From the article:

"The expansion of ties between Iraq and Iran comes as the United States and Iran clash on nuclear issues and about what American officials have repeatedly said is Iranian support for armed groups in Iraq. American officials have charged that Iranians, through the international military wing known as the Quds Force, are particularly active in support of elite elements of the Mahdi Army, a militia largely controlled by Mr. Sadr.

An American military official in Baghdad said that while he had no specific knowledge of the power plant contracts, any expansion of Iranian interests was a concern for the military here.

“We are of course carefully watching Iran’s overall presence here in Iraq,” the military official said. “As you know, it’s not always as it appears. Their Quds Force routinely uses the cover of a business to mask their real purpose as an intelligence operative.”

Much like the CIA....

A positive sign from the Iraq government at last.....This is just what the country needs to try and calm down the in-fighting among the various factions in Iraq.

Hopefully it will instil a little awareness and pride that they are their own country and not just a Washington puppet to be bullied into accepting only what in the long run will benefit USA more than Iraq.

Indeed....