Geopolitical Diary

The atmospherics in the U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran changed on Wednesday. [more]

The United States is considering the geopolitical and economic implications of the possibility that Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the oil markets and other international players are sitting back and waiting to see how the drama, if any, unfolds. [more]

The Europeans have reported the largest increase in inflation since the creation of the European Central Bank. [more]

A 2007 presidential finding has approved covert operations in Iran, according to an article in The New Yorker by Seymour Hersh. [more]

North Korea on Thursday gave documentation of its nuclear activities to China. The United States almost immediately lifted trade restrictions and announced North Korea would be removed from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. [more]

Israel's two main political parties struck a deal to prolong the current government's life the same day that Hamas' military wing split due to internal disagreements. [more]

The possibility of the United States establishing a diplomatic presence in Iran provides significant insight into the relationship between the two countries and the continuing importance of Iraq. [more]

Congress held hearings Monday on the role of speculators in driving oil prices up. [more]

Saudi Arabia will increase oil supplies by the amount proposed a week ago as it strikes a balance between maximizing its profit and maintaining demand. [more]

China on Thursday announced that it will increase gasoline and diesel prices by up to 18 percent. [more]

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hinted on Wednesday that direct, public talks between Israel and Syria are likely. A peace deal between the countries would effect changes in the Middle East and beyond. [more]

U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan are preparing for overt operations across the border in Pakistan. [more]

The revelation that a Pakistani-based ring had blueprints for nuclear weapon construction casts the Iranian nuclear issue in a disturbing light. [more]

Ireland held on Thursday a referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon, the result of which could determine the fate of the European Union. [more]

While oil prices have risen, so have the prices of food -- the world's most strategic commodity. [more]

Previous and future maneuvers by Iran to intervene in a potential U.S.-Iraq security pact, especially the positioning of American bases in Iraq, could heavily influence the overall political dynamic of the region. [more]

The presidents of Venezuela and Iran both have found themselves in quite a bind over the last two days. [more]

China is raising its reserve requirement for banks by 1 percent and setting the stage for substantial business failures. Workers' reactions to the ensuing unemployment are the most important facet of this move. [more]

The Turkish Constitutional Court ruled to overturn an amendment that had lifted the ban on women wearing headscarves at universities. With this, the court likely strengthened a case pending against the ruling party. [more]

Crude oil prices have been sliding downward in recent days -- a phenomenon that could have several causes and is not uncommon. [more]