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 addresses broader questions about Iraqi sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the future of Iraq's parliamentary system.

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 governance and stability in the country.

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 relationship with the international community.

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.