While violence is likely to persist next year in the oil-rich Niger Delta, Africa's largest energy producer capped 2008 with the capture of a leading member of the country's most notorious militant group.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The noted Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes once wrote, “Poor Mexico, so far from God, so close to the United States.” Substitute “Central Asia” for “Mexico” and “Russia” for the “United States,” and one begins to have an idea of the energy exports problems facing Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. For the three easternmost former Soviet “Stan” republics, 2008 has been a year of stress and possibility. Given their geographic isolation, despite their independence, all three nations have been forced to acknowledge the reality of Russia’s ongoing regional influence, despite the collapse of communism in 1991.
NEW YORK, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Crude oil prices soared Wednesday on the New York Mercantile Exchange, although prices closed more than $50 below levels that closed out 2007.
Once firmly atop the list of Africa's top oil producers, Nigeria slipped behind Angola -- albeit temporarily -- during the course of 2008, while other African countries received even more attention from eager foreign investors like China.
NEW YORK, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Cooperating with authorities could keep New York trader Bernard Madoff from dying in prison if he is convicted in a massive fraud case, an attorney said.
SHANGHAI, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. software giant Microsoft said convictions announced in China Wednesday involved a software counterfeit ring with global sales of more than $2 billion.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Organizers for the biannual Force Protection Equipment Demonstration conference held in Virginia have opened online registration availability.
KIEV, Ukraine, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ukraine's energy concern Naftogaz said without a new contract it would confiscate Russian Gazprom natural gas intended for European customers.
TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Israeli security solutions provider Mer Group has contracted Radwin to support security operations around the City of David landmark in Jerusalem.
MOSCOW, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Russian gas monopoly Gazprom said Wednesday it would cut gas supplies Jan. 1 if Ukraine did not settle its $2 billion debt by the end of the day.
ROUND ROCK, Texas, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. computer giant Dell said Wednesday two top executives were departing as it reshaped the company to reflect how customers use computers.
HONG KONG, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ghana traditionally has been a client country of Western weapons manufacturers. It does have some Russian equipment in service, however. The People's Republic of China is now promoting its latest gun-launched laser-guided projectiles on the African continent.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Pennsylvania plastic container company Constar International Inc. said it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to implement a debt-for-equity swap.
NEW YORK, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A Snapple contract to supply New York City's municipal buildings with cold drinks is ending early due to slow sales, sources said.
ANDOVER, Mass., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Homeland Security Department has contracted Dynamics Research Corp. to support the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Videsh Ltd., a branch of the Indian state oil company, closed a deal Wednesday to buy British oil firm Imperial Energy after receiving shareholder consent.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan could include a permanent tax cut, senior adviser David Axelrod said.
U.S. President Barack Obama signs the Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act of 2012 as former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her husband Mark Kelly (R) and Vice President Joe Biden look on in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on February 10, 2012. UPI/Pat Benic...
