Almost 15 years ago, I started my career in the oil industry by undertaking training on board large oil tankers that transport crude oil from Saudi Arabia to the United States.
The tanker crews always welcomed the shorter trip when we returned via the Suez Canal instead of having to travel around the tip of Africa. Eight hours' transit in the canal was an occasion to appreciate and reflect on the efforts that had been put into building this key shipping channel, and also the strategic importance of the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
The so-called Arab Spring that brought political instability to Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Yemen and, more recently, Syria, has brought another chance to reflect on the significance this region has on global oil markets.
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