Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Oil Deals Highlight The Splits That Are Now Forming In Iraq


Exxon Mobil-Kurd Oil Deal Spat Spotlights Iraq’s Juggling Act Between Politics And Investment -- Washington Post/AP

BAGHDAD — An oil exploration deal between U.S. oil giant Exxon Mobil and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region is fueling political tensions in a country where a post-U.S.-troop withdrawal spike in violence and political turmoil is clouding the climate for foreign investments sorely needed by Iraq.

Baghdad’s anger over the deal highlights the long-simmering power struggle between the Kurdish and central governments. The dispute is building momentum as Iraqi Premier Nouri al-Maliki faces criticism over his stewardship of a country where, years after the 2003 U.S.-led war to topple Saddam Hussein, development remains a distant dream for millions.

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My Comment: Some good background information on the Kurd-Exxon deal can be read here.

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