United States politics is dominated by oil: domestically and internationally.

Domestically, American dependence on oil has generated growing unease over reliance on foreign sources, especially in the Middle East. Global warming is an accepted scientific reality, with both Democrats and Republicans embracing policies to address climate change and reduce greenhouse impact.

On foreign policy, Iraq occupies virtually the entire stage, in both the Bush administration and the Congress. Current policy is widely seen as

a debacle. The security situation in Iraq is worse than ever, and relations between the Government of PM Nouri al-Maliki and the Bush White House border on contempt.

Americans are deeply divided over Iraq, especially as their overstretched military is now being asked to do more.