Iraqi Voices

The wave of high-profile anti-corruption arrests has sent shockwaves through Iraq. But how far are Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and the judiciary prepared to take this campaign, and what could it mean for the country's political order? In this episode, we examine the political significance of the crackdown and consider whether the arrests could lead to a broader recalibration of Iraq's political la...

In this episode, the hosts analyze Iraq's accelerating anti-corruption campaign under Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. The discussion covers the high-profile arrests of senior officials in the ministries of Oil and Electricity, the wave of senior personnel changes sweeping the heart of government, and what it all means for former Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani. The hosts also examine whether this m...

Since the formation of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's government, a series of declarations by the Sadrist Movement, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, and Kata'ib Imam Ali have signaled a growing willingness to abandon armed wings and integrate more fully into the Iraqi state. But what do these declarations actually mean in practice? The hosts unpack the technical process of Hashd integration, examine Sadr's long...

In this episode, we assess PM Zaidi's first two weeks in office and discuss why political slogans and broad promises are no longer enough, and why Zaidi will need to articulate clear policy priorities that demonstrate his vision for Iraq and his approach to governing. The conversation also examines the importance of effective public communication in building credibility, particularly at a time of...

This episode examines the parliamentary session that reshuffled the country's political landscape on May 14. Ali Al-Zaidi was confirmed as prime minister, but only 14 of his 19 proposed ministers won parliamentary approval, while five nominees linked to Nouri Al-Maliki, Masoud Barzani, and Muthanna Al-Samarrai were blocked in what appears to have been a coordinated political maneuver by their riva...

In this episode, we unpack the behind-the-scenes negotiations shaping Iraq’s next government, including the bargaining over ministerial portfolios, the formulas used to divide government positions, and the competing interests driving talks among the political elite. We also examine how Ali Al-Zaidi and his proposed cabinet may attempt to navigate explicit US objections to the inclusion of politica...

This episode unpacks how Ali Al-Zaidi emerged as the nominee through behind-the-scenes negotiations that ended the political deadlock. The hosts examine the rapid endorsements from Washington and Tehran, and what his cabinet and inner circle could look like. They also discuss the debate over technocratic versus partisan ministers, and assess Zaidi’s early rhetoric, including his claim that the KRG...

This episode delves into the nomination of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister on April 27th. The hosts break down the months-long negotiations within the Coordination Framework and examine who Zaidi is, a banker and business oligarch with no prior experience with public office. The hosts also discuss what his selection reveals about Iraq's democratic process and what the next 30 days of government for...

Following the election of President Nizar Amedi, Iraq's political elite are scrambling to determine who will lead the next government and struggling to agree on even the most basic rules for making that decision. This episode unpacks the political deal behind Kirkuk's government reshuffle, the KDP's self-defeating parliamentary boycott, and the Coordination Framework's paralysis over nominating a...

On April 11th, Iraq's parliament elected Nizar Amedi as president of the republic — ending months of political deadlock. This episode breaks down what finally forced parliament to act, why the KDP's strategy failed for the third consecutive time, and what the election of Amedi reveals about shifting alliances in Iraqi politics. The hosts also discuss the calculus behind deciding the next prime min...

This episode discusses the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and what it means for Iraq. The hosts examine Iraq's limited diplomatic leverage, the government's inability to rein in armed factions, the latest moves in parliament toward government formation, and Iraqi Kurdistan’s precarious neutrality, all while Iraqis continue to bear a devastating human cost from the conflict.

This episode examines how the regional conflict is shaping Iraq across multiple fronts. It explores the messaging emerging from the religious establishment in Najaf, including its emphasis on international law and restraint. It then assesses the economic fallout, with a focus on resilience and infrastructure pressures. Finally, it looks at the political implications, including the ongoing impasse...

This episode explores the recent election of Salahuddin’s governor and what it signals about cross-sectarian coalition-building in Iraq’s evolving political landscape. The hosts analyze the growing generational divide between Iraq's old guard politicians and emerging younger leaders, examining how transactional relationships are recalibrating power structures. They also discuss Tom Barrack's recen...

The outgoing government recently claimed it had met 88% of the targets set out in its three-year Government Program, even as it announced emergency austerity measures. In this episode, we scrutinize the credibility of that performance rating and examine the deeper fiscal reality behind delayed public sector salaries and pensions. We also ask why transparent and coherent communication about the tru...

This episode examines the ongoing political deadlock in Iraq's government formation process following President Trump's controversial social media post opposing Nouri Al-Maliki's nomination for prime minister. The hosts analyze the impasse within the Coordination Framework, Sudani's prospects for a second term, U.S. and regional interference, Kurdish negotiations over the presidency, and the econo...

This episode examines the dramatic developments in Iraq's government formation process following President Trump's Truth Social post threatening to withdraw U.S. support if Nouri al-Maliki is chosen to be prime minister. We analyze the Coordination Framework's internal divisions, explore alternatives to Maliki, and discuss the ongoing delays in electing Iraq's president. The conversation also addr...

We explore how the ongoing government formation process sheds light on the underlying elite bargains that shape Iraq’s political system. We examine how power-sharing arrangements are negotiated and contested, what these dynamics reveal about the informal rules governing politics in Iraq, where elite consensus holds, where it begins to fracture, and what this suggests about the trajectory of govern...

After more than two decades in Iraq, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq is coming to an end. In this episode, we look back at UNAMI’s mandate since 2003, how its role evolved over time, and the moments that defined its presence in the country. We assess what UNAMI achieved, where it fell short, and what the end of its mandate means for Iraq’s political process, sovereignty, and relatio...

This episode examines the core priorities that will confront Iraq’s next government, regardless of who forms it. We discuss the need to consolidate Iraq’s relationship with the United States, strengthen fiscal buffers and curb corruption, and improve the delivery of reliable public services.

What the election data reveals about the poor performance of Tishreen-aligned parties, and how the Coordination Framework’s method for selecting the nominee for the premiership will shape the final choice.

In this episode, the Iraqi Voices team offers immediate thoughts on the preliminary election results and analyzes the performance of various coalitions. We also lay out the next steps in the government formation process and discuss the impact of high voter turnout on Iraq’s political dynamics.

International actors, including Iraq’s neighbors, are watching closely as the country heads toward elections. But what should guide their approach once the votes are in and government formation begins? This episode explores regional interests, the dangers of interference, and how external actors can help foster stability instead of undermining the democratic process.

With Iraq’s election approaching, campaign rhetoric is sliding back into old patterns of fear and division. This episode unpacks how some parties are appealing to identity and insecurity to win votes, and what this reveals about the country’s unresolved questions of governance and power-sharing.

As Iraq heads toward pivotal parliamentary elections this November, the outcome could reshape power dynamics in Baghdad. The Iraqi Voices team unpack why these elections are so consequential and what’s at stake for Iraq’s stability and democratic consolidation.

Iraqi Voices returns after a three-year hiatus. Hassan Hadad, Muhammad Al-Waeli, Ali Al-Mawlawi and Hamzeh Hadad discuss how sustained political calm has translated into a stability dividend and examine what steps are needed to secure long-term prosperity.