Saudi Arabia feels Iran’s pinch
OPEC’s announcement of a cut in oil production shows that Saudi Arabia is being affected by low oil prices even as Iran gains ground
Courtesy: The Iran Project
Courtesy: The Iran Project
Courtesy: Wikimedia
Saudi-Russia oil production cap – can it work?
Saudi Arabia, Russia and other oil producers are trying to cap oil production to support prices. Such distortions are unlikely to work. India should be more concerned about the long term rise in oil prices due to falling investment in exploration and production – and should protect itself by acquiring oil and gas assets to cover its energy needs.
Courtesy: Victor Dubreuil / Wikipedia
The Gulf storm ahead
The GCC finds itself engulfed by a perfect storm – due to the oil price fall and the re-emergence of Iran on the world scene. While the GCC is forced to undertake politically challenging reforms and confront the regional challenge of Iran, there lies a great opportunity for India to strengthen their economic as well as security ties.
Courtesy:
India-GCC: Oil for jobs
The jobs of 6.5 million Indians working in GCC countries could be at risk due to the fall in global oil prices. Securing the interests of these workers should be on Prime Minister Modi’s agenda when he visits UAE on August 16-17
Courtesy:
Cheap oil is costing West Asia
The oil-rich GCC countries are starting to show signs of financial stress maintaining high defense and social spending while the price of oil remains low
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Reassessing our Israel, Arab engagement
The announcement in June of a Saudi-Israeli alliance against Iran has to be seen in the context of the strategic dimensions of India’s relations with Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, and the U.S. And it has far-reaching implications for India’s policy towards West Asia
Courtesy: Wikipedia
De-risking rising oil prices
The price of petroleum has risen by almost 40% since February 2015 because of geopolitical tensions. This spike underlines the need for India to hedge its energy imports using a mix of financial markets and asset purchases
Courtesy: http://photodivision.gov.in/
Why oil won’t worry India in 2015
Last week, petroleum prices reached a five-year low, and the fall is likely to last as new production and alternative sources enter the market. India, which has a huge petroleum products bill, now has a chance to shock-proof its economy, diversify dependence away from West Asia, and become energy-efficient
Courtesy: wikimedia
Can cheap oil give peace a chance?
The fall in oil prices is creating new complexities for the energy exporting economies of West Asia. With smaller profits, these countries may not be able to buy off political dissent at home and fund client governments and rebels abroad. Lower energy prices could also mean a renewed chance for peace
Courtesy: Synthesio.com
Federalism for the Arab Republics?
Many Arab Republics are mired in political discord after the departure of the old tyrannical regimes opened up spaces for new struggles. In Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, attempts to address the turmoil through constitutional reform are facing challenges. Will a democratic federalism be attained when the battles are done?