Although nutritional and health conditions did not decline as radically as in government-controlled Iraq, there were periods of serious hardship. Some 13 per cent of each tranche of oil funds go to the Kurds, although food supplies are purchased centrally and distributed by the Iraqi Government. Iraq has effectively lifted the internal embargo, while the increased flow of goods has diminished the intensity of inter-party competition over customs revenues. A rationing system covering the whole population has increased food availability, brought down prices, and improved nutrition, though aid agencies are concerned that food aid may undermine the fragile rural economy. Although this has eased the immediate economic crisis, it has done little so far to create an economic base to provide employment and encourage investment in the longer term.
Political uncertainty continues to haunt the future of Iraqi Kurdistan.
She has worked as a consultant to Christian Aid on Iraq.