Cruising the Gulf for Oil Answers

$100 crude is a real possibility.

There are a plethora of reasons for the recent acceleration in crude oil prices: the cascading valuation of the dollar, growing global production challenges around the globe and the rapid acceleration of demand from developing nations like China and India. However, most pundits continue to talk about political instability in the Middle East -- the lynchpin of global energy supply -- as among the most important variables in the future of crude pricing and, more important, oil supply around the world.

In an attempt to better understand what makes Middle Eastern energy policy tick, today I begin a 10-day pilgrimage to this influential oil region. My colleagues and I will visit many of the key countries in the thick of the global energy supply conundrum, talking with national oil leaders and corporate energy titans, as well as consultants and members of academia in an attempt to better understand what drives energy prices and what's in store for the future.

Our trip will include discussions with companies like BP (BP - commentary - Cramer's Take), about its massive Middle Eastern infrastructure, ConocoPhillips (COP - commentary - Cramer's Take), on its wide-scale commitment to liquefied natural gas, and Nabors Industries (NBR - commentary - Cramer's Take), about its rapid build-out of a Middle Eastern rig fleet. We will also meet with national leaders focused on energy and those with an even broader mandate, including the Prince of Jordan.

We begin our trip in the city that epitomizes the wealth that has been created by the Middle East energy boom, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Many would argue that Dubai, with its skyscrapers built on oil money, is a Mecca unequaled in modern times. The city also strikes the balance between deep-seated Muslim traditions and the modernistic Western frills and, interestingly, is a melting pot of world cultures with little interest in sects or violence.

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At time of publication, Edmonds had no positions in stocks mentioned, although holdings can change at any time.

Christopher Edmonds is managing principal at Energy Research & Capital Partners, an energy investment firm and an affiliate of FIG Partners. He is based in Atlanta. Under no circumstances does the information in this column represent a recommendation to buy or sell stocks. While Edmonds cannot provide investment advice or recommendations, he appreciates your feedback; click here to send him an email.