14 March 2003 Ever since UN sanctions were imposed on Iraq, Jordan has been the only gateway to and from Baghdad. Ahead of the last Gulf War, the late King Hussein of Jordan played a major role mediating between Saddam Hussein and the international coalition that eventually drove Iraq out of Kuwait in 1991. Accused of siding with Iraq, Jordan was snubbed by the US, as well as its Gulf…
Author: Ruba Husari
IOF Editor
Iraqi Oil Officials Weigh US Policy Role
7 May 2003 With current efforts in Iraq’s oil sector focusing on near-term repairs and restoration, cooperation between officials from the US and Iraq is proceeding smoothly. But Iraqi oil technocrats appear more skeptical about cooperation with the US on long-term policy, according to soundings by International Oil Daily in Baghdad. There is already internal debate among Iraqi officials about the correct course for the industry going forward, with some…
Kuwait, Turkey Send Oil Products to Iraq — Backed by US Cash
7 May 2003 A combination of rundown power infrastructure and war damage is forcing Iraq to import oil products to relieve severe shortages that have almost brought the country to a halt. The first shipments of gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas from Turkey and Kuwait are due to arrive this week, Iraqi and US sources said. At the same time, the northern Baiji refinery resumed minimal operations on Tuesday. “We…
Are US Plans for Iraq Shaping Up as Hoped?
6 May 2003 With the weekend announcement of the first two names for an advisory board, US plans for oversight of Iraq’s oil industry appear to be taking shape. But questions are being asked as to why the rest of the board is taking so long to firm up, and what this might mean for Washington’s ability — or desire — to shape Iraqi oil policy. Some observers say that…