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The article states that the Iranian government led by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei significantly increased arrests of political opponents in the Iranian business, media, and arts communities following the international nuclear weapons accord signed in July 2015. According to the article, the crackdown was part of an effort to ensure that political allies of Khamenei were successful during the scheduled February 26, 2016, Iranian elections. It also discusses tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The article states that several large U.S. corporations including personal-computer firm HP Inc. and the oil-services unit of the conglomerate General Electric Inc. (GE) were actively exploring entering the economic market of Iran ahead of the potential January 2016 expiration of economic sanctions against Iran. According to the article, sanctions relief for the Iranian government could begin when an international agreement concerning Iran's nuclear program is implemented.

The article states that several members of the group the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) such as Iran, Venezuela, and Nigeria were poised to pressure Saudi Arabia to cut its oil production ahead of a scheduled December 2015 OPEC meeting. According to the article, the Saudi-led strategy of keeping petroleum output high in order to win market share was not working as oil prices declined in 2015.

The article states that the militant organization Islamic State operative Abdelhamid Abaaoud, suspected of playing a significant part in planning the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris, France, had been monitored and targeted in Syria by Western allies prior to the attacks. According to the article, Abaaoud and petty criminal Salah Abdeslam were suspected of plotting the attacks and were at large as of November 16, 2015. INSET: The Suspected Perpetrators Behind the Paris Attacks..

The article states that the organization the International Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on November 9, 2015, that the unwillingness of the group the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to limit the output of petroleum could spur a sustained period of low prices and economic hardships for OPEC member nations such as Venezuela, Iran, and Algeria. The article presents comments from Omani oil minister Bin Hamad Al Rumhy.

The article states that several energy industry firms including Occidental Petroleum Corp. and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. were initiating hiring freezes, bonus pay caps, and company-wide wage cuts in an effort to avoid layoffs as of Autumn 2015. The article cites statistics from Houston, Texas, consulting firm Graves & Co. to state that energy-industry layoffs went over 200,000 in the year that the price of oil went from over $100 per barrel to under $50 per barrel. The article presents comments from consulting firm Ernst & Young partner Deborah Byers.

The article states that the group the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was pessimistic about the price of oil as of mid-September 2015 as a result of decreasing demand from China and plentiful oil supplies. According to the article, the international benchmark Brent crude oil was trading between $47 and $48 per barrel during trading in London, England, on September 10, 2015. The article also discusses a September 10, 2015, meeting of the organization the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The article discusses wariness of foreign businesses concerning commerce with the Islamic Republic of Iran following the signing of an international agreement that lifted international economic sanctions against Iran on July 14, 2015. According to the article, Iran was reputedly a difficult place in in which to conduct business due to corruption, bureaucracy, and political interference, but businesses were attracted to the Iranian market, particularly for technology products and the petroleum industry.

The article discusses the impact of decreasing oil prices on the significance and influence of the oil cartel the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) ahead of a scheduled June 5, 2015, meeting of the group in Vienna, Austria. According to the article, OPEC delegates were expected to maintain a production ceiling of 30 million barrels of oil per day despite pressure from some member nations to cut production. The article presents comments from U.S. State Department international energy affairs coordinator Amos Hochstein.

The article discusses challenges to Saudi Arabia's status as the world's leading oil exporter. Saudi oil exports fell 5.7% in 2014 amid reduced demand from China and the U.S. In some markets the Saudis have resorted to repeated price cuts in response to competition from fellow members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). To diversity its economy Saudi Arabia has begun building oil refineries.

The article discusses energy industry chief executives Ben van Beurden of Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Helge Lund of BG Group PLC. During his tenure at the head of Shell van Beurden has been focused on increasing shareholder value, reducing risk, and selling non-essential assets. Prior to joining BG Lund acquired significant experience in mergers with oil company Statoil ASA. Shell has agreed to buy BG, which Lund will leave once the deal has been completed.

The article discusses how energy company Eni SpA has continued pumping oil in Libya amid a war that has prompted rivals including Repsol SA, Total SA, and Marathon Oil to suspend production. Eni has made arrangement with tribes and militias to provide security for it in Libya, although Eni denies any ties to militias. The company's Libyan operations are being run at least temporarily by its Mellitah Oil & Gas joint venture with Libya's National Oil Co.

The article discusses implications for the price of oil if international negotiators reach an agreement with Iran about its nuclear program that lifts sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Iranian oil exports could exacerbate a glut of oil that has seen prices drop steeply. Additional commentary is presented about how much oil Iran might be capable of exporting, and spending on maintenance and technology required by its oil fields.

The article discusses U.S. oil production. Oil prices neared six-year lows on March 13, 2015 as the International Energy Agency reported U.S. output was unexpectedly strong during the previous month. In response to low prices some energy companies active in shale oil including EOG Resources Inc. and Continental Resources Inc. are drilling wells but holding off on pumping oil until prices improve. The strategy suggests any price increases could be temporary.

The article discusses middlemen in Iran who facilitate business between Iranian companies and foreign firms. International sanctions imposed on Iran for its nuclear program have made banks wary about conducting business there even when legal. Details are presented about how middlemen such as Mostafa Pakzad help arrange funding for deals, particularly those involving imports from the U.S.

The article discusses startup technology companies in Iran. Mobile application (app) producer Café Bazaar offers tens of thousands of apps for gaming, social media, and more. Digikala is an online retailer that bears a similarity to Amazon.com Inc. Aiding the development of such firms are international sanctions that make foreign companies cautious about establishing a presence in Iran.

The article discusses the impact of a sharp decline in oil prices on Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco is considering a reduction of up to 25% in its budget for future exploration and production, and has also asked oil services firms such as Baker Hughes Inc. and Halliburton Co. for discounts.

The article reports that crude oil prices are predicted to rebound according to a report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Topics include statistics on the U.S. oil prices per barrel, speculation on the effect of stabilization in oil prices on financial markets, and details on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) report that demand for the group's oil would increase.

The article discusses the impact of Libya's civil war on the country's oil industry. Over the course of several months daily petroleum output has fallen from almost 900,000 barrels to about 325,000. Oil company Total SA has suspended operations at its Mabruk oil field due to the conflict. Fighting has closed the country's main Sidra oil port, jeopardizing investments in connected oil fields made by oil producers Marathon Oil Corp., Hess Corp., and ConocoPhillips.

The article discusses a network of Islamic militants that aided the escape from France to Syria of Hayat Boumeddiene, the wife of slain terrorist Amedy Coulibaly, who killed several people in an attack on a grocery store in the capital of Paris in January 2015. Those who helped Boumeddiene are sympathetic to the Islamic State terrorist group, and have been involved in recruiting French nationals to travel to Afghanistan to fight U.S. troops there.

The article discusses a terrorist attack on the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli, Libya, that a group calling itself Islamic State-Tripoli Province claimed responsibility for, focusing on concerns that the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) is expanding beyond the Middle East. Topics include information on conflict in Libya since the death of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi; the difficulty of authenticating the claim and identifying the attackers; and IS's strategic goals and expansion.

The article discusses declining gasoline prices in the U.S. Figures released on January 7, 2015 from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed stockpiles of petroleum including refined fuels reached a record high earlier in the month. That same day futures prices for gasoline fell to nearly a six-year low, suggesting gasoline prices for consumers would move lower in the coming days.

The article discusses economic conditions in Iran. Topics include the impact of declining global petroleum prices; the failure of Iran and six other countries to create a comprehensive deal concerning Iran's use of nuclear technology; and the impact of Iran's economic performance on Iranian President Hasan Rouhani and his ability to institute reform.

The article reports that Iranian warplanes have launched attacks against the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group along Iran's border with Iraq. It is noted that Iran coordinated with neither Iraq nor the U.S. in making the attack, and consideration is given to the ambiguous views of U.S. officials on Iran's actions. Gareth Jennings of the publication "IHS Jane's Defense Weekly" said the U.S. and Iran appeared to be prosecuting parallel but separate campaigns against ISIS.

The article discusses the economic impacts of the decision of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to maintain crude oil production at current levels and mentions decreased petroleum prices and the economies of OPEC countries. Topics include global oil demand and imports, shale oil production in the U.S., and the OPEC and petroleum market adjustments.

The article discusses the price of crude oil, focusing on possible responses by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to maintain prices. Topics include statistics on the price of crude oil, and various benchmarks; comments by OPEC officials that the group would act should prices fall to $70 a barrel; and the effect of falling oil prices on OPEC countries' governments' finances.

The article discusses price changes for its oil announced by Saudi Arabia on November 3, 2014. The kingdom raised its price for oil sold in Asia but lowered its price in the U.S. Although some believe the Saudi move was aimed at competing more effectively against shale oil in the U.S. , an unidentified source said preserving market share was the chief motive. The stock prices of oil companies Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp. finished lower on the day.

The article discusses the decision of consumer electronics firm Apple Inc. to investigate entering the electronics market of Iran. Topics include the proposed business model of premium resellers in which franchisees sell products only; obstacles for U.S. companies seeking to do business in Iran due to diplomatic relations and sanctions; and the desire of the Iranian government to court Western business.

The article discusses declining oil prices. Increased production in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia's unwillingness to reduce output in an effort to preserve market share have contributed to a 20% drop in prices since June 1, 2014. Consideration is given to countries whose economies generally benefit from lower oil prices including China and India, and those such as Venezuela and Russia for whom lower prices create problems.

The article discusses discord among members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In October 2014 Saudi Arabia followed Kuwait in cutting oil prices without conferring with other OPEC members. Armed conflict in Iraq and Syria has exacerbated political differences among OPEC members. Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali al-Naimi has commented on a lack of unity among OPEC members.

The article discusses suspicions that large shipments of crude oil being transhipped through an oil platform known as Saltpond in Ghana include pilfered Nigerian oil. It provides details on a larger inquiry by the U.S. into stolen Nigerian oil and concerns that the crude oil is pilfered by smugglers. It also gives an overview of movements of Ghanian and Nigerian oil to the Italian refinery, Iplom SpA.

The article discusses a willingness among major oil-producing nations including Mexico and Iran to let foreign oil companies develop their reserves. Declining production and a desire for access to modern technologies such as those for hydraulic fracturing are prompting countries to look more favorably on firms they once largely shunned in favor of their own state-owned oil companies. Total SA and Chevron Corp. are among firms interested in doing business in Mexico.

The article discusses the theft in Western Europe of cancer drugs from various pharmaceutical firms including Roche Holding AG, Eli Lilly & Co., and Johnson & Johnson. Domenico Di Giorgio of Italy's Italian Medicines Agency says organized crime figures are responsible. He cited the Camorra crime syndicate as well as crime networks in Eastern Europe.

The article discusses efforts in the U.S. to combat the importation of fake cancer drugs. In June of 2013 an undercover operation run by the Food and Drug Administration resulted in the capture of Ozkan Semizoglu and Sabahaddin Akman, two employees of Turkish drug exporter Ozay Pharmaceutical Co. Officials believe Ozay has been the source of many ersatz cancer drugs in the U.S., some of which have caused harm.

The article discusses growing interest among Western companies in doing business with Iran. An easing of sanctions by Western nations against Iran in exchange for greater disclosure about that country's nuclear program has prompted several firms including drug maker Sanofi Aventis SA and cement-producer Lafarge SA to send exploratory delegations to Iran.

The article discusses opportunities for Western businesses arising from a November 2013 agreement under which Iran will accept constraints on its nuclear program in exchange for an easing of sanctions against the country. Drug company GlaxoSmithKline PLC and medical-device maker Siemens AG are said to be among firms that could see an increase in Iranian sales.

The article examines how Iranian businessmen have reacted to U.S. economic sanctions against their country by conducting their business in Georgia, which is a U.S. ally. Topics include how Iran's weak currency has made the Georgian economy an attractive place to do business for Iranians, what the U.S. government is doing to limit Iranian investment in Georgia, and a discussion of Iranian-owned Georgian businesses including the FlyGeorgia airline, the JSC InvestBank, and a Sheraton hotel.

The article discusses how the battle against malaria in Africa is being undermined by counterfeit anti-malarial drugs. In June 2012 customs officials in Angola discovered 1.4 million doses of counterfeit Coartem, a malaria treatment produced by drug company Novartis AG. A 2012 study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health found that over one-third of drug samples tested in sub-Saharan Africa were counterfeits or otherwise of low quality.

The article discusses divisions within the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) caused by the rising production of shale oil in the U.S. Some OPEC members including Iran and Venezuela want the organization to promote higher petroleum prices by reducing output, a move not favored by Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states.

The article discusses oil theft in Nigeria. Thieves who puncture pipelines and steal oil, possibly in collusion with security personnel and Nigerian military officials, earn an estimated $7 billion annually. Oil company Royal Dutch Shell PLC has called upon foreign governments to investigate middlemen, refiners, and others who may be profiting from the illicit enterprise.

The article discusses an investigation into the role of local employees from the In Amenas gas plant in Algeria in the January 2013 attack by Islamist militants. It comments on the militants' lack of knowledge of the plant, and the possibility of workers aiding the terrorist in the attack. It addresses indigenous Tuaregs, low-level employees, and the search in Algeria for accomplices.

The article reports that an internal document of the pharmaceutical industry firm Roche Holdings AG stated that Syrian police confiscated a large amount of a counterfeit of the company's cancer drug Avastin in 2009, three years prior to the discovery of counterfeit Avastin in the U.S. The document is considered as an indication that counterfeits of the drug may have originated in the Middle East. The source is being investigated by law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Europe.

The article reports on the struggles of Libya against the attacks of extremist group Islamic State. Topics discussed include the attacks of Islamic State in the country, the political battle of the country in forming a unity government to defend the country and its oil industry, and the peace agreement calling for a national army.