A new behemoth or the reform Iraq needs?
Parliament has passed a law to re-create Iraq National Oil Company. It faces opposition
"We have to make reforms. Maybe not with 100% success. But we have to start. Don't just sit there and criticise—get in the middle of the politics." Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulloum is speaking as he sits on a sofa in his home in Baghdad's al-Jadriya district. An enormous tray of fruit rests on the table between us. As if to prime his argument, a sudden power cut switches off the lights and fans. Iraq's energy sector has made much progress in recent years-but electricity supply is still erratic, even in the house of a powerful parliamentarian and former oil minister. But Ulloum is feeling optimistic. After years of debate, parliament in early March passed a law to re-create Iraq National Oil Company (I
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