Iraqi Oil Policy: Constitutional Issues Regarding Federal and Regional Authority
2006 Analysis by Joseph C. Bell, Hogan & Hartson LLP, and Professor Cheryl Saunders, University of Melbourne Australia. This memo addresses issues of constitutional relating to the division of authority between the federal government and the regions and governorates.
RELATED ARTICLE:
Oil and Gas Rights of Regions and Governates
COMMENTARY: Proposed Petroleum Act for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
The Revenue Watch Institute notes with approval the decision of the Kurdistan authorities to publish the preliminary draft for public comment. Our comments are limited to the provisions regarding corruption, transparency, and public access to information.
RELATED ARTICLE: KRG Natural Resources Minster Responds to Comments on Draft Kurdistan Petroleum Act
Managing Iraq's Petroleum 
In April 2006, Iraq Revenue Watch hosted a workshop which brought together leading petroleum experts, activists, economists and policy makers from across Iraq's regions and political spectrum. Topics covered at the workshop included the need for clarifications and potential changes to the Constitution, discussion of a national strategy for exploration and development, designing a sound investment regime, and establishing unassailable legislation and efficient institutions. This report details the outcomes of the workshop.
Geographical Distribution of Iraqi Oil Fields and Its Relation with the New Constitution
Iraq's new
Constitution has transferred managerial responsibility for new oil operations to the
regions and provinces, and allowed them to take part in the production
operations management of current fields. It has thus become necessary to accurately determine the geographical distribution
of hydrocarbon wealth. This May 2006 report aims to illustrate
the geographic distribution of Iraqi oil and gas fields according to provinces, and to show
how this would reflect on these fields’ management following the new Constitution.
 Second Transparency Report on Smuggling of Crude Petroleum and Products
2006
This document, produced by the inspector general of Iraq's ministry of
oil and translated by Revenue Watch, describes corruption in the oil sector, and particularly the multi-billion dollar smuggling of crude petroleum and refined products.
Misunderstanding Iraq: Recommendations for U.S. Policy
November 2005
Many of the seemingly intractable problems the United States faces in Iraq stem from a series of fundamental misunderstandings about the situation and the views of Iraqis. Following is an attempt at a more accurate assessment of what is happening and policy suggestions which could improve the situation and, most importantly, lay the groundwork for a US withdrawal.
Open Letter on Oil and Gas Wealth in the Draft Iraqi Constitution
October 2005
Experts on the oil industry sent this open letter to Iraq's National Assembly and future House of Representatives, raising questions about the new constitution's handling of oil revenues.
Report: Iraqi and International Experts Call for Comprehensive Strategy for Managing Iraq's Oil
July 2005
Democracy in Iraq hinges on a comprehensive and transparent approach to the management of its resource wealth, says a group of Iraqi and international stakeholders who met to carve out a strategy for the future of Iraqi oil.
Press Release: Iraqi Officials & International Experts Debate Future of Iraq's Oil
July 1, 2005
Senior Iraqi officials gathered with oil company representatives and international civil society leaders to carve out a plan for managing Iraq's oil wealth that will aid the country's democratic transition and economic reconstruction. The event, "Iraqi Oil Wealth: Issues of Governance and Development," is part of the Open Society Institute's ongoing effort to support informed and inclusive public policy debate in Iraq, and to assist Iraqis in holding all stakeholders to account in promoting an open, peaceful, and prosperous Iraq.
Report: Protecting the Future:
Constitutional Safeguards for Iraq's Oil Revenues
May 2005
The people of Iraq endured decades of corrupt and totalitarian rule under Saddam Hussein, who squandered the nation's natural and human resources on unwinnable wars, internal repression, and enriching himself and his cronies. With Saddam gone, Iraqis are now demanding a more just and economically viable future. This report explores ways that Iraqis can avoid many of the problems that can accompany oil wealth - corruption, conflict, and the "resource curse" - by rising above the political rivalries and cronyism that threaten post-Saddam Iraq and embedding measures for accountability into the future Iraqi constitution.
 Iraq
in Transition: Post-Conflict Challenges and Opportunities
November 2004
A joint publication of OSI and the United Nations Foundation, this November 2004 report examines the coalition's record during occupation and provides benchmarks on how best to approach the shared goal of a more stable and peaceful Iraq.
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