Natural gas discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean sea and their impact on the energy transport map in the region

A series of massive natural gas discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean have changed the strategies of the eastern Mediterranean region, as these discoveries are likely to benefit the entire region, whether by meeting the domestic gas needs of those countries and exporting their surplus or through projects of transmission pipelines and gas liquefaction plants. By reviewing and comparing the most important literature and studies in this field, this study sheds light on gas discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean region in terms of the quantities discovered, chronology, the exploration companies, in addition to the current and proposed energy transmission pipelines which are likely to change the shape of energy Map in the region. This study also discusses the oil and gas sector in Syria before and after the war and the relationship of the war in Syria to the conflict over gas pipelines and demonstrates the need to reach peace and stability in Syria for the sake of the economic interests of the Eastern Mediterranean countries, including Israel. The study shows the increasing importance of the natural gas sector in Turkey and Turkey's strategy as a gas hub in the region, in addition to Turkey's policy in the eastern Mediterranean and the need for rapprochement and cooperation with Turkey. This study discusses conflicts of interest in the Eastern Mediterranean and the position of the great powers on these discoveries. All options for developing and investing in offshore gas reserves are on the table but are hindered by disputes over maritime borders. Building trust between coastal states and cooperation between all parties to reach an economic peace based on the equitable sharing of gas resources and the participation of all parties is a precondition for the exploitation of natural resources in the eastern Mediterranean. Depending on the will of the eastern Mediterranean countries, the discovered gas resources may be a path to war or peace.