Iraqi Voices
News & Politics
About
Iraqi Voices showcases authentic perspectives and insights about current developments in Iraq. Each week, we examine one major event in the country through expert analysis, cutting through the conjecture to help listeners better navigate Iraq's complex social, political and economic environment. Iraqi Voices is produced by 1001 Iraqi Thoughts.
Episodes
- Ali Al-Zaidi’s Path to Power and What Comes Next
This episode of Iraqi Voices discusses Ali Al-Zaidi's path to power, including the negotiations that led to his nomination and the endorsements he received. The hosts examine his potential cabinet, the debate over technocratic versus parti…
- Ali Al-Zaidi tapped to lead Iraq’s next government
This episode of Iraqi Voices discusses the nomination of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister. It covers the negotiations leading to his selection, his background as a banker and business oligarch, and what his selection reveals about Iraq's dem…
- Deadlock over the Nomination of the Prime Minister
This episode discusses the deadlock over the nomination of the Prime Minister in Iraq. It covers the political deal behind Kirkuk's government reshuffle, the KDP's boycott, and the Coordination Framework's paralysis over nominating a prime…
- Iraq's New President: How Amedi Won and Why the KDP Lost
Nizar Amedi was elected president of Iraq, concluding a period of political deadlock. This episode discusses the factors leading to his election, the implications for the KDP, and the evolving political alliances in Iraq, including the pro…
- Can the fragile US-Iran ceasefire halt the violence in Iraq?
This episode discusses the US-Iran ceasefire and its implications for Iraq, including diplomatic leverage, armed factions, government formation, and Iraqi Kurdistan’s neutrality.
- Iraq Navigating a Region at War
This episode explores how regional conflict is affecting Iraq, focusing on religious messaging, economic consequences, and political challenges including government formation.
- Generational Change and Elite Recalibration in Iraq
This episode explores generational change, elite recalibration, and cross-sectarian coalition-building in Iraqi politics. It also discusses diplomatic controversies and the complexities foreign actors face in Iraq.
- Austerity in a Time of Government Formation
This episode scrutinizes the credibility of Iraq's government performance rating and examines the fiscal reality behind delayed public sector salaries and pensions during a time of austerity. It also addresses the absence of transparent co…
- Iraq's Government Formation Impasse as Ramadan Approaches
This episode of Iraqi Voices examines the ongoing political deadlock in Iraq's government formation process. Topics include the controversy surrounding Nouri Al-Maliki, internal divisions, external interference, Kurdish negotiations, and e…
- Trump's Intervention in Iraq's Government Formation
This episode examines developments in Iraq's government formation after President Trump's Truth Social post regarding Nouri al-Maliki. It analyzes the Coordination Framework's divisions, explores alternatives, and discusses delays in elect…
- Iraq’s Elite Pact Through the Lens of Government Formation
This episode of Iraqi Voices explores the ongoing government formation process in Iraq. It examines how this process sheds light on the elite bargains that shape Iraq’s political system and the dynamics of power-sharing arrangements.
- The End of UNAMI: What Its Departure Means for Iraq
This episode discusses the end of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) after more than two decades. It reviews UNAMI’s mandate, its evolving role, achievements, and shortcomings, and assesses the impact of its departure o…
- Identifying the Next Iraqi Government’s Priorities
This episode discusses the priorities for Iraq's next government, focusing on US relations, fiscal buffers, anti-corruption, and public services.
- Deep Dive into the Election Data
This episode of Iraqi Voices provides a deep dive into election data. It examines the performance of Tishreen-aligned parties and the Coordination Framework’s method for selecting the nominee for the premiership.
- Initial Reactions to Iraq’s Election Results
This episode of Iraqi Voices provides initial reactions to Iraq’s preliminary election results. It analyzes the performance of various coalitions and discusses the outlook for government formation and the impact of voter turnout.
- Exploring the Regional Implications of Iraq’s Election
This episode discusses the regional implications of Iraq's election. It explores how international actors and Iraq's neighbors are monitoring the elections and emphasizes the importance of external actors fostering stability rather than un…
- Politics of Fear in Iraq’s Election Campaigns
This episode examines the use of fear and divisive rhetoric in Iraq’s election campaigns. It discusses how parties appeal to identity and insecurity to gain votes, highlighting unresolved questions of governance and power-sharing in the co…
- Why Iraq’s 2025 Elections Matter
This episode of Iraqi Voices examines Iraq’s 2025 parliamentary elections. The discussion focuses on how the elections could reshape power dynamics in Baghdad and their implications for Iraq’s stability and democratic future.
- Understanding Iraq's Stability Dividend
This episode of Iraqi Voices discusses Iraq's stability dividend, examining how sustained political calm has translated into a stability dividend. Guests also discuss steps needed to secure long-term prosperity.
- Iraq's Trajectory a Year After Elections
Lahib Hagel and Omar Al-Nidawi return to Iraqi Voices to analyze Iraq's political developments over the past year and discuss the country's trajectory. This episode comes one year after their previous discussion on the 2021 early elections.
- Iraq's Political Violence Deconstructed
Muhammad Al-Waeli, Ali Al-Mawlawi, and Hamzeh Hadad discuss political developments and recent violence in Iraq. They analyze the conflict between rival parties in Baghdad that resulted in numerous deaths.
- Iraq’s Political Paralysis Deconstructed
This episode of Iraqi Voices features analysts Muhammad Al-Waeli, Ali Al-Mawlawi, and Hamzeh Hadad. They discuss the latest political developments in Iraq, including the Sadrist withdrawal from parliament and the struggle for political and…
- Iraq Government Formation Special Episode
This episode of Iraqi Voices discusses the key developments and milestones in the Iraqi government formation, including the political impasse and Supreme Court rulings, six months after the 2021 Iraqi election.
- Exploring the Women, Peace & Security Agenda in Iraq
This episode discusses the Women, Peace & Security agenda in Iraq. It features Dr. Yasmin Chilmeran, an expert on gender and civil society in post-conflict settings, who discusses developments in Iraqi women's rights.
- Perspectives on Statebuilding in Post-2003 Iraq
Dr. Shamiran Mako discusses statebuilding in post-2003 Iraq. The conversation explores how legacies of exclusion continue to shape politics in the present day.
- An Insider's Account of Politics in Iraq's Parliament
In this episode, former Member of Parliament Sarkawt Shamsulddin provides an insider's account of politics in Iraq's Parliament. He offers anecdotes from his interactions with powerbrokers and explains why young Iraqis should engage in pol…
- Making Sense of Government Formation in Iraq
This episode of Iraqi Voices features political and economic analyst Hamzeh Hadad to discuss the process of government formation in Iraq. Topics include the first parliamentary session, majority versus consensus government, and the re-sect…
- Protests in Iraqi Kurdistan and the Exodus to Europe
Mera Jasm Bakr, a non-resident fellow at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, explains the dynamics behind the ongoing protests in Iraqi Kurdistan. She also discusses the recent wave of Kurdish migration to Europe.
- Iraq, COP26, and the Climate Change Challenge
Harry Istepanian, an Iraqi energy and water expert, discusses COP26 and Iraq's potential for a green economy. He also addresses the water resource challenges facing Iraq.
- Elections in the time of Tishreen
Lahib Hagel and Omar Al-Nidawi discuss the Iraqi parliamentary elections. They also analyze how the elections are viewed in light of the 2019 protest movement.
- Reclaiming the Historical Narrative: A Conversation with Iraqi Author Ruqaya Izzidien
Iraqi Voices hosts author Ruqaya Izzidien. She discusses her novel 'The Watermelon Boys,' which covers the British occupation of Iraq after World War I, her motivation for writing, and her Iraqi identity.
- Assessing Iraq-U.S. Relations in Light of Afghanistan
This episode of Iraqi Voices examines Iraq-U.S. relations in the context of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. The discussion focuses on potential healthy bilateral relations between the two countries.
- Iraq's Electricity Sector: Feeling the Heat
This episode of Iraqi Voices features Ali Al-Saffar, MENA Programme Manager at the International Energy Agency. He discusses the recent electricity shutdown in Iraq, obstacles to sector reform, and Iraq's energy dependency.
- Where Is Iraqi Kurdistan Heading Under Masrour Barzani?
This episode features Kamal Chomani discussing the political situation in Iraqi Kurdistan under Masrour Barzani, highlighting concerns about authoritarianism, curtailed public freedoms, and the unlawful detention of activists and journalis…
- Analysing the Protest Movement's Current Trajectory
This episode of Iraqi Voices analyzes the current protest movement in Iraq. It covers youth demands for accountability regarding assassinations and disappearances of activists, and the potential impact on upcoming elections.
- Media Portrayals and Iraqi Solidarity for the Palestinian Cause
This episode of Iraqi Voices discusses media portrayals and Iraqi solidarity for the Palestinian cause, featuring LA Times correspondent Nabih Bulos. The conversation covers changing media narratives and ways Iraqis can support the Palesti…
- A Primer on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and the Yazidi Survivors Law
This episode of Iraqi Voices provides a primer on conflict-related sexual violence. Hajar Baker discusses best practices and the landmark Yazidi Survivors Law in Iraq.
- How Can Iraq Upgrade Its Banking Sector?
Iraqi Voices hosts Akel Al-Ansari, a commercial banking specialist, to discuss the current state of the banking sector in Iraq and what is needed to fulfill its true potential.
- Unpacking Iraq's 2021 Federal Budget
Hassan Hadad and Ali Al-Mawlawi discuss Iraq's 2021 federal budget, focusing on the dinar devaluation, the KRG's share, and the delay in passing the budget. They also explore whether the budget reflects reform aspirations.
- Examining Sistani and Najaf Through an Institutional Lens
This episode of Iraqi Voices discusses Pope Francis’ meeting with Grand Ayatollah Sistani and the role of Najaf in Iraq's political and social landscape. Dr. Marsin Alshamary is featured as a guest.
- The Debacle Over Securing COVID-19 Vaccines for Iraq
This episode of Iraqi Voices examines the reasons behind Iraq's slow COVID-19 vaccine rollout, featuring insights from policy analyst Ali Al-Mawlawi. It explores why Iraq lags behind other Middle Eastern countries in vaccine accessibility.