In Geopolitics Today: Wednesday, March 1st
Oil Trade is Moving Away from Europe, US Increases Military Aid to Somalia, and other stories.
Oil Trade is Moving Away from Europe
The global crude oil market, estimated at $2.7 trillion, is dominated by traders of all types who deliver oil to consumers like the European Union (EU). In particular, the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp (ARA) make up a highly interconnected network that functions as an energy gateway into Europe.
However, European sanctions on Russian oil, changing oil trade routes, and new gasoline standards introduced in the Netherlands, are all weakening the ARA trade region over the long-term. This is likely to have knock-on effects on other trade activities in the area, negatively impacting the flexibility of industries and increasing production prices. Nevertheless, the Netherlands is likely to remain an important natural gas hub in Europe.
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Mexico’s President Calls Peruvian Government a Puppet Regime
In the latest escalation of tensions between Mexico and Peru, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has criticized his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, as a “puppet” beholden to oligarch interests.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since the removal of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo in December. The Mexican president continued his criticism of Castillo's arrest and imprisonment, speculating that the end goal was "an oligarchy plundering the country's natural resources." The diplomatic spat started soon after Boluarte took office, with Lopez Obrador denouncing the impeachment and imprisonment of Castillo.
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Investigation Uncovers UAE Information Campaign in Sudan
A coordinated network on Twitter is allegedly pushing United Arab Emirates' objectives in Sudan and conducting a targeted incitement campaign against civilian political forces in the country, according to a report by Khartoum-based Beam Reports.
The network uses hashtags related to Sudanese politics to influence public opinion, attacking public figures in the Forces of Freedom and Change coalition and promoting Emirati investments in the country, including a Red Sea port. Meanwhile, the UK government is working to provide a safe location for Iran International, an opposition broadcaster based in London that has faced security threats.
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US Air Force Grounds Aircraft After Fault Discovered
The US Air Force grounded 207 aircraft, including KC-135 Stratotankers and surveillance planes, following the discovery of “non-conforming” vertical pins that help to bear the load of the aircraft's tail fin.
The pins were supplied by BlueDog Industries and their flaws include “incorrect material, undersized dimensions, insufficient plating and lack of shot peening.” The grounding affected the aircraft that underwent Programmed Depot Maintenance, and the Air Force is now removing the pins from operational aircraft. To date, no accidents have been reported, and inspections to remove the pins reportedly only take around 30 minutes. Nevertheless, the fault of a single part can prove catastrophic for the airlines
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US Increases Military Aid to Somalia
Somalia is receiving increased military assistance from the United States as the country battles al-Shabab militants. The US has provided tons of weapons and ammunition in support of a Somalia-led military offensive that has recaptured dozens of towns since August.
The US has pledged to support Somalia's efforts to manage weapons and ammunition, which could lead to the lifting of the UN arms embargo on the country. Washington also supports Somali and African Union (AU) forces with drone strikes, intelligence, and training. This increased support comes as the AU force plans to withdraw from Somalia and hand over security responsibilities to the country by the end of 2024. The Somali government hopes to attract investment by cracking down on al-Shabab's financial network and encouraging religious authorities to reject the group.