TEHRAN(Bazaar) –Shireen Tahmaasb Hunter, a professor of political science at Georgetown University, tells It is difficult to predict the outlook for the energy prices. Much would depend on the decision of key OPEC states, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and their willingness to increase production.
She says: “So far, however, they don't seem to be willing to increase output and reduce prices.”
Following is the text of the interview:
Q: Poll results indicate a decrease in Biden's popularity. What are the reasons for his decline in popularity?
A: Generally, economic conditions play a big role in determining the popularity of presidents. Although the US economy grew steadily since Biden assumed presidency and millions of jobs were created, the pumping of too much money into the economy, plus supply chain disruption led to serious inflationary pressures. This, in turn, meant that most of economic gains of individuals disappeared. And this factor contributed to Biden's unpopularity. Also, Biden is old and does not always seem to be in total possession of his faculties, a fact that contributes to his lack of popularity.
Q: What role will the US congressional elections play in Biden's future? If the Democratic Party loses in this election, is it possible to lose in future presidential elections?
A: Historically, there has not been a direct connection between Congressional and presidential elections. members of congress are often elected on the basis of local rather than national issues. However, Democrats loss in Congressional elections could negatively affect Biden's chances of success. However, the most important factor would be the economy and the issues of Biden's age.
Recently, however, Democrats' chances of success in the mid-term elections have improved. The issue of abortion, which Democrats believe should be legal and the Republicans want it banned, seems to have improved Democrats chances of success.
Q: Due to the increasing trend of inflation in America, the Federal Reserve has increased the interest rate to curb it. This would mean a recession in the US economy. What are the effects of this issue in the medium and long term for America?
A: Efforts to curb inflation always run the risk of causing a recession. This could happen in the US. Its impact, however, would depend on how long it lasts and how serious it is. The Biden administration is trying to curb inflation, without causing a deep recession.
Q: According to the current trend, what is your prediction of oil and gas prices this fall and winter?
A: It is difficult to predict the outlook for the energy prices. Much would depend on the decision of key OPEC states, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and their willingness to increase production. So far, however, they don't seem to be willing tom increase output and reduce prices.
Q: What is the effect of lack of energy in winter in the process of war between Russia and Ukraine? Is it possible for Europe to give concessions to Russia?
A: Again, it is hard to predict the Europeans' relation to high energy prices. This would also depend on the harshness of winter and popular reaction. If high energy prices lead to political protests and disruption, the European could be forced to reassess their attitude towards Russia and the war in Ukraine.
نظر شما