Iraqi and Iranian officials began laying a natural gas pipeline across the Shatt al-Arab waterway dividing the two countries – a concrete step toward implementing a plan to fuel Basra power plants with Iranian gas.The project aims to increase power generation in Basra in time for hot summer months, when air conditioner use causes demand to spike. Electricity shortages have typically prompted overheated residents to protest – a prospect that is especially fraught as Iraq faces escalating … This content is for registered users. Please login to continue. If you are not a registered user, you may purchase a subscription or sign up for a free trial .