Iraqi PM Faces Test of Leadership Amid Drone Strikes on Saudi Oil
The drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline has sent shockwaves across the region, exposing the challenges faced by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in controlling armed factions.
The strikes, which came from Iraqi territory and threatened about 4 percent of global oil supplies, have pushed Brent crude above $108 a barrel.
Al-Zaidi has responded quickly to international pressure, sacking the Maysan operations commander and ordering an investigative committee to look into the incident. He also closed numerous border crossings with Iran to prevent perpetrators from fleeing.
However, many observers believe that these moves are just a show to placate Saudi and US calls for action, as similar attacks have originated from Iraqi soil in the past.