MenuThe U.S. is assembling its allies in Warsaw this week to coordinate Middle East policy– but with limited success. EU policy chief Federica Mogherini, joined by China, Russia, France, Germany, Turkey, and Qatar are boycotting the gathering, opting to adopt a more diplomatic, business-focused, and ‘less confrontational’ track with the Islamic Republic. Continued
Category Archives: Articles & Blogs
Discussing the US relations with Turkey
The U.S. foreign policy is becoming more nationalist, says Ariel Cohen, non resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Continued
Expert: U.S. weak response for Vitol’s violation could send message to other oil companies
Baku. 13 February. REPORT.AZ/ “Should the U.S. government issue a weak response for the violation by Vitol, it could send a message to other oil companies that violating sanctions for the sake of profit is worth the risk,” Ariel Cohen, PhD, Senior fellow, the Atlantic Council and founding principal, International market analysis LTD, said. Continued
VENEZUELA’S FINEST HOUR: GUAIDO, TRUMP AND THE WEST CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE | OPINION
We may be approaching the finale of the power struggle between Venezuela’s illegitimate Chavista regime and the country’s beleaguered democratic opposition. If the opposition’s champion Juan Guaido can succeed in wresting authority from Nicholas Maduro, the consequences will reverberate well beyond Caracas, into global energy markets—and exacerbate the U.S.–Russia rivalry. Continued
The American detained in Russia has four passports. That could help him – or hurt him.
Since Russia accused U.S. citizen Paul Whelan of espionage and detained him last week, curious details about the 48-year-old’s personal life have continued to trickle out. He was discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2008 for bad conduct. He has dozens of Russian friends on the Russian social media site Vkontakte. Continued
As Global Markets Cool, Investors Find Warmth In Central Asia’s Infrastructure
The long-anticipated global market correction may now be upon us. Worldwide stocks extend their losses over the weekend, leaving little room for optimism of a macroeconomic rebound. Chinese goods-exports growth slowed to 5.4% year-over-year in November, down from 15.6% in October. S&P futures are now down 10% on the year and the Dow Jones is
GM Must Adapt Or Die: A Lesson For U.S. Automakers
General Motors (NYSE:GM) announced Monday that it would be closing down five of its facilities across the United States, ceasing the production of six of its sedan brands, including the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6, XTS, Chevrolet Cruze, Impala, and hybrid-electric Volt. GM will also lay off some 15,000 workers. The car manufacturer claims that through
Kazatomprom IPO With Astana International Financial Center (AIX) Shows Global Appetite For Uranium
Some say nuclear energy is the stepdaughter of the energy industry. Many investors beg to differ. On November 14, Kazatomprom (KAP), the state-owned uranium production company of Kazakhstan made history by becoming the first initial public offering of a large Kazakh company in more than a decade. This is a dramatic finale for two important
Infrastructure Development in Central Asia
Development debates often focus on natural curses and blessings. For some countries, being landlocked is a curse resulting in difficult and costly access to/from markets. However, for the countries comprising Central Asia, most notably Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, in ancient times and today, being landlocked has been a blessing. The Silk Road puts Central Asia in
Oil Markets Yawn As Iran Sanctions Come Into Effect
A U.S. economic sledgehammer is falling on the Islamic Republic of Iran and global energy markets couldn’t care less – at least for now. Brent crude oil futures are up a meager $0.62 from their $72.61 open – bringing the benchmark to $73.23 just 12 hours into the first official day of renewed sanctions. Brent’s