Iraqi oil issues in the House of Commons after World War II until 1951

Abstract

With the end of World War II, there was a clear interest from the great powers in oil for many reasons, the most important of which was their dire need for this raw material, which is the primary engine of the global economy, especially after the end of World War II in 1945. It is academically illogical to ignore this international interest in oil, given the resulting political, economic, and even social developments. Moreover, the matter takes on another dimension, one that shapes the nature of political relations between the major powers and oil-producing countries, according to the former's strategic interests. Based on this, bilateral relations with oil-producing countries have varied, ranging from good relations to coolness, then to rupture and, in some cases, aggression. This is perhaps what happened in these various forms between the British government, representing the great powers, and Iraq, an oil-producing country. The issues of Iraqi oil, in connection with the Palestinian question, received clear and explicit focus from members of the British House of Commons, especially after Iraq's insistence on closing the Haifa oil pipeline. This was clearly reflected in the halls of Parliament through the raising of questions and the search for solutions, as this issue constituted an integral part of the Palestinian question. Essential for Britain after its reliance on Iraqi oil and its linking of it to the engine of its economy without regard for Iraq's oil rights and interests.