mba,
No matter what you think or say, it will not influence how or whether the US deals with the Nigerians. I guarantee they are not intimidated by Sir Emeka Offor any more than they are intimidated by Emeka Okafor. My disagreement with your statement has significant factual and true past support to be more than possible. Saddam was not our shoeshine boy and was much much more powerful than Offor, with much much more oil to "Offer". So let your ruffles relax a little bit.
That being said, the US will do what is in their best interests, as they always do. Right now, their best interests seem to be exploring this region, especially in light of Iraq issues. The US wants to find oil in other places so they don't have to rely on the Middle East as much.
Once (and if) oil is being produced in that region, the US will figure out how to benefit from it, whether through their own Corporations or through controlling the region in some fashion.
If you do not think this is a likely possibility, I think you are only voicing opinions meant to hype ERHE, which seems the likely case.
