Sudanese Advisor: Exchange rates will reach 135 thousand per 100 dollars soon
Prime Minister: The use of electronic card payment is a basic pillar of economic reform
This is the podcast for the blogpost:
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani stressed today, Sunday, the importance of using electronic card payments, while noting that it is a basic pillar of economic reform.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by Earth News, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a meeting devoted to following up on the financial and economic transformation to electronic payment, points of sale and financial trading with electronic cards (POS), in the presence of the Governor of the Central Bank and the Prime Minister’s advisors.” For strategic, economic and banking affairs, and Director General of Payments at the Central Bank.”
The Prime Minister listened to “a briefing on the latest procedures and executive details for the transition to payment by electronic cards, in various public and private sector institutions, and what is being implemented by the agencies concerned with following up and monitoring the transition and use.”
He pointed out that “the use of electronic card payment and digital payment is a basic pillar of the economic reform adopted in the government program.”
The meeting witnessed a discussion of the tariffs and commissions charged by financial and banking authorities
The Prime Minister stressed, “Citizens must be spared additional financial burdens as a result of these commissions,” explaining that “the goal is to facilitate dealing and facilitate payment in all fields, while ensuring the highest levels of security.”
Sudanese Advisor: Exchange rates will reach 135 thousand per 100 dollars soon
An Iraqi delegation heads to Washington within days, followed by a visit to Sudan
Political analyst, Mazen Al-Zaidi, revealed that an Iraqi delegation will head to Washington within days, followed by a visit by Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani.
Al-Zaidi said: For the program {Free Speech} broadcast on Al-Furat satellite channel this evening, he said: “The goal of forming the international coalition was to fight the terrorist ISIS in Iraq, and today there is no need for it to remain after the victory over ISIS, and according to security reports, it has retreated greatly.”
He added, "The Iraqi government is determined to end the foreign presence in Iraq, and the international coalition has now become involved in threatening Iraqi sovereignty and exceeding the limits of the strategic agreement, and the government holds it responsible for violating its powers."
Al-Zaidi continued, "The current government has begun to care about sovereignty, as it is the cornerstone of reconstruction and services, and it will not come in light of security threats. One of the government's serious indicators is the agreement with France to import radars."
He stressed, "The best option is a serious, courageous, and bold dialogue to end the foreign presence in Iraq. Now there is an Iraqi delegation that will head to Washington within days, and there may be a visit by the Prime Minister to Washington."
Al-Zaidi continued, "America lost its base in Iraq by targeting the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Iraqi government does not want to sever diplomatic relations with the American side."
Regarding foreign forces in the country, Al-Zaidi explained, “It is announced that there are no combat forces; but what we see by targeting security headquarters means that there is a tactic outside the scope of the agreement.
ISIS is a project for an American stay in Iraq, and with the escalation in the Gaza Strip and the movement of the axis of resistance, we began to witness ISIS movements.” In Kerman, Iran, and in Syria, there were attacks by ISIS yesterday.”
He stated, “ISIS gangs in Iraq represent an international political pressure card, and no one knows the role and work of foreign forces at the Al-Harir base,” concluding, “There is an American veto on Iraq to have air cover, and therefore the American presence has become destabilizing for the country, and service projects cannot proceed amidst the situation.” the wish".
On Friday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani announced the formation of a bilateral committee to schedule the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq.
Al-Sudani said that the government is in the process of setting the date for the start of the work of the bilateral committee to make arrangements to permanently end the presence of the international coalition forces in Iraq, and that there will be no neglect of everything that would complete national sovereignty over the land and skies of Iraq.
Al-Sudani said that Iraq has a strategic partnership agreement and diplomatic relations with America, and in this way the main principles of international relations and what was stipulated in the United Nations Charter regarding equality of sovereignty between countries and the prohibition of the use of force in international relations were violated.
The Prime Minister promised that the most dangerous incidents were those that were repeated more than once in Iraq, through attacks by international coalition forces against the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces, stressing that the Popular Mobilization Forces represent an official presence affiliated with the state, subject to it, and an integral part of our armed forces.
Adviser to the Prime Minister: The path of economic reform is progressing rapidly
The media advisor to the Prime Minister, Hisham Al-Rikabi, confirmed today, Sunday, that the path of economic reform is proceeding at a rapid pace.
Al-Rikabi said in his blog post on the “X” platform, followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that “the path of economic reform is proceeding at a rapid pace and with continuous follow-up by the Prime Minister with the aim of raising the economic reality to advanced levels.”
He added: "One of the pillars of the reform process is the use of electronic card payment (Pos), and the Central Bank of Iraq indicates that there is a great response from the private sector."
The Sudanese financial advisor reveals new procedures to develop the Iraqi banking market
The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, revealed today, Sunday, new procedures for government banking in financing foreign trade.
Saleh told Al-Furat News Agency: “Important decisions were recently issued by the Council of Ministers that dealt with the foundations of the process of reforming the government banking system, as an international consulting company will undertake the evaluation and financial and administrative reorganization of government banks in a way that ensures the efficiency of their operation so that they form an effective pillar in developing the market.” Iraqi banking.
He added, "This trend simultaneously achieves financial inclusion, introduces advanced financial technologies, reorganizes bank credit for economic development, and the new role of government banking in financing foreign trade for the private sector, in accordance with approved international standards."
At the same time, Saleh noted that “reconsidering bank interest costs, methods for calculating them, and alleviating their burden is among the administrative and financial reform tasks of the government of His Excellency the Prime Minister.”
The sale of dollars to travelers in Iraqi banks stopped
The sale of the dollar to Iraqi citizens wishing to travel outside the country has stopped in all government and private banks, according to what an informed local source said on Sunday.
The source told Shafaq News Agency that the reason for the suspension is that most government and private banks do not have the quota allocated for distribution by the Central Bank of Iraq.
The source revealed that procedures are being followed on a timely basis to stop the dollar selling platform, likely to generate a significant rise in the dollar exchange rate in local markets.
In addition, economic expert Muhammad Al-Hassani told Shafaq News Agency that the controls and instructions placed on the electronic platform are very complex, and most often the traveler cannot obtain the dollar because the quantity runs out.
The Iraqi traveler to countries specified by the Central Bank is given an amount of $3,000, and in the case of treatment, he and the accompanying person are given $6,000 at the official rate, with the exception of Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.
The dollar exchange rates recorded, this morning, Sunday, 152,850 Iraqi dinars for every 100 dollars, in the parallel market, while the official price is 132,000 thousand dinars.
Source: The sale of dollars to Iraqi citizens wishing to travel has stopped due to a lack of quotas
link in Kurdish news too
The source explained that the reason behind this stop is that most government and private banks do not own the share allocated for distribution by the Central Bank of Iraq.
Iraqi Oil sets next March as a date to end cash dealing at gas stations
The Petroleum Products Distribution Company affiliated with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil has set, on Sunday, the end of next March as a deadline for cash transactions at government and private fuel filling stations.
The company's general manager, Hussein Talib, told Shafaq News Agency, "Electronic payment will be approved at fuel filling stations in the first quarter of this year."
He added, "All government and private fuel filling stations will use the electronic payment system to fill fuel, on the first of next April." The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, that the Petroleum Products Distribution Company will adopt electronic payment systems at all gas stations, starting from the beginning of the year 2024.
The Ministry explained in a statement that, based on the directives of the Council of Ministers in its session No. 23620 of 2023, held on 10/31/2023, related to activating the electronic payment service, adopting modern automation systems, and ending cash dealing, and accordingly, and in line with government directives, the Ministry of Oil decided to distribute petroleum products. Adopting electronic payment systems in all stations and suspending cash transactions as of January 1, 2024.”
The gap between supply and demand is “exhausting” the Iraqi dinar... Two paths for the decline in dollar prices
Former Director of the Financial Supervision Bureau, Salah Nouri, today, Sunday, identified two paths through which he could review the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar.
Nouri told {Al-Furat News} agency, “The exchange rate is determined between supply and demand,” noting that “the demand for the dollar from merchants for the purpose of import, and it is very diverse due to the disruption of industry and agriculture, while the supply comes from the Central Bank through banks, banking offices, and foreign transfers.” .
He added, "The Central Bank has taken many measures in accordance with the agreement with the US Federal Reserve to legalize foreign transfers and eliminate dollar smuggling outside the Central Bank's controls and procedures."
Nouri added, "But in all cases, a gap remains between supply and demand. Demand is met by banks with the dollar balances they possess, and this continues to fluctuate up and down."
The former director of the Financial Supervision Bureau continued, saying: “If the situation of merchants adapts to the procedures of the Central Bank, the difference between the official exchange rate and the parallel market price will be small, but some merchants complain of the complexity and slowness of the Central Bank’s procedures, which prompts them to order from the parallel market.”
He pointed out that "the exchange rate is declining as a result of the Central Bank's dealings in several currencies for import with foreign and Arab banks."
On February 7, the Council of Ministers announced its approval of amending the dollar exchange rate to 1,320 dinars per dollar.
For about a year, and specifically since the Central Bank began operating the electronic platform and the international financial transfer system “SWIFT,” the dollar exchange rates in Iraq have not witnessed stability despite the attempts of the government and the Central Bank to control the exchange rate in the parallel markets.
Al-Asadi calls on international companies to invest and work in Iraq
The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Ahmed Al-Assadi, today, Sunday, called on international companies to invest and work in Iraq.
A statement from the ministry received by Earth News Agency stated, “The Minister received the Finnish Ambassador to Iraq (Anu Sarila) today, Sunday, and they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and the possibility of building partnerships and opening horizons for joint cooperation in several fields, especially social affairs.”
Al-Asadi said, according to the statement, “Iraq aspires to balanced policies and relations with all countries, including Europe, and seeks to establish real partnerships and cooperation in various fields,” calling on “international companies to invest and work in Iraq, especially in the reconstruction and services campaign that falls within the government’s priorities and its ministerial platform.”
He added, “There is a real problem facing the state and the Ministry of Labor in particular, represented by the presence of illegal foreign workers, and it is working to address their situation legally in cooperation with the relevant agencies,” pointing out that “the Ministry has a careers platform to connect employers with job seekers and through it it can find and provide opportunities.” “Working with the aim of relieving a lot of pressure on the public sector.”
He pointed out that “Finland has great training capacity and successful experience in the field of social care,” calling for “benefiting from these experiences and expertise by building and developing the capabilities of the staff working in the ministry.”
In the document.. Rafidain Bank cancels the commission for cash withdrawals from outlets
Rafidain Bank directed today, Sunday, to cancel the cash withdrawal commission from outlets
text of the document
Rafidain Bank
Issue /3/1/5
Public Administration
Date 1/4/2024
Department of Banking Studies and Operations
Banking Operations Division
Long live the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, stronger and more striving (())
To all branches of the bank operating within the Republic of Iraq
Canceling the cash withdrawal commission from outlets
good greeting ....
argent
Based on the requirements and interest of the work and the reasons related to not transferring the commissions due from outlet owners to the beneficiaries of cash withdrawal operations through electronic cards, such as retirees and employees... etc., and in support of our government directives to support electronic payment operations and spread the use of this culture, it was decided to cancel the commission mentioned in the two paragraphs. (OP) of (18) of Clause Twelve Miscellaneous Banking Services)
From our administrative instructions, issue (2825) dated 12/7/2013 (banking transaction rates table booklet)
To act accordingly...with appreciation
Ali Karim Hussein
Waiting for the round of negotiations...an economist is conditioning the passage of the budget amendment on convincing the blocs
Economic expert Nabil Al-Ali stressed on Sunday that the government must submit schedules for budget expenditures for the current year, indicating that the government will negotiate with political forces to pass the amendments.
Al-Ali said in an interview, “The articles that will be amended in the budget law relate to updating the tables for spending and revenues and calculating the new fiscal deficit.”
He added, "The tables presented in the first version were for the 2023 budget," noting that "the amendments require the government to convince the political parties, especially the supporting parties, to try to pass them within the dome of Parliament."
He pointed out that "some amendments will be made regarding the items, which will be necessary to accomplish its tasks to implement its government program in the year. " "The current one."
A new statement by the Sudanese advisor regarding electronic payment - urgent
The media advisor to the Prime Minister, Hisham Al-Rikabi, confirmed today, Sunday (January 7, 2024), that one of the pillars of the economic reform process is the use of electronic card payment (Pos) .
Al-Rikabi said in his blog post on the "X" website, followed by "Baghdad Today", that " the path of economic reform is proceeding at a rapid pace and with continuous follow-up by the Prime Minister with the aim of raising the economic reality to advanced levels," indicating that "one of the pillars of the reform process is the use of payment By electronic card (Pos).
He added, "The Central Bank of Iraq indicates a significant response from the private sector."
Iran talks about economic transactions with Iraq: they will be carried out in riyals
The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Iran for International Affairs announced on Sunday that Iranian businessmen will be able to conduct their economic transactions with Iraq in riyals.
Mohsen Karimi said, according to Iranian television: “Exporters from Iran and Russia have the possibility of exporting in their national currency,” adding: “In this project, exporters and importers exchange their goods for riyals. As for the countries from which we import with riyals, it is possible to export to them with riyals as well.”
Karimi referred to the opening of a letter of credit between Iran and Russia, saying: “We have linked the correspondence network between the two countries, which means that the banks of the two countries no longer need to communicate through Switzerland. It is possible for the exporter to submit an invoice in riyals to the Russian side and receive the money from the Russian banks.” in Iran".
Karimi added: "Iranian businessmen will be able to conduct their economic transactions with Iraq and Afghanistan in riyals during the next six months."
A parliamentarian sets the date for the House of Representatives session.. What about electing the president?
The head of the Rights Bloc in the House of Representatives, Saud Al-Saadi, revealed today, Sunday, the date for holding a new session of the House of Representatives, and while he referred to the names proposed for the position of Speaker of Parliament, he explained the position of the Shiite forces regarding them.
Parliament session
Al-Saadi said, during an interview with the Twenty program broadcast on Al-Sumaria TV, that “Parliament will hold its session next week,” explaining that “three names were recently identified to fill the position of Speaker of Parliament, and they are Shalan Al-Karim, Salem Al-Issawi, and Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani,” stressing that “ These names are not final, and they may change,” he said, noting that “the Shiite forces are divided regarding these names.”
He added, "The issue of deciding the position of president may be left to the members of Parliament, and we may go to more than one round."
He pointed out that "the issue of removing the Americans will be on the agenda of the first parliamentary session."
Withdrawing the hand of the ambassador.
Al-Saadi explained, “We were serious in submitting a request to withdraw the hand of the American ambassador, which is a constitutional request,” adding, “The issue of sovereignty, independence, and the highest interests of the people should not be subject to political consensus,” indicating that “the agreement with America stipulated respect for the Iraqi state and sovereignty.” .
Vacuum
He continued, "In the Iraqi constitution there is a vacuum regarding the expulsion of ambassadors, but the president (of the republic) concerned with accepting and approving accreditation can expel the ambassador."
He continued, "We do not want the American ambassador to be in Iraq because of the attacks on the country," calling for "restoring and reorganizing the relationship with Washington."
Al-Saadi said, “The ambassador is playing extraordinary roles, crossing some lines and negatively affecting the political reality,” considering that “there is American hegemony over the Iraqi reality and the presence has turned into illegitimate, even an occupation, especially after the assassination of Al-Nasr leaders and the implementation of attacks against various sites in the country.”
Removing foreign forces.
The head of the Rights Bloc confirmed, “There is a tendency for the majority of the framework forces to remove the foreign forces,” noting that “a request was submitted, signed by more than 100 representatives, to completely remove the foreign forces within a maximum period on the morning of 1/1/2025.”
He added, "The President of the Republic did not ratify the decision to remove foreign forces from Iraq, which was issued in 2020."
He pointed to "the need for popular pressure to expel the Americans," considering that "previous governments made a mistake by requesting American assistance in fighting ISIS."
Al-Saadi concluded, “Mustafa Al-Kazemi is involved in the theft of the century and the assassination of leaders, and an arrest warrant may be issued against him in the future.”
Laws to promote investment and support the economy
Advisor to the Acting Speaker of the House of Representatives, Muhammad Al-Araji, expected that the next legislative term will focus on laws that promote investment and support economic growth within the path sought by Parliament.
Al-Araji told Al-Sabah: “In its quest to enhance security and stability and the desire to provide rapid and effective changes, the House of Representatives is trying to accelerate the work of parliamentary committees and pass laws of vital importance, to enhance citizen service and stimulate serious economic development in the country.”
He added, “The call of Acting Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, indicates the importance of making quick and effective decisions for the benefit of the citizen and enhancing aspirations towards economic development in Iraq,” noting that “Mandalawi’s call also urges increasing parliamentary committee sessions to discuss and study the legal projects and recommendations presented, with Focus on priorities that enhance the daily lives of citizens and support the national economy.”
Al-Araji warned, “This call comes in the context of the multiple challenges that Iraq is suffering from, and stresses that future legislation must focus on achieving stability and economic growth for the country, as urgent matters and ongoing challenges require a rapid response by the official authorities to achieve tangible progress and comprehensive support.” For citizens.”
Acting Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, held a meeting earlier with Second Representative Shakha Wan
Abdullah.
Al-Mandalawi stressed that there is a parliamentary consensus on the necessity of accelerating the approval of all important laws, and this requires the parliamentary committees to intensify their meetings to discuss all drafts and proposals of laws and agreements referred to the Council with the aim of maturing them and presenting them to a vote, stressing that priority should be given to legislation that serves the citizen and projects that achieve economic development. Real for the country.
What are the most prominent amendments that will be made to the 2024 budget in Iraq?
Last June, the House of Representatives approved the draft budget for the year 2023, and for the years 2024 and 2025, but with the beginning of the current year, many are asking about the amendments that could be made to the 2024 budget.
A member of the Finance Committee said that the 2024 budget numbers will change regarding state treasury resources, oil price estimates, and expenditures.
Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Jamal Cougar, revealed the number of amendments that will be made to the Federal Financial Budget Law 2024, stressing that “the amendments will be in accordance with the changes in oil prices and the country’s financial resources.”
Cougar said in an interview with "Ultra Iraq", "The amendments made to the 2024 budget law will be in the investment and operational parts, as the numbers will change with regard to state treasury resources and estimates of oil prices and expenditures," indicating that "this is in view of the new projects contained in the budget for the year." Present".
He pointed out that “the amendments concern specific aspects of the appointment amounts that were made last year in the 2023 budget, as their expenditures must be fixed, in addition to amounts that were spent for new projects, and amounts for projects that will be spent in the coming period,” explaining that “the increase always occurs in the operational budget amounts on an annual basis, While the most notable changes are to the investment budget.
The committee member considered that “approving the tripartite budget was an achievement of the government’s goals of not stopping the fiscal year beyond January 2024, which is what actually happened, avoiding financial interruptions and obstacles that prompted it to adopt the 1/12 disbursement mechanism and wait for a new budget,” noting that “the government also... It has powers from Parliament to continue disbursing 2023 budget funds until its tabulations are completed and not to go into borrowing, until the 2024 budget amendments are completed so that it is ready for application after its approval.
n the other hand, the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Wafa Muhammad, spoke about the reasons for the expected amendments to the Federal Financial Budget Law for 2024, stressing “their importance in resolving the conflict between Baghdad and Erbil.”
Muhammad said, in an interview with “Ultra Iraq”, that “the amendments to the 2024 budget that will be made have come at the request of the regional government and the Prime Minister of the Federal Council, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani as well,” indicating that “the reasons for requesting the amendments are the presence of many pitfalls that prevent sending financial dues to the region.” .
As for Muhammad, “the current articles in the budget contain impossible conditions for sending Kurdistan’s dues funds, so the amendment will remove these difficulties and facilitate sending the required dues,” stressing that “visits will continue between the governments of Baghdad and Erbil until a comprehensive agreement is achieved that ends the problem of the budget and salaries and sending the region’s dues.”
As for resuming the export of oil from the Kurdistan region, and whether it will be included in the budget agreements, the leader indicated that “it is limited to the understanding between the federal government and Turkey, since Ankara stipulates that the oil file be linked to the security and water file of Iraq,” pointing out that “what matters to the region currently is sending... The budget share is as approved by Parliament, and this will be achieved by a decisive visit by a Kurdish delegation within days to resolve the budget amendments.”
A Kurdish leader said that one of the reasons for requesting amendments to the 2024 budget is the presence of many pitfalls that prevent sending financial dues to the region.
The representative of the “coordination framework”, Muhammad Al-Shammari, speaks about Parliament’s readiness to approve any amendments the government desires to the 2024 budget, stressing that “the budget amendments are not without an aspect related to the Kurdistan region and the required expenditures for salaries.”
Al-Shammari claimed during an interview with “Ultra Iraq” that “the tripartite budget drew a clear and solid plan for the government’s work in all sectors and ensured that it would not go towards borrowing as in the past. Therefore, the amendments to it will be in the interest of the country and ensure the presence of sufficient amounts to confront any problems in view of oil prices and revenues.” “The financials available in the treasury,” indicating that “Parliament is ready to approve any amendments that the government desires and that are appropriate.”
He pointed out that "the investment aspect also has an important aspect in the amendments to serve the package of projects that have been planned, and must be implemented in 2024 and its financial budget," stressing that "passing the amendments is not difficult because there is an understanding between Parliament and the government, and they work in one format." To implement the government program in all ministries.
Meanwhile, a member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Mustafa Al-Karawi, confirms the possibility of amendments to the 2024 budget from the government during the coming period.
Al-Karaawi told Ultra Iraq, “In accordance with Article 77/Second of the Federal Financial Budget Law for the year 2023, the Council of Ministers is committed to submitting updated tables according to the expected revenues, the volume of spending, and the expected deficit during the year 2024, provided that the rest of the tables are amended in accordance with these variables.”
It is assumed that after the legislative recess of the House of Representatives, “the data required from the government will reach the Parliamentary Finance Committee with its updates, and if there is any request from the government to amend a text or paragraphs, it can be studied within the House of Representatives and voted on, which includes all other draft laws,” according to Al-Karaawi. .
So far - and speaking to Al-Karaawi - “no amendment or data has arrived from the government, and we are awaiting the resumption of work after the legislative recess to discuss all the details related to the budget.”
The U.S. Must Reduce Iranian Influence in Iraq. By Gregg Roman
link this is from pakistani news pakistan is speaking in this article
This provides Iran with a land corridor to Syria and the broader Levant, allowing it to spread its revolution, sow chaos, and undermine regional American allies and partners. The US must counter Iran's nefarious influence in every way possible.
The Iranian-Iraqi border is some 1,000 miles long, which guarantees some level of Iranian influence. The two countries are both majority Shiite countries, even though Shiites represent approximately 15% of the world's Muslims, the vast majority of whom are Sunnis.
The two countries share significant economic ties. Iraq is the second-largest importer of Iranian goods, after China. Iraq relies heavily on Iran for natural gas and electricity. Iran's influence in Iraq is considerable. Numerous Iraqi political parties have ties with Iran.
Iran also arms and funds militias in Iraq, which came to be collectively known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in 2014.
The US must counter Iran's nefarious influence in every way possible.
Several of the PMF's constituent groups have pledged loyalty to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei.
Some of the militias, such as Kata'ib Hezbollah (KH) and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, carried out deadly attacks against US and coalition forces during the Iraq War.
The PMF's main purpose is to facilitate Iranian dominance over Iraq and to expel US forces from the country; there are some 2,000 serving there in an advisory capacity.
The Shiite Coordination Framework (SCF), an umbrella group of Shiite Iraqi political parties, is backed by Iran. In 2022, the body nominated Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as its candidate for prime minister. Sudani successfully formed a government in October 2022.
According to an analysis by The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, "the formation of a new government by Sudani can only be regarded as a major victory for Iran ... [T]he new government is a fresh start for Iran to continue strengthening its regional agenda in Iraq and beyond."
Iranian interference in internal Iraqi affairs was one of the causes of widespread anti-government protests that began in 2019. More than 600 people were killed, including many by Iran-backed militia snipers. Iranian obstruction was partially responsible for preventing the formation of a government after the 2021 parliamentary election.
KH, a US-designated foreign terrorist organization, was formerly led by Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed alongside former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in January 2020.
Soleimani was the spearhead for expanding Iran's revolution throughout the Middle East. He was responsible for the deaths of some 600 Americans in Iraq.
Muhandis was Soleimani's right-hand man.
KH has attacked American bases in Iraq over the years, including fatal strikes in December 2019 and March 2022.
The US must act swiftly to push back against Iranian influence in Iraq. It can do so militarily, economically, and politically.
KH praised Hamas's October 7 massacre as "great victories" and declared, "Our missiles, drones, and special forces stand ready to direct qualitative strikes against the Americans in their bases and against their interests if it intervenes in this battle."
Another Iranian proxy, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, boasted, "[A]ny direct American entrance into the conflict for the crumbling entity [Israel] will make all American positions in the region legitimate targets for the Axis of Resistance."
Shortly after these pronouncements, Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria began launching drone attacks at American bases in those countries, during which dozens of US troops were injured. Overall, Iranian-backed Shiite militias have carried out more than 100 attacks on US soldiers in the region since October 7.
The US must act swiftly to push back against Iranian influence in Iraq. It can do so militarily, economically, and politically.
The US must increase military aid and advisory support to the Iraqi government to counterbalance Iranian-backed militias. While the Biden administration has struck militia targets in Syria and Iraq, these are not sufficient: the administration must appreciably intensify such targeted operations against Iranian proxies to reduce those groups' operational capabilities.
The US should work to develop Iraqi oil and gas sectors independent of Iranian influence. As has previously been observed, it is preposterous that a country such as Iraq, rich with oil and gas resources, should be paying above-market rates for imported energy, but that is the current reality.
The US should also sanction the PMF's Muhandis General Company, through which the PMF seeks to dominate the Iraqi economy.
Finally, the US should support pro-US political factions in Iraq through diplomatic engagement and economic aid. Iran and its proxies are not necessarily popular in Iraq, as the 2019 protests powerfully suggest. Extrajudicial oppression, corruption, and violence on the part of the militias do not help their image among Iraqis.
The Iranian regime is following a coherent strategy in the Middle East. The US must devise and implement a clear-cut strategy of its own in opposition.
President Rachid stresses the necessity of following up on the decisions of the Article 140 Committee and “restoring rights to their owners”
Today, Sunday (January 7, 2024), the President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Gamal Rashid, stressed the necessity of following up on the decisions of the Article (140) Committee and restoring the rights to their owners.
The Presidency of the Republic stated in a statement received by “Baghdad Today” that “The President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, received at Baghdad Palace, the Minister of Justice Khaled Shawani, the Minister of Environment Nizar Muhammad Saeed Aamidi, in the presence of a member of the Supreme Committee for the Implementation of Article (140) Abu Bakr Siddiq, and a number "From those responsible."
The statement added, "During the meeting, the security and political situation in the country, the city of Kirkuk and the disputed areas in particular were discussed, in addition to the relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region."
The President of the Republic stressed, "the importance of preserving the achievements made in establishing security and stability, improving the standard of living of citizens, strengthening national unity, and achieving social justice."
He reviewed "the work of the Supreme Committee for Article (140) of the Constitution," stressing "the necessity of following up on the activation of the committee's decisions through joint work with government institutions in a way that ensures the preservation of the rights of citizens and components in Kirkuk."
The President of the Republic stressed "the importance of finding solutions to the outstanding problems in Kirkuk and the disputed areas through the application of the law, dialogue and mutual understanding in light of the political consensus between the political forces."
The statement continued, "The results of the provincial council elections were also reviewed and the good participation rates achieved by Kirkuk Governorate, as President Rashid stressed the necessity of accelerating the formation of the local administration for Kirkuk Governorate in order to fulfill its responsibilities and resolve the problems in the governorate and the disputed areas in a way that ensures the return of rights to their owners and justice." Those affected and addressing the effects of the unjust decisions of the dissolved Revolutionary Command Council issued with the aim of demographic change.”
The Ministers of Justice and Environment expressed their "appreciation for the proposals of the President of the Republic to implement the decisions of the Constitutional Article (140) Committee, which serve to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with the law and consensus between the political blocs."
Member of the Supreme Committee for the Implementation of Article (140), Abu Bakr Siddiq, presented a review of the work of the Committee for the Implementation of Article (140) of the Constitution, what has been accomplished and the obstacles facing the completion of its work, in addition to a number of proposals to support its work and perform its tasks, according to the statement.
The President of the Republic urges the follow-up of the decisions of the Article 140 Committee 1/8
Yesterday, Sunday, the President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, discussed with the Minister of Justice Khaled Shwani and the Minister of Environment Nizar Muhammad Saeed Aamidi, and in the presence of the member of the Supreme Committee for the Implementation of Article (140) Abu Bakr Siddiq, the security and political situations in the country, the city of Kirkuk and the disputed areas. In particular, in addition to the relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan region.
In a presidential statement, Rashid stressed the importance of preserving the achievements achieved in establishing security and stability, improving the standard of living of citizens, enhancing national unity and achieving social justice.
The President of the Republic was briefed on the work of the Supreme Committee for Article (140) of the Constitution. The results of the provincial council elections and the good participation rates achieved by Kirkuk Governorate were also reviewed.
He pointed out "the necessity of accelerating the formation of the local administration for Kirkuk Governorate in order to fulfill its responsibilities and resolve the problems in the governorate and the disputed areas in a way that ensures the return of rights to their owners, justice for those affected, and addressing the effects of the unjust decisions of the dissolved Revolutionary Command Council that it issued with the aim of demographic change."
The Ministers of Justice and Environment expressed their "appreciation of the proposals of the President of the Republic to implement the decisions of the Constitutional Article (140) Committee, which serve to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with the law and consensus between the political blocs."
Member of the Supreme Committee for the Implementation of Article (140), Abu Bakr Siddiq, presented “a review of the work of the Committee for the Implementation of Article (140) of the Constitution, what has been accomplished and the obstacles facing the completion of its work, in addition to a number of proposals to support its work and perform its tasks.” Meanwhile, during his meeting with Acting Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, the President of the Republic stressed the need to continue coordination between the Presidency of the Republic and the House of Representatives to issue laws and legislation related to citizens’ issues.
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