COMMENTS: Officially, India does not recognize the US sanctions on Iran and had announced that it will continue buying Iranian oil.
But, unofficially, the long arm of the US extends to the financial Continue reading “India’s Oil Supply Dilemma”
Category: Politics
Is Turkey in Line for US Sanctions?
COMMENTS: The US/Turkish relations have not been rosy for a while now. They have been souring (at least visibly) since the failed coup against President Erdogan a couple of years ago, which Turkey insinuated was supported clandestinely by the US through the Fethulla opposition organization. Continue reading “Is Turkey in Line for US Sanctions?”
Pessimism or Optimism?
Optimism begets peace of mind, tranquility and possibly happiness, while pessimism begets worry, gloom and anxiety. Does this mean that we should ignore negative outlooks and only listen to those that are positive and optimistic? Maybe, but that would expose us to the vagaries of the negative events – if they occur – without being prepared for them. Continue reading “Pessimism or Optimism?”
Will Iran Sanctions Speed De-Dollarization?
COMMENTS: The insistence of the US to implement its harsh sanctions on Iran while at the same time implementing sanctions on Russia, China, North Korea, Venezuela, etc. And threatening the EU and the rest of the world, if they move a finger in Iran’s aid, might in the end turn cornered victims into roaring lions. Continue reading “Will Iran Sanctions Speed De-Dollarization?”
Sanctions: The Mother of Carrot and Stick Policies
US foreign policy is ever so clever. It uses only two simple tools to achieve its commendable goals of spreading peace, prosperity and democracy throughout the World.
These two tools are derived from the “Carrot and Stick” concept, which was historically used in training children, Continue reading “Sanctions: The Mother of Carrot and Stick Policies”
Qatar Sells Most of its Shares in Russian Gas Company
DAILY BASKET – NEWS COMMENTARY
We had reviewed in April 10, 2017 the news that Qatar had begun to increase its investments in Russia. It had invested approx. US$ 2 Billion between 2014 and 2016. Another US$ 1 Billion in 25% of Russian Pulkova airport, and US$ 11 Billion for about 20% of Rosneft Oil Co., the largest oil Continue reading “Qatar Sells Most of its Shares in Russian Gas Company”
Venezuelan Collapse? Wishful Thinking?
The oil and business press is abuzz with predictions of an imminent Venezuelan financial collapse, as a prelude to its political implosion, which should oust President Maduro and erase the Hugo Chaves ambitious experiment. Continue reading “Venezuelan Collapse? Wishful Thinking?”
US Steps on Chinese Toes
DAILY BASKET – NEWS COMMENTARY
US Steps on Chinese Toes
MARSAL COMMENTS: The US announcement that it will sell Taiwan $ 1.42 Billion of weapons has China hopping mad. This is not what Trump tacitly agreed with Xi, China’s leader.
Taiwan is a red line for China, and using it to pressure China whether on North Korea, South China Sea or world trade, is rather crass of the US. It seems diplomacy has been put to sleep. Continue reading “US Steps on Chinese Toes”
US Trade War?
DAILY BASKET – NEWS COMMENTARY
US Trade War?
MARSAL COMMENTS: President Trump seems determined to “Make America Great Again”. One obvious step is to reduce the trade deficit with the world. The US imports far more than it exports. The simple and fast way to do that may be to levy import tariffs on products from the main US trading partners; China and Germany. Continue reading “US Trade War?”
Gas Wars?
Gas Wars?
It is expected that demand for gas will rise, especially in the longer term. It is cleaner, more efficient and cheaper than oil. (The cost of heating an average American house is three times more expensive using oil rather than gas). Continue reading “Gas Wars?”