1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement on Form S-3 of our report dated March
17, 1998, included in Harken Energy Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.




                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Dallas, Texas
May 27, 1998