In a free market structure, Saudi oil exports create huge demand for the Saudi Riyal, making it appreciate massively against all other currencies. This makes any other export uncompetitive, and imports really cheap. Thus, it kills off most of Saudi Arabia’s domestic industries, actively punishing diversification despite being the smart thing to do.

To extend this further, Saudi Arabia exemplifies how capitalism is very efficient at making huge profits, but really bad at building a functional economy. It’s why the US spends 17.6% of its GDP on healthcare, and yet has a terrible life expectancy for a developed country.

Honestly ridiculous how no one in the US administration seems to understand supply chains. Trying to bully the country that makes all the stuff you need to make your own stuff is not a viable strategy.

Maybe they should try getting Biden to run again? We’ve all seen how much the liberals are praising his policies nowadays. I’m sure they would be just as enthusiastic in reelecting him.

Cuba Solar Irradiance

Cuba has pretty high solar irradiance everywhere in the country, not the best, but pretty good and consistent. Given how cheap solar + batteries is getting, it is a great way to achieve energy independence.

It is really unfortunate that all the good soil for agriculture is at the south of the peninsula, leaving the DPRK in a really difficult spot. That’s why these greenhouses are so vital.