In other Iraq news, insurgent attacks continue to derail the US-led reconstruction effort. The Washington Post is reporting attacks have shut down Iraq’s largest oil refinery for over one week. The news comes amid reports news gas prices in the country have recently increased fivefold. The increase is attributed to a debt-forgiveness deal signed with the International Monetary Fund that requires the interim Iraqi government to cut fuel subsidies. Meanwhile, the US military says December has been a record month for attacks on Iraqi contractors working on reconstruction.