Tag "Saudi Arabia"
China forced to rethink role in Middle East
In recent years, China’s presence in the Middle East has taken on greater significance through deepening economic ties. China is now the second largest trading partner with Arab nations, jumping to
Despite low oil price, Saudi Arabia stays course in opening stock markets
Saudi Arabia is set to stay the course in opening up its stock markets to foreign investment despite the change in leadership and fluctuations in the price of oil. In
Will Yemen follow in the footsteps of Libya and Syria?
Yemen has been thrown into turmoil in recent months. Its continued existence as a unified state is increasingly called into question. In the middle of a difficult political transition since
OPEC’s influence has long been exaggerated
The nearly 50% decline in oil prices questions the future of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and casts doubt on its ability to influence prices. However, the
Oil price drop reveals Iraq’s structural problems
“Iraq’s state finances are increasingly vulnerable to a drop in oil prices and the government could have difficulty financing this year’s budget plan.” – IMF Mission Chief for Iraq, 27
Oil sector expected to reduce investment in new projects
Despite the overall benefits for the global economy, the prolonged period of low oil prices is likely to reduce investment in new oil projects, raising the potential for economic and political
Yemen’s Houthi rebels’ goals remain unclear
Yemen is rudderless following the resignation of its president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi on January 22. The Houthi rebels’ ultimate goals and Yemen’s future, tied to regional stability, remain in
African energy producers face oil price pressure
While importing countries’ consumers are rejoicing at cheap oil prices, oil-producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa are facing severe fiscal downturns from the drastic shift in the global oil market. With global oil
Low oil prices bring instability to the global oil sector
A pro-longed period of low oil prices could have long-term consequences for the future of the oil industry and geopolitical stability of some oil exporting countries. Falling oil prices can be
In Saudi Arabia, new king Salman seeks stability
The formal succession of power in Saudi Arabia brings former Crown Prince Salman to the throne of the Arab world’s largest economy. When news broke of the death of King
