Recent data released by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) underscores the significant volume of Iraq's crude oil exports to the United States, raising questions about the true motivations behind the US invasion of Iraq.
In 2023, Iraq exported over 115.26 million barrels of crude oil to the US, with December alone witnessing nearly 6.92 million barrels, marking a substantial increase from previous months. This surge in exports continued into January 2024, with shipments reaching 5.38 million barrels, despite a slight decline in February to approximately 4.38 million barrels.
The consistent flow of Iraqi oil to the US, coupled with fluctuations in export volumes, suggests a strategic economic interest rather than a humanitarian mission behind the US intervention in Iraq. The notable absence of Iraqi oil exports to the US during the first week of February, followed by a rapid increase in subsequent weeks, further supports this assertion.
These figures highlight the complex interplay between geopolitics and resource exploitation, challenging the narrative of the Iraq War as solely aimed at liberating the Iraqi people. Instead, they underscore the potential role of oil as a driving force behind US foreign policy decisions in the region.
