Ashgabat, March 13 | ORIENT. Continuing our brief comments on global issues, we note that if the beginning of this week resembled a gripping thriller with an unpredictable ending, by Thursday, March 12, the global economy had clearly shifted to a calm classic. But in the hustle and bustle of endless business, it was easy to miss the fact that the global market had gradually calmed down and, having stopped shouting, began to listen to itself.

The rhythm of the exchange clearly demonstrated the art of composure. Brent crude oil did not storm the barricades, trying to break new anti-records. It found its place in the working range of $104–$106. To an outside observer, this situation might seem like a lull, but in fact, it was a sign of an approaching recovery.

Nevertheless, the price of over a hundred dollars for a recovering body is still a high fever. But at least it was no longer accompanied by the convulsions we observed at the beginning of the week. The market mechanism, which was still thrashing about in delirium on Monday, today, figuratively speaking, rose from its bed, drank a glass of water, and began breathing deeply and evenly. And this is not weakness, but a sign of adaptation to new conditions. The world has recognized that, although prices have risen, life goes on, and humanity will have to live in conditions reminiscent of a cross-country race.

And so, we'll have to live, adapting, until the conflict in the Middle East is resolved. And, by and large, until humanity realizes that its environment cannot be favorable without universally accepted rules, without the formation of an international security architecture, behind which lies the powerful edifice of a new world order.

As for Central Asia, Thursday wasn't as intensely felt in the region as in some other regions. While economists in global financial centers were arguing hoarsely about futures and tanker insurance, here the rhythm that is more important than any price quotes persisted. Statistics demonstrating our energy security aren't just dispassionate numbers, but our energy "bulletproof vest." When you have your own energy resource, global "drafts" don't extinguish the fire in your home.

It's also true that, despite energy immunity, the impact of global processes will always be felt at the local level – according to the principle: if a neighboring country unexpectedly snows in the spring, the weather will cool down there too.

So, the past day was filled with price events, though not stormy ones. We saw that true strength lies in the endurance that allows us to continue our work calmly. This is the mastery of "calm patience," which we value in life and which today supports the regional economy.

Friday the 13th will be a day of superstitions, thrillers, and groundless fears for many. For ORIENT, it will be a day of objective reflection on the past week, during which we closely monitored stock prices. We will gather all the fragments of events from the past five days into one clear picture to summarize this week as it becomes history.

So – until tomorrow…