Iraq continues non-U.S. contracts

In the wake of a weapons deal with China, Iraq has reportedly contracted with China and Iran to build major power plants in Iraq. All told, the deals are worth $1.1 billion.

The US is apparently claiming that Iran will use the project to "mask" military efforts, but the real worry is, I think, that these countries will succeed where we haven't. In particular, the Iranian project will apparently be built in the heart of Baghdad's Sadr City, an overflowing neighborhood of poor Shiites who largely support Moqtada al-Sadr. The US can barely influence this area, never mind control it, and if Iran sauntered in and started providing services, it would be a clear indication of US impotence.

The China deal, in any case, is much larger than the one with Iran. In the Times report, it's almost pathetic to hear officials whine about the deal while also to maintain support for a free market in Iraq.

Despite continued problems with the generation and distribution of electricity, the Electricity Ministry is reportedly one of the most competent. It will be interesting to see whether these other nations can succeed where we've thus far failed.