The Crisis Room Q&A: Mahmood's immigration reforms & why is Iraq such a mess?
Dec 1, 2025
Amber reacts to Shabana Mahmood's controversial immigration reforms and debates their potential impact on the UK's far-right. The discussion shifts to the chaos in Iraq, tracing its roots back to the 2003 intervention and the lingering influence of Iranian militias. Meanwhile, in the US, a major dispute erupts over military personnel's responses to unlawful orders. The podcast also covers pressing concerns about Britain's defense systems, including drone vulnerabilities and budget allocations.
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Generational Cultural Rift At The BBC
- Mark Urban observes a generational cultural divide at the BBC shaping reporting and leaks.
- Younger journalists lean into identity politics while older staff favour traditional impartiality and ‘live and let live’ values.
US Role Left Iraq In Long Transition
- Marc Polymeropoulos says the US broke Iraq and then tried to fix it, leaving a long process of evolution.
- He notes US troop levels fell from tens of thousands to about 2,000, changing the bilateral dynamic with Iraq.
Militia Leaders Moved Into Politics
- Mark Urban recalls reporting from Basra where Iranian-backed 'special groups' grew influence during and after occupation.
- He recounts an SAS officer predicting militia leaders would gain political power, some now serve in parliament.