming human life and unleash greater federal funding.
Read the story6 minHigh Oil Prices Shifting Global Wealth and Power
A decade ago, oil prices hovered near $20 a barrel and national security experts talked about missiles not pipelines. But the war in Iraq, instability in the Middle East and soaring energy demand have made oil an unsettling global issue.
Read the story35 minASEAN Adopts Charter despite Differences over Myanmar
A long-time loose group of countries focused on trade and business, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is trying to forge a common market roughly similar to the European Union . But the question of how to confront Myanmar's crackdown on democracy has left ASEAN divided.
Read the story8 min
