Thousands of Islamic State militants are believed to be in the area, exploiting security gaps.
Protesters are confronting an unbridgeable gap between their demands and the government's action. Their rising frustration poses increasing risks to the oil sector.
The Mosul-area field has resumed shipments as demonstrations appear to be receding – at least temporarily – from key infrastructure.
The stoppage at small Qayarah field could foreshadow larger impact of anti-government protests on oil sector.
Oil workers are organizing to show solidarity with protesters, and demonstrations are targeting key oil sites directly – increasing pressure on an already faltering government.
Dozens dead and thousands injured as protesters and security forces clash around southern Iraq.
Deadly operation targets the defenses of an oil field once controlled by the Islamic State militant group, reinforcing fears of an energized insurgency.
Widespread demonstrations are expected to resume this week, posing a challenge to a government whose recent crackdowns have undermined its standing with citizens and religious authorities.
Refugees are already crossing the border and Iraqi security forces are contingency planning for a revived Islamic State insurgency.
Residents of Anbar and Ninewa feel solidarity with protesters denouncing the Iraqi government's chronic failures, but after years of trauma, they aren't staging demonstrations.
