In a recent op-ed for the New York Times, Manuel Perez-Rocha, an associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, argues that prevailing mechanisms for the resolution of state-investor disputes are rigged against states. Arbitration mechanisms are particularly detrimental to poorer states, according to Perez-Rocha. Focusing on the arbitration currently under way between El Salvador […]
Modest goals are key to solving Central Asian water disputes
In a recent report, International Crisis Group urges Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to focus on reaching modest, bilateral agreements on water sharing, rather than seeking an all-or-nothing regional accord. According to ICG, the water situation in these countries is too dire to wait for a comprehensive agreement that might ultimately prove impossible to reach. The […]
Trading giant Glencore buys Xstrata, still expanding
Glencore, the world’s largest commodities trading firm, has purchased the mining company Xstrata (which built its portfolio upon assets originally purchased from Glencore) after lengthy negotiations. According to Reuters, Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg is seen to be pursuing a remarkably aggressive campaign of expansion despite the global economic climate. “Glencore wants to buy when no […]
Ankara strengthens ties with Kabul through hydrocarbon and metal exploration
Turkey’s energy minister met with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in early March, as the Turkish state-owned oil company TPAO prepared to invest more than $100 million in oil and gas projects in Afghanistan. Turkish companies have also won tenders to explore for gold and other minerals in the country, which has pinned its near- and […]
Afghanistan grants key copper and gold permits
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines has thus far done an impressive job of managing the tender and bidding process for a number of mineral blocs. The government of Afghanistan announced its preferred bidders for three of its four current mineral tenders with a consortium backed by City of London banker Mr Ian Hannam, former BHP Billiton […]