Left: "The number one crude oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, has projected a $39 billion deficit in 2015. The impact of lower oil prices, along with the decision not to cut production, is putting pressure on the country’s finances." It is virtually … [Read more...] about The Oil Market Crossroad
Energy policy
Weekly Briefing, November 10-15, 2014
Left: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shakes hands with attendants of the First Latin American Muslim Religious Leaders Summit in Istanbul, where he announced that Muslims discovered the Americas before Columbus. Turkey Reaches Out to Latin … [Read more...] about Weekly Briefing, November 10-15, 2014
Weekly Briefing, September 28-October 4, 2014
Left: Iraqi Shiite fighters wearing explosive belts Jihad is Jihad is Jihad and It's Deadly - Rachel Ehrenfeld - The ISIS announcement of American aid worker, despite his conversion to Islam. Former Army Ranger Peter Edward Kassig, now … [Read more...] about Weekly Briefing, September 28-October 4, 2014
If we must speak Gaelic, Amaideas!*
All the media hype to the contrary notwithstanding, the referendum on independence for Scotland was very close to a farce. Ironic, too, that such political balderdash should have taken place in the historic home of a half dozen of the world’s most … [Read more...] about If we must speak Gaelic, Amaideas!*
The Islamic States’ Oil Revenue
The European Union Ambassador to Iraq, Jana Hybášková, repeated last week her claim that European countries are “inadvertently aiding the Islamic State.” She claimed the Europeans are purchasing $3 million worth of oil a day, from areas controlled by … [Read more...] about The Islamic States’ Oil Revenue
Strategy, Anyone?*
“Okay, smart-a___, what is your strategy?” In a (rather large) nutshell, here are the tactics which when pulled together make up a grand strategy: Domestic Make an “America is back!” speech from the Oval Office in the White House modeled on Harry … [Read more...] about Strategy, Anyone?*
Israel-Jordan: Natural Gas Agreement
On September 4, 2014, Israel signed a letter of intent to sell natural gas to Jordan. In January 25th, 2012, we published J. Millard Burr's report on ”Egypt: Natural Gas, Pipelines, and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum." The report said: “In … [Read more...] about Israel-Jordan: Natural Gas Agreement
Saving NATO
It was one great historical irony that when NATO’s famous Article 5 – an attack on any member is an attack on all and demands their assistance – was invoked, it would be not in the aid of the European states for which the Treaty was designed but for … [Read more...] about Saving NATO
Mexico: Mañana is Here*
Much has changed, obviously, since 1989 when I published "Mexico: chaos on our doorstep.** As so often has happened, my timing was bad. The book’s research identified a problem prematurely and the title raised hackles among some Latin American … [Read more...] about Mexico: Mañana is Here*
Next Steps in Cyber Security*
Mounting cyber attacks on the economic interests of the United States are a constant reminder that, despite the billions of dollars spent by both the U.S. government and the private sector to date, our cyber defenses are lacking. This is not to say … [Read more...] about Next Steps in Cyber Security*