What will happen when the Middle East runs out of oil?

At the current rate of consumption when will the Middle East run out of oil? 20 years? 30 years? 50 years? When they do what will happen?

Do these countires have any other real sources of revenue outside of the exporation of oil? They know this is inevitable. How are they expanding thier coutries money making capabilities?

It seems like if the US wanted to "defeat" the middle east wouldn't the easiest way, without going into a total war situation to simply use up all the natural resources, and in turn stopping the money?

Is this the reason the US will not drill in their own country? Use up foreign resources before exploiting thier own.

The smart minds of ATS sure have a much better idea then i do Am i completly off base, over simplifyng?

What is your take?

reply to post by drock905

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I think that we are intentionally syphoning all of their oil now, knowing full well that we will leave them in ruins later. I hope those nations are using the money they are bathing in now to try and secure their countries for an oil free future, because if they are not... they will be in for very bad times.