1. OIL AND GAS:
Would energy independence bring a 'peace dividend' for U.S.?
A projected boom in domestic U.S. oil production and a plunge in oil imports over the coming decade will mean more dollars staying at home. Yet, contrary to a widely held expectation, the United States will probably not respond by drawing down its expensive military and diplomatic commitments in the Middle East and other unstable zones, say national security experts.