The Final Word by Jim Thompson


Looking ahead to 2007, I fear that foreign affairs are going to play a bigger role than any of us can anticipate in our industry during the coming year. And by "foreign affairs" I do not mean to say that from only the perspective of sitting here in the United States. I think it will be a valid statement from almost any latitude and longitude on the planet. There is considerable mischievousness afoot in many corners, and that spells potential pervasive disruption in supply and demand chains. I am a bit concerned and fervently hope I am wrong.