I believe that cutting our dependency on oil would be very beneficial not only to the environment, but it could help the middle east.
Right the Middle eastern countries make almost all of their money off of selling their oil. From this money, middle eastern leaders and dictators are able to stay in power by keeping control of the money source (oil) and keep control. Saddam Hussein gets a lot of his funding for armies, weapons, and chemical materials from other countries buying oil from him.
Now, if we, and perhaps other countries who are major buyers of oil, suddenely (or gradually) started cutting dependency on oil by more fuel-efficient cars and alternate energy sources, then these bad rulers will not receive capital to fund any army or weapons. This destabilization will allow for new leadership to step in, whether by the people lashing out, or by some intervention by America.
These countries, without having oil for money, will need new sources. Since they have nothing else really good in the middle east, they will have to start actually wielding the talents and skills of the people and their labor to bolster their economy. Human capital can be best used through democracy or some other form of gov. similar to democracy.
Who knows, its possible. But just think, what is a country friendly to US? Kuwait. Does Kuwait have oil? No
Hope my point makes some sense...and if it doesn't, oh well
