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The Saudi oil attack

Half Saudi Arabia’s oil production was knocked out by a drone strike, triggering a surge in prices. Tensions have escalated in the Middle East as many blame Iran. Here’s the best of this week’s opinion and analysis.

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The Saudi oil crisis, volatile leaders and the risk of escalation
All sides have an interest in compromise — but that does not mean it will happen
Why Saudi attacks changed the calculations on regional security
The drone and missile strikes wrought huge disruption on the kingdom’s oil industry and exposed its vulnerability to the US-Iran row
Iran has embarked on a dangerous provocation
Heavy-handed US reprisals would risk all-out war in the Middle East
Saudis ill-prepared to handle oil attack disruption
Ousting of former energy minister al-Falih will harm Opec, Aramco and regional stability
When Donald Trump discovered the real Middle East
The US president is learning the hard way that it is easier to start a crisis than to control one
Saudi attack comes at ill-favoured moment for global economy
Effect of sustained oil price rise could hit some countries’ growth prospects

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