Confused Iraqi

Join us for an unexpectedly positive episode of Confused Iraqi! Diving into a side of Iraqis that might defy your expectations. Our guest for this special episode is none other than the incredibly optimistic Lowi Sahi – a producer, former blogger, Iraqi influencer and loving father.In a podcast where conversations can take dark and complicated forms, Lowi brings a refreshing perspective that resonates deeply. Despite growing up in the West, his connection to Iraq is a unique journey of discovery and adoration, a narrative that unfolds beautifully throughout this episode.Tune in as we explore how Lowi's experience of his Iraqi heritage took a captivating turn, with his understanding of homeland evolving as an adult. His insights aren't just for fellow Iraqis but for everyone who cherishes the nuances of culture, identity, and the universal journey of finding one's roots.Get ready for a Confused Iraqi episode that's all about positivity, heritage, and the journey of understanding and influencing.To watch Lowi Sahi’s content and follow him: https://www.youtube.com/@LowiSupport the show

In season two of Confused Iraqi, Noor Mousa and Alannah Travers interview individuals who have themselves grappled with the layers of confusion that Iraq's rich history and current reality present. From artists to activists, they uncover the stories of those who have experienced the range of feelings that come with being connected to Iraq, and dive deep into the stories and experiences of Iraqis who have been touched by the complexities of their home. Throughout this season, we hope to shed light on Iraq's recent history and its impact on the lives of its people. By exploring personal narratives and significant events, we want to create a space for reflection, understanding, and empathy. Join us as we untangle the threads of confusion, and discover the resilience of the Iraqi spirit.In this first episode, our conversation is with the Iraqi journalist and filmmaker, Meethak Al-Khatib. Meethak was born in Ramadi, Anbar, later moving on his own to Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in 2014 to avoid escalating conflict in his hometown. This led to his career as a fixer, translator and producer for international media covering the Battle of Mosul against ISIS. Meethak soon published his first independent video report from the frontlines, and has never looked back.As foreign reporters left the region, his commitment to telling the stories of those most affected by the battle and its after-effects has flourished, and he reports on young Iraqis, the country’s politics, its economy, and freedom of speech. Meethak has pursued a range of independent projects such as documentaries and photo books, and features in a forthcoming French cartoon book on the Mosul war and key journalists behind its coverage.Check out Meethak's work and connect with him here: https://www.meethak-alkhatib.comWe found this conversation moving and thought-provoking, and came away with a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Confused Iraqi.Support the show

Join Noor Mousa as she shares her experiences and thoughts on growing up in Iraq, with British-German journalist Alannah Travers.Episode 1 begins as Iraq invades Kuwait in 1990, and covers the subsequent Gulf War, uprisings, and the impact of sanctions imposed on Iraq over that decade.Together, we explore events and personal stories from Iraq’s recent history, marking moments of confusion in the life of one young Iraqi. Support the show

Join Noor Mousa as she shares her experiences and thoughts on growing up in Iraq, with British-German journalist Alannah Travers who has lived in the country for one year - and a few final months.Episode 6 focuses on the Tishreen protests of 2019-20; perhaps the most encouraging and subsequently shattering demonstrations against a corrupt political system and class. Almost twenty years on from 2003, and as we explore the events of the last year in greater detail, including Iraq’s environmental threats, we ask whether anyone can say the country has a functioning democracy.Thank you for listening to our six-part-podcast project!  We hope the discussion of events and personal stories from Iraq’s recent history, marking moments of confusion in the life of one young Iraqi, proved thought-provoking.Support the show

Join Noor Mousa as she shares her experiences and thoughts on growing up in Iraq, with British-German journalist Alannah Travers who has lived in the country for one year - and counting.Episode 5 picks up as the Kurdistan Region holds an independence referendum, Iraq declares victory over ISIS, and Noor heads to the United Kingdom, leaving behind her country in flux.Together, they explore events and personal stories from Iraq’s recent history, marking moments of confusion in the life of one young Iraqi.Support the show

Join Noor Mousa as she shares her experiences and thoughts on growing up in Iraq, with British-German journalist Alannah Travers who has lived in the country for one year - and counting.Episode 4 starts in the United States, as Noor leaves Iraq for the first time. When she returns, we discuss the changes she lived through in the country up until 2016, as the so-called Islamic State group terrorised and uprooted millions of Iraqis, and international attention returned - in part. In this period, Noor moved to Erbil to be closer to the humanitarian crises in Mosul and beyond, learning of harrowing stories from the frontline.Together, they explore events and personal stories from Iraq’s recent history, marking moments of confusion in the life of one young Iraqi.Support the show

Join Noor Mousa as she shares her experiences and thoughts on growing up in Iraq, with British-German journalist Alannah Travers who has lived in the country for one year - and counting. Episode 3 looks at the period 2004-2012, and coming of age in a country figuring out what the post-Saddam era might be. It covers Noor’s childhood in Najaf, the 2005 referendum over Iraq’s new constitution, continued military presence, factional politics - and the deadly sectarian war, all of which laid the roots of the conflict and corruption we see, still, today. Together, they explore events and personal stories from Iraq’s recent history, marking moments of confusion in the life of one young Iraqi. Support the show

Join Noor Mousa as she shares her experiences and thoughts on growing up in Iraq, with British-German journalist Alannah Travers who has lived in the country for one year - and counting.Episode 2 covers the build up and impact of the US-led coalition in Iraq in 2003: the political background and lived reality, and the competing narratives that continue to shape our understanding of the pivotal year.Together, they explore events and personal stories from Iraq’s recent history, marking moments of confusion in the life of one young Iraqi.Support the show