China Says It Will Help Iraq

Iraq is OPEC’s second largest producer, and political ineptitude, sectarian violence and impending civil war threaten future oil production and global oil prices. Disruptions in Libyan production have already added to supply problems, and many had hoped Iraqi producers to step up pace. The United States led a coalition to invade Iraq in 2003 and depose dictator Saddam Hussein, and withdrew by the end of 2011. Brutal Sunni extremists who control territory in Syria are now overcoming Iraqi cities, headed for Baghdad and seeking an Islamic state. The United States has sent security forces into the area to protect the US embassy. China is the largest foreign investor in Iraq, reports Energy Voice, and also seeks regional stability, but has announced no specific plans to intervene. So far, China monitors the conflict, promises the Iraqi government help and asks that Chinese workers be protected. Iraq has a population of more than 30 million people, and two thirds are Shia. The religious divide and old conflicts threaten the Middle East. –YaleGlobal