In this week’s episode of Iraqi Voices, we break down what this means for the future of Kurdish consensus politics, the risks of a KDP-only government, and how term limits and internal Barzani dynamics are shaping the timeline.

We also discuss Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's recent trips around the region, with historic visits to Damascus and Manama, a reportedly underwhelming meeting with MBS in Riyadh, and whether these visits signal a genuine shift in Iraq's foreign policy or echo attempts by previous prime ministers, resulting in largely fruitless outreach to the Gulf.

The discussion then looks at the broader political trajectory. The inclusion of Laith Al-Khazali and other resistance-aligned figures confirms that the US had lifted its objections to their participation in government. But the most significant development may be the head of the judiciary's call for constitutional reform in a statement issued on the same night as the parliamentary vote. Is Iraq moving away from consensus politics towards a majoritarian approach, and what are the risks of opening Pandora's box by pursuing constitutional amendments?

The team discusses who bears responsibility for the crisis, why the public was caught off guard, and what the leaked 2027 federal budget reveals about the government’s spending plans and optimistic oil revenue forecasts.

The episode also explores the political negotiations over the remaining cabinet vacancies, with parliament potentially set to vote on new ministers this week.

In this podcast episode of Iraqi Voices, we examine how the government managed to prepare the budget ahead of schedule and whether this could mark a break from the recurring cycle of delays that has plagued previous budgets. We also discuss what we can expect from the draft, including the likely level of expenditure, oil revenue assumptions, and how the government plans to finance the deficit. Finally, we look ahead to parliament and the likely sequencing of the legislative agenda that could eventually lead to the budget’s approval.

You can also listen to episodes of Iraqi Voices on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The discussion explores how mismanagement and poor strategic planning contributed to the crisis and why MPs may now be emboldened to pursue a no-confidence motion against the minister. It also considers how such a move could further complicate ongoing negotiations to fill the remaining vacant cabinet seats.

The conversation then turns to Iraq's anti-corruption campaign, following the arrest of a prominent media personality for bribery and ties to a well-known politician. We explore what this could mean for the proliferation of low-quality media outlets, and the importance of rebuilding public trust.

This episode examines the pushback from factions including Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba and unpacks the arguments they have advanced for retaining their weapons. We also examine the incentives behind Kataib Imam Ali’s decision to transition into politics and join the Coordination Framework, and ask why the same path may hold considerably less appeal for the more senior factions of the resistance axis.

The conversation digs into why Iraqi governments favor vague, sprawling lists of "priorities" over accountable, measurable goals; whether the anti-corruption campaign is a systemic reform effort or just a media spectacle; and how regional dynamics between the US and Iran are shaping Iraq’s disarmament timeline.

Three months into Prime Minister Zaidi’s term, we discuss whether the anti-corruption drive reflects genuine institutional reform or simply a change in political will. We also examine the costs of a passive policy of “neutrality” in an increasingly volatile region, and revisit criticism of choosing a prime minister who has never run for office.