>>...The case of oil, a depletable resource, ... must be produced in such a way so as not to destroy its market over time.

I'd expect you're referring to Sheikh Yamani's use of Saudi's ability to tank energy prices periodically so investors would lose money on alternative energy development and steer clear of funding the next one.

Agreed on the need for hardball, and I find it a bit ironic that SA is turning to Israel for support (for those not old enough to remember the gas crisis back in the 70s, OPEC was formed to punish the US for supporting Israel).

I'd almost wish that MBS' response was 'no' - and we just left.