Again a power in OPEC, Iraq could shift landscape

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s rapidly expanding oil production is likely to complicate OPEC’s efforts to influence world prices as the country re-emerges as a major player after 20 years on the sidelines due to sanctions and strife.

For now, Iraq is backing Iran’s push for OPEC to set lower production limits and keep prices high, but Baghdad’s own ambitious plans for expansion could cause an overall production growth that might drive down prices.