I've done some research for my economics class on trade between the USA and the Middle Eastern nations. Being who I am, I elected to study the main terrorist nations. These nations, whose names need not be uttered, have predictable yet strange patterns of trade.

It goes without saying, but I shall do so, that the US Census on Trade reports that their main export is fuel, oils, and lubricants to the USA. No big surprise. It is peculiar, though, that these countries do millions and some do BILLIONS of dollars in trade for CHEMICALS, TOOLING MACHINERY, AND TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES. A pattern? Yes, definitely.

That's pretty interesting but wouldn't it be safe to say that those items of trade are basic elements in an advancing society? They're sooo far behind that they're trying to play catch up?

My theory seems more likely but what do you think?

I acknowledge that the likelihood of weaponry is small, given stringent registration and customs requirements. However, is it prudent to risk death at the behest of items WE sold to unsavory persons?

From Truth or Fiction, a site that debunks rumors:

Year 2000 oil statistics:
Amoco purchased 3,611,000 barrels from the Middle East.
Chevron purchased 14,724,000 from the Middle East.
Conoco purchased 523,000 from the Middle East.
Exxon-Mobil combined purchased 13,273,000 barrels from the Middle East.
Marathon purchased 10,710,000 in Middle Eastern oil.
Shell purchased 3,611,000 barrels from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

BP purchased none from the Middle East.
Citgo-None from the Middle East.
Sunoco purchased none from the Middle East.
Phillips-We didn't find any Middle Eastern purchases.
Sinclair-We didn't find any figures.

Mike

Mike, I'm still skeptical about the purchase of chemicals and machinery for whatever 'official' purpose(s) they tell.