Episode Details

Iraq’s new PM Ali al-Zaidi, a business tycoon with zero political experience, just landed at the White House for a high-stakes meeting with Trump—whom he’s being called the “Trump of the Middle East” for his outsider vibe. Trump gushed about “tremendous chemistry,” predicting al-Zaidi will reshape the region, while the two hammered out an economic partnership and a deadline for Iran-backed militias to disarm by September. Despite Trump’s behind-the-scenes push to get al-Zaidi in power, experts warn his ties to Iraq’s corrupt system could derail reform. The U.S. will pressure him on militias, and in return, al-Zaidi’s team is pushing for U.S. help in energy deals—including with Syria—and cracking down on corruption with arrests and raids. This is just the start of a bold, risky bid to rebuild Iraq’s economy—with American muscle and money backing it up.

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