Following the apparent success of the U.S. surge in reducing violence, Iraqi newspapers have turned their focus to issues such as the provincial elections and the status of Kirkuk. Another matter of concern for the Iraqi public is the formulation of the national hydrocarbon law, considering the fact that Kirkuk is one of the most oil-rich cities in the country.

The ambiguity of the oil and gas law draft.

Al-Sabaah newspaper is a government-run daily based in Baghdad. It noted that after Baghdad passed a draft version of the oil and gas law about a year ago, several lawmakers called for its revision in order to move the legislation forward.

The aspects of the draft, which was presented to Iraqi lawmakers in English, had only basic changes pertaining to translations to Arabic.

It is important to understand that the draft hydrocarbon law is an important matter that has long-lasting implications for the future of Iraq.