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Episode #027: Kirkuk the Books

Last month's independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan angered a lot of its neighbors, and this past week saw the Iraqi army (with help) run the Kurds out of the contested territory of Kirkuk. Does this sound confusing? Phil and Cooper explain Kirkuk's importance in the Middle East, and how this scramble might affect the future of the region. Also, the Iran Deal and the Off the Hookah mail bag. 07:54 - How Iran helped Baghdad seize back Kirkuk (Fazel Hawramy) 07:54 - Assessing impact of shifting Iran-KRG relations (Bijan Khajehpour) 07:54 - Congress threatens to withhold arms from Baghdad (Bryant Harris) 15:42 - Trump punts fate of Iran deal to Congress (Laura Rozen) 15:42 - Trump, Congress play game of chicken with Iran (Bryant Harris) Song: Kathem Al Sahir - Chouby Akhz el Helwa (feat. Shakshaka) (iTunes | Spotify | YouTube)

Last month's independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan angered a lot of its neighbors, and this past week saw the Iraqi army (with help) run the Kurds out of the contested territory of Kirkuk. Does this sound confusing? Phil and Cooper explain Kirkuk's importance in the Middle East, and how this scramble might affect the future of the region. Also, the Iran Deal and the Off the Hookah mail bag.

Song: Kathem Al Sahir - Chouby Akhz el Helwa (feat. Shakshaka) (iTunes | Spotify | YouTube)