I don't think NG will be the primary focus in the Middle East, given how short it seems to be in the Middle East (e.g., Iran in recent years was a net importer).

The assumption is that the implied use of military force will be used to direct oil cargoes to the US and Western Europe.

I agree, but would add that its seems like part of the plan must be to forcibly decrease domestic consumption, since there isn't otherwise enough to go around.

Also, my immediate focus is on NG, not liquid petroleum. I don't want the Columbia River screwed up, especially if there is little or no chance there will ever be any LNG to put through the pipeline.