Iraq intends to strengthen ties with Russia, Kurdistan with China

On September 18th, the Iraqi Government has stated it plans to strengthen cooperation with Russia in political and military areas. Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, Hoshyar Zebari, stated Iraq intends to "strengthen cooperation with Russia in all fields." He cited this will be in attempt to coordinate attacks against terrorism, but Iraq would also bolster ties with Russia in regards to all political, economic, military and technical endevours. On the same date, China has just appointed its consul in Kurdistan. Kurdistan's foreign relations official, Karwan Jamal Tahir stated “There’s chaos in some parts of Iraq, but business in Kurdistan is moving forward.” Karwan Jamal Tahir, welcomed Consul General Tan Bang Len on September 17th.

Also on September 18th, John Kerry stated Saudi will re-establish an embassy in Iraq, and that Prince Saud al-Faisal, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, posed for a picture, arm-in-arm with the Kurdish president of Iraq and with the Shia foreign minister of Iraq. This occurred at a meeting last week in Jeddah. While Kerry presents some good news, recent alliances and problems existing between Kurdistan and Iraq may continue to present dilemmas.

In recent news Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi were schedule to meet during the week of September 14th. The parties are to discuss conflict issues regarding oil, article 140 or Iraq's constitution, and payment of salaries to Kurdistan's clerks. Recently, Kurdish MP in Baghdad, Sirwan Sirini, stated Abadi's resolution plans are made up of several parts and these include attempts at solving the budget and oil issues. The Iraqi government reported solving these issues would include: A portion of the disputed budget being sent to Kurdistan, and in return the Kurds shall relinquish control of its oil to the federal government of Iraq within one month.

The meeting between Barzani & Abadi appears to be on standstill, and was first postponed due to the French President’s visit to Iraq. There has been no date scheduled as of late. Along the lines of settling issues, it appears there have been some threats projected by the Kurds. In essence, warning if the government fails to respond to the Kurds demands, the Kurds implied they would take "another position." Of interest, reported on September 19th, there was a meeting between three Presidents and their deputies in Baghdad. These included, Fuad Masum is PUK,(Masum appointed Abadi), Dr Salim Abdullah al-Jabouri,and Abadi. Barzani is KDP, Barzani does not appear to have been present at the meeting.

Kurdistan has plans to ramp up oil production to 400,000 barrels per day. On September 17th it was reported Iraqi Kurdistan shipped 3 million barrels of oil to Asia. It continues to ship oil in defiance of Iraq. Kurdistan continues to do business with oil partners despite Iraq's Constitution, and China represents big business. If the meeting between Barzani & Abadi is scheduled, talks may be tense.