No resolution of the Qatar vs. four dispute – propaganda continues. Qatar surviving well. US talks up the need for unity. Active foreign policy continues.
Articles tagged: ‘oil’
Oil: The “Donald Dip”
Posted onSaudi Arabia may or may not continue to bend to President Donald Trump’s wish to see the oil price go lower still. But there are good reasons to suppose that, whatever Opec decides on 6 December, the trend for the next few weeks at least may be upwards.
The Potus Premium
Posted onTrump has blamed OPEC for the high oil price, but his efforts to shut off Iranian oil may be more to blame – with uncertain political consequences.
Maritime boundaries of the Arab states in the Mediterranean
Posted onArab states with Mediterranean coastlines have claimed various forms of jurisdiction over the sea lying off their coasts. On occasion, this has caused disputes between them and their neighbours. Some of these disputes have been resolved through the ICJ; others have yet to be resolved and are complicated by existing political conflicts.
Gas
Posted ondifferent from oil. Vitally important to some MENA economies – Qatar, Algeria, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt.
OPEC in Vienna: I was there
Posted onImpressions of the Vienna OPEC meetings. Complicated interpretation of the final communiqué. All more or less satisfied, price likely to settle around $75. Long-term issues ducked.
OPEC: a fudge
Posted onOPEC plus Russia respond vaguely to Trump’s tweets – “need to keep prices down!” Russia plays it soft but everything hangs on Saudi Arabia.
Iraqi: Sadr/Amiri alliance
Posted onMessy developments following the May election. Alliance between Sadr and Amiri not the end of the story. US and Saudi influence down, Iranian up.
The price of oil
Posted onUnforeseen rise in the oil price. Middle East factors include Saudi requirements and expected sanctions on Iran.
Oil – going up
Posted onOil price up 20% in 10 weeks. Factors: OPEC, Trump, Saudi/Iran. Downside risk (shale), but upside prevailing for 2018.