Which is another reason the "to be developed" portion of the graph is fantasy. Even if the US accelerates its draw-down of overseas troops, Iraq will be towards the end UNLESS the oil if flowing at an increasing rate and the Iraqis seem happy -- failing a serious collapse of US power or the even more remote possibility of a significant change in US politics. My guess is that we will leave Iraq only when the actual reserves, along with production, are seriously in decline or the US can no longer manage to pay for the occupation.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."