Dhi Qar Oil Company hits political turbulence

NASSIRIYA - When Iraq created a new state oil company in Dhi Qar, it was a sign that the province was proudly emerging from the shadow of its southern neighbor, the oil capital of Basra.

But progress has also unleashed problems. In its first weeks of existence after being spun off from South Oil Company (SOC), the Dhi Qar Oil Company (DQOC) has experienced growing pains caused by a range of political conflicts and bureaucratic dilemmas.