The Execution Channel

The war on terror is over. Terror won. For decades, the ideological aims of terrorists and the political motivation of those who have battled them have been inextricably tied to oil. For all the fine words about peace and prosperity proclaimed by the West, the fear of losing access to the world’s greatest supply of oil has been of paramount importance.

Now a technological breakthrough may render the competition for oil redundant—and change the military balance into the bargain. It is not a prospect that appeals to everybody. As the European bloc and the United States play games of brinkmanship which bring them closer and closer to war, the United Kingdom finds itself on the political fence. Recent policy binds it to the US but history and geography tend it towards Europe. A decision one way or another is becoming imperative; unfortunately for Britain, not everyone is prepared to wait …