While many blame multi—national corporations for the ills of the world — despite evidence that foreign trade is the single most important factor in economic growth  for less—developed nations — they always neglect to mention the role in keeping so many nations mired in poverty played by a small handful of nations: the OPEC nations. Presumably, these oil—producing nations remain immune from criticism because many of them are darlings of the left, as former "Third World" nations or former colonies or nations populated by favored minorities. These OPEC nations, with their control of the world's energy supplies, have caused grievous harm to their brethren in the "Third World," yet so few point that fact out. Kudos for Senator Richard Lugar for his recent op—ed in the International Herald Tribune, which points out the harm suffered by poor people of the world through the actions of OPEC .  He notes that spiraling energy prices are...(Read Full Post)