In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. embarked on a global mission to end terrorism. The U.S. pursued its mission into Afghanistan and Iraq looking for members of al Qaeda, beginning military campaigns that do not have an end in sight. Unfortunately, the U.S. government did little to address how terrorist groups manage to support themselves financially. The United States did not use its position as the world’s lone superpower to lean on governments that support terrorism, both ideologically and financially.

Why did the U.S. government shy away from such confrontations? Because of oil. Confronting these countries would have required identifying leaders in Saudi Arabia and Iran as being supporters of terrorism. Saudi Arabia and Iran are first and third, respectively, in proven oil reserves.

In a December 2003 U.S. News & World Report article, David Kaplan discusses the link between Saudi Arabia and terrorism. He asserts that beginning in the late 1980s, Saudi charities raised $70 billion to spread fundamentalist Wahabi ideals. These funds were used to fund the purchasing of weapons, paramilitary training centers, and worldwide recruitment. According to Mr. Kaplan and his sources, Osama bin Laden was a primary fundraiser for these charities, initially to help fund the mujahideen in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union. Despite knowing of the connection between these charities and terrorist activities, the U.S government failed to address the issue because of its dependency on Saudi oil.

Poverty and Terrorism
The most fertile grounds for recruiting future terrorists are areas marked by poverty, corruption and desperation. Terrorist recruiters are able to prey on the sense of hopelessness and helplessness experienced by individuals facing socioeconomic hardships. These individuals are looking for a way to improve their family’s situation or personal standing within a downtrodden or volatile society.

Journalist Mohamed Sid-Ahmed, of Al-Ahram Weekly, writes that terrorism cannot be eradicated without addressing poverty. The latest oil price spikes may do more harm than good. The spikes, just like oil profits of the past, may lead to an increase in corruption and deeper social ills, rather promoting economic development. Sid-Ahmed argues the solution to both poverty and terrorism lies in equitable distribution of wealth, fighting corruption and allowing petrodollars to develop jobs and necessary infrastructure.