Blog Posts - CounterStrikeMedia

RUSSIA'S FAILED OPEC+ GAMBLE WITH SAUDI ARABIA & US IRANIAN CALCULATIONS MUST CHANGE

4/17/2020

Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the USA: Slippery Oil Triangle
By Jonathan Ariel, May 6, 2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Oil relationships are as unstable and volatile as romantic ones. Following a deadlocked OPEC summit in February, Moscow and Riyadh announced they would ramp up production, sending already low prices tumbling. Since both countries’ budgets are almost entirely dependent on energy exports, this suggests they have decided geopolitical interests trump purely economic ones.
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What oil markets’ ‘bloody Monday’ means for Gulf producers
Karen E. Young | Al-Monitor

Economic Consequences of COVID-19 in the Middle East: Implications for U.S. National Security
The global COVID-19 pandemic will have a dramatic effect on economies across the globe. But the Middle East may be particularly affected, given the simultaneous fall in oil prices. The economic consequences of this pandemic are also likely to affect U.S. interests in the region. Read more »

Russia’s failed OPEC gamble

Why global oil prices will fall below $10: The twin impacts of the worst global health pandemic in over a century and a price war standoff between the world’s top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia has driven oil prices to record lows that could soon fall into single dollar digits per barrel. On March 30, spot prices for both global benchmark Brent crude and US-benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell to levels not seen since 2002.

Iran's Ayatollahs Will Struggle to Survive the Oil Slump by Con Coughlin

Venezuela: Maduro's Cuban Army by Lawrence A. Franklin

Change US Escalation Calculus With Iran
We offer this opinion piece about increasing US responses to Iranian aggression just as President Trump has this morning “instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea.” Of course, we don’t know the crucial rules of engagement that will guide Navy…

AEI'S KAREN YOUNG: GULF, MENA POLITICAL ECONOMIES AND THE COVID PANDEMIC

4/16/2020

From the beginning of the Gulf crisis in June 2017, it was clear to the Trump administration that it could do little in terms of direct mediation between Gulf leaders. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) crisis has heralded a time of diminished American diplomatic engagement in the Gulf and a weakening of regional organizations, points out Karen Young in an article for the Arab Center Washington DC. Most dangerous of all, it has weakened the GCC states’ ability to help each other in what will be the greatest economic and demographic challenge since state formation.
Continue here.

How Coronavirus Will Impact the Middle East
By Itai Shapira, RealClearDefense: "This might not be an “Arab Spring 2.0,” overthrowing authoritarian regimes, but it will impact the region’s strategic dynamics and reshape its future."

Geneva Centre for Security Policy webinar: The impact of the coronavirus crisis on the Middle East
Karen E. Young | Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Al Qaeda is rising again, and no one seems to care. It is getting stronger and actively plotting with the Taliban while waiting for the US to leave Afghanistan, notes Katherine Zimmerman in an AEIdeas blog post. Policymakers would be smart not to dismiss al Qaeda’s growth in far-flung corners of the world. Recognizing al Qaeda’s renewed and future threat does not mean that the US must again prioritize counterterrorism over all else. That would be a mistake. Instead, a smart US approach contesting Chinese and Russian influence in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia should simultaneously counter the terrorism threat. Read here.

As economic activity increases, what might recovery look like in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? In an article for Castlereagh Associates, Karen Young explains that while the UAE has unveiled a series of stimulus measures to support businesses during COVID-19, the economic fallout of the pandemic has taken its toll on consumer behavior. With many of the country’s key sectors heavily affected by the virus and facing a potentially long period of recovery, businesses will need to adapt to new consumer preferences to encourage a rebound in spending. Learn more here.

OPEC + WINS; COVID WIPES OUT GULF PETROL-MONARCHIES WHILE VENEZUELA GOES UNDER WITHOUT RUSSIA

4/8/2020

Is the new OPEC+ deal a win for Russia?
The new OPEC+ deal has some advantages for Russia but some of the potential long-term implications may be dire for Moscow.

What are the medium-term implications of Saudi Arabia’s oil price war with Russia? Ahead of the OPEC+ deal, Karen Young took to Carnegie’s Middle East Diwan blog to argue that without an agreement among all major players to curtail production, the global oil market will be transformed by shut-ins. Protectionist policies could increase, limiting global trade. For Saudi Arabia, the domestic economy will suffer. Across the Gulf Cooperation Council, access to debt markets will hit Bahrain and Oman the hardest. Iraq’s key source of revenue will be devastated, hindering its ability to pay public-sector wages, among other essential obligations. As a result, Iran will likely become more belligerent. Read here.

Energy Markets After Covid-19

It's Time to Close the Arab League By Dr. Frank Musmar, April 7, 2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Arab League has been an abject failure on every metric throughout its existence. As it is apparently constitutionally incapable of serving the better interests of its member states, it should be shut down.
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COVID-19 in the Gulf
Varsha Kodvayur | Senior Research Analyst
John Hardie | Research Manager

Westrop on How Western Governments Empower Islamists by Gary C. Gambill
Middle East Forum Webinar
April 7, 2020
https://www.meforum.org/60672/westerners-have-empowered-islamists

THE OIL WAR CONTINUES WHILE EGYPT & LIBYA FACE OFF ON DRILLING

3/29/2020

Turkey plans new drilling for oil and natural gas in disputed waters, in a major assertion of its claims over resources that could fuel tensions with neighbors. Drilling will take place in the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea from July, while seismic exploration will be stepped up within maritime borders set by an accord with Libya’s internationally recognized government, the Turkish energy minister said. – Bloomberg

Ellen R. Wald writes: If Saudi Arabia is able to demonstrate that it could sell all of its supply, then that could signal that, at least on one level, its gamble is working. […]If, on the other hand, Saudi Arabia can’t find buyers, the market will have little confidence in the kingdom’s ability to impact prices or its power over the oil market. Global oil prices will fall and Saudi Arabia will face an identity crisis. – Bloomberg

Karen Young writes: The economies of the GCC states will experience major changes from the twin COVID-19 and oil crises, as will the global economy. The societies of the GCC states, however, may be the most changed in terms of their demographic composition and reliance on foreign labor. This could be a moment for recalibration of reliance on foreign workers. It could also be a moment in which standards of living are drastically downshifted as a vibrant consumer base is weakened by expatriate exits. – Al-Monitor

Oil-market central planning: Not just for socialists anymore
Benjamin Zycher | NationalReview.com

After the (eventual) great restart, a new economic normal
James Pethokoukis | AEIdeas

Egypt and Turkey's energy face-off in the Mediterranean
Egypt signing an agreement with five major energy companies to start drilling in the Mediterranean off its coast near Libya raises the prospect of more friction developing with Turkey.

Turkey appears to want more than Syria’s oil
Like Moscow and Washington, Ankara seems to be coveting the oilfields of Deir ez-Zor in Syrian Kurdistan, which Kurds fear would give Turkey an opening to take over the entire Rojava area.

Saudis risk losing last Republican defenders with oil price war
The oil price war places the Saudis at risk of losing their previously stalwart defenders on Capitol Hill, the last line of defense against legislation targeting the kingdom.

Turkey appears to want more than Syria’s oil
Like Moscow and Washington, Ankara seems to be coveting the oilfields of Deir ez-Zor in Syrian Kurdistan, which Kurds fear would give Turkey an opening to take over the entire Rojava area.

Dr. Vish Sakthivel writes: The pandemic has brought profound and indefinite uncertainty to societies the world over, and whether the opening provided by the health crisis will have lasting effects on Hirak’s modes of action is yet to be seen. […]However, that the majority is calling for a different tack and ready to use the crisis — and the public outrage that will likely ensue — as a political opportunity reveals a dynamic and adaptable movement that will continue to be a fixture in Algerian politics. – Middle East Institute

5 DOLLAR BARREL OIL IS HERE: RUSSIA TAKES ON U.S. FRACKERS

3/9/2020

Liam Denning writes: America’s economic identity as primarily a services-led, energy consumer rather than an exporter in the OPEC mold carries a more insidious threat to the well-being of petro-states. Three years on from its first public airing, the Trump administration’s “energy dominance” mantra has aged like a fine wine-cooler. […]Which is why Saudi Arabia and Russia would love America to keep doing just that. A U.S. government explicitly supporting oil prices is less likely to throw its weight behind alternative forms of energy supply (and demand). – Bloomberg

Oil in the Time of Corona
Mark Mills, City Journal

https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/486975-its-not-armageddon-for-americas-oil-and-gas-industry

ARAMCO PROFITS DOWN
OIL PRICE WAR IS ON

China’s rise may not be inevitable

In recent weeks, Russia has absorbed two major setbacks: a falling out with Turkey over Syria and the onset of an oil price war with Saudi Arabia. In a Bloomberg op-ed, Hal Brands notes that recent events remind us that President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy is transactional, shortsighted, and often counterproductive, similar to that of President Trump’s statecraft. Mortgaging the future for short-term gains isn’t a winning strategy, but it’s an approach that Putin and Trump seem to have in common. Continue here.

Russia's Shift from "Greater Europe" to "Greater Asia"
By Emil Avdaliani, March 15, 2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Though analysts tend to portray Russia’s foreign policy as truly global (that is, independent of Europe, the US, and China), the country is plainly tilting toward Asia. The Russian political elite does its best to hide this development, but the country is accumulating more interests and freedom to act in Asia than in Europe or anywhere else.
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Price Wars and Pandemic: How Coronavirus and a Russia-Saudi Dispute are Affecting Oil Supply with Gregory Brew

Fed throws $1 trillion into money markets as financial volcano erupts

On Monday, the global oil price cratered. The impetus was the collapse in talks between Russia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on further cuts to production. But, writes Christian le Miere, the systemic causes of the oil-price collapse are beyond government control.

CNBC

The Drop In Oil Prices: Good Or Bad?
by David R. Henderson via Defining Ideas
OPEC, the United States, and the rules

Russia: Oil to Remain Competitive Despite Price Drop. Russia’s energy ministry announced on Monday that the oil sector will keep its share of the market and remain competitive despite price projections. Energy Minister Alexander Novak stated, “The Russian oil industry has a high-quality resource base and a sufficient margin of financial strength to remain competitive at any forecast price level, as well as maintain its market share.” Reuters U.S. News & World Report

Russia: Ruble Falls 7%. The Ruble reached a four-year low on Monday following a breakup of talks between Saudi Arabia and Russia over proposed cuts in oil production. In response, Russia’s central bank announced it will be suspending foreign-currency purchases for 30 days to “increase the predictability of actions of monetary authorities under the conditions of significant changes on global oil markets.” The collapse in oil price could cause a deficit for the economy this year and the ruble drop could cause inflation. Bloomberg RFE/RL

OIL PRICE

Oil to hit $20 amid Saudi-Russian price warThe breakdown of the OPEC+ alliance and the ensuing Saudi flooding of the markets could drive oil down to $20 a barrel this summer. “$20 oil in 2020 is coming. Huge geopolitical implications,” tweeted Ali Khedery, who previously served as ExxonMobil’s senior advisor for the Middle East. Read More

RUSSIA TAKES ON US SHALE

It was a “Black Monday” for Russia as the country woke to find the ruble down to four-year lows following a 25% crash in global oil prices – their biggest fall in the century. The downward spiral in oil prices is the direct result of Russia failing to reach an agreement with OPEC, the organization of top oil exporters informally led by Saudi Arabia, with which Moscow has been cooperating in the OPEC+ framework. Read More

Oil price collapse beyond any government’s controlOn Monday, equity, energy, bond and currency markets all were launched into turmoil as the global oil price collapsed. Hit by both a demand and a supply shock, oil has fallen nearly 50% this year. Although oil producers are likely to be hit hard by this latest development, the longer-term effects of the price collapse are not all bad. Read More

Mideast oil producers brace for impact of price slide
The global coronavirus outbreak and falling oil prices could spell a massive economic slowdown for oil-producing countries in the Middle East.

Does Moscow’s withdrawal from OPEC-plus deal end Russia-Saudi honeymoon?
Russia’s decision to break off from the Saudis in the OPEC-plus agreement has some merits.

The United States is still too reliant on oil

In a Washington Post op-ed, Karen Young examines the severe economic effects on both sides of the Persian Gulf and countries in the region that rely on the Gulf Arab states for financial support. Despite some growth in the region, the Saudi oil supply shock combined with a global pandemic threatens this hard-won growth. Read more here.

2020 is shaping up to be Iraq’s most difficult year since 2003, when the US launched its shock-and-awe campaign to bring down longtime dictator Saddam Hussein. Michael Rubin took to the National Interest to argue that last week’s plunge in oil prices completes Iraq’s perfect storm. The Iraqi government has suffered three strikes: a constitutional crisis, coronavirus, and now a plunge in oil prices. Iraqis are resilient, but they will now pay the price for their leaders’ populism. It is time for the US to reengage diplomatically and economically to help Iraq reform its political and economic system toward the stability and prosperity the new generation of Iraqis deserve. Read here.

Following the US killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, Qassem Soleimani, most attention focused on the Iranian response. After the attack on US troops in Iraq, Iran stated that it had achieved the “great revenge” it desired. Yet, few observers believe that Tehran is finished with its revenge. In a Foreign Policy op-ed, Ryan Berg and Colin Clarke argue that in the wake of the Soleimani killing, Iran would consider an attack on Latin America as a means of sending an undeniable signal to the US of its continued capability to escalate with a strike in America’s backyard. Read here.

What’s to blame for the sudden drop in oil prices? Saudi Arabia? Coronavirus? Too much supply? In a new "In 60 Seconds" video, Karen Young explains that low global growth coupled with a disruption in Chinese economic activity and a failed OPEC+ strategy has left us with too much oil in the market. As the Saudis sell the oil at a discount with few buyers, the result is an oil dump. The good news is we have plenty of oil. The bad news is we need the global economy, especially the Chinese economy, to pick up demand. Watch the video here.

Jane Nakano writes: The nuclear industry of advanced industrialized countries is under significant pressure to remain competitive as the market landscape for new nuclear power opportunities changes. […]This report illuminates how the changing market competition among the United States, Russia, and China will affect their future relations with nuclear commerce recipient countries, and discusses why Russia and China promote nuclear commerce, as well as which factors may alter their market competitiveness. – Center for Strategic and International Studies

LIBYA SHUTS DOWN OIL MARKETS: CIVIL WAR

2/6/2020

Libyan divide deepens as eastern forces shut down oil ports
As the Libyan National Army accused the Government of National Accord and Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation of spending its revenues on mercenaries to fight along their ranks, the tribes in eastern Libya shut down multiple oil ports and demanded a new distribution of oil revenues.

OLD ENERGY, NEW BOOM: WHY HYDROCARBONS MATTER STILL

1/27/2020

Old Energy, New Boom
Mark Mills, City Journal

EXAMINING ISRAELI OIL & ITS IMPACT ON REGIONAL GEOPOLITICS

1/3/2020

Israel Could Be Key to 2020 Middle East Geopolitics
By Frank Musmar, January 2, 2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Israel’s geographical position means it must stay agile and manage complex relations with its Muslim neighbors through quiet collaboration and smart use of its technological and economic advantages. Over the past two decades, Israel has discovered offshore gas, begun extensive seawater desalination, and dramatically expanded its navy’s platforms and missions. Ten years ago, Israel depended on Egypt’s natural gas; nowadays, Israel exports natural gas to Egypt and Jordan.
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Egypt unruffled by EastMed pipeline project
Now that Cyprus, Greece and Israel have agreed to build a subsea pipeline to supply Europe with natural gas, officials are downplaying its potential impact on Egypt's ambition to become a regional energy hub.

The Leviathan Natural Gas Field Could Be a Game-Changer for Israel-EU Relations

NATURE BEATS OFF SOVIET DEPREDATIONS

1/3/2020

Gregory Copley, author, Sovereignty in the 21st Century and the Crisis for Identity, Cultures, Nation-States , and Civilizations; and president of the International Strategic Studies Association; in re: Gregory was an election observer in Uzbekistan on 22 December: in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan. It occupies the whole northwestern end of Uzbekistan, is on the Aral Sea. Photo of a boat that used to sail on the Aral and now has long been dry and rusting far out on the shore. However, people are starting to fish in some of the nearby lakes.

The Economist labelled Uzbekistan as the country that made the most improvement in 2019.

First, protecting people; next, stabilizing the seabed: seeding it with various plants; and third, to regenerate the water supply into the Aral Sea. New efficiencies in water mgt, esp irrigation.

Karakalpak is a Turkic language similar to Uzbek but quite distinct, linguistically and culturally. The Soviets destroyed the entire ecoregion, a crime against humanity and the planet, in front of the eyes of the entre world, as the five-year plans demanded that the local agriculture be only cotton. Deliberate abuse for the pockets of the Sovietskii bureaucrats.

I went to the Farghona* Valley, where long there’s been narcotics smuggling, but that’s now reduced to very little. A rise in food production throughout the country, with a diverse economy, A big O&G producer now. Ninety per cent of the cars on the road are GM vehicles—bldg them in Uzbekistan.

The Soviets were monsters. It's incredible what they were doing to their slave states.

EGYPT NOW REGIONAL ENERGY HUB FOR AFRICA & GERMAN-RUSSIAN GAS/OIL HOOK UP

12/27/2019

Egypt moves into position as regional energy hub
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced Egypt is ready to export electricity to Africa at low prices.

Germany Puts Its Head in Russia's Energy Pipeline Noose by Soeren Kern •

New oil, gas field in Egypt promises more discoveries
Egypt’s successive governments have largely ignored drilling of oil and gas in the Western Desert given the high cost of such an operation, although the area is rich.

TURKEY'S EMERGING ENERGY CRISIS & CONSEQUENT BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

12/21/2019

Turkey’s energy miscalculations have hefty cost
More than a third of Turkey’s installed power capacity remains idle after an ill-calculated rush for energy that has had a hefty financial and environmental cost.

Issues 2020: A Fracking Ban Would Trigger Global Recession
Mark Mills, Manhattan Institute

The extraction of oil and gas through the techniques of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (colloquially, “fracking”) has catapulted the United States into leadership of the world’s energy markets. Since 2007, fracking has doubled U.S. oil production and increased gas production by 60%. Instead of a major importer, America is rapidly becoming the largest exporter of oil and is expected to supply the majority of net new energy traded on global markets over the next two decades. Read more here.... (Photo: sasacvetkovic33/iStock)

Oil trail reveals Turkey funding Syrian Kurdish rivals
Through oil, Turkey is helping to indirectly subsidize the very same Syrian Kurdish administration that it's seeking to crush.

Rival government rallies support against Libya's maritime border deal with Turkey
The chairman of Libya's eastern-based parliament, Aguila Saleh, is on a regional tour to rally support against an agreement on maritime boundaries between the rival UN-backed government in Tripoli and Turkey. Saleh met with Arab Parliament President Mishaal bin Fahm al-Salami in Cairo to press his case, Arab media reported today. “The signing of this agreement without ratification by the Libyan House of Representatives aims to cede the sovereignty of the Libyan State and its legitimate rights to the Republic of Turkey to enable it to invest in this area, which is null and void by all standards,” Saleh said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey and Libya can now carry out joint exploration operations in the eastern Mediterranean. Ankara supports the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, which has been assault by the House of Representatives-aligned Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Hifter since April.
Read More

ISRAEL EXPORTS NATURAL GAS TO EGYPT

12/14/2019

Israel to begin exporting gas to Egypt next month
In just a few weeks, Egypt should be receiving natural

BEIJING & RIYADH GROW CLOSER WITH ARAMCO: OIL; AND RUSSIA'S SIBERIAN OIL BEGINS

12/8/2019

THE SAUDI ARAMCO BIG PICTURE

ASIA TIMES

SIBERIAN OIL

SAUDI'S OVERPRICED IPO ARAMCO

PUTIN VISITS TURKEY OVER NATURAL GAS CORRIDOR WHILE US PETROL-STATE ARRIVES

12/3/2019

Turkey's Open Secret: Fake Secularism by Burak Bekdil •

Putin to visit Turkey for natural gas pipeline launch
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkey on Jan. 8 to participate in the launch of a natural gas pipeline from Russia, the Kremlin announced Monday. TurkStream's first line will supply gas to the Turkish market, while a second line will pass through the country to Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and Slovakia to supply gas to some 15 million homes in southern and southeastern Europe.
Read More
dailysabah.com

ASIA TIMES: TURKISH OIL RELATIONS WITH LIBYA

MADURO PLUNDERS CITGO, INFOGRAPHICS ON US SURGE IN OIL/GAS & FLAT DEMAND FOR PERSIAN GULF OIL

11/4/2019

ASIA TIMES

More US energy milestones: 12 new production records were set in August for natural gas and oil
Mark J. Perry | AEIdeas

PUTIN GAMBLES ON SYRIAN OIL TO SOLIDIFY HIS HOLD

11/1/2019

ASIA TIMES

Russia’s 'multilayered pie’ policy on Libya
For all the uncertainty surrounding Russia's presence in Libya, there are some policy drivers to be watched.

THE MIDDLE EAST WITH NUKES, WHY THE ETHANOL GAME IS LONG OVER & HOW THE SAUDI'S CHANGE THEIR OPEC TUNE

10/18/2019

The ultimate Middle East missile target: Nuclear reactors

Saudi Arabia: Riyadh to Cooperate with United States on Global Energy Security. Saudi Arabia’s energy minister met with U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry on Monday and discussed oil markets, the role of OPEC, and stability in the global energy supply. The Saudi energy minister also met with his Nigerian counterpart, stressing Saudi Arabia’s role in energy security on the world stage. Reuters U.S. News and World Report

WHY NUCLEAR POWER STILL RULES; ISLAM, CHRISTENDOM IN THE CAUCASUS PIPELINES

10/1/2019

James Ellis On The Energy Density Advantage Of Nuclear Power
by Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. via PolicyEd
Nuclear power has an energy density advantage over every other method of generating electricity.

Zvi Bar’el writes: For Iran, Iraq’s economic dependence is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives the Islamic Republic great influence over Iraqi politics. But on the other, this makes Iraqis view it as the source of their problems and not just economic ones. […]Iraq’s decision to abide by American sanctions on Iran even though it opposes them shows how detached Westerners are from reality when they view all Shi’ite groups as agents of Iran.- Haaretz

MEET THE FRACKERS & HOW NORD STREAM II PROVIDES EUROPE STRATEGIC AUTONOMY

9/18/2019

Nord Stream II and Europe's strategic autonomy
The European Union's gas relationship with Russia remains controversial within Europe, with opponents portraying the Nord Stream II project as aggression against Ukraine, a danger to Central and Eastern Europe and a reflection of Germany's dependence on Russian gas.

New leadership and new challenges for Saudi Arabia's oil industry
Rauf Mammadov

https://www.amazon.com/Frackers-Outrageous-Inside-Billionaire-Wildcatters/dp/B00GDJKH2I/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

IRAN STRIKES THE HOUSE OF SAUD

9/18/2019

Why U.S. Patriot Missiles Failed to Protect Saudi Oil Sites
By Sébastien Roblin, NBC News: "The U.S. is having trouble defending against low-flying drones and cruise missiles after years of the Pentagon focusing on longer-range threats."

Attacks on Saudi oil plants reveal weaknesses in US-made defenses
(Military.com) Ground-hugging swarms of drones and cruise missiles that decimated Saudi oil production facilities this month did billions’ worth of damage and defeated U.S.-made air-defense systems, including Raytheon's Patriots. The attacks raise concerns, analysts say, about the efficacy of such defense systems against the threat.

Saudi oil facility attack challenges Washington’s credibility
Karen E. Young | Al-Monitor
While the recent attacks on two Saudi oil facilities will affect global oil prices, it is the US commitment in the region that is under attack.

Iran's Strategy Behind the Saudi Attack
By Raymond V. Mason, RealClearDefense: “A possible Iranian link to the attack on a Saudi oil installation this past weekend is the latest example of Iran’s continued ability to threaten American interests in the Middle East despite robust U.S. sanctions. While the administration is applying maximum economic pressure, sanctions alone will not force Iran to the table and are insufficient to address resulting Iranian retaliation."

The Saudi oil attacks won’t devastate the global economy — here’s what could

The Gulf Crisis Should Remind Us of the Importance of Fracking
Charles Lane, Washington Post

The Oil Price Increase and the Dollar
Desmond Lachman, AEI

Iran’s strike on Saudi Arabia brings Persian Gulf war closer
Michael Rubin | Washington Examiner

The Iraq War surge
Stephen J. Hadley and Hal Brands | AEI video

Out of the Loop: What the Saudi Attacks Tell Us About the Future of Conflict
By Eliot Pence, RealClearDefense: "The Abqaiq attacks this month raised many questions. Who did it? How did they do it? What did they do it with? One question was notably absent: Why couldn't Saudi Arabia stop it? The answer is not straightforward, nor is it necessarily clear that anything could have stopped it."

THE SAUDI'S & ARAMCO. . . . AGAIN & FOREIGN EQUITY SOARS INTO RIYADH

8/22/2019

THE MEANING OF A LOW IPO VALUATION

Saudi Aramco raises $25.6 billion in largest-ever IPO
Saudi Arabia's state oil company Aramco broke market records with the launch of its initial stock offering on Thursday. Shares were priced at the high end of the target range and raised a record $25.6 billion. The market debut puts Aramco's value at $1.7 trillion, far ahead of other corporate giants. Aramco is expected to begin trading on Riyadh's Tadawul exchange on Dec. 12 at 32 riyals ($8.53).
Read More
al-monitor.com

The long and winding Saudi Aramco initial public offering road
Benjamin Zycher | AEI

Saudi Arabia to delay Aramco public offering
reuters.com

Huge Aramco IPO hounded by big ifs
Institutional investors have questions over the company's transparency and governance
BYPIERRE DONADIEU

Saudi oil company Aramco says it’s ready for two-stage public offering
al-monitor.com

ASIA TIMES: FOREIGN EQUITY SOARS INTO SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia selling the Aramco initial public offering, yet again
Karen E. Young | Al-Monitor

ASIA TIMES: WHY LISTING ARAMCO IS WRONG

Algeria considers allowing foreign ownership in certain sectors
reuters.com

Saudi Arabia scolds fellow OPEC members for exceeding oil output cuts
al-monitor.com

US OIL CHARTS: THE US HEGEMONY ON OIL

8/21/2019

Animated chart of the day: Oil production in America’s big 3 oil fields (Bakken, Eagle Ford, and Permian Basin)
Mark J. Perry | AEIdeas

THE UAE'S PETROL DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY

8/10/2019

UAE diversification strategy lags despite growth in oil sector

Karen E. Young | Al-Monitor

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a leader in economic diversification across the Gulf Cooperation Council, but even the UAE is struggling to grow.

THE EPA'S ETHANOL BINGE & HOW RUSSIA SEEKS TO SHAPE THE MIDDLE EAST

7/13/2019

COLIN A. CARTER, HENRY I. MILLER
Giving In to Big Corn
Consumers will suffer the hangover from the EPA’s ethanol binge.

How Russian business could shape Mideast's future security architecture
Russia has been engaged in the Levantine oil and gas sectors for some time, but now Moscow could use that foothold to help build lasting security in the region.

IRAN RESPONDS BY SHOOTING DOWN A US GLOBAL HAWK IN THE PERSIAN GULF

7/6/2019