Instability threatens Iraq's oil production (Wil Crisp, Al Jazeera)

While for much of 2015 oil traders were fixated on the United States shale oil producers, Chinese energy consumption and the actions of Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali al-Naimi, this summer they are also likely to be keeping a close eye on OPEC's second-largest producer, Iraq, where instability could curtail the nation's oil production and move global crude markets.

Over the past 18 months the south of Iraq has seen a surge in crime, including murders, kidnapping, armed robberies, extortion and drug trafficking.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2016/02/instability-threatens-iraq-oil-production-160208102652577.html