The Intelligence from The Economist Iraq, a hard place: 20 years after the invasion
Mar 24, 2023
Nick Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on Iraq two decades after the invasion, revealing a bustling Baghdad that masks past violence and human costs. He discusses the disillusionment of a younger generation facing corruption and environmental challenges. Meanwhile, Leo Marani, Asia correspondent, highlights India's ambitious infrastructure upgrade, focusing on the launch of semi-high-speed rail services and the economic implications of these developments under Prime Minister Modi's vision. It's a thought-provoking dive into recovery and progress.
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Signs of Life in Baghdad
- Baghdad shows signs of life returning: a new central bank tower, a ring road, and universities line the formerly dangerous airport road.
- Even Western tour companies consider bringing tourists back to archaeological sites.
Horrific Costs of Recovery
- The cost of stability and economic recovery in Iraq has been immense, with up to 300,000 Iraqis killed since 2003.
- Cities like Mosul remain in ruins, leaving lasting physical and mental scars on the population.
Young Iraqis' Desire for Strongman
- Young Iraqis, who don't remember the old dictatorship, view the current system as a sham democracy.
- They desire a strongman leader who can deliver results, disregarding the costs of dictatorship.