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The article discusses the unrest in Bahrain and how such could affect the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. It states that Bahrain is a small island with a large population of Shiites who are ruled by a Sunni minority. The uprisings demanding an end to the ruling family upsets Saudi Arabia since it has its own Shiite population, and the U.S. response to that uprising has reportedly been moderate. Ideally, greater Shiite representation in government can be achieved, but it suggests that this is unlikely to appease the people.

The article deals with a petroleum trade agreement entered into by the governments of Russia and Belarus on December 9, 2010, as the former pursues energy diplomacy in an attempt to strengthen its influence in neighboring countries. Such deal was reportedly caused by the fiscal pressures being faced by both countries. It explains the potential disputes that may result from the difficulties with monitoring the deal. Also noted is the decision of Belarus to participate in the customs union with Russia and Kazakhstan as part of the agreement.

The article focuses on the summit meeting of leaders of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 18, 2010. The leaders discussed maritime-border delimitations, security cooperation and environmental protections. The sanction imposed by the United Nations (UN), the U.S. and European Union against Iran is also discussed.

The article addresses the prioritization of energy security across Europe. Following the decision of Gazprom to cut natural gas deliveries to Ukraine on January 1, 2009, European leaders have considered energy security as a matter of high politics. Since majority of individual European countries are net importers of energy, security of energy supply is paramount. Europe has made more progress in stabilizing the energy trade in Central and Eastern Europe following the Soviet Union's collapse.

The article presents an outlook for the natural gas industry in Iraq in relation to the comprehensive development of the country's gas sector. Rights to three natural gas fields will be auctioned by the Iraqi government to private investors on October 20, 2010. Several reasons for the skeptical attitude of investors towards Iraqi gas are cited, as well as the sector's potential to compete directly with Russian gas in the European market.

The article analyzes the approach of the U.S. toward the Armenian Genocide resolution. It relates that the resolution may harm the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement and the U.S. efforts to halt Iran's uranium enrichment and other nuclear activities. The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to be less resistant to the foreign policy which is believed to be being hindered by the Congress' parochial interests.

This article deals with Russia's shifting strategy toward liquefied natural gas (LNG). In September 2009, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin invited Western energy firms to help develop natural gas fields in Siberia's Yamal Peninsula. It notes that natural gas resources are important to Russia's domestic economy and foreign policy. Particular focus is given to the changing economics of today's gas trade. It cites some challenges facing Russia in the LNG market.