How the UAE Has Helped Western Oil and Gas Majors Return to Iraq

Group 1: Khor Mor Gas Expansion Project - Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum have commenced gas sales from the Khor Mor gas expansion project in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, completing the project eight months ahead of schedule [1] - The KM250 project adds 250 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) of capacity, increasing total output to 750 MMscf/d, along with producing 7,000 barrels per day of condensate and 460 tonnes per day of liquefied petroleum gas [1] - The Khor Mor site currently meets around 80% of the Kurdistan Region's power needs, with a total financing of US$1.1 billion for the expansion project [1] Group 2: Geopolitical Context - The West is aiming to re-establish influence in Iraq, particularly to reduce Iran's longstanding dominance, with major U.S. and European oil and gas companies returning to the region [2] - The strategy includes fostering closer cooperation between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, with a focus on reducing ties with Chinese, Russian, and Iranian companies [3] - The UAE's cooperation is seen as crucial for the success of Western strategies in the Middle East, especially in light of its previous concerns regarding China's influence in the region [4]