As Putin starts pulling his troops out of the country, could peace finally be coming to Syria? March 16, 2016 Michael Kerr, director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at KCL and author of The Alawis of Syria says Yes. On the same day that some of Syria’s warring factions attended talks in Geneva, again taking the initiative on Syria, Putin announced that Russia would withdraw some of its forces. This sent a message to the [...]
Putin orders Russian troops from Syria declaring mission accomplished, as foreign ministry tasked with intensifying attempts to broker a peace deal March 14, 2016 Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the main part of the Russian military to begin withdrawing from Syria, claiming the mission has achieved its objectives. According to a Kremlin spokesman Putin telephoned his ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to inform him Russian forces will begin to leave the country from Tuesday. Russia's role in the conflict allowed Syria to recapture territory from [...]
Opec is predicting lower demand for oil in 2016, resulting in an increase in excess supply in the market March 14, 2016 Global demand for oil is expected to be less than previously thought in 2016, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec). Opec has put demand for crude at an average of 31.52m barrels per day in 2016, down 90,000 from last month's forecast. In its latest month report Opec has also predicted that supply from non-Opec [...]
Russia predicts oil production freeze deal could be signed in April March 14, 2016 A historic deal among some of the world's biggest oil producers to freeze production could be inked in April and exclude Iran, Russian energy minister Alexander Novak said today. Speaking after a meeting with Iranian officials in Tehran, Novak said Iran has a right to duck out of the deal until the recovery of its oil output, which had [...]
Mercedes-Benz new E-Class still edges its rivals: here’s how March 14, 2016 Visiting a Mercedes-Benz showroom is a bewildering experience. With 17 models to choose from, should you go for a sporty coupe crossover or a sleek shooting brake estate? That’s before you even consider the 50-plus possible engine derivatives. Or the countless extra-cost options. Pity the poor salesman tasked with making sense of it all. But [...]
Iran will join output cap talks once it hits four million barrels per day March 13, 2016 Opec rebel Iran has said fellow members of the oil cartel should leave the country alone until it has raised production to over four million barrels per day. The country, which wants to rebuild its market share after a trade embargo, indicated it would then be interested in attending historic talks between Opec and Russia to [...]
Andy Murray criticises own sponsor Head for extending contract with Maria Sharapova despite failed drugs test March 11, 2016 Andy Murray has criticised his own sponsor, Head, for extending its contract with Maria Sharapova after she failed a drugs test. The world No2 questioned the tennis manufacturer's decision to stand by Sharapova following her suspension from tennis and said the Russian star deserved to be banned. "It's a strange stance given everything that's happened [...]
Algy Cluff warns George Osborne must cut taxes and says there needs to be more drilling in the North Sea March 11, 2016 Oil baron Algy Cluff is warning of dire consequences for Britain’s energy future, unless the government takes swift action. Cluff, who pioneered exploration in the North Sea in the 1970s, has added his voice to a growing number of industry figures urging chancellor George Osborne to make significant tax and rebate concessions in his Budget next [...]
First US shale gas shipment heads to Europe amid price war risk March 10, 2016 The first shipment of US shale gas earmarked for Europe left its terminal today, as analysts warn it could spark a price war with market leader Russia. Chemical company Ineos said one of its ships carrying liquefied natural gas had embarked on the 3,600 mile journey from Philadelphia to a purpose built storage tank in Norway. Jim Ratcliffe, chairman [...]
Maria Sharapova: Racket manufacturer Head extends endorsement deal despite failed drugs test March 10, 2016 Under-fire tennis star Maria Sharapova has been given a commercial boost after racket manufacturer Head extended their sponsorship of the Russian, despite revelations of a failed drugs test. Head praised the five-time grand slam champion's "honesty and courage" in admitting she had tested positive for banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January. The firm's commitment to continue working [...]