Alternative energy sources are still not viable for wide use in the immediate near future and I doubt anything will effectively replace oil in a cost efficient matter in the near future.
Unfortunately for America, it is the country most dependant on oil, and is not self-sufficient as far as it is concerned. America is likely trying to bleed the oil supply from elsewhere in the world, so that its own supply can bridge the gap between a future major world oil crisis and the economic viability and widespread use of alternative fuels.
It is selfish, but definitely a wise thing to be doing if you are looking out for your own economic interests. America gets relatively little of its oil from the middle-east, but nonetheless, it is still significant in buying time for new fuel technologies and infrastructure to develope.
In the end, like everything it is about money. Until the price of oil rises to make alternatives cost effective, oil will drive the economy.
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