MenuRussian President Vladimir Putin announced Moscow’s support of Iran’s aggression against Israel at a meeting with the Islamic Republic’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on October 11th in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Russia is boosting Iran’s military-industrial complex by purchasing thousands of ballistic missiles and “suicide” drones for its war in Ukraine. Putin’s statement comes after Iran launched some
Monthly Archives: November 2024
A Year After October 7, Iran is Still the Problem
I arrived in Israel with plans to spend the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, with my daughter and son-in-law. Instead, we spent two nights in a bomb shelter. The first missile salvo was launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon. Then came nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran and aimed at Israel’s major cities and towns. On Monday,
Kazakhstan Referendum Will Reshape Nuclear Energy In Central Asia
Kazakhstan has employed the time-honored practice of obtaining societal feedback by holding a referendum on October 6th, 2024, to determine whether it should begin constructing a nuclear power plant. With 64% of registered voters in the country submitting ballots, the referendum passed. 71.12% of voters voted in favor of building the plant, according to the
Energy Revenue Fuels A War-Time Moscow Boom
Hundreds of billions of dollars flowing into Russia from oil and gas sales are fueling Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, and more. Unbeknownst to some diplomats and other decision-makers, energy export revenues drive the massive geo-economic polarization between East and West, as petro and gas dollars pour into the Russian tech sector. Russia’s capital—and especially
Gastech: A Thriving Gas Sector, If You Can Keep It
Gastech, the annual global natural gas powwow that just wrapped up after three days in Houston, Texas, showcased a thriving industry that has benefited from great technological breakthroughs in recent decades. Hydraulic fracturing and liquefication are the two key technologies boosting the industry. While America considered importing liquified natural gas at the start of the
America’s Self-Inflicted Wound In Central Asia
In Central Asia, everyone appears to be moving to secure riches and interests. Japan has just conducted an investment summit with the Central Asian states to develop economic opportunities, China’s Xi is expanding business ties, the EU is inaugurating a new strategic summit, and Vladimir Putin will be visiting in November. The world understands Central
Trump And Harris Duel Over Energy
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for the first time on the debate stage on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. Though light on specific policies and plans, the event presented stark contrasts in their approaches to energy, climate, and geopolitics. Among the many topics discussed, both candidates used the occasion to
Europe’s Energy Policy Failures Fuel Election Shocks
Europe has been rocked by a series of decisive elections in the past months. In Germany, the populist-right Alternative for Germany, known as the AfD, won Thuringia’s state election, marking the first victory of a nationalist party in a German state election since 1945. This follows the party’s political gains earlier this year when the
Biden’s Carbon Capture: Miracle Or Mirage?
When Australian oil company Santos launched a low-emission oil field in Alaska using carbon capture technology, it was a rare international environmental victory. In an era defined by a global rediscovery of industrial policy, increasing tariffs, and an obsession with supply chain security and “made in America,” Santos stands out. That’s because there is one
Coal’s Asian Comeback
Southeast Asia’s renewable energy potential is some of the greatest in the world. In bold pursuit of renewable energy, Vietnam is undertaking an unorthodox but promising green hydrogen strategy, Thailand’s Prime Minister has promised to explore the cutting edge of nuclear power, and the Philippines has received broad praise for its commitment to renewables and