Features / Political Review
Tragedy and Hope: Egypt’s Petroleum Sector in Light of the Economic Programs of Presidential Hopefuls
As the political fog clears and the future of Egypt's power structure narrows down to a handful of possibilities, the fate of the country's petroleum sector can be speculated upon in more precise, more firmly grounded terms. The implications of the electoral process on the sector and on the economy reach beyond the simple fact that the identity of Egypt's new president will be determined. The conclusion of the process itself is expected to beckon relative stability born of increased certainty, even as the powers to be designated to the new president remain unknown. Walking the Fault Lines: Avoiding Conflict through Forced Cooperation
International conflicts waged due to territorial disputes often veil a scramble for hydrocarbon resources. In many cases, the problem lies in the overlapping of resource reservoirs with interstate borders, triggering bouts of competitive exploitation and/or confrontation between states. Cooperation in resource development, in the form of Unitization or Joint Petroleum Development, can potentially minimize the probability of conflict if properly integrated into the international legal order. New Dawn or Nightfall: The rise of political Islam and its effects on the petroleum sector
In its modern history, Egypt has never been subject to Islamist political domination, and the upcoming experiment is already the source of anxiety for many with a stake in the country's economic future. The oil and gas sector, like all others, stands to be affected by any significant changes in policy, but while changes are expected, a drastic and potentially disastrous overhaul of the economy is not going to be realized anytime soon. The industry can adapt to whomever ends up running the country. What it will struggle with is the continuation of the status quo in which no one truly does. Crisis of Confidence: The Tantalizing Hope of Rebuilding Trust
On an unremarkable morning in mid-January of the current year, several cities across Egypt suddenly found themselves half-paralyzed and in a state of anxiety, owing to a sudden gasoline shortage that hit gas stations simultaneously. The shortage gradually developed into a crisis in the days that followed, and the public’s anxiety evolved into panic. Immense queues built up and tensions reached boiling point, leading to several violent clashes and a reported death. Meanwhile, the political leadership claimed innocence from the debacle and blamed circumstances and rumors, justifications which several private sector operators contradicted. Between Syria and Iran: Concessions and Contradictions in Brussels
The European Union (EU) is finding itself in a practical dilemma, unwaveringly targeting the Syrian oil industry with its sanctions but hesitant to target the Iranian oil industry due to the precarious balance currently in place Oil & Finance… The Epic Corruption
In his latest controversial book, Raymond J. Learsy presented a real-time account of a nation in crisis, filled with contemplations and reactions. He suggests ways to reduce dependence on foreign oil, develop alternative energy sources, stabilize economy and shore up the national security. Learsy condemns governments of major countries, mainly the U.S, along with the OPEC for providing misinformation about the oil prices, which has pervaded the understanding of how oil prices were determined and how the willful disinformation that was being circulated by them to make people meekly acquiesce to a rigged, manipulated and speculator driven market Libya’s Auspicious Petroleum Future: Al-Qaddafi’s Fall and the Arab Spring
Undoubtedly, it was a joyous moment when the Libyan rebels jubilantly celebrated their victory over Muammar Al-Qaddafi after finally seizing control of Al-Azizia compound in Tripoli, ending a horrid civil war that lasted over six months and a despotic regime that persisted over four decades. The future of Libya now seems promising, resting in the hands of its National Transitional Council (NTC), which acted as the political 'face' of the revolution, and currently serves as Libya's interim government. Subsea Safety
The political events of the last few months have left Egypt's economy in a battered state. The country's once lucrative tourism industry suffers and the stock market continues to struggle as financiers scale back their investments. The oil and gas industry however, has largely been able to maintain its successes and continues to see investments despite the need for some reforms. 
