Republicans Believe Obama Vulnerable On Coal
Conservatives are glad to point out the president’s perceived hostility to coal, but the industry’s greatest rival is natural gas.
Energy
South Sudan Wants More Money from Beijing
The government in Juba complains that Chinese promises of aid aren’t being kept.
Time for Compromise on Trans Caspian Pipeline
Wikistrat analysts say the time is ripe for an energy deal between Europe and Russia on Caspian Sea exports.
America’s King Coal Hopes to Reign in China
Environmental regulations and a boom in natural gas are destroying the oil industry.
Shale Gas Search Divides Romania
Unconventional natural gas extraction could decrease Romania’s dependence on Russia.
Kirchner, Obama Punish Industry for Rising Fuel Costs
The presidents of Argentina and the United States announce measures to penalize the oil industry.
Sudan Mobilizes Army as South Claims Key Oilfields
South Sudan takes possession of a strategic town near the border with the north.
Putin’s Port Project to Divert Russia Urals Oil to Baltic
Shifting oil transports away from Belarus and Ukraine will afford Russia greater control over costs and delivery.
Americans Urge Saudi Arabia to Boost Oil Output
The kingdom insists that it will raise production if Iranian oil exports fall.
Shale Gas Boom Could Reinvigorate Rust Belt
Former coal and steel areas in the Northwestern United States could prosper again if there is a shale gas boom.
Russian State Oil Company Seeks to Bypass Ukraine
Transneft announces plans to bypass Ukraine’s transit system.
Internal Politics Prohibit India from Joining Iran Embargo
India, despite growing closer to the West, is not going to support more sanctions against Iran.
Israel Has a New Friend, Cyprus
The basis for the relationship has been economic, but Wikistrat analysts expect it could grow deeper.
South Korea Strengthens Defense Ties With Saudi Arabia
In an attempt to diversify oil imports, South Korea is reaching out to the Arab Gulf states.
War Damage to Hit Return of Libyan Crude
If Libya speeds up the revitalization of its oil industry, Wikistrat predicts a bright future for the country.