The US has two enemies, Islam and China. US needs income to pay down their debt. Here is the quandary. If we develop shale oil and gas, we can be net exporter to generate income and pay our debts/employ Americans. This undermines Iran and Saudi Arabia as oil prices drop. Problem is cheap oil benefits Chinese economy thus rise of Chinese regional military might in Far East. Go the other way, moderate oil and NG development, lower employment slower debt repayment, Chinese economy slowed by higher cost oil and inflation, but Iran and Saudi Arabia shaky regimes have money to placate unrest and fund terrorism. The US has a two front strategic headache plus third front - inability to deal with looming gov deficits. Whoever is POTUS in 2013 must deal with this financial and two front balancing act on potential threats.