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dipsydoodle

(42,239 posts) Wed Feb 20, 2013, 06:25 AM Feb 2013

Iraq gives go-ahead for Iranian pipeline to Syria

Source: Associated Press

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq has approved the construction of a natural gas pipeline across its territory that will connect Iran to key ally Syria. The move likely to strengthen Tehran's influence over its neighbors.

The Iraqi Cabinet said in a statement Tuesday evening that it has instructed the country's oil minister to sign a framework agreement for the $10 billion project, allowing the pipeline to move ahead.

The project is designed to supply gas from the giant South Pars field to Syria as well as other export markets.

Iran signed a preliminary deal to build the 1,500-kilometer (750-mile) pipeline in July 2011 as Syrian rebels were stepping up their fight to topple President Bashar Assad. Work on the project started in November.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/iraq-gives-go-ahead-iranian-pipeline-syria

7 replies

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Highlight:

Iraq gives go-ahead for Iranian pipeline to Syria (Original Post) dipsydoodle Feb 2013 OP

"The move likely to strengthen Tehran's influence over its neighbors." Itchinjim Feb 2013 #1

I don't follow the logic that it gives Iran more control over Iraq octothorpe Feb 2013 #7

Yeah, because THAT won't be a constant target. Last I checked, the Shi'a & Sunni *hated* each other. DRoseDARs Feb 2013 #2

Iraq has a large Shiite majority . . . another_liberal Feb 2013 #4

Good point. Since Syria is majority Sunni, the survival of the Syrian ruling (Shia) faction might pampango Feb 2013 #5

So it would seem. another_liberal Feb 2013 #6

Just like Condi said . . . another_liberal Feb 2013 #3

Itchinjim

(3,085 posts)

1. "The move likely to strengthen Tehran's influence over its neighbors."

Reply to dipsydoodle (Original post)

Wed Feb 20, 2013, 06:37 AM

Feb 2013

A job well done, Dick and Duhbya

octothorpe

(962 posts)

7. I don't follow the logic that it gives Iran more control over Iraq

Reply to Itchinjim (Reply #1)

Wed Feb 20, 2013, 02:17 PM

Feb 2013

If anything, it seems like it would be the other way around. Once Iran/Syria come to rely on the pipeline, Iraq would have leverage to use on Iran... "We will shut down the pipeline" type thing.

DRoseDARs

(6,810 posts)

2. Yeah, because THAT won't be a constant target. Last I checked, the Shi'a & Sunni *hated* each other.

Reply to dipsydoodle (Original post)

Wed Feb 20, 2013, 06:50 AM

Feb 2013

Good luck with that.

another_liberal

(8,821 posts)

4. Iraq has a large Shiite majority . . .

Reply to DRoseDARs (Reply #2)

Wed Feb 20, 2013, 07:55 AM

Feb 2013

Iraq has a large Shiite majority, just the same as Iran. Syria is much more of a mixture, but the ruling faction is closely allied to Iran anyway.

pampango

(24,692 posts)

5. Good point. Since Syria is majority Sunni, the survival of the Syrian ruling (Shia) faction might

Reply to another_liberal (Reply #4)

Wed Feb 20, 2013, 08:11 AM

Feb 2013

be critical to implementation of this pipeline project.

another_liberal

(8,821 posts)

6. So it would seem.

Reply to pampango (Reply #5)

Wed Feb 20, 2013, 08:16 AM

Feb 2013

Unless, of course, Iran has plans to sell natural gas to Israel?

Just kidding about that. I am, however, suspicious of whether this is just a way to sneak some Iranian production past the UN sanctions and onto the world markets as relabeled Iraqi oil and gas. The Iranians and the Iraqis must realize how little chance Assad has of surviving long-term. Hmmmm?

another_liberal

(8,821 posts)

3. Just like Condi said . . .

Reply to dipsydoodle (Original post)

Wed Feb 20, 2013, 07:51 AM

Feb 2013

Wow! Hasn't Iraq turned out just like Condi Rice promised it would? You remember when, as Secretary of State, she told Congress with complete certainty that all of our sacrifices in Iraq would be worthwhile? "Iraq," she proudly proclaimed, "will be our stable, democratic ally in the war on terror."

What a prescient genius! Don't you just wish you had her crystal ball?

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