Brahm

Geopolitical Energy: Centered on the Caspian Sea (Part 2 of 2)

Good analysis, but perhaps somewhat skewed in parts. You failed to mention that besides the oil/gas concessions in Iraq for BP, Exxon, Shell and Chevron, the current Iraqi govt has also given concessions to Chinese companies and others. Future Iraqi governments are unlikely to skew their energy policy, especially issues on exploration and production rights, solely in favour of Western companies. Other nations' (state companies) have not been aggressive bidders yet due to fluid and unsettled circumstances in Iraq currently.

As Europe's dependence on Russia and Central Asian energy increases with time, a divergence in approach to Central Asia and Iran will most likely increase between the US and the Europeans. One can see the nuances of this divergence even now.