BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraqis are facing miles-long gas lines, even as the government announces that it's opening six major oil fields and two natural gas fields to be developed by foreign contractors. The government hopes these contracts will boost oil production by 60 percent and provide additional resources to rebuild Iraq's infrastructure and deliver services to the people. The government continues to have problems providing regular power. And sectarian violence, corruption, and inefficient government institutions limit how much Iraqi citizens will benefit from an increase in oil money. An Oil Ministry spokesman has blamed this week's oil crunch on the sabotage of a pipeline bringing crude oil from the southern fields to a refinery in Baghdad. After waiting more than four hours for gas, one man said he finally edged close to the...
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