My latest piece for LobeLog takes a look at the global oil market and events in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

Fallujah officially belongs to Iraq again, per the Pentagon: Iraqi security forces have "100 percent control" of Fallujah, located 40 miles west of Baghdad, Pentagon officials said. Fallujah was the first city taken over by ISIS in January 2014. "I congratulate Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi and the Iraqi people for their progress in freeing the … Continue reading Liberating Fallujah, or whatever’s left of it

The Turkish President eats a little crow.

Jeremy Corbyn is to blame for Brexit, naturally, because it's always a good time to punch hippies.

Hopefully this will be the last you hear from me on Brexit except insofar as it impacts US foreign policy and/or the parts of the world I usually cover. The truth is, while I knew the referendum was happening and I'd read enough about it to be basically informed, I haven't been keeping a close … Continue reading Was anything about the “Leave” campaign not a con?

So, Brexit. How about that?

Early vote counts show Brexit doing a lot better than most people (me included) expected that it would. And, uh, the markets are reacting just a little bit: Also, Lindsay Lohan would like to help explain to voters why they should vote to stay in the EU. Sure, they've already voted, but you have to … Continue reading Wheeeeeeee, Brexit edition

As one Libyan government looks set to drive ISIS out of Sirte, the stage may be setting for a resumption of the civil war.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is, as you know, up for reelection next year. There are many reasons to think that, barring some unforeseen security and/or economic crisis between now and the election, Rouhani shouldn't have a particularly difficult time winning another term. For one thing, inertia is on his side. Rouhani is the seventh president … Continue reading Rouhani’s toughest opponent?

As you no doubt know, the big Brexit referendum is tomorrow. I have no basis to even hazard a guess as to how this will go, but I will note that in a relatively similar and relatively recent referendum, the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum, the remain/status quo option significantly (by 5% or more depending on … Continue reading Happy Brexit Eve