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It is a matter of fact that Iraq, a country upon which inhumane sanctions have been imposed for twelve years, is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of its vast natural resources. Iraq is the second largest oil reserve in the world, not to mention its richness in other minerals, and it was once the world's largest producer and exporter of dates. Thus, an American war on Iraq and the fall of the "rogue" Iraqi regime that is expected to be replaced by a US-friendly regime, would simply mean an American firm grip over the Iraqi natural wealth.
Fact: Iraq is an Oil Giant
According to The Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the US Department of Energy, Iraq contains more than 112 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, making it the second largest oil reserve in the world after Saudi Arabia. The Iraqi oil reserves represent 10.8% of total world reserves. Furthermore, the country holds 220 billion barrels of probable and possible resources, and Iraq's true resource potential - which has not been explored yet due to years of sanctions - may be far greater than this. If the Iraqi potential oil capabilities are fully explored and utilized, Iraq may claim a quarter of the world's oil.
It is important to note that, geologically speaking, the Iraqi oil is remarkably high in quality. Iraqi crude oil is generally light sweet, indicating an optimum refining weight and a desirably low sulfur content. The Iraqi light sweet crude oil is much easier and cheaper to refine than the heavy grades which contain more sulfur. As sulfur has to be removed during the refinery process, the sulfur content in crude oil adds to both the complexity and cost of refining it. Some refineries in certain countries do not yet have the technical capability to crack heavier crude into important distillates like gasoline and heating oil. Not only that, but also the Iraqi oil is usually found very near to the surface of the earth and is thus easily extracted. Hence, Iraq's oil production costs are amongst the lowest in the world. The Iraqi oil could cost as little as 97 cents a barrel, compared to $6 a barrel of Russian oil for example. Given that a barrel of oil sells for $30, the oil companies that would be working in Iraq would make a 97% profit margin - an extraordinarily high profit. In short, the Iraqi crude oil is exceptionally high in quality and competitively low in cost.
The country's major oil producing fields are the Karkuk in the north between Zagrus Mountains and the Upper Plain, East Baghdad field in the central region, the Rumaila fields in the south, which is west of Al Basrah, and other fields in places near the city of Mosul. The oil produced from these fields is high quality oil. The Karkuk and Basrah oil varieties are low in their sulfur content. The Basrah field normally produces 34o API (Air Position Indicator), 2.1% sulfur. The northern Karkuk field normally produces 37o API, 2% sulfur crude.
Iraq also has considerable amounts of phosphate rock (used in making chemical fertilizers), sulfur, brown coal, salt, gypsum and natural gas. It contains 110 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven natural gas reserves, along with roughly 150 Tcf in probable reserves. Main sources of natural gas are the Kirkuk, Ain Zalah, Butma, and Bai Hassan oil fields in northern Iraq, as well as the North and South Rumaila and Zubair fields in the south. In addition, small deposits of various other minerals are found in Iraq, principally iron ore, gold, lead, copper, silver, platinum and zinc.
The Cradle of Civilizations:
Iraq has more water than most Middle Eastern nations. Actually, its two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, witnessed the establishment of one of the world's earliest and most advanced civilizations in the world. The Tigris is 1,718 kilometers long, of which 1,418 are in Iraq. The Euphrates is 2,300 kilometers long, of which 1,213 are in Iraq. The Tigris and the Euphrates provide water for irrigation and are a source of hydroelectric power. Flood control projects on the rivers help increase the agricultural production of the area.
Iraq's two main rivers, along with an average annual rainfall of 154 mm, supply the agricultural land with irrigation water. About one-fifth of Iraq's territory consists of farmland. Half of this total cultivated area is in the North Eastern plain and mountain valleys, where sufficient rain falls to sustain agriculture. The Tigris and the Euphrates have carried fertile soil to nearby river valleys for centuries; Iraq thus has wide areas of rich soil. The soils of Iraq are of two different kinds. Heavy alluvial deposits, containing a significant amount of humus and clay, make up one type and are useful for construction. The lighter soils, lacking in humus and clay content, contain wind-deposited nutrients.
The country has the potential for substantial agricultural growth as it has enough fertile land and irrigation water to become more than merely self-sufficient.
Even the southern and south western desert areas in Iraq are rich in their wild life. Among the fauna are the cheetah, gazelle, antelope, wild ass, lion, hyena, wolf, jackal, wild pig, hare, jerboa and bat. Numerous birds of prey exist, including the vulture, buzzard, raven, owl, and various species of hawk; other birds include ducks, geese, partridges, and sand grouse. Lizards are fairly common. On the other hand, raising livestock is also abundant in Iraq. In the early 1990s, the livestock population included about 9 million sheep, 1.4 million cattle, 1.5 million goats and 35 million poultry. In addition, the world-famed Arabian horse is extensively bred.
The Land of Palm Trees
With the largest concentration of palm trees on earth, Iraq is known to be the land of palm trees and it was once the largest producer and exporter of dates in the world. 450 female cultivars grow on its land, the most important of which are Zahdi, Sayer, Halawi, Khadrawi, Khastawi, Brem, and Chipchap.
In the 1960s and the 1970s, 30 million date palms existed in Iraq. At that time, the production of dates amounted to at least 578,000 tons. The Iraqi dates are not only superior in quantity, but most of the Iraqi dates' variants are of high quality too; dates cultivated in Basrah, for instance, are famous for their outstanding quality.
Other fruits produced in Iraq include apples, figs, grapes, olives, oranges, pears and pomegranates.
Iraq is, indeed, rich in its natural resources, and if those resources are fully utilized, Iraq will be one of the most prosperous countries in the Middle East, like it actually was before 1990.
The United States has already assured its presence in all Arab oil-rich countries; only Iraq remains. With a new US-friendly government in Iraq (brought after the war), the United States would secure its control over the vast Iraqi oil reserves as well as the many other Iraqi natural resources.
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