Episode #119: If You Smell What Iraq is Cooking (feat. Renad Mansour)

In light of the last episode’s updates on protests in Lebanon, Phil and Cooper talk about the demonstrations that have been accelerating in Iraq over the past several weeks. Iraqis are angry as the government’s been dragging its feet on providing basic social services, corruption is rampant, and unemployment and poverty are staggering. But Iraq’s leaders are digging in their heels while security forces use violence against the protesters. What makes these protests unique? And what role is Iran playing in all of this? Dr. Renad Mansour, who serves the project director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House, joins the podcast to give his analysis and first-hand accounts of the protests. Iraq protests continue despite calls for calm (Ali Mamouri) Abdul Mahdi pressured into staying in office (Mustafa Saadoun) How to think about Iraq’s demonstrations (Doug Ollivant) Intel: What’s fueling Iraqi anger at the government (Ali Mamouri) Is Iran’s honeymoon in Iraq over? (Gilgamesh Nabeel) Can Iraqi PM weather ongoing protests? (Ali Mamouri) Extra Listening: Episode #61,  Blackout in Basra (7/19/2018): Protests break out in the southern Iraqi city of Basra over the lack of basic services. Episode #66,   A River Runs Through It (8/24/2018): On the thirtieth anniversary of its end, Phil and Cooper explain the circumstances of the Iran-Iraq War. Episode #72,  Mystery at the Consulate (10/12/2018): The new Iraqi government nominates Adel Abdul-Mahdi as prime minister. Music: Elyanna - “Oululee Leh” ( Spotify | Apple Music)