It seems hardly a week can go by without another Middle Eastern nation joining the growing succession of countries grappling with protests and possible regime changes. To call that region of the world unstable is a gross understatement.

(Related: National Geographic Gulf Oil Spill Anniversary Coverage)

As America watches from afar, our need for energy security is never far from mind.

Oil companies are struggling to find more oil, and they’re having a hard time replacing the oil they do pump. Most easily accessible oil fields were tapped long ago, while promising new regions are proving to be technologically and politically challenging.

Many companies are also keen to restart work in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico, following a halt on drilling imposed