Iraq's oil ministry stated on May 6 that the deadline for bids to develop the Akkas gas field - a prized natural gas field in western Iraq, has been postponed until May 18. The announcement was made two weeks after the previous deadline had expired. The ministry did not earlier state the reasons for the move but later revealed that it was not able to lure enough bids from foreign or local companies for oil and gas projects due to lack of security. The Akkas field, located in the former Sunni insurgent stronghold of Anbar province, has estimated reserves of more than 2.15 trillion cubic feet. Reports noted that development of the field could boost the economy in Sunni areas, where support for the government has remained tenuous1.

• 1. “Iraq sets new May 18 deadline for bids to develop Akkas gas field,” International Herald Tribune, May 6, 2008, at www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/06/business/ME-FIN-Iraq-Gas-Field.php