this is an incredibly imp article. it finally clarifies what is going on with iraqi oil (all those who think the “oil” motive for the iraq war is too naive, pls read). it also showcases the intelligence and brilliant collaboration between what are described as warring, chaotic, disparate iraqi groups (sunnis, shias, kurds, labor unionists, oil officials, communists, religious leaders, secular politicians and members of civil society). they all agree on how the new oil law will make is possible for foreign companies to deprive iraq of its biggest asset (oil) making it impossible for the iraqi govt to rebuild the country. the law will, in effect, re-establish a colonial system of resource theft (let’s call it what it is). more here.