The Protests Consuming Iraq, Left-Behind US Workers, and More

December 21, 2019

People sit outside the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) during the morning commute in New York City

The economy is growing and leaving low-wage workers behind

Despite booming economic statistics and positive job growth headlines, many of America's workers are still struggling to earn a quality paycheck. Marcela Escobari examines this disconnect and outlines strategies to upgrade the career prospects of low-wage workers.

Is change likely in Iraq?

"The latest protests in Iraq are among the most serious crises for the Iraqi political system since the United States helped establish it after the 2003 overthrow of Saddam Hussein." Daniel Byman discusses what is going on with the demonstrations and explains how the unrest may force limited reforms.

Listen: Sen. Pat Toomey on why the USMCA falls short

While impeachment proceedings captured media attention, the House quietly passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This week on Dollar & Sense, David Dollar sat down with Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) to talk through why he thinks the USMCA falls short of real trade reform—and instead takes the country backwards on trade.

Listen to the podcast

Brookings experts in the news

Stereotypes around Black Americans and voting. "We have to challenge the stereotypes and assumptions we make about each other and recognize that real barriers to voting continue to persist but are surmountable," Rashawn Ray writes.

Impeachment could end badly. In The Atlantic, Shadi Hamid argues that the impeachment of President Trump was a necessary move for the Democratic Party, but it's a choice that Americans may have to pay for.

How credit card companies reward the rich. The wealthier you are, the higher the rewards credit card companies will offer. Writing for the Los Angeles Times, Aaron Klein explains how the U.S. payment system exacerbates inequality.

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