We should have taken the hint back in 73, and undertook a “Manhattan Project”-like effort to gain energy independence and extract ourselves from that god-forsaken region.
Again...I can’t disagree.
It may have been more economical at the time...but isn’t any longer.
Sadly it would take several years to get the US up to speed. But it could be done...if we could shut down the environmentalist EPA. My solution to that problem...let them freeze a winter or two and walk every where they go.