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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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Saudi 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

More from this Series

The impossible promise of a US Middle East withdrawal

Successive presidents have failed to disengage. Donald Trump may do the same

Saudi Aramco IPO: squeeze wheeze Premium

Sometimes it is better to admit you were wrong than to compound your error

Saudi oil attack/Aramco: drone prone Premium

Expecting a blue-sky valuation for an IPO is fanciful, especially given the threats to its infrastructure 

Value funds/oil: crude calculus Premium

Don’t expect too much from banks

Drones: fly trap  Premium

Use of aerial vehicles will remain limited as restrictive regulation bites