Blackouts Predicted for Baghdad Through 2009

WASHINGTON —  Baghdad’s citizens will face power blackouts through the end of this decade, even under the best recovery scenario, Iraq’s deputy minister for electricity said Tuesday.

About 90% of Iraq’s national power grid was damaged or destroyed in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, and nearly a decade of international sanctions curbed repairs. Power lines and other infrastructure were again damaged or looted after last year’s U.S.-led invasion.

Power has been rationed throughout the country to spread the available supply.

Although conditions have improved, Barga Juburie, the deputy minister, said blackouts in Baghdad probably would continue at least through 2009.

Blackouts will persist after that if Iraq does not receive money for repairs and construction and if sabotage continues, Juburie said.