Russia has not learned a lesson from some failed military campaigns in the Middle East. Moscow has allocated $20 billion for oil projects in Iraq, justifying its generosity by the mission to ensure peace and security in the region. However, experts point out that the lavish investment is disguised by the clear-cut scheme and goals. Well-informed sources in Iraq’s oil ministry claim that Russia is pursuing the policy of colonialism. The whole affair started with a modest contract made by an unknown Russian company. Later, more and more Russian firms hired by that original company were getting involved in the business under the terms of contractors. The next step was opening security companies to safeguard the personnel. That’s how Russia is intruding into the key oil and gas infrastructure in Iraq, an unnamed official explained how the scheme works out. However, it could happen that “Western partners” might come on the scene later and the business will have to be scaled down. Recently, US President Donald Trump decided that Washington would not interfere in overseas conflicts unless they affect directly the US interests. Russia and China have their own vision of international relations. Avoiding confrontation with the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, both Russia and China set ambitious goals on a global scale. One of such goals is Moscow’s intention to invest $20 billion in Iraq’s projects. Interestingly, the domestic oilfields amount to 149 billion barrels that account for 18% of the overall oil reserves in the Middle East and 9% of the global reserves. The joy of exploiting these vast oilfields is that the production cost is no more than $3 a barrel! So, it makes sense for Russia to fight for such a bonanza.
