(Posted by John.)
Happy New Year all. Der Spiegel has a piece on the drafting of Iraq's new oil law, which is apparently going to lead to privatization. As much as I'm sure that will be wildly popular with the Iraqis - and I'm sure it won't at all be re-nationalized once the dust settles - I have to say the most surreal thing about the article is the headline:
"Will Iraq's Oil Blessing Become a Curse?"
Yes, it's been such a blessing to be an oil-rich Persian Gulf state. Just look at the wondrous societies of Saudi Arabia, or Iran, or Kuwait. Bastions of free expression and social justice, each and every one.
