We’ve treated the Arab world as a collection of big gas stations

“Of course it’s about oil, we can’t really deny that,” Abizaid said: “We’ve treated the Arab world as a collection of big gas stations,” the retired general said. “Our message to them is: Guys, keep your pumps open, prices low, be nice to the Israelis and you can do whatever you want out back. Osama and 9/11 is the distilled essence that represents everything going on out back.”