Robert, Foreign editor of The Economist, delves into Iraq's tumultuous political scene ahead of crucial elections, revealing citizens' skepticism about leadership and the longing for reform. Erin Braun, the Mountain West correspondent, examines the severe mega-drought gripping the American West, emphasizing its dire implications for water scarcity and local ecosystems. The conversation touches on Iraq's potential for cultural renaissance beyond oil, while historical insights into the Corn Laws highlight the ongoing struggle for trade reform.