A lot of great research and context here, squeezed into a short read. This is an important story for U.S. readers because Biden is setting a precedent that could be further abused by future presidents who may want to lower gas prices or address inflation ahead of a presidential election for example. These stockpiles exist for clearly stated reasons, and it's true that this move, although it will likely be greeted with applause from those who are suffering under rising gas prices, is unwise from a broader strategic and national defense standpoint.