Has Iraq Finally Run Out of Road in Its Double-Dealings with the West?

Late June/early July normally brings twin events from Iraq for the global oil industry: an announcement that it intends to increase its crude oil production to either 6 or 7 million barrels per day (bpd) within three years, and a statement that its prime minister will visit Washington to discuss deepening strategic ties or something similar aimed at securing money from the U.S.

This year is no different, with the announced three-year target being 7 million bpd, and the visit of new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi happening in the middle of this month.…