Before oil-political and economic conditions in the Persian Gulf -- Oil-discovery and production in the Persian Gulf (1900-1945) -- Oil-the early years, OPEC, and its empowerment (1945-1979) -- Oil-the turbulent years (1979-2001) -- Oil-the most recent years (2001-2013) -- Oil-Islam, ownership, and institutions -- Oil-foreign interference -- Oil-the fallout in the Persian Gulf -- After oil-transition to oil-less economies -- Conclusion.