In news from Iraq, the oil giant Exxon Mobil has publicly revealed it is interested in helping to develop Iraq’s huge oil reserves. A company spokesperson told the Reuters news agency, “If the Iraqi government decides it wants international oil companies to partner with them in developing their resources, Exxon Mobil would be interested in participating.” Iraq has given companies until February 18 to submit documents that will qualify them to compete for service contracts to help develop its oil infrastructure. Last week, Exxon Mobil announced it had made a record $40 billion in profits in 2007 — that is nearly $1,300 per second.