Basel Asmar

Fossil Fuels in the Arab World Basel Asmar

In his previous books, "Fossil Fuels in the Arab World: Facts and Fiction", and "Fossil Fuels in the Arab World: Seasons Reversed", Dr. Asmar assessed mankind's dependence on fossil fuels - focusing particularly on the position of Arab countries in this global industry. His books discussed the fossil fuel market fundamentals and the place of the Arab world within that; they also examined the political influences, culture issues, the status of democracy, the militarization in the Arab world, the interplay between oil and natural gas; then finally, the issues of climate change and alternative energy were explored in detail. This third book picks up the story, five years later, examining the status of the industry and the impact of that seismic event, the Covid-19 pandemic. The questions considered here are in relation to the Arab world's management of its oil and natural gas wealth, wondering if the Arabs have 'missed the boat'? Also, can they find a place in the new energy world, where energy transition is rapidly transforming behaviour and attitudes?