Where is the Oil from Iraq?

Earlier this month Ahmad Chalabi, the head of Iraq's energy council, said oil output was on course for a 20% rise in its export capabilities by the end of the year. And, of course, he backed the idea that US and UK oil firms should have priority in Iraq's oil sector.

As of today, all Iraq oil exports have been halted. Why? Insurgent attacks in the north and bad weather in the south. The article reports that "no less than 16 oil pipelines are on fire" and "will take at least four weeks to repair." When the weather clears in the south, expect more attacks there as well. The article talks of a "special force" created to guard the pipelines that is currently 15,000 strong...or, err...weak. Iraq Pipeline Watch reports that an attack on a major pipeline that links Kirkuk to Bayji occoured 24 hours after it was repaired and reopened.

Now for the cherry on top, Director of the supplies department in the Iraqi south oil company in Basra was abducted today. You have to have security before you can take the oil Mr. Bush.