Black Gold

A young man waits for oil tankers to arrive on a cold winter day. Photo by Ayub Nuri.

This week, War News Radio presents the second of a series of shows that will explore the big questions still unanswered about the situation in Iraq. This week, we focus on oil.

First, we hear about the violence in the oil rich city of Basra from the people who live there. Listen now to Wren Elhai’s report.

Even in Iraq’s biggest centers of oil production, ordinary people can have a hard time getting fuel. We find out about the fuel ration and buying from the black market in Kirkuk. Listen now to this report from Laura Bolger and Emily Hager.

And, we speak with US Army Brigadier General Edward Cardon about how oil infrastructure fits into the American military strategy for rebuilding Iraq. Listen now to Elizabeth Threlkeld’s report.

Iraq’s oil production is still far lower than expected. We find out about one cause: the country’s aging oil infrastructure. Listen now to this report from Emily Hager, Jess Engebretson, and Eugene Kim.

Finally, we consider the controversy over Iraq’s proposed hydrocarbon law. Listen now to this report from Clare Kobasa and Elizabeth Threlkeld.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

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