Shownotes

After five months of negotiations, Iraq’s power brokers have agreed on a completely unknown compromise candidate for the country’s new prime minister. Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman with no experience in politics or public administration, took over leadership of Iraq on May 14 as the country faces multiple emergencies. Iraq can’t sell its oil because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and is running out of money to pay salaries. Iraqi militias, beyond the government’s control, have been attacking Saudi Arabia and targets inside Iraq. And Iraq just found out that its supposed ally, the United States, has been covering up the existence of multiple Israeli bases that were operating in the Iraqi desert.

Zaidi, perhaps the weakest prime minister to take office since the U.S. invasion in 2003, faces a sovereignty crisis of epic proportions from his first day in office.

Sajad Jiyad, Century International’s fellow in Baghdad, analyzes the many challenges for Iraq’s new prime minister.

Participants

Sajad Jiyad is a fellow at Century International. 

Thanassis Cambanis is director of Century International. 

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Episode: Order from Ashes 113