Diamondcutter267,
Thanks for the current assessment. That's mighty sportin' of a broker/dealer to publicly downgrade a company the broker/dealer has a naked position in.
I would characterize the situation in the Middle East more as several civil wars. Civil disturbances and unrest are like sit-ins, demonstrations, unsuccessful boycotts of chicken restaurants and such.
Oil is probably near a 52 week high and possibly going to an all time record high. Personally, it is high enough. Much more and the global economies will suffer.
One thing, I do not suffer margin afflictions at all [though I do not hold any cash to speak of] nor do I employ leverage.[options, etc.] Even though I could trade around core positions I'd rather not as I prefer long term gains and qualified dividends. Not a lot of action I'm afraid but I do enjoy research and the exchange of views. Ed