Energy Politics and Future Prospects in Iraq
Abstract
On June 17, 2011, The INSS Center for Strategic Research conducted a seminar on Iraq's re-emergent energy sector and its impact on national and regional politics. The purpose was to move beyond identity politics by examining resource-based interests and new tensions and opportunities for negotiation between groups in and across Iraq s borders. Discussions focused on Iraq s national energy strategy as influenced by regional trends and the impact of petroleum sector development on relations between Baghdad, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and provincial administrations. To what extent have these developments affected governance in Iraq? What implications do they have for U.S. policy, particularly as the U.S. military withdraws combat troops from the country? Experts on Iraq and the energy sector addressed these issues in two panel discussions. They stressed the importance that oil will play in Iraq but were pessimistic about Iraq s projections of future oil production. The speakers concluded that Iraq will not be the next Saudi Arabia anytime soon. Alongside infrastructure constraints, unresolved political issues between groups will continue to shape prospects for the energy sector. The withdrawal of U.S. combat forces scheduled for the end of this year also is expected to negatively affect Iraqi oil production due to reduced security.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 26, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA560088
Entities
People
- Denise Natali
Organizations
- National Defense University