cliff wrote:
Would it have been realistic for the western world to abstain from access to critical resources until/unless all middle eastern constituents were brought into line with ideologies that take a back seat to capitalism even throughout the western world?
Sure, assuming that we would be willing to encourage the rest of the world (Russia, China, India, uh...) to develop its militaries to protect its interests, while we become subject to its whims. In fact, our usage of Middle Eastern oil turns out to be very low, something like 12% of our consumption. Our real interest, as I understand it, has been stability in that region to prevent, precisely, hostile states from invasion and subsequent ownership of a huge percentage of the world's energy supplies.
If one can think of any country in the world, since the time of discovery of oil in the middle east till now, that would have been a safer, more stable and more fair power than we have been, then you can conceivably take that stance. Remember, though, that absent a superpower, one will develop. No way that vacuum endures for long. Thus, our current trajectory of purposefully diminished power will increase the power hunger of others not nearly so affable and generous – not to ignore our faults – as ourselves. The intent may be noble – or not – but the grasp on reality tenuous and the consequences disastrous.
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Maybe that myuzeeum place would do nicely. 
