Episode #061: Blackout in Basra

Protests have broken out in southern Iraq, where citizens are arguing for the government to provide better basic services such as electricity and clean water. Phil and Cooper break down what’s happened so far, and how it relates to Iraq’s political atmosphere today. Also, Turkey has been holding an American pastor in jail since 2016, and how it’s become a political stalemate between Presidents Trump and Erdogan. 03:17 - Billion dollar debt, heat wave push Iran to cut electricity to Iraq (Ali Mamouri) 03:17 - Oil installations hit by protests in southern Iraq (Ali Mamouri) 03:17 - Iraq may soon be without a government, as clock runs out (Ali Mamouri) 03:17 - Iraqi protests escalate with no new government in sight (Ali Mamouri) 10:10 - Hopes soar for US pastor's release as Trump fist-bumps Erdogan (Amberin Zaman) 10:10 - Erdogan wants more from Trump before Turkey will free pastor (Amberin Zaman) Music: Jadal - Salma (iTunes | Spotify | YouTube)