MenuInternational Business Times January 12, 2016 By Christopher Harress http://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/world/black-gold-drowns-middle-east-arms-race/ar-CCtElo As Middle East nations look to build up their weaponry amid regional civil wars, that arms race is now at risk of grinding to a halt. The price of oil kept sliding Tuesday, past the point where the oil-based economies in the region are able to balance their budgets.
Category Archives: Geopolitics
Saudi-Iranian Crisis, China’s Economic Slide Set Stage for Perfect Storm in the Oil Market
The Atlantic Council January 5, 2016 By Ariel Cohen http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/saudi-iranian-crisis-china-s-economic-slide-set-the-stage-for-perfect-storm-in-the-oil-market The deepening rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran may have dire consequences for global oil markets because the kingdom’s Eastern Province, where the Shia are in the majority, produces most of its oil. Production would suffer if Iran were to foment unrest among this population.
Russia’s Quarrel With Turkey Is Distracting—and Dangerous
The National Interest December 3, 2015 By Ariel Cohen http://nationalinterest.org/archives/by/2398 De-escalation is crucial in order to restore focus on the Syrian war itself. As the world’s leaders gathered for the COP 21 climate change summit in Paris, a more immediate and grave threat should have preoccupied their attention. Two regional powers, Russia and Turkey, have
REPORT: Developing a Western Energy Strategy for the Black Sea Region and Beyond
Atlantic Council November 18, 2015 By Dr. Ariel Cohen In Developing a Western Energy Strategy for the Black Sea Region and Beyond, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center and Global Energy Center Ariel Cohen addresses the urgent need for a European policy on Black Sea energy following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Dr. Cohen on US-Russian anti-ISIS cooperation and Syria (Russian)
Dr. Cohen on RBK comments on anti-ISIS cooperation between US and Russia November 18, 2015
A ‘Cold War 2.0’ playing out in the Middle East
Jerusalem Post November 3, 2015 By Ariel Ben Solomon Putin’s government tries to establish a security belt stretching from Iraq to the Mediterranean, expert tells the “Post.” The US is facing a “Cold War 2.0” against Russia in places such as Ukraine, the Baltic states, and Syria as President Vladimir Putin’s government tries to establish
Trial by turbulence in Turkey
The Hill October 30, 2015 By Ariel Cohen As the maelstrom of mayhem in the Middle East – from Benghazi to Baghdad and from Tripoli to Tikrit – expands, Turkey, a pillar of U.S. Middle East policy, is facing tough tests from without and within. Sunni-Shi’a strife combined with the rise of ISIS is erasing
Turkey Energy Deals: Moscow’s Increased Intervention In Syrian War Is Putting Economic Accords With Ankara At Risk
International Business Times October 17, 2015 By Christopher Harress The European Union on Monday scheduled talks with Russia to press for the speedy resolution of a dispute with Ukraine that has hit gas supplies to countries in eastern and southern Europe facing freezing temperatures. Turkey has increased gas delivered from Russia via the Blue-Stream pipeline
War in Syria: Time for America to Get Tough on Russia
The National Interest October 15, 2015 By Ariel Cohen Last week, Russia hit Syria with 26 Kalibr cruise missiles fired from its warships in the Caspian Sea. The strikes mirrored the U.S. Tomahawk missile strikes against Iraq and Afghanistan of the past decade. This is the first time Russia is using military force outside the
Dr. Cohen’s commentary on the situation in Syria (Russian)
RBC TV Channel September 20, 2015 Dr. Cohen’s interview with RBK, Russian business channel, discussing the military aspects of Russia’s involvement in Syria. https://youtu.be/BCcMh5wQPBw