Oil prices have declined significantly since the middle of 2014, causing significant concern among major oil exporters, among the Russia and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC; Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE).
Derasat Reports
China’s Strategy Toward Iran and the GCC States: the Challenge of Balancing Interests and Principles
China’s Strategy Toward the GCC States: The Challenge of Balancing Interests and Principles
This report looks at the prospects for Gulf-Russian oil and non-oil cooperation, in light of the latest economic and geo-strategic developments that are affecting oil markets.
The Syrian conflict continues to deteriorate, with estimates suggesting a death toll in excess of 300,000, in addition to millions of refugees. The conflict has been extremely internationalized, not just in terms of the diplomatic attention that it has attracted, but also…
The Gulf countries are taking steps toward monetary union. The continuing Greek debt crisis has caused major problems for the European single currency. It also presents useful lessons for the Gulf countries as they plan their own single currency.
In July 2015, the P5 + 1 countries reached a deal on the Iranian nuclear program and on the lifting of economic sanctions imposed upon Iran. This important development in Middle Eastern strategy led to extensive commentary from many different stakeholders, including the governments of the US, Israel, Iran, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
A quarterly publication that provides an overview of the current state of the Bahraini economy and analyzes it. In the “Policy Focus” section, the report analyzes an important current issue faced by policymakers and provides recommendations.
Indubitably, the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program, which was signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries in Vienna on July 14, 2015, did not end the controversy over the former’s nuclear program.
The Chinese economy is undergoing major reforms in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. These reforms aim to help the Chinese economy maintain its previous growth trends. Yet in a low oil price environment, some challenges arise with regards to China’s energy security.