Report: Iraq could have twice as much oil as estimated

If borne out, this development could prove to be an important development, as the 'western desert' is primarily populated by Sunnis. Up until this point, it was thought that almost all oil lay only in the Shiite south and Kurdish north of the country, leaving Sunnis particularly opposed to the idea of partition.

Iraq could hold almost twice as much oil in its reserves as had been thought, according to the most comprehensive independent study of its resources since the US-led invasion in 2003.

The possibility of a further 100bn barrels in the western desert highlights the opportunity Iraq has to be one of the world's biggest oil suppliers - and its attractions for international oil companies - if the conflict in the country can be resolved.

If confirmed, Iraq would be raised from the world's third biggest source of oil reserves with 116bn barrels to second place, behind Saudi Arabia, overtaking Iran.

Read the rest at the Financial Times

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