How is the Iraq economy doing?

[Cocoa]

I just read that we just , and thought, that can't be good for the Iraqi economy. Among many other things that can't help, like the pipeline that was just closed, cutting oil exports by 25%, and several cities paralyzed by fighting.

I've also stopped getting cable, so I'm missing out on Bob Arnot's cheery updates about the bustling commerce in Baghdad, etc.

[hatrack]

1. Well, it starts with 50% unemployment and goes downhill from there

There was an interesting article on NPR this morning about the explosion in kidnapping, specifically targeted at doctors, lawyers, other professionals and (relatively) wealthy business people. It's to the point now where many Iraqis are afraid to send their kids to school.

According to the report, the kidnappers tend to display extensive, detailed knowledge about each family, its members, activities and movements. This leads some to conclude that at least some kidnappers are former members of the Mukhabarat, Saddam' intelligence service/secret police. It may also be an effort by fundies/insurgents/al Qaeda/whoever to drive skilled professionals out of Iraq while making a quick buck in the process.

Whether this last bit is true, I don't know, but it paints a rather depressing picture of the future Iraqi economy, to say the least.

[daa]

2. Just like ours

We have no gasoline - they have no electricity
and neither has good jobs.