Security problems stymie Basra conference

Empty Eni

In the wake of a deadly bombing, the biggest players in Basra's oil sector backed out of a conference meant to highlight Iraq's investment opportunities.

  • Iraqi South Oil Company engineers look toward the natural gas flares in the Zubair oil field in southern Iraq on January 21, 2010. (ESSAM AL-SUDANI/AFP/Getty Images)

    Basra leaders threaten lawsuit

    Days before Shell and Iraq are to formalize a new gas company, Basra's local government has voted to file a lawsuit challenging the deal.

  • Basra flares

    Cabinet approves Shell gas deal

    A final signing could come as early as next week, after Iraq's Cabinet approved Shell's deal to capture billions of dollars' worth of associated gas that is currently flared in Basra.

Energy

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The secret history of the Shell gas deal

Iraqi Southern Oil Company engineers look towards the natural gas flares in the Zubair oil field in southern Iraq on January 21, 2010. (ESSAM AL-SUDANI/AFP/Getty Images)

Leaked U.S. Embassy cables and candid interviews reveal the story behind Shell's quest to export Iraqi natural gas.

Business

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Plans vague, rely on oil

Iraqi workers build the base of a small bridge in central Baghdad on May 12, 2010, as part of municipal projects aimed at helping ease traffic in the congested Iraqi capital. (ALI AL-SAADI/AFP/Getty Images)

A new 5-year plan for economic and social development in Iraq offers little details, but relies on oil exports to double and fund projects that will only succeed if security improves.

Interviews

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Not done yet

Iraqi government spokesman talks about dispute with the Kurds, Kuwait and the post-election legitimacy of the oil deals signed with foreign companies.