Oil prices edged higher as the Syrian government’s collapse sent shockwaves through the Middle East, impacting its allies Russia and Iran. Brent rose toward $72 a barrel, and Texas Intermediate was above $67. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has created a power vacuum, raising concerns of increased violence, similar to the turmoil in Libya and Iraq. However, markets expect the tensions in Syria to remain contained, with minimal risk of wider oil supply disruptions. Crude has stayed in a tight range since mid-October, balancing geopolitical tensions with weak Chinese demand and a supply glut expected next year.