The rapid advance of Islamist militants across northern and central parts of Iraq surprised many. However, the momentum for the advance has been building for years.
The Kurdish region of northern Iraq could arguably be described as one of the quietest parts of the Middle East, and it is proving hugely attractive to foreign oil companies . . . particularly European and US.
If you were to list some of the safer operating environments for the energy sector worldwide, the north of Iraq might not immediately spring to mind. However, the territories administered by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) are currently just that.
