Given all the news this week of Russia and Italy's South Stream deal with Turkey in exchange for a nuclear power plant, I thought I would repost an article written by Robert Amsterdam last fall in Energy Risk on Turkey's political pipelines.

FROM OCT. 2008, ENERGY RISK:

Turkey's political pipelines

Turkey's strategic position at the crossroads of East and West has put it at the centre of a geopolitical tug of war, with energy supply a key driver. Robert Amsterdam examines the energy policies being brought to bear in the region

Turkey's role in global affairs is defined by its geostrategic importance as the bridge between Europe and the Near East. Following Russia's invasion and occupation of Georgia in August, which caused considerable energy supply jitters, Turkey was once again thrust into the spotlight as the European

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Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Methanex Corporation (MEOH), the world’s largest supplier of methanol to major international markets in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America is scheduled to release second quarter results on July 28, after the market opens.  Methanex has not provided any guidance for the second quarter. However, it expects the global economic slowdown to continue to impact its business. The company expects methanol prices to remain relatively stable during the second quarter. In April 2009, Methanex’s average non-discounted price across all of the major regions was about $210 per ton. In its first quarter, Methanex reported a net loss of $18.4 million or $0.20 per share on a diluted basis.  Methanol, a chemical, is a blend of 68% natural gas and 32% coal. About 80% of all methanol output is used in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and a variety of other ...

The stocks of oil tanker companies are cheap…very, very cheap. But before moving into the heart of this investment observation, let’s gain a sliver of insight about the value of shipping itself.

The dividends of the old spice trade, for example, financed much of the architectural splendor of Venice, Italy. If you stroll the Piazza San Marco, a complex pattern of Istrian stone plays out beneath your feet. Nearby, grand palazzos and public squares show off a dazzling array of tall columns, carved marble, impressive domes and spires.

As William Bernstein tells us in his fascinating book, A Splendid Exchange, Venice’s dazzling look was built up “largely on profits from pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace and clove.” Spices then were what oil is today. At its peak, cinnamon oil traded for its weight in gold. Venetian traders made fortunes. “Profits well in excess of 100% were routine,” Bernstein notes. “A typical

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