If they want to maximize the price of oil, they should halt production altogether. Simple economics. I’m sure their Arab brothers in Saudi Arabia will be very appreciative.

Robert

You think Israel might realize this, and re-elect Olmert? Or is that what Hezbollah is actually hoping for by not launching rockets?

Ugh. Wheels within wheels make me dizzy. Whatever the case, it’s about time people started realizing that there can be no diplomacy with people who think it’s not just their right, but a moral obligation, to promise everything and deliver nothing, not even a temporary break in their rocket attacks.

The Israeli civilian populace is already on maximum alert.
There’s already been a Reserve call-up.
Hezbollah is reluctant to attack for anything other than direct action against Lebanon.
International panties are already bunched.
Right now, equipment damaged or destroyed is not just equipment Iran needs to replace – it is equipment Iran can not afford to replace.
If the attacks cause a bump in oil prices, it’s a bump from a low rather than a high. And a lot of that bump will be because of worries that Iran won’t be able to get it’s oil on the market.
If the Gaza war stretches on for a number of months, it becomes more attractive for Iran to give Hamas the first low-yield device, or a dirty nuke produced from scraps. If the program is in desperate rebuilding mode that becomes a lot less likely.
And finally, with the oil and credit markets where they are, Russia will not be extending particularly good credit terms to their good friends in Persia.

One thing we can’t expect is the fabled youth uprising against the mullahs. I think Iran’s gotten very good at playing the game of tightening and loosening restrictions to keep the youth pissed off but disorganized.