Iraqi Voices offers expert analysis and insight into the key developments shaping Iraq. Each week, we examine one major issue, cutting through conjecture and noise to help listeners navigate the country’s complex political, economic and social landscape.
Iraqi Voices is produced by 1001 Iraqi Thoughts.
The Politics of Dinar Devaluation and Iraq’s Debt Burden
This week’s episode examines the Zaidi government’s controversial decision to devalue the Iraqi dinar, exploring the fiscal pressures behind the move, who bears responsibility for the crisis, and why the public was caught off guard. We discuss Iraq’s mounting debt burden, new details emerging from the 2027 federal budget draft, and whether the government could have better prepared the public for the economic fallout. We also turn to the latest developments in efforts to fill the remaining cabinet vacancies, with parliament potentially set to vote on the appointments this week.
1 Oct 2026
Breaking Iraq’s Cycle of Budget Delays
In a rare departure from Iraq’s chronic budget delays, the draft 2027 Federal Budget Law has been prepared ahead of the statutory timetable and referred to cabinet for approval.
In this episode, 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.
24 Sept 2026
The Political Ramifications of Iraq's Fuel Crisis
In this episode, we discuss how the summer-long fuel shortages could impact Iraq’s political scene following this week’s disastrous performance by the Minister of Oil in parliament where he failed to provide a convincing explanation for why oil-rich Iraq experienced a fuel crisis. We examine 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. We also consider how such a move could further complicate ongoing negotiations to fill the remaining vacant cabinet seats.
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