BAGHDAD, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Legal and logistical questions remain for Iraq, despite talks with Shell and Total to develop the Akkas field, which may feed gas to both Syria and Europe.

The Akkas gas field in Anbar province contains up to 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, located in an area until recently most known for al-Qaida's presence. Iraq's total proven reserves are 112 trillion cubic feet.

Development talks are also possible because security has improved. Anbar province was a stronghold of the Sunni insurgency and linked to al-Qaida. But a refocused U.S. military effort to join forces with Iraqi Sunnis against al-Qaida has improved security.

The risk, however, remains. The Shiite-led government opposes arming the Sunnis and the Sunnis feel excluded from the government, setting the stage for a potentially new front of the civil conflict in the country.

The Times reports both Shell and Total are in the running for a deal, as are other companies the Iraqi government met with last week.