Gas Reserves.. Iraq Is Fifth In The Arab World And Tenth In The World
Sunday 03, December 2023 | Economical Number of readings: 336 Baghdad / NINA / The Ministry of Oil revealed, on Sunday, that Iraq’s gas reserves are estimated at 132 trillion standard cubic feet, ranking fifth in the Arab world and tenth in the world in terms of gas reserves.
The director of the Petroleum Research and Development Center said: “Iraq’s gas reserves are estimated at 132 trillion standard cubic feet, ranking fifth in the Arab world and tenth in the world in terms of gas reserves,” stressing that “the importance of natural gas in any country comes from it being an important source of thermal, mechanical and electrical energy.”
In various sectors, it is considered the cleanest and least polluting fuel for the environment and is a raw material for petrochemical industries, in addition to helping to grow a quarter of the energy consumed in the world.”
He continued, "Gas investment guarantees a significant improvement in the outputs of electric energy production and a reduction in emissions that are harmful to the environment," noting that "Iraq has committed to financing large project plans with its partners in (the Basra Gas Company) or its completed or under construction projects with the rest of the companies operating its fields." Petroleum production within licensing rounds.
He pointed out, "The possibility of Iraq being one of the suppliers of gas in the world if its reserves are properly invested in accordance with well-studied strategic plans and timetables for this important file and the implementation of the plans," explaining that "natural gas did not receive sufficient investment attention during the previous period."
He explained that "Iraq ranks fourth in the world in burning gas, with its quantities estimated at 14 billion cubic meters annually as a result of the delay in its investment plans and the lack of sufficient funds for that."/End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1093321
The evolution of Iraq’s new Oil Law will forever alter Middle Eastern geopolitics and global energy markets, particularly of interest are Russia’s strategic moves to enhance its influence in the Kurdistan oil region.
Iraq is considering a new oil and gas law that may be approved after local elections in December 2023.
The oil law, under discussion for over 15 years, would allow foreign companies to share in Iraq’s oil production.
If ratified, the law would enable production-sharing agreements between the government and foreign oil firms.
Additionally, oil export earnings would be distributed among governorates based on their GDP per capita, and each governorate could independently grant oil concessions and exploration contracts.
Iraq, a key OPEC member, possesses significant crude oil reserves, and the proposed law aims to manage resource sharing and exploration agreements with foreign entities.
The new unified oil law in Iraq, set to govern oil and gas production, highlights a shift in influence favoring Russia and China over the Western Alliance.
The long journey toward a new unified oil law in Iraq, expected to govern oil and gas production, underscores a notable geopolitical shift favoring Russia and China over the USA and its Western Alliance.
The start of what’s happening today began back in September 2017, following a non-binding vote on independence for the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq.
The U.S. and its Western allies had promised full independence to the Kurds in exchange for their support against ISIS.
However, the promise was not fulfilled, as Iran and Turkey intervened to prevent the Kurds from gaining independence, and the U.S. did not intervene.
Russia, adhering to its longstanding foreign policy of projecting influence in regions of chaos, sought to expand its presence in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq.
Hindered by the U.S. presence in the south, Russia turned its attention to the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Russia effectively assumed control of Kurdistan’s oil sector through a multifaceted approach.
First, it provided the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) with $1.5 billion in financing through forward oil sales payable over the next three to five years.
Second, Russia secured an 80 percent working interest in five potentially significant oil blocks in the region, accompanied by investments and technical support.
Third, Russia obtained a 60 percent ownership stake in the crucial KRG pipeline, committing to invest $1.8 billion to increase its capacity to one million barrels per day.
The second phase of Russia’s strategy involved sowing discord between northern and southern Iraq.
By acting as a mediator and encouraging the Kurds to demand higher payments from the south while independently selling oil, primarily through its ally Turkey, Russia fueled tensions.
The resulting chaos played into Russia’s goal of extending its influence into southern Iraq.
The geopolitical landscape further shifted with the U.S. downsizing its presence in the Middle East and Russia and China making inroads through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
Consequently, southern Iraq moved into the sphere of influence of Russia and China, while northern Kurdish Iraq found itself increasingly isolated.
On August 3 of the current year, Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Mohammed Al-Sudani, declared that the unified oil law, centrally administered from Baghdad, would govern all oil and gas production and investments in both Iraq and its semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, constituting “a strong factor for Iraq’s unity.”
A senior Kremlin official later emphasized that by excluding the West from energy deals in Iraq, the end of Western hegemony in the Middle East would represent a decisive chapter in the West’s decline.
Overall, the timeline of events and Russia’s multifaceted intervention illustrate a significant geopolitical realignment, signaling enhanced influence for Russia and China at the expense of the Western Alliance.
Details and Timeline for IQD Nerds
In essence, Russia’s involvement in Kurdistan’s oil region was a strategic response to geopolitical opportunities, exploiting regional tensions and economic vulnerabilities to establish a significant and influential presence in the Kurdish oil economy.
1) Background (September 2017)
It all began with a non-binding vote on independence for the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in September 2017. The U.S. and its Western allies had pledged support for Kurdish independence in exchange for assistance against ISIS. However, the promise was not fulfilled, leading to disillusionment among the Kurds.
2) Russian Expansion into Kurdistan (Post-2017)
Russia, with a historical foreign policy of projecting influence in regions of chaos, saw an opportunity to expand its presence in the Middle East. The presence of the U.S. in southern Iraq prevented Russia from establishing a foothold there. Instead, Russia turned its attention to the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, where the Kurds, feeling abandoned by the West, were in need of support and financial assistance.
3) Russia executed a multifaceted strategy to gain control over Kurdistan’s oil economy.
Russia provided the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) with $1.5 billion in financing through forward oil sales payable over the next three to five years. This financial support was crucial for the KRG, which was facing economic challenges due to the political dispute with southern Iraq.
Russia secured an 80 percent working interest in five potentially significant oil blocks in the region. This not only provided Russia with access to valuable oil reserves but also established a significant presence in Kurdistan’s oil exploration and production sector.
Russia acquired a 60 percent ownership stake in the vital KRG pipeline, committing to invest $1.8 billion to increase its capacity to one million barrels per day. This move gave Russia control over the infrastructure essential for transporting oil from Kurdistan to external markets.
4) Russia exploited existing tensions between northern and southern Iraq to further its agenda.
Russia acted as a mediator, encouraging the Kurds to demand higher payments from the southern government. This tactic aimed to create financial disputes and dissatisfaction between the two regions.
Russia supported the Kurds in quietly selling oil independent of Baghdad, primarily through Turkey, with which Russia had close ties. This move not only provided economic benefits to the Kurds but also heightened tensions with the southern government.
5) Changing Geopolitical Landscape
The broader geopolitical context played a crucial role.
The U.S.’s downsizing of its presence in the Middle East and the growing influence of Russia and China in the region created an environment where southern Iraq moved into the sphere of influence of Russia and China.
6) Unified Oil Law Framework Announced (August 2023)
The recent developments culminate in Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Mohammed Al-Sudani, announcing that the unified oil law, centrally administered from Baghdad, will govern all oil and gas production and investments in both Iraq and its semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
This pronouncement solidifies central control and signifies a significant shift in power dynamics.
The new Oil Law, as outlined by the Prime Minister, further cements central control and aligns with Russia’s broader objectives in the Middle East.
The revolution of the dinar exists, yes. Is going to revalue? Yes.When? I don't know. It can be now. It can be next month. It can be 2 years from now. It can be 5 years form now. You know people are going to hate this but the reality is there...You have to be a realist...You know it's going to revalue.
Article from [Advisor to the prime minister] Salah. I love Salah. You always come with the good news...He says ...the Iraqi dinar is going to master the currency of the world soon. That's what we're working hard for and it's going to master it. A lot of people do not know what you guys know.
Great news this morning... They start them leaving the country to discuss the exchange rates between countries.
They're going to start with Turkey... Article "Delegation will head to Ankara Turkey tomorrow Monday to discuss regulating trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey"
"The future of Iraq" is on the conference table in Dubai.. These are its details
12/3/2023
Gulf Today newspaper revealed, on Sunday, the details of a major conference that will be held in Dubai on December 7, with the aim of strengthening economic partnerships between Iraq and the Emirates, and pushing towards achieving transformation in the Iraqi economy.
A report published in the English newspaper, and translated by Shafaq News Agency, quoted the “Iraqi-British Business Council” (IBBC) indicating that trade exchange between the UAE and Iraq witnessed significant growth exceeding 60% last year, which confirms the sustainability of economic relations between the two countries. .
The report noted that the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, will deliver a welcome speech on the second day of the conference dedicated to “building a sustainable future,” which will open on December 7 and last for two days.
He explained that the “Iraqi-British Business Council” conference in 2022 sparked positive reactions from 230 delegates, which led to an increase in membership by 15%.
The report continued that the Council seeks at this year's conference to achieve the same number of delegates who will meet to deliberate on topics such as "Education and Training in Iraq" and "Building a Sustainable Future."
The report also quoted the Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry, Abdullah Ahmed Al-Saleh, as saying, “It is a great honor to join our friends from Iraq and the Iraqi-British Business Council, to discuss joint efforts to assist the country in the reconstruction process,” adding, “Iraq He suffered a lot, but he has tremendous potential and capabilities to contribute a lot to the world.”
Al-Saleh continued: “The Business Council brought together companies working in the field of business and trade from all over the world for the benefit of Iraq and the members of the Council,” adding: “While the Iraqi-British Business Council is committed to a free, prosperous and diverse Iraq, it works as a bridge between Iraq and the rest of the world and connects governments and the private sector from In order to ultimately benefit businessmen, industry and the people of Iraq.”
Al-Saleh praised the Business Council and its leadership for organizing this platform for better communication, expressing his full support for its mission of “enabling the transfer of technology, infrastructure and expertise to Iraq to enhance its growth and development.”
The Council considered that “the significant growth in trade between Iraq and the UAE, which exceeded 60% last year, confirms the permanent economic relations between the two countries,” adding that this conference also confirms the position of the UAE as the main commercial center for Iraq, and displays the growing role of the state in Facilitating international cooperation.
The report stated, "The UAE has tremendous potential for investment in Iraq and for companies operating there, without the need for administrative and bureaucratic jobs that can be found in Iraq."
The report also quoted the Director General of the Business Council, Christophe Michels, as saying, “By defending the private sector in Iraq, the UAE is considered an ideal place due to its role as a regional center, linking international companies to Iraq.”
The Gulf Today newspaper report noted that the two-day conference is being held at a critical juncture, and addresses pivotal issues such as economic sustainability, education, financing and climate change, while the Business Council expects a shift in education and sustainability in Iraq, with a focus on increasing skills training and industrial cooperation. .
In addition, the conference will address sustainability through gas exploitation and financing strategies to support investments beyond oil price fluctuations, according to the newspaper report.
According to the report, Member of the British Parliament, Wayne David, who is the Shadow Minister for Middle Eastern Affairs, will speak before the conference about Britain's foreign policy in the Middle East. Energy bodies and companies, including Total Energies, BP, Basra Gas Company and Siemens, will participate in the conference, and there will be discussions on financial reform with industry leaders such as the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank and the President of the Commercial Bank of Iraq.
According to the report, there will be participation by senior representatives of British universities, high-level representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Translated by: Shafaq News Agency LINK
Association of Banks: Agreements with Türkiye will lead to lowering the dollar exchange rate
12/3/2023Baghdad
The Iraqi Private Banks Association confirmed that the agreements with Turkey will lead to reducing the dollar exchange rate and increasing citizen confidence in the dinar.
The head of the Iraqi Private Banks Association, Wadih Al-Handal, said on his Facebook page, followed by Al-Iqtisad News, “We discussed with the Turkish Central Bank and all of Turkey’s banks the reorganization of trade financing between Iraq and Turkey, usingthe Iraqi dinar, the Turkish lira, and the euro.”
Al-Handal stressed, "The agreements with Turkey will lead to reducing the dollar exchange rate and increasing citizen confidence in the dinar." LINK