Our hosts give a much-needed update on Iraq’s governmental chaos stemming from this year’s election and recount. Now that the recount is finished, why haven’t they been able to choose a new prime minister, or form a new government? The answer seems complicated, but Phil and Cooper explain the global forces (i.e. America and Iran) that are prolonging the issue. Also, Nike’s got a controversial new ad campaign.

• As Iraq wraps up election recount, is a new government in sight? (Ali Mamouri)
• Iran-US conflict leaves Abadi in a dilemma (Ali Mamouri)
• Kurds put conditions for allying with Shiites to form government (Omar Sattar)
• Shiite split heats up as Iraqi lawmakers fail to elect speaker (Hamdi Malik)

Music: Ahmed Fakroun - Soleil Soleil (iTunes | Spotify)