[AntiGuv]

But Ebel said it may be "a couple of years" before Iraq can resume its late-1970s production level of 3.2 to 3.5 million barrels, still lagging behind neighboring Iran. After all adjustments are made, prices could stabilize next year in the $25- to $26-per-barrel range...

That would be just above pre 1991 levels of 3.1-3.3 million barrels and would certainly not break OPEC price controls. It's also right in the midst of the aforementioned 18-36 month reconstruction period estimated by the James A. Baker III Institute and the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

[oceanview]

Iraq, as a non OPEC member, under US control, and with US oil extraction technology pouring into the country, won't be bound by any limits they might have had in the past. what are they CAPABLE of producing, that is what the OPEC countries have to consider before they embark on some strategy to break the US dollar and control currency exchanges.