If Iraq suddenly crumples, as is possible, it will be even harder to defend the oil-rich region against a victorious Iran.

One oil-rich region is in the borderlands, its national assignment undecided.

The "Arabization" of Kirkuk and other oil-rich regions is not a recent phenomenon.

Observers say the US finds it hard to criticise a country which is seen as an ally in a volatile, oil-rich region.

The oil discoveries have also added to the misery of those Sudanese who live in oil-rich regions.

Some analysts have seen this as a scene of increasing instability in the oil-rich, but socially unequal, region.

Allow Iran to have more of the oil-rich regions in exchange for American access to that oil?

A bitter war ensued as Nigeria fought to foil the secession of the oil-rich region.

The main interest of the political leadership, many experts say, is making sure the oil-rich region continues to grow economically.

Nevertheless, at the end of the war, tensions emerged over the timing of the pull out of both sides from the oil-rich region.