Creatures of evil oil

The clash of civilizations is really about contending honor codes, which itself is a matter of honor. 

Just as commercial competition is about whose corporate culture will prevail in a trial by combat, so today we have Islam competing with the West to see whose honor code will prevail in a trial by combat. At least, so is it framed by ObL and GB. 

Both sides are engaged in an honor code that tests the mettle of men with weak egos and with little else to do in their lives that is productive. Both are ambitious scions of privilege who were spoiled by the evil of oil and the decadent culture it spawns. 

This entire War on Terror, along with the leaders and actors who play out their roles in it, are creatures of evil oil. It is oil, in its essential unproductivity, coupled to wealth and power, that is shaping the culture seed-bed in which a gargatuan, world-wide clash of cultures is playing itself out. 

Nuclear holocaust was the danger of the 20th century but wrestling with demon oil and with all that it implies – from global warming to 'bring it on' – will be the challenge of the 21st century.