Pipeline Sabotage in the Middle East: A Crisis of Diplomacy The Iraqi government's confirmation that attacks on a key Saudi oil pipeline originated from within its territory has sparked a flurry of diplomatic activity and raised fears of escalating tensions in the region.
The shutdown of this vital cross country oil pipeline is just the latest chapter in a long running saga of sabotage and retaliation between Iran backed militias and their Gulf State adversaries.
The human cost of this ongoing crisis often gets lost behind headlines about rising oil prices and disrupted shipping.