The Poor in Basra

[rocket scientist]

Marooned on Sea of Iraqi Oil, but Unable to Tap Its Wealth

By TIMOTHY WILLIAMS
Published: November 7, 2009

BASRA, Iraq � The orange glow of the giant natural gas flares in the oil
fields around Basra represents this bustling city�s wealth of natural
resources. But for the impoverished people who live near them, the
flames only serve as a reminder of their inability to share in the
riches that lie beneath their feet.

Joao Silva for The New York Times

A lack of sanitation services in Basra breeds flies, like those swarming
a sleeping baby.

Poverty is rampant in Basra, Iraq, despite its oil fields. Few area
residents can find jobs at the nearby refinery.

Vendors in Basra cannot afford vehicles.
The New York Times

Up to 80 percent of Iraq's oil comes from the Basra area.

The area around Basra, Iraq�s second largest city and main port,
accounts for as much as 80 percent of the country�s oil production. It
has emerged as Iraq�s best hope for stability and prosperity as it
prepares to sell off its top undeveloped oil fields to foreign companies
at an auction next month. Of the five largest fields that will be bid
on, four are in or around Basra.

for the rest of this story;
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/world/middleeast/08basra.html?_r=1