The WSJ has a great look at recent developments in the Iraqi oil industry, particularly the auctioning of contracts to oil companies to help boost oil production. Also a strong refutation of the war for oil hypothesis, as these are open bids with a range of international companies.

The history of the head of the Iraqi Oil Ministry, Mr. Shahristani, is especially interesting and heart-wrenching. Apparently, the guy was originally a nuclear scientist, but refused to help Saddam develop nukes, even after torture, and was locked up in solitary confinement for ten years, until he managed to escape during Gulf War I. Now, he serves to help his country, and the biggest knock on him is "he is too straight and clean." Sounds like the perfect man for the job. Read the whole thing.