Oil Policies, Oil Myths: Observations of an OPEC Insider

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, commonly known as OPEC, has been a notoriously opaque and mysterious organization. In this book, Fadil J. Chalabi, an insider who spent many years at the heart of the organization as Iraq's permanent undersecretary for oil, invites us to discover the intrigue and arguments that have shaped OPEC policy since its inception in 1960. The author interweaves his analysis with first-hand experiences that give authenticity to momentous events, including the infamous 1975 Vienna hostage-taking when Carlos the Jackal kidnapped a number of OPEC ministers, including the author. From the time of Egypt under Nasser, Gaddafi's Libya, Saddam's Iraq and Khomeini's Iranian revolution, Chalabi uses his unique position and his unparallelled insider knowledge to illuminate an organization that has, at times, been accused of fomenting economic turmoil, political unrest and even military action. Benefiting from the perspective of an insider who understands the inner workings of OPEC and its dramatic impact on world politics and economics, this book is an essential read for those who wish to look beyond the myths of this highly influential and at times controversial organization.

Reviews

'Oil Policies, Oil Myths reflects Chalabi's great depth of knowledge - an enormously unique and valuable book.' - H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources for Saudi Arabia (1962-1986), founder and Chairman of Centre for Global Energy Studies; ' - a highly professional analysis of the turbulent events of international oil, complexities - and difficulties in rebalancing supply and demand - This chronicles events with a deep understanding of political policies and oil industry practices.' - Dr Alirio Parra, former Minister of Oil for Venezuela; 'A fascinating and essential history of a turbulent and dramatic era of oil - He brings a unique and deep perspective to the decisions, events and personalities that shaped the oil world - a new understanding of Iraq's decades of turmoil. He leaves no doubt how tomorrow's energy world will continue to be affected by the unfolding story he lays out in these pages.' - Dr Daniel Yergin, author of The Prize: the Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power, Chairman, IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates; 'An engrossing - behind-the-scenes account of the political background of international oil, with insights into decision-making in Iraq and OPEC - ' - Dr Francisco Parra, former Secretary General of OPEC

Author Bio

Fadhil J. Chalabi is the Executive Director of the Centre for Global Energy Studies, a London-based think-tank (founded and chaired by H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani). Former Undersecretary for Oil at Iraq's Ministry of Petroleum, Fadhil Chalabi was Deputy Secretary General of OPEC from 1978-89 and its Acting Secretary General 1983-88. He received the British Institute of Energy Economics Award for Distinction in 1988. He is the author of many articles and two books: OPEC and the International Oil Industry: A Changing Structure and OPEC at the Crossroads. http://www.cges.co.uk/