[haffast]

Israel and the US don't want the competition.

Iran-Syria Gas Pipe to Run Through Iraq
By Chana Ya'ar - 2/20/2013, 3:00 PM

"Iraq has approved plans to run a natural gas pipeline through its territory from Iran to Syria."

U.S. brushes off Iran-Iraq-Syria gas line
Nov. 20, 2012 at 7:26 AM
excerpted:

"The U.S. government said plans by Iran to build a natural gas pipeline through Iraq to Syria may run into problems with economic sanctions."

"Victoria Nuland, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, brushed off the report, saying Washington has seen similar reports on the Iran-Iraq-Syria pipeline "six or seven or 10 or 15 times before, and it never seems to materialize."

"I would simply say that the construction of any kind of an Iranian-Syrian pipeline could potentially raise sanctions issues under U.S. law on either Iran or Syria, including for international entities who might decide to participate in it either by financing or by construction," she said.
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/11/20/US-brushes-off-Iran-Iraq-Syria-gas-line/UPI-36621353414380/#ixzz2RRMiBd8v

The longer the US and Israel can delay and disrupt Syrian to Iran pipeline, the closer Israel will be to having their natural gas and oil production online with sales to Europe (2015-16?).

Israel will price their oil in USD like our other "friends" in the region, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait etc, keeping the "Petro-Dollar" system afloat. A win-win for the US. Plus we can sell 'em stuff. Everybody happy happy. (Except maybe the Russians and China)

[haffast]

Correction:

Iran-Syria Gas Pipe to Run Through Iraq
By Chana Ya'ar - 2/20/2013, 3:00 PM

"Iraq has approved plans to run a natural gas pipeline through its territory from Iran to Syria."
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/165466#.UXlfiUp1pkg

[haffast]

Israel Grants First Golan Heights Oil Drilling License To Powerful US Company
Business Insider ^ | Feb. 22, 2013, 2:45 PM | Michael Kelley
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2990546/posts?page=1

[jonrick46]

One of the worst results is The Syrian rebellion has spilled into Iraq. The Syrian rebellion has caused 120,000 Syrian refugees to enter Iraq in the Kurdistan Region. The Sunni-led civil war against the Syrian government is now spilling into Iraq. It is causing a strong Shia reaction, not only against the Syrian Sunnis but also against the Iraqi Sunnis. So far the Iraqi government is controlling this upheaval. However, should Iran capitalize on the situation and further destabilize Iraq for their purposes, there will be consequences that will affect the entire region.

The pipeline situation may be a good motivation for Iran to acquire Iraqi soil in the Kurdistan Region (see map below). Iran needs new access to oil energy. But, it is not the only motivation. I can see Iran expanding its power through northern Iraq through Syria, to the Mediterranean for port access. That would give Iran military access for more sinister efforts.