Irreconcilable differences

The fortunes of the mineral wealth of the Caspian Sea and surrounding countries have always been as much about politics as markets and this is as true today as it was 100 years ago, when oil was first found in Baku. Now, despite hopes for rapprochement between the US and Iran, it appears that the fortunes and future wealth of the Caspian nations will very much still be a part of international diplomacy.