"It's estimated", indeed. It was also estimated there were large amounts of oil in the interior of Russia, but that turned up close to dry. Yep....drill in Alaska, but if what is "estimated" to be there, is there... it's only 30 years. Also, based on world politics, it's a little more difficult to just take control over in the Middle East. It will happen that the US will install our form of Democracy over there, and put in place the types of people that are US friendly. It just takes time and for the American public... we need a reason more than just oil.