With America's influence and safety in the Middle East quickly running out, the U.S. must now shift its eyes north, to Central Asia and the Caspian Sea. There is a lot of oil and natural gas availiable there, but it poses a very unique challenge for U.S. geostrategy.

Actual physical U.S. influence is impossible. The Central Asian states are landlocked, unlike the Middle East, where the U.S. can access the Persian Gulf and be within grasp of the incredible oil fields of Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The only waterway the U.S. can use is the Black Sea, and even they'd still be hundreds of miles from the main centers of gravity in Central Asia. The U.S. may have forces in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, but with American influence dwindling, the possibility of U.S. forces establishing a stronger foothold is unlikely.

So, what can the U.S. do? And is this the place to go, or should the U.S. really start giving up on oil and look towards alternative energy and nuclear power?

Give up on oil and let the Ruskies win? I think not. Even the Ruskies and Brits have a tough enough time dealing with central asia, making things worse only makes things worse for everyone else, giving the US the advantage of being acted on the least considering the investment ratios. The best way to exploit central asia is to ruin the area beyond immediate repair by anyone with any significant influence, ie Russia and Britain.