The free market always works. The dropping of many economic barriers is going to pay off big time.

If they keep this kind of free-market approach, and the political and military problems are dealt with (no walk in the park), Iraq could wind up the economic powerhouse of the Middle East, with oil only being the icing on the cake.

And it isn't Saddam, or a sheik, or some other thug ruler raking it in. It's the people.

The buying spree has been helped by the suspension of customs duties, import taxes, licensing fees and similar surcharges for most goods entering and leaving the country. The U.S.-led coalition's order on June 7 that suspended such charges has made Iraq a virtual free-trade zone at least until the end of the year.