US Sanctions Iraq, Forcing Russia Out, Paves Way for... Who Exactly?
Iraq is reportedly 'discussing seeking' a six-month waiver from Washington to allow Russian energy giant Lukoil to sell its stake in the West Qurna-2 oil field. This isn't Iraq making sovereign decisions; it's a vassal state asking permission to conduct business within its own borders, thanks to US sanctions. One might recall 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' was sold, in part, on freeing Iraq from
tyrants. It seems the freedom extended only to choosing which foreign powers dictate its economic destiny. The US, which still maintains a significant military presence in Iraq post-invasion—an invasion that destabilized the region, killed hundreds of thousands, and coincidentally gave US corporations first dibs on reconstruction contracts—is now dictating Iraq’s energy partners. So, as Russia
exits, one wonders which 'freedom-loving' Western corporation will conveniently step in to manage Baghdad's oil. The 'rules-based order' always applies to others, never the rule-makers.