Epstein Secrets

talk of the end of Sykes-Picot is premature. Alternative energy and new modes of extraction have diversified energy markets, but the importance of the Persian Gulf and the wider Middle East for the global economy remains essential. This session will provide the opportunity to discuss the big picture of geopoli

uncertainty in Europe following Brexit and the continuing conflict in Ukraine. In Asia, you have rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea. In Africa, South Sudan and the Lake Chad basin are sites of serious humanitarian concern that transcend national borders. In South America, Ve

ell as in the strategic planning of the Axis powers during World War II. It also explains America's long-term drive to remain the dominant power in the Persian Gulf that culminated in the first Gulf War of 1990-91 and its inevitable sequel, the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The years since World War II have seen a var

es. China's determination to control its offshore hydrocarbon reserves has pushed it into conflict with other countries with offshore claims in the South China Sea and into a similar dispute with Japan in the East China Sea. Energy- related disputes of this sort can also be found in the Caspian Sea and in

tability. - Iran may not be able to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed indefinitely, but even threats and potential attempts will cause volatility in the Persian Gulf. Some point to recent history and argue that Iran has never launched a large-scale retaliatory attack. But times have changed, and Iran's position

S. government. Artick 6. The Diplomat Beijing's South China Sea Gamble Will Rogers February 4, 2012 -- Beijing seems to be doubling down in the South China Sea. Why? In large part it's to secure access to potential deep sea hydrocarbons like oil and natural gas — many describe the South China Sea as t