different from oil. Vitally important to some MENA economies – Qatar, Algeria, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt.
Articles tagged: ‘Russia’
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.
Syria: the south-west and elsewhere
Posted onSyria – next major fighting expected in the south-west, near Golan Heights, Israel and Jordan.
Qatar vs. the four, one year on
Posted onQatar vs. the four: no sign of compromise. The dispute static but not safe, and causing harm. The four have won no friends.
Syria: government gains, international complications
Posted onAsad government strengthens its position, but still faces rebels in two main areas. US does a deal with Turkey and concentrates on mopping up IS. Coalition bombing of Raqqa criticised.
The price of oil
Posted onUnforeseen rise in the oil price. Middle East factors include Saudi requirements and expected sanctions on Iran.
Israel vs Iran in Syria
Posted onIranian and Israeli strike and counterstrike the most serious yet. Targets chosen to avoid heavy casualties. Not outright war yet – but just one mistake away from it.
Iraq: elections. Shia/Sunni balancing home and abroad.
Posted onIraq – elections. Turmoil at home, balance abroad but with a tilt towards Iran.
Syria: missile attack
Posted onUS/French/UK strikes against chemical weapons facilities. Success in narrow terms, limited impact in Syria and the region. The war goes on.