Iraq would favour bids by Russia's Lukoil and China's CNPC for Exxon Mobil's stake in West Qurna-1 oilfield. Iraq wants Exxon out of the field after signing deals last year with the Kurdistan regional government
Iraq and Russia have been getting cosy lately with high ranking visitors and multi-billion dollar arms deals. Is this friendship just a business opportunity? Related to events in Syria or Iran? Or something more sinister?