Exclusive Iraq's Kurds air fury over PM Sudani's stance after attack on gas field “We were shocked at Sudani’s audacity. Imagine the state we would have been in had he gotten his way,” a senior Iraqi Kurdish official speaking not for attribution told Al-Monitor. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
UAE pledges up to $50B for Canada during Carney's Abu Dhabi visit The agreement was signed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday, during the former’s official visit to Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates
Syria signs deals with ConocoPhillips, Novaterra Energy: What to know Syria signed a memorandum of understanding with US energy companies ConocoPhillips and Novaterra Energy to develop and explore gas fields as Damascus works to revive the country’s battered natural gas sector. Syria
Egypt, Russia advance construction at Dabaa nuclear plant: What to know The Dabaa nuclear plant could help Egypt address its energy woes while boosting cooperation with Russia. Egypt
Egypt’s non-oil private sector records two years of contraction The last time the Purchasing Managers Index, which offers insight into the private sector, recorded expansion in Egypt's economy was back in November 2020. Egypt
TotalEnergies proceeds with gas exploration plans in Lebanon Lebanon has been eagerly working with the French energy giant since reaching a historic maritime border agreement with Israel in October. Lebanon
Israeli gas sector strengthens with Chevron, Morocco deals Israel is already exporting gas to Egypt and Jordan and is now eyeing greater energy ties with Morocco following the Abraham Accords. Israel
Oil prices fall to lowest since January despite Saudi-backed production cut The price decrease could be worrisome for Saudi Arabia and its investment plans. Legacy: Gulf
US unveils sanctions on Turkish businessman over IRGC oil sales The United States designated what it described as an international oil smuggling and money laundering network led by Turkish businessman Sitki Ayan. Turkey
Analysis The Takeaway: Xi's Saudi Arabia trip sends a message to US Plus, the Biden administration gears up for next week’s summit of African leaders and warns that Iran is still fueling Yemen’s war. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Malaysia’s Petronas to explore for 'unconventional oil' in Abu Dhabi Unconventional oil, which is extracted via relatively complex methods, is found in the Western Hemisphere and Russia. Abu Dhabi is also seeking to extract some after successfully obtaining unconventional gas. Legacy: Gulf
China’s Xi heads to Saudi Arabia, adding strain to US ties Xi's visit to Saudi, the first in six years, will include two summits with Arab and GCC leaders and could see an agreement on nuclear technology Legacy: Gulf
OPEC+ decision to maintain production marks end of oil’s turbulent year The Saudi- and Russian-led cartel has both increased and decreased oil production this year, affecting global oil prices and relations with the United States in the process. Legacy: Gulf
International oil assets reported hit as Turkey strikes Syria's Kurdish zone Turkey’s wave of air attacks against Kurdish-controlled northeast Syria have reportedly hit oil assets run by international oil companies. Syria
Iran, Iraq sign $4 billion engineering agreement The deal comes at a notable time in Iran-Iraq relations, as the Islamic Republic continues to threaten and attack Kurdish groups in Iraq. Iran
Saudi Arabia announces new natural gas discoveries The kingdom is already a major oil exporter, but it could also start exporting natural gas in the near future. Legacy: Gulf
