6 March 2021
Episode 375
30 minutes
Photo: Shutterstock
As Pope Francis makes the first ever papal visit to Iraq, we look at his unofficial but important role as a diplomat. What does a papal visit look like? Who decides where he goes? How far does the Pope’s soft power reach? And what will Francis’s visit mean for Iraq? Andrew Mueller is joined by Samya Kullab, Joshua McElwee and Neal Ascherson.
6 March 2021
Share episode
DownloadWant more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle’s email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Foreign Desk - latest episodes
Explainer 414: Who are the Netzah Yehuda?
Andrew Mueller explains why the US government is placing sanctions on an ultra-Orthodox group of soldiers within the IDF.
Delphi Economic Forum 2024
A special edition from Delphi about a newly confident Greece and its Balkan neighbours. Andrew Mueller speaks to president of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, the German ambassador to Greece, Andreas Kindl, Ukrainian MP Yulia…
Explainer 413: Iran and Israel
Andrew Mueller explains why Iran delivered a missile strike against Israel and the potential ramifications.
Mice that roar
Global events tend to be shaped by the great powers: those countries with vast territories, enormous populations and proportionate economic and military heft. Nevertheless, small states not only survive but prosper, part…
Explainer 412: Going for gold
Zimbabwe is introducing its new official currency, the ZiG, which is tied to the country’s gold reserves. Given that its five previous currencies have collapsed, Andrew Mueller muses on this one’s potential to last.
Emmanuel Macron: Europe’s ‘Raging Bull’?
Black-and-white photos of Emmanuel Macron pounding a boxing bag sparked bemusement in France and abroad. The French leader’s office did not comment on the images but many have linked the ‘Raging Bull’-style photoshoot to…
Explainer 411: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Andrew Mueller explains who the IRGC are and why they are being targeted by Israel.
Islamic State: they never went away
Why did Islamic State target Russia and is the terror group still a big threat in the Middle East and Africa? Andrew Mueller speaks to Mark Galeotti, General David Petraeus, Sanam Vakil and Stig Jarle Hansen.
Explainer 410: Water fight in the South China Sea
Andrew Mueller explains why the China Coast Guard attacked a Filipino civilian boat with a water cannon.
How has war changed Volodymyr Zelensky?
Comedian-turned-president Volodymyr Zelensky has found himself leading Ukraine in the nation’s darkest hour. How is Zelensky faring, what’s next for Ukraine’s counteroffensive and what does history tell us about wartime…
Explainer 409: Niger and the USA
Andrew Mueller explains the significance of Niger cutting ties with the US military – and why it might not be happening at all.
Crisis in Haiti
The Caribbean nation continues to grapple with gang violence, political upheaval and a humanitarian crisis. How did we get here and is there a way out of Haiti’s nightmare? Andrew Mueller speaks to Jacqueline Charles,…
Explainer 408: Another failed referendum
Andrew Mueller explains why the people of Ireland said “no” to rewording their constitution – and why their response took the government by surprise.
The future of dissent in Russia
Next weekend, Russia will hold an election that will effectively grant Vladimir Putin another six-year term as president. Combined with the recent death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the future looks difficult for…
Explainer 407: Haiti calls for aid
This week, Haiti’s plight under gang rule has intensified as its prime minister, Ariel Henry, is refused entry into the country. Andrew Mueller explains who is – and who isn’t – answering the Caribbean state’s plea for…
