OPEC
After the oil shock in real history, an interview with Ahmed Zaki Yamani:
"What do you think about oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia, weaponizing oil?"
"We could reduce oil production by 25%, but instead, we're cutting it by 20%, still producing 80% of our oil. Imagine, would Europe, Japan, and the United States survive this?"
"Yes, but it's still the U.S., right? The great America that defeated the German Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Nazi Germany, and Imperial Japan."
"...Of course, America is great. So great that it can't produce enough oil for its vast lands...."
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"There's another possibility. If the U.S. is considering military action-"
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"That would be suicidal."
At the time, these words from a mere Minister of Petroleum of a small country like Saudi Arabia were directed at the United States, rising as the most powerful empire in human history.
And no nation could ignore Ahmed Zaki Yamani's words after that interview.
His leadership in the first oil crisis had plunged the world's economy into turmoil and completely altered the global political and economic landscape.
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The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was formed for oil-producing countries to coordinate their oil policies and wield substantial influence on the global energy market.
It was a multinational organization in the making.
In my past life, on September 14, 1960, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and Venezuela met in Vienna, Austria, to form OPEC.
However, the world I live in now is different.
The Arabian Empire, having absorbed the regions of Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, could determine oil prices without Iran and Venezuela.
Only the Arabian Empire could do what even the United States, the world's largest oil importer and consumer, couldn't.
With 80% of the world's oil reserves, extremely low production costs, a vast territory and a population of 90 million to withstand Western economic sanctions, the geopolitical benefits of being in the Middle East between two superpowers of the Cold War, and the technological capability to double its oil production of 16 million barrels a day.
Although the industrial and manufacturing power was almost nonexistent, the Arabian Empire's strength in the energy market was tremendous.
Of course, the United States, the capitalist superpower, which absolutely couldn't tolerate rising oil prices, watched the Arabian Empire with wary eyes, preventing it from exerting its full power.
But that was a story of a few years ago.
If the former Sultans of the Arabian Empire had succumbed to the overwhelming power of the U.S., the current Sultan, Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Arabian Empire, had a different perspective.
"Hmm… Steward, what if, hypothetically, we weaponize our primary source of income, oil?"
"Weaponize oil? The U.S. wouldn't stand by idly, would they?"
"Pfft. I'm not afraid of a country that struggled in Vietnam. The U.S. is just a bubble. All foam and no substance."
At that time, the world saw the United States as rather ineffective.
More precisely, it was perceived as a country with an imposing presence and swollen muscles, yet those muscles were considered merely 'water muscles,' without real strength.
This perception largely stemmed from the apparent weaknesses of the U.S. military showcased during the Vietnam War.
***
In August 1964, at the height of its power, the United States intervened in South Vietnam, using the Gulf of Tonkin incident as a pretext to enter the Vietnam War.
Was the burden of being a superpower too heavy?
Or was it because it had become too powerful to be challenged by anyone other than the Soviet Union?
Or perhaps it was the increasingly prominent focus on human rights that distracted them?
It was shocking that the United States, regarded as having the world's foremost military, was struggling against a small country like Vietnam.
Consider World War II.
The leading colonial empires, France and the United Kingdom, and the rising Soviet Union.
The U.S. had beaten Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, both of which had pummeled major powers within the top 5 global nations.
Such a proud America was now being battered by North Vietnam and the Viet Cong, who were considered mere monkeys.
"Does this mean Vietnam is stronger than the U.S., or even the Soviet Union, Germany, France, and the UK?"
Such thoughts were not unreasonable, given the situation.
The U.S. debacle in Indochina had significantly cracked the American-led capitalist hegemony pursued for decades.
And into this breach stepped individuals like Sultan Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Arabian Empire with their sinister plans.
"How many U.S. casualties in the Vietnam War?"
"According to information secretly obtained from the Pentagon by our General Intelligence Presidency (رئاسة الاستخبارات العامة, GIP), there have been about 50,000 deaths and close to 300,000 injuries."
"Hmm…"
"But Richard Nixon's administration is firmly committed to continuing the Vietnam War."
"And why is that?"
"If the U.S. loses in Vietnam, communist influence could spread beyond Indochina to Southeast Asia and further across Asia, strengthening the Soviet Union's expansionist policies."
Sultan Faisal casually flicked his finger at the steward's words.
"So, the U.S. will remain entangled in Vietnam?"
"That seems to be the likely scenario."
"Excellent!"
-Thump
"Could you share why that's good news, Your Majesty?"
"Because this is our only chance for the Arabian Empire to break free from the shackles of the U.S. and grow!"
The Sultan's words made the steward furrow his brow.
Sensing his confusion, the Sultan clarified his thoughts.
"The U.S. is indeed frightening, but right now, they've overextended themselves. The anti-war sentiment is also significant."
"If the media leaks information about the casualties and injuries, the anti-war movement will gain immense momentum."
"Besides, even as the world's leading superpower, the U.S. cannot handle a two-front war against Vietnam and us."
"Just like Nazi Germany got beaten on two fronts."
"That's why this is our unique opportunity to wield our oil power!"
"So, what should we do?"
"What else? Call the representatives from the Imperial State of Iran and Venezuela!"
"Even Iran empire?"
The mention of the "Iran Empire" caused a marked souring of the steward's expression.
Despite the Islamic world's sweet taste of money leading to a more secular orientation, and even though the relationship with the Pahlavi dynasty ruling the Iran Empire was lukewarm at best, there was an instinctive aversion.
For example, the idea of Sunni and Shia followers joining hands.
Yet, for the sake of the Arabian Royal Family, for the advancement of the Arabian Empire, and even more so, to pass on greater wealth to his less likely-to-inherit children, the Sultan could not be swayed.
"Enough talk. Summon the representatives of the Iran Empire and Venezuela!"
"I heed the command of the rightful leader of the Arabian Empire, Sultan Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud!"
***
-Gulp
"So, that's why the oil ministers have gathered over there?"
"The proposal to increase the value of 'black gold' is irresistibly sweet. The lure of money transcends religion and ethnicity, captivating people."
"True. The only reason we're enjoying tea peacefully in the middle of the desert is because of money."
"Hmph. You're the one drinking cola instead of tea."
Yasmin placed her teacup on the table and looked at me sharply.
Specifically, she was eyeing the symbol of capitalism in my hand – a can of cola.
"Do you really need to drink that unhealthy sugary drink?"