Washington Wants Iraq, But Tehran And Beijing Won't Let Go
Iraq signed $100 billion in U.S. energy deals with Chevron and ExxonMobil. But Washington is forcing Baghdad to balance ties with Iran and China.
The article discusses Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's recent visit to the United States, during which he secured 48 deals worth up to $100 billion with American companies in the oil sector. The shift towards Western investment is seen as a response to US opposition to an Iran-aligned predecessor and a commitment to disarming Iran-backed militias.
Washington views its commercial presence in Iraq as a national security interest, aiming to stabilize the country and gain influence. However, Iraq faces a complex balancing act, given its existing ties with Iran, which supplies its power grid, and China, a major oil investor and buyer. The article also mentions that Iraq's new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, was welcomed by Donald Trump and shook hands with executives from various American companies, highlighting the significant commercial deals signed during his visit.
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