... with Baghdad and Erbil, Moscow is of course running the risk of losing both long-time antagonists. But on the other hand, the approach may as well generate more projects and strengthen Russian positions in Iraq.
Until now, the Kremlin has been lobbying Russian firms operating in Iraq with exceptional results. For example, Gazprom Neft is surveying in Iraqi Kurdistan and has managed to enlist the effective cooperation from its government. At the same time, it is developing the Badra project jointly with Baghdad. Credit should certainly go to Russian top officials who displayed outstanding diplomatic skills ...
... Russia is no exception. In recent years, Moscow has taken steps to develop contacts with Kurdish political movements and establish economic cooperation with Iraqi Kurdistan, where Russian oil and gas companies have set up shop. The February 2013 visit to Russia by Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani, dubbed by the Kurdish people as the “first official visit,” served as a significant milestone in the development of political contacts. The visit refreshed the memories of developments ...
... no one is discussing. In this article, I will explain why: 1) The Kurds have an unprecedented opportunity to achieve a political homeland; 2) Tehran's strategy of expanding Shia influence over the Sunnis is possible because of an independent Kurdistan; 3) Moscow is orchestrating an independent Kurdistan and 4) Turkey's recalcitrance against the United States and Western Europe squanders any chance of the Nabucco Pipeline going through Turkey..... Read more
