15 April 2020
06 minutes
Photo: Shutterstock
As Iraq names its third prime minister-designate in 10 weeks, Andrew Mueller analyses the country's political deadlock and looks at Mustafa al-Kadhimi's chances of keeping the job.
15 April 2020
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 317: Why is Africa divided over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?
As the president of Senegal prepares to visit Moscow and Kyiv in the coming weeks on behalf of the African Union, Andrew Mueller explains why African nations are divided over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Finland and Sweden bid to join Nato: why now?
Sweden and Finland have submitted their applications to become Nato’s 31st and 32nd members. We ask what Sweden and Finland would bring to the alliance, and if this expansion would make Nato’s mission of defending the west…
Explainer 316: A Davos special in association with Finnish Flow
Following a Covid delay, the annual World Economic Forum at Davos is finally taking place again from 22 to 26 May. This year, there will be some new participants – representatives from eight cutting-edge Finnish companies…
Children of giants
In this special episode of ‘The Foreign Desk’, we speak to the descendants of major political figures. What’s it really like to be the child of a head of state? How weird is it when everyone else’s president is your parent…
Explainer 315: Taliban and the burqa
When the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan in the wake of the allied forces’ sudden departure, they assured the world that things would be different this time. This was the Taliban 2.0 after a progression of 20 years. But…
In sickness and in health: world leaders and illness
We all suffer from illness but, for world leaders, it can be a major PR challenge. Can one person’s illness change the course of history? Andrew Mueller speaks to Dr Dan Poulter, Alex von Tunzelmann, Lance Price and Leah…
Explainer 314: The ghost of Kyiv and other stories
Andrew Mueller delves into the world of wartime legends and explains who “the ghost of Kyiv” really is.
What is the future of space co-operation?
As space enthusiasts celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 16, we examine how space has been used throughout history as an arena for international co-operation. Andrew Mueller speaks to Nasa’s former chief historian Bill…
Explainer 313: The case for compulsory voting
Almost 30 per cent of the French electorate declined to vote last weekend, while a projected 90 per cent of voters will turn out for Australia’s federal elections later this year. The difference is compulsory voting.
What does it mean to be English?
On St George’s Day, we discuss the complexities of Englishness. What does it mean to be English, as opposed to British? Why are so many on the left hesitant to embrace the national flag and how has this shaped the country’s…
Explainer 312: Is there peace after InfoWars?
The far-right conspiracy website, headed by radio host Alex Jones, has filed for bankruptcy following defamation lawsuits. Andrew Mueller explains the effect of Jones’s fake-news empire and asks whether its legacy can be…
What’s next for Pakistan?
Shehbaz Sharif has been sworn in as Pakistan’s 23rd prime minister, following the ousting of Imran Khan. How did we get here and what’s next for the politically volatile country? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ian Talbot, Samira…
Explainer 311: Democracy Down Under
As Australia prepares to return to the polling booths in May, Andrew Mueller discusses prime minister Scott Morrison’s chances of retaining his position as leader and who could oust him.
Can Europe be weaned off Russian energy?
Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine has exposed Europe’s longstanding dependence on Russian fossil fuel. Amid mounting pressure to cut ties with the country’s energy providers, many European governments are scrambling for…
Explainer 310: Will Putin pay?
Andrew Mueller explains the likelihood of Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials being put on trial for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
