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Middle East/North Africa Politics

Saudi foreign policy seems headed in the right direction

Despite a tumultuous year, the new changes in Saudi foreign policy are affecting the region for the better. For almost a year now, observers of Saudi Arabia have felt like

International Politics

Iran-U.S. relations improving despite nomination setback

Iran-U.S. relations turned especially reactive in April 2014. But buried beneath the tough rhetoric and diplomatic posturing are indications of long-term potential for improved relations. After this tumultuous month of diplomacy,

Economics International

Part II of IV: Why economics, not politics, should steer energy subsidies

The first part in this series examined why energy subsidies still widely exist, despite a growing consensus arguing for their removal. This section will look at their economic cost and

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Iran is open for business and Switzerland leads the way

As Switzerland lifts its economic sanctions against Iran, Swiss companies lead the way in exploiting new opportunities. But the waters between Iran’s new openness and the West’s suspicions are tricky to

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

India balances energy relationship with the Middle East

As India’s demand for energy and investment continues to increase, the Republic must strike a careful balance in its relationships with its many Middle Eastern trading partners. With over 1.2

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Western energy companies to re-enter Iran’s oil and gas sector

The interim agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme with the international community began on January 20, and Iran has  taken steps to attract foreign investments in its neglected oil and gas

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Iran’s return prompts change to Saudi Arabia’s energy strategy

The Iranian nuclear deal poses a major threat to Saudi Arabia’s influence over both the GCC and OPEC, as Gulf nations reestablish relations with Iran. As a result, Saudi has

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Relations between Iran and UAE begin to improve

The interim deal with Iran could prove an economic boon to the UAE. Close trade relations plus the growing congruence of diplomatic opinion between the U.S., the UAE’s most important

International Natural resources and energy

Five political risk factors affecting oil markets in 2014

Predicting oil trends was always a precarious job, and 2014 will not be any different in that regard. But the year ahead could bring developments with longer-term consequences for the

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Oman and BP finalise natural gas deal, signalling regional change

The Sultanate’s recent natural gas deal with BP signals greater economic and energy prowess for Oman, and a shift toward independent action rather than cooperation with other Gulf nations. Oman