Economist Podcasts Clerical era: Iraq in a hard place
Oct 7, 2020
Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, and Andrew Knox, a journalist for The Economist, dive into Iraq's multifaceted crises. They discuss how Iraq's government is losing legitimacy to clergymen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The duo analyzes the impact of social media moderation on war crimes investigations, pointing out the challenges it creates in documenting evidence. They also touch upon the potential revival of Cornwall's mining industry and the global lithium market, highlighting sustainability in the face of economic shifts.
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Tribal Power Over State Law
- Tribesmen attacked Dr. Tariq Shabani after a COVID-19 patient died, highlighting the tribes' power.
- Officials advised him to drop charges, suggesting tribal law outweighs state law in Iraq.
Deteriorating Healthcare in Iraq
- Iraq's healthcare system is struggling with staff shortages and a lack of resources.
- Doctors are fleeing, and the government cannot afford new hires due to falling oil revenues.
Corruption and Oil Dependence
- The fall in oil prices has exacerbated Iraq's existing healthcare crisis.
- Corruption within the health ministry further hinders any reform efforts.