In The News

Controlling Iraq’s Oil: Not So Easy

Serge Schmemann November 3, 2002
Though the countries opposing the war in Iraq may have valid moral or ideological reasons behind their position, they also have trade ties to the country that might be threatened by a war. The US, on the other hand, may have economic interests driving it to push for an invasion of Iraq. America's motivations certainly may include security concerns, but the prospect of gaining a private gas...

Why Should We Do More to Cut Greenhouse Gases?

P. Sunderarajan October 31, 2002
At the start of a UN conference on climate change in New Delhi, the Indian government is taking offense at the suggestion that India and other so-called developing nations should further decrease their greenhouse gases emissions. Developed nations have called for an increase in developing nations' commitment to gas reduction. Prime Minister Vajpayee calls this proposed standard “...

World Court Rules for Cameroon in Prolonged Oil-Land Border Dispute With Nigeria

Marc Lacey October 11, 2002
The World Court has declared Cameroon the rightful owner of the Bakassi peninsula, ending the country's long-standing dispute with Nigeria. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, the Bakassi area is rich in oil and has provided important naval access for Nigeria. Concern that the Nigerian military might balk at the decision worried some observers, but many are encouraged that the presidents of...

World Court Rules for Cameroon in Prolonged Oil-Land Border Dispute With Nigeria

Marc Lacey with Neela Banerjee October 11, 2002
The World Court has declared Cameroon the rightful owner of the Bakassi peninsula, ending the country's long-standing dispute with Nigeria. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, the Bakassi area is rich in oil and has provided important naval access for Nigeria. Concern that the Nigerian military might balk at the decision worried some observers, but many are encouraged that the presidents of...

War on Iraq Could Be Disastrous for Philippines

Al Labita October 7, 2002
If conflict breaks out in Iraq, a million Filipino workers living in the Middle East may have problems trying to send money back home. Foreign exchange remittances from overseas workers bring almost US$10 billion into the Philippines each year, and the country's economy might be devastated if that flow is suddenly halted. The Philippine government must also prepare to call in favors from...

Stable Oil Prices Likely to Become a War Casualty, Experts Say

Neela Banerjee October 2, 2002
The current conflict between the US and Iraq, should it escalate to outright war, would have major de-stabilizing effects on the world oil market. A variety of scenarios exist, including short-term price spikes, long-term price decreases, and increases or decreases in Saudi Arabian political and economic influence. Whatever changes may ensue, one thing is clear – oil is the blood that pumps...

Russian Oil ‘Can Ease Reliance on Mideast’

Nancy Dunne September 13, 2002
In an effort to decrease dependency on oil sources in the Mideast, US Senator Conrad Burns called for increased cooperation with Russian officials and oil companies. The senator hopes the development of Russian oil infrastructure will reduce the U.S.’s reliance on “rogue-oil” – an issue of particular sensitivity in light of President George Bush’s recent talk of war with Iraq. On October 1-2, the...