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The Middle East region holds the world´s largest oil and natural gas proven reserves. Several Middle Eastern States are major oil producers and consumers. Given price fluctuations and environmental concerns many countries have sought to diversify their energy mix. The Middle East is no exception. Gawdat Bahgat analyzes the geopolitical, economic and strategic forces behind this diversification in the Middle East. He highlights the main advantages and disadvantages of each source of energy.

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1. Introduction 2. Morocco 3. Egypt 4. Israel 5. Saudi Arabia 6. United Arab Emirates 7. Iran 8. Conclusion

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Gawdat Bahgat is Professor of National Security Affairs at the National Defense University´s Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Study, USA. He is an Egyptian-born specialist in Middle Eastern policy, particularly Egypt, Iran, and the Gulf region. His areas of expertise include energy security, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, counter-terrorism, Arab-Israeli conflict, North Africa, and American foreign policy in the Middle East.

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