Iraqi – Italian Relations (1921-1935)

Abstract

  The Italian-Iraqi relations were characterized by opportunism and distrust between the two sides, as the economic interests were considered the axis on which they were based. It seized the opportunities to obtain oil investments in Iraq. This became a strategic objective adopted by the fascist government in the long term. The policy of peaceful penetration was adopted in stages starting with obtaining a diplomatic representation in Baghdad, and then Mosul. It devoted its political and economic efforts to reach its objectives which was the Mosul oil and achieved this through the British policy, which worked on rapprochement with Italy and made it the weakest partner in the Iraq oil equation.