Uncovering the Hidden History: Arabian Oil and Power Politics

The Arabian Peninsula has long been synonymous with oil, wealth, and power. From the discovery of oil in the early 20th century to the present day, the extraction and control of Arabian oil have shaped global geopolitics in ways that not many are aware of. In this article, we delve into the hidden history of Arabian oil and the deep-rooted power politics surrounding it.

The Birth of Arabian Oil Industry

The origins of the Arabian oil industry can be traced back to the early 20th century when vast reserves of oil were discovered beneath the desert sands. At that time, the region was largely under the control of various Bedouin tribes and lacked the infrastructure required for oil extraction and refining.

Recognizing the strategic importance of Arabian oil, major international powers, particularly Britain and the United States, sought to gain control over these valuable resources. Through a series of diplomatic maneuvers, concessions were granted to major oil companies from the West, paving the way for the establishment of the Arabian oil industry as we know it today.

Mirage: Power, Politics, And the Hidden History of Arabian Oil

by Aileen Keating(Kindle Edition)

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FREE

The Rise of OPEC: Shaping Global Oil Politics

As Arabian oil production boomed in the mid-20th century, tensions grew between the Western-controlled oil companies and the Arab states seeking greater control over their resources. In response to these imbalances of power, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was formed in 1960.

OPEC, initially consisting of Arab, African, and Latin American countries, aimed to collectively bargain for fairer oil prices and assert greater control over their oil reserves. Through strategic production cuts, embargoes, and price hikes, OPEC has had significant influence over global oil markets, often using oil as a political tool to achieve their goals.

The Hidden Hand of Western Influence

While OPEC had some success in challenging Western dominance, the influence of major powers like the United States and Britain remained significant. These nations engaged in covert operations and political interference to protect their interests in the region.

The overthrow of democratic governments in certain oil-rich Arab countries, such as Iran in 1953 and Iraq in 1963, highlights the extent to which foreign powers were willing to go to maintain control over the region's oil resources.

The Gulf Wars: A Battle for Oil

The Persian Gulf region has been a hotspot for conflict due to its strategic oil reserves. The Gulf Wars - particularly the Iraq invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and the subsequent U.S.-led military intervention - highlighted the military dimension of power politics surrounding Arabian oil.

It is widely believed that securing control over oil resources played a significant role in the decision-making process that led to these wars. The hidden agendas and strategic calculations of major powers further underscore the intertwining of oil and power politics in the region.

A Shifting Balance of Power

In recent years, the balance of power in the Arabian oil industry has been shifting. Arab states are increasingly asserting their control over their resources, while major powers seek new avenues for energy security.

The development of renewable energy technologies, growing concerns over climate change, and an increasing focus on diversification have prompted both Arab states and global powers to reassess their reliance on Arabian oil.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Arabian Oil

The future of Arabian oil holds a mix of challenges and opportunities. While there is still significant demand for fossil fuels, global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources are gaining momentum.

Arabian countries are investing in renewable energy projects, aiming to reduce their reliance on oil and capitalize on their natural resources for sustainable development. At the same time, major powers are exploring alternative energy sources and technologies to ensure energy security in a changing world.

, the hidden history of Arabian oil reveals a complex tapestry of power politics, foreign interference, and resource control. The exploitation and manipulation of Arabian oil reserves have shaped global geopolitics and underscored the interplay between power, control, and energy resources. As the world continues to navigate the energy transition, the role of Arabian oil in shaping the future of energy and global politics will remain an evolving story worth following closely.

Mirage: Power, Politics, And the Hidden History of Arabian Oil

by Aileen Keating(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

FREE

At the close of World War I, the great oil reserves of the Arabian Peninsula lay hidden beneath the desert sands. Westerners dismissed today's opulent Gulf States as little valued back lots among the rich real estate that made up the British Empire. Although the British adeptly appropriated the underground petroleum lakes in Iran and then in Iraq, across the water on the Arab side of the Persian Gulf the entire peninsula was deemed worthless by world experts who insisted, "There is no oil in Arabia."In this fascinating history of the discovery, development, and exploitation of Middle East oil, international journalist Aileen Keating tells a largely unknown story rich in drama, conflict, and comic interludes. She reveals how the experts could be so wrong for so long and why the fabulously rich oilfields of Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia remained untapped for years after they were discovered by a colorful New Zealander named Frank Holmes.Denied the recognition he is due in the West, Frank Holmes has been honored as Abu al-Naft ―"the Father of Oil" ― by the Arabs of the Persian Gulf since the early 1920s. The stories behind the official downplaying of Holmes's crucial role by British and American oil executives and government officials reveal a great deal about the fiercely competitive power grabs and injustices that characterized both colonialism and petroleum development in the Middle East.Keating's authoritative narrative is based on years of research in original archives across the world. She explodes many myths, including the widely held notion that oil companies and geological experts of the time really did know that there was oil in Arabia but kept the knowledge under wraps to keep competitors away. Against an exotic backdrop of international intrigue and folly in high places, Keating also underscores the fact that the Arab sheikdoms after World War I were virtual outposts of the Raj (British rule from India),which helps to explain much about the political maneuvering that kept the Arab kingdoms from gaining independence and profiting from their own oil reserves for many decades.Complete with maps and photos, a "who's who" of key persons, and copious notes, Mirage is both a work of in-depth scholarship and an engaging story of power and politics with striking relevance for our time.