RFE. The ongoing process of state delegitimization due to system disruption in process in Iraq. Iraqi
Oil Minister Thamir al-Ghadban has come under fire in the Iraqi media
in recent weeks for the burgeoning fuel crisis that is plaguing the
country. Commentaries in the media
have widely criticized the minister, as well as Electricity Minister
Ayham al-Samarra'I for the crisis, despite claims by both men that
militant attacks on oil pipelines and installations are to blame for
the crisis. According to media reports, Iraqis are queuing for several
hours for gas in some areas. The cost of bottled cooking gas has risen
tenfold, and the cost of paraffin for heating has more than quadrupled. [John Robb's Weblog]