|
Top headlines
Lead story
The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran is nearly three weeks old, and rather than abating, the conflict is steadily expanding across the region.
In fact, something of a Rubicon appeared to be crossed this week, argues Rice University scholar and Gulf expert Kristian Coates Ulrichsen. On Wednesday, Israeli planes struck Iran’s energy assets in South Pars gas field, part of a maritime zone shared with Qatar that makes up the world’s largest natural gas field. Within hours, Tehran had struck and badly damaged some of Qatar’s own energy facilities.
The attacks have thrown global energy markets into a frenzy, spooking investors, political leaders and consumers in the process.
But they also represent something of a worst-case scenario for Gulf states like Qatar who have ridden the fat profits of oil and gas into regional power status, Ulrichsen writes.
The blowback affecting energy assets also points to a broader thorny security dilemma for the six Gulf states: Can the longtime promise of U.S. protection remain a bankable guarantee in the face of daily Iranian attacks?
To see the latest from our ongoing coverage of the Iran war, click here.
One last thing: If you enjoy The Conversation’s daily newsletter, we think you’d appreciate reading Nautilus. Their daily newsletter delivers thoughtful science and culture, exploring ideas that shape how we see the world. Try it.
|
