Iraq has been important to the rest of the world for many reasons. For last century, the presence of oil has made it crucial to the concerns of other nations and provided Iraq with influence in an increasingly industrial and global economy. The oil industry dominates Iraq's economy, traditionally accounting for nearly 95% of the country's revenues. Oil production has been greatly affected in the last two decades because of international conflicts, beginning with the Persian Gulf War, resulting sanctions, the 2003 US invasion, and efforts to rebuild the damaged economy amidst an ongoing insurgency.

• Acquaint students with the importance of oil for Iraq and the world.
• Provide students with a basic knowledge of oil resources in Iraq.

1. Discuss the role raw materials play in a nation's economy, history, and world standing.
2. Discuss the specific role that oil has played in both the Middle East and the 20th century. For more direct information, see Maps In The News: Iraq: Article on Oil
3. Direct students towards maps of oil resources in Iraq and in the region.
4. Have them complete the Student Sheet for this activity and share their responses.
5. Ask them what they think should happen with the future of Iraq's oil industry.

Time Allocation: One to three class periods depending on depth of background information required.

Variation on this Activity:

• Go to Library of Congress site and look at more maps related to oil production in Middle East and in Iraq: Library of Congress
• Have students look at direct effect of war on oil industry by looking at interactive map at BBC website:
  BBC News World

Special Resources for this Activity

• Oil Infrastructure - Inset (Figure 5B)
• 1993 Middle East Oil and Gas (Figure 5A)
• BBC Map link: BBC News World
• For an excellent overview of the impact of oil on twentieth century history, see Daniel Yergin, The Prize. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1991

Assessment criteria

• Did student gain an understanding of the impact oil has on Iraq economically, politically and internationally?

Your teacher will provide access to maps that show the oil resources and production in Iraq and in the Middle East. Please look closely at both the map of Iraq and at the region and answer the following questions. To get more background information, see Maps In The News: Iraq: Article on Oil

1. How does oil provide Iraq with influence in the world?
2. What must Iraq safeguard in order not to interrupt oil production?
3. Iraq nationalized its oil industry between 1972 and 1975. How did this help support Saddam Hussein's power?
4. Why is it so important for Iraq to rebuild its oil industry?
5. Whom do you think should benefit from the revenues generated by Iraqi oil sales?