How will control of oil resources/revenues influence Iraqs future?
BK: Iraq’s considerable oil and gas resources give it advantages that other countries like Afghanistan do not have—but until Iraq’s internal conflicts are settled peacefully, it will not be able to take advantage of these resources and revenues to improve the quality of life for its people. According to recent reports, Iraq’s oil industry will require billions of dollars of investment to enhance its production capacity, but this investment is not likely to materialize until the internal conflicts are settled. NOW: What are the chances that Baghdad can hold on to (or restore) its multiethnic, pluralistic character? BK: The chances look increasingly slim that Baghdad overall will be multiethnic and pluralistic in the near-term future without a peaceful settlement to the country’s conflicts. According to a recent report from Nancy Youssef and Leila Fadel at McClatchy Newspapers, U.S. officials estimate that Baghdad, previously a 65 percent Sunni majority city, is now 75 percent Shi’a. Eve
