Deputy PM Hussein Shahristani said a total of 335 prisoners had been released in the last week.

BBC: Hundreds of prisoners released in Iraq

The new Oil Minister, scientist Hussein Shahristani, said all the right things as he took office, starting with the need to tackle graft and sabotage.

NPR: Iraq Oil Minister Vows to Fight Corruption, Smuggling

Mr. HUSSEIN SHAHRISTANI (Iraqi Oil Minister): Well, the first thing we need to do is fight corruption, starting at the highest levels within the Ministry.

NPR: Iraq Oil Minister Vows to Fight Corruption, Smuggling