The sun disappears amongst a flaming sea of fire. Kuwait's oilfields lie ablaze, torched 13 years ago to prevent the advancing Americans capturing them. The entire world economy depends on 'black gold'. In the early 70s OPEC brought Europe and America to their knees by restricting oil flow in protest at their Palestinian policy. And in the new millennium, America's hunger for oil is rapidly growing. Saudi Arabia, the world's leading supplier, is experiencing increasing anti-Americanism and Venezuela is led by a man who opposes US interventionism. A war could risk both these supplies but Bush fears that failure to act could isolate US interests. Whoever controls oil wields inordinate influence across the world.

Produced by ORF