Listen to this Interview with Richard Heinberg. In it, he discusses the issue of oil depletion in clear and sensible terms, and how it relates specificly to the current geopolitical situation, including the war in Iraq.

Right now, we are living in the Age of Legends. The cornucopia is about to end. This, I believe, is one of the most exciting moments in history to be alive. Perhaps most people in this country don't realize it yet, but the rude awakening has just barely begun. $2/gallon at the gas pump is nothing. Just wait and see.

Gaia is smarter than we give her credit for. She has her own ways of protecting her domain. Whether the consciousness in the body I currently inhabat survives or not, life will go on. Knowing this is enough.