Secret Negotiations Around Afghanistan’s Oil
October 24th, 2024
Via YouTube, an interesting documentary on the legacy of secret negotiations between Afghanistan and America to build a pipeline through Afghanistan:
Read more »China’s Evolving Strategy in South and Central Asia
October 16th, 2024
Via The Diplomat, a look at how China’s growing footprint in South and Central Asia has been made possible by the influx of grants, loans, mergers, and economic concessions for projects: In the middle of the Pamir mountains, near the remote Tajik-Afghan border area of Badakhshan, I find myself staring at a large red banner […]
Read more »Taliban Formally Seek Invitation To Russia’s BRICS Summit
September 26th, 2024
Via VOA News, a report on Afghanistan’s interest in the BRICS: Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban confirmed Wednesday that they have formally sought to join the upcoming Russia-hosted summit of the BRICS intergovernmental group of major emerging economies. The leaders of the 10 members of BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are […]
Read more »Afghanistan’s Role in Fuelling Smuggling and Drug Trafficking
September 23rd, 2024
Via Modern Diplomacy, a report on how – since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 – concerns have escalated regarding the group’s involvement in illicit activities: Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, concerns have escalated regarding the group’s involvement in illicit activities. One issue drawing international attention is […]
Read more »Uzbekistan To Start Processing Afghan Crude As Taliban Attempt Oil Revival
September 15th, 2024
Via S&P Global, a report on plans for Uzbekistan to start processing Afghan crude as Taliban attempt an oil revival: Fergana refinery to process volumes shipped across border Energy crisis prompts upstream push by Taliban government Iranian shortages seen worsening Afghan fuel problems Uzbek oil refiner Saneg has struck a deal to process a first batch […]
Read more »Can Afghanistan’s Economy Survive Without Aid?
September 14th, 2024
Via The Diplomat, a report on the need for the Taliban government to acknowledge the potential loss of international aid and cash shipments next year, and focus on identifying alternative ways to support livelihoods: The evolving political landscapes and priorities of the United States and other donor nations may pose a threat to the ongoing […]
Read more »Focusing primarily on The New Seven Sisters - the largely state owned petroleum companies from the emerging world that have become key players in the oil & gas industry as identified by Carola Hoyos, Chief Energy Correspondent for The Financial Times - but spanning other nascent opportunities around the globe that may hold potential in the years ahead, Wildcats & Black Sheep is a place for the adventurous to contemplate & evaluate the emerging markets of tomorrow.