Al-Atwani calls on the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to provide the necessary support to Iraq
Chairman of the Finance Committee, Representative Atwan Al-Atwani, called on the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to provide the necessary support to Iraq in the areas of exchanging experiences and training national cadres.
The media office of the Chairman of the Finance Committee stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that “The Chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Atwan Al-Atwani, participated this evening, Monday, via closed-circuit television, in the deliberative meeting of the International Monetary Fund regarding the financial and economic situation in Iraq.”
He added, "Al-Atwani provided a complete briefing on the financial and economic situation and the provisions and programs included in the tripartite budget law for the years (2023-2025) that are consistent with the government program to advance various sectors, activate the private sector, encourage investment, and support investors, in order to achieve sustainable development."
Al-Atwani stressed, according to the statement, that “approving the tripartite budget gave the government great comfort in terms of contracting, implementing projects, and attracting foreign companies to implement major projects,” pointing out that “the Finance Committee, through monitoring spending and financing and implementing plans and programs, seeks integration between the legislative and executive authorities.” Because we want this government to succeed, especially since it is taking steady steps towards achieving the aspirations of the people.”
Al-Atwani pointed out that “the National Service Government is serious about moving the wheel of the economy and development and has ambitious programs to advance various productive sectors and maximize non-oil revenues, to leave the state of excessive dependence on oil in forming the general budget.”
Al-Atwani concluded his participation by calling on the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to provide the necessary support. For Iraq in the areas of exchanging experiences and training national cadres, to develop our banking system, especially as we are moving towards activating the digital financial dealing system and automating taxes, customs and other service sectors that generate financial revenues for the state.
The Central Bank expects to reduce the printing of the Iraqi currency in the coming years
The Central Bank of Iraq expects that electronic payment operations will reduce the printing of paper currencies in the coming years.
The Director of the Operations and Settlements Department in the Bank’s Information Technology and Payments Department, Zaid Hamid Rashid, said in a press statement, “The bank provided the infrastructure for electronic payment operations, by spreading culture and awareness of this issue and implementing the decisions of the Council of Ministers,” noting that “these decisions It can be applied in settlement systems to activate the mutuality through which these decisions are implemented.”
He added, "Every new business may face some obstacles, problems, and mistakes at the beginning, and we are working to find solutions to these obstacles," pointing out that "holding workshops and meetings in this regard, to review a number of numbers that proved the project's success and citizens' acceptance of it."
Rashid continued, "Any problem or obstacle is a complete cycle, and every party has a role in it, such as the central bank and government banks that lacked their own systems, which was the main reason for these problems."
Rashid explained that "electronic payment will reduce the process of printing paper currency, in addition to the strategic benefits for the state in general and the citizen in particular."
Do electronic payments reduce the printing of paper currencies in Iraq?
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The Central Bank of Iraq expected, on Monday, that electronic payment operations will reduce the printing of paper currencies in the coming years.
The Director of the Operations and Settlements Department in the Information Technology and Payments Department, Zaid Hamid Rashid, said in a statement followed by Al-Iqtisad News Agency, that the bank provided the infrastructure for electronic payment operations, by spreading culture and awareness of this issue and implementing the decisions of the Council of Ministers, noting that “ These decisions can be applied through settlement systems to activate the reciprocity through which these decisions are implemented.”
He added, "Every new work may face some obstacles, problems, and errors at the beginning, and we are working to find solutions to these obstacles," pointing out, "holding workshops and meetings in this regard, to review a number of numbers that proved the project's success and citizens' acceptance of it."
Rashid continued, "Any problem or obstacle is a complete cycle, and every party has a role in it, such as the central bank and government banks that lacked the presence of their own systems, which was the main reason for the occurrence of these problems."
He explained that "electronic payment will reduce the process of printing paper currency, as well as the strategic benefits for the state in general and the citizen in particular."
Sudanese Advisor: The Speed Of Digital Cash Will Cover The Largest Number Of Transactions Electronically
The economic advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed on Monday that the speed of digital cash will cover the largest number of transactions electronically.
Saleh stated to Earth News Agency, “The replacement of the digital payments system represents the state of progress occurring in payment systems in contemporary economic systems, which have begun to depart from cash (paper) payment systems, except within narrow limits related to small transactions.”
He added, “Accordingly, the reliance in settling buying and selling transactions and extinguishing large receivables is based on the rapid development of technology and digital payment and its uses, which is reflected in a decrease in the growth in cash issuance and a decrease in the costs of cash management because the speed of circulation of digital cash will take a broader range in covering the largest number of transactions.” Electronically, with the lowest corresponding monetary units and without the need to use additional amounts of paper money.”
He continued: “This will gradually reduce the cost of issuing and managing cash for the benefit of digital money in circulation in clearing debts, making various payments, and settling mutual rights.”
The Central Bank issues a 3-point decision in favor of Kurdistan money changers
link Getting on the same page?
The most prominent of which is the condition of 2.5 billion dinars
The Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Kurdistan Regional Government announced, today, Tuesday, that it had reached an agreement with the Central Bank that would facilitate the registration of Kurdish exchange companies, and make them equal to Iraqi companies, including three points, most notably the cancellation of the capital requirement of 2.5 billion dinars to obtain business licenses.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Kurdistan Regional Government announced, today, Tuesday, that it had reached an agreement with the Central Bank that would facilitate the registration of Kurdish exchange companies, and make them equal to Iraqi companies, including three points, most notably the cancellation of the capital requirement of 2.5 billion dinars to obtain business licenses.
Balbad Muhammad Mawloud, Director of Companies Registration, visited the Central Bank of Iraq and was received by Ali Al-Alaq, Governor of the Central Bank, on Monday, February 26, 2024, and in a meeting attended by Bakhtiar Haj Muhammad, Director General of the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in Baghdad and Director of National Companies, and Kazem Namik, Director General of the Central Bank Branch. In Erbil, the Director of the Non-Banking Financial Institutions Supervision Department discussed the problems of currency exchange companies in the Central Bank of Iraq and agreed on several points:
1. Until 3/31/2024, exchange companies in the Kurdistan Region have the right to complete (merger) procedures and comply with all requirements of the Central Bank. Conversely, after this date, they will not be entitled to obtain a license from the Central Bank for category (A) and (B) licenses.
2. At the request of the Director General of Company Registration, one of the requirements was canceled, which was that the company’s capital be 2.5 billion dinars, whereas previously, companies had to deposit this amount in the Central Bank of Iraq as a condition for obtaining a license.
3. Companies that meet all central bank requirements will be granted a central bank license in the coming weeks.
A committee headed by Al-Amiri and funds disbursed from Baghdad.. This is how Article 140 deportees in Kirkuk are compensated
The Article 140 Committee in Kirkuk confirmed, on Sunday, that it continues to distribute checks to deportees and expatriates who have submitted previous transactions and completed them, explaining that payment of the checks is made by the Central Committee in the capital, Baghdad.
The head of the technical committee on Article 140, Raad Sami Al-Asi, told Shafaq News Agency, “The committee for Article 140 works under the chairmanship of Hadi Al-Amiri in its main office in Baghdad and has branches, including Kirkuk. We are preparing lists of applicants for compensation from deportees and expatriates and after checking the information in the calculator.” The owner of the transaction shall review himself for the purpose of completing the transaction and submitting it to the main office for the purpose of issuing the instrument for each person covered by the compensation.”
Al-Assi added, “The committee in Kirkuk prepares the lists and submits the transactions to the national office in Baghdad, where a specialized committee audits the transactions of deportees and expatriates and then disburses their checks. In the 18th session, 80 checks were disbursed to the expatriates, worth 20 million dinars, to each person who completed his transaction.” The instrument will be received from Baghdad.”
He pointed out that “any auditor who completes his procedures will find the staff’s doors open to him, as work is done in complete transparency with the auditor, and there is no obstruction to the work of any auditor in the Office of Committee 140 in Kirkuk, because they receive the transactions and submit them to Baghdad, and from there the instruments are issued and delivered to the owner’s hand.” "The matter."
Article 140 stipulates the abolition of the demographic change policies pursued by Saddam Hussein’s regime in the disputed areas in favor of the Arabs at the expense of the Kurds, and then counting the population before the final step, which is holding a referendum in which the population determines whether they wish to join the Kurdistan Region or remain under control. Baghdad administration.
The implementation phases of the article were scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007, but security and political problems prevented this.
In 2019, the Federal Supreme Court ruled that Article 140 of the Constitution of the Republic of Iraq remains in force, stressing that this continues until its requirements are implemented and the goal of its legislation is achieved.
An economist reveals the number of banks punished by the US Federal Reserve
Today, Tuesday, the economic expert, Nasser Al-Kinani, revealed the number of Iraqi banks affected by US sanctions, while he confirmed that the Federal Bank has suspended the work of 26 banks so far.
Al-Kinani said in an interview with the Maalouma Agency, “The US Treasury did not justify the reasons for the suspension or the sanctions that were issued against these banks,” noting that “the sanctions removed these banks from the platform for selling dollars at the Central Bank.”
He continued, "The sanctions have permanently stopped all foreign transactions and services provided by these banks," pointing out that "the sanctions issued by the US Federal Reserve are aimed at manipulating and influencing the Iraqi economy."
Al-Kanani concluded his speech: “The sanctions have greatly affected the Iraqi economy, especially the issue of providing hard currency to citizens from these banks,” adding that “the Federal Bank has suspended the work of 26 banks so far.”
A member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Moeen Al-Kazemi, had criticized, in an interview with the Al-Ma’louma Agency, “the US Federal Reserve’s sanctions on Iraqi banks in an attempt to undermine the government’s success that the latter is pursuing.”
Parliamentary Finance discusses with Sami Spectrum financing projects and 2024 budget schedules
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The Finance Committee, headed by Engineer Atwan Al-Atwani and in the presence of its members, hosted the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Taif Sami, on Monday 2/26/2024, at the committee’s headquarters to discuss the issue of financing projects and a number of files.
At the beginning of the hosting, the Chairman of the Committee welcomed the Minister of Finance, stressing the importance of finding appropriate solutions related to financing financial allocations for government projects for their implementation, pointing out the necessity of disbursing all financial dues to institutions, identifying the causes of these obstacles, and taking appropriate measures to ensure the continuity of funding.
Engineer Atwan Al-Atwani also stressed that the 2024 budget tables will be submitted to the House of Representatives before the end of the year to vote on them.
For her part, the Minister of Finance provided a detailed explanation of the financing of the 2023 budget projects, and clarification of the spending ceiling, adding to the financing of the 2023 budget projects, stressing the necessity of implementing the provisions contained in the law, pointing out that there are obstacles in financing some financial allocations related to secretariats, liquidity, and exceeding work peaks, stressing The 2024 budget will be sent soon.
On the other hand, the committee discussed the issue of implementing electronic payment procedures (pos), asking about financing the 2023 operational and investment budget, as well as the 2024 operational budget, financing procedures, revenue and deficit ceilings, and adding financial costs.
House of Representatives
Media Department
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Parliamentary Finance Committee: Taif Sami Completes 2024 Budget, Gov’t Approval Next Month
Iraq’s Parliamentary Finance Committee announced on Tuesday that the Finance Ministry has completed the preparation of the 2024 budget. It will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval in March before proceeding to Parliament.
Mustafa Al-Karawi, a member of the Committee, told with Shafaq News Agency that Finance Minister Taif Sami unveiled plans to send the budget law to the House of Representatives soon.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Finance has completed the budget spreadsheets, with only the Ministry of Planning needing to make some adjustments before sending them to Cabinet.
Al-Karawi reaffirmed that the Cabinet will vote on the budget next month before it goes to Parliament. On Monday, Sami also confirmed to the Committee the upcoming submission of the 2024 budget to Parliament.
Mustafa Sanad, another Committee member, told Shafaq News Agency that Sami assured them there’s no funding halt for operational expenses and employee salaries.
The Committee previously discussed with her the domiciliation of salaries for the Kurdistan region's public employees and the delay in salary distribution nationwide.
This comes after the Iraqi Finance Ministry confirmed measures to ensure continuous funding for salaries as per the 2024-2025 budget, dismissing claims of financial shortage.
these are the articles I left out
In Washington... a meeting between the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the US Secretary of State
video below https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Kurdistan Regional Government announced, today, Monday, the holding of a meeting between the Prime Minister of the Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, in the US capital, Washington.
The regional government said in a brief statement received by Shafaq News Agency: “A meeting took place in the American capital, Washington, for the delegation of the Kurdistan Regional Government, headed by Masrour Barzani and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, at the headquarters of the US State Department.”
The Prime Minister of the Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, arrived in Washington yesterday, Sunday, on an official visit to the United States of America, and is scheduled to meet with a number of senior officials in the American administration.
Text of the dialogue between Barzani and the US Secretary of State: Washington wants the Kurds to remain united
A meeting by formal invitation
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed his pleasure at the presence of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in the United States, and reaffirmed US support for Kurdistan, saying that Washington is keen on the unity of the Kurdish parties.
Blinken and Barzani exchanged conversations shortly before the meeting:
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. It is a pleasure to have the Prime Minister here. We met a few weeks ago, but I'm very happy to have you here today in Washington at the State Department and the entire team.
The United States has a long partnership with the Kurdistan Regional Government, and with the Kurdistan Regional Government.
It is a partnership that is rooted first and foremost in shared values, shared interests and also a shared history of sacrifice together and it is something that we take very seriously, and it is something that for me personally over many years of working in this field and dealing with these issues has meant a lot.
Our support for the Kurdistan Regional Government is an integral part of our comprehensive approach to Iraq. And so today is an opportunity to reaffirm that support, to reaffirm this partnership and the work that we do together that I think is important and timely.
In many ways, this relationship for us is unique in the region and, again, a relationship that we value very much. The KRG has also been an important partner for stability in the region and the health of the private sector, including US investments, and that is also important.
We have spent many periods together where we were side by side under the most difficult circumstances. This period has its share of challenges as well.
I want to say that Kurdish unity, as important as it is for us, is also important for the successes of our friends and partners, because we share the same interests, and to work together to the maximum extent possible. I look forward to discussing that as well.
Anyway, welcome Prime Minister. It's so good to have you here today.
Prime Minister Barzani: Thank you, Minister. Thank you for inviting me. It's great to be back here in Washington, and especially here to see you. Of course, we are great friends and partners, and we are very proud to say that we are allies of the United States. We have been through some very difficult times. We are very grateful and express our gratitude for the support that the United States has always provided to our people. Now we face some new challenges in the region. I look forward to our discussions to talk about developments in the region and in Iraq, especially about our bilateral relations with the United States.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you.
Prime Minister Barzani: Thank you.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you, everyone
American investments in Kurdistan Region reflect its confidence in future of the region
The US-KRG ties are not only limited to political or military relations, rather there are formidable and tight links that tie both US and Kurdistan Region in terms of trade.
Erbil and Washington have strong trade relations, with more than 18 US companies operating in the energy and investment sectors in the Kurdistan Region.
The US-KRG ties are not only limited to political or military relations, rather there are formidable and tight links that ties both US and Kurdistan Region in terms of trade.
Within the framework of American Chambers of Commerce in the Kurdistan Region, known as AmCham, and the American Business Council in Iraq, dozens of America and Kurdistan companies have come together and work in different fields in the Kurdistan Region.
11 US companies are operating in the energy sector in the Kurdistan Region. Regarding investments, there are seven projects invested by the Americans. It is estimated that the investments could reach up to half a billion dollars.
Earlier, the Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region Masrur Barzani announced in the conference of American Chambers of Commerce in Kurdistan Region, “We welcome high-quality US investment; companies play an important role in strengthening relationships.”
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy announced in the same conference and said, “We are excited to invest in the Kurdistan Region. The reforms and facilities of the ninth cabinet are welcome and I congratulate the steps taken by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.”
The US appears to be investing in the future of the Middle East and that is why the biggest US General Consulate in the world is being built in the Kurdistan Region.
The fact that the biggest US consulate is being built is testament to the strength of relations between US and Kurdistan Region. It also shows the importance that the US gives to the extent of its presence in the Middle East and Kurdistan Region. The Kurdistan Region has proven countless times that it is a reliable and trusted ally to the US in Iraq and the Middle East.
Antony Blinken: KRI is the cornerstone in the 360-degree relationship with Iraq
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the Kurdistan Region (KRI) as the "cornerstone in the 360-degree relationship with Iraq."
This declaration came following his meeting with KRI’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who arrived in Washington, D.C. on Sunday on an official visit.
Blinken posted on X that he "met with Barzani to discuss the US partnership with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and encourage continued collaboration with the Iraqi federal government."
In response, PM Barzani expressed appreciation for Blinken’s staunch support of KRI.
He stated on X, "Our partnership is a pillar of our progress. We allied to free Iraq from dictatorship, we defeated ISIS, and we now look towards new horizons of economic strength and stability."
During this visit, Barzani is leading a high-level government delegation and has arranged multiple talks with American officials to discuss improving bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.
Kurdistan is a center of military power and Baghdad has soft influence. Washington is considering a “wise” withdrawal from Iraq
The Middle East Transparent website expected that most of the American forces would be withdrawn or transferred to the Kurdistan Region without harming the interests of the United States in Iraq, while it was likely that Washington would have more influence in Baghdad, but without the presence of its forces.
A website report translated by Shafaq News Agency recalled the recent American strikes in Baghdad, in response to the killing of three American soldiers in Jordan in late January, which it saw as a major departure from the Biden administration’s long-term restraint towards the pro-Iranian forces in Iraq, and how It generated significant political backlash in the Iraqi capital, with unknown consequences for the US military presence in that country.
According to the report, the American strikes sparked a strong response in Iraq from “friends and enemies” alike, and the federal government in Baghdad also saw that the American actions that “endanger civil peace” force it to “end the mission of the international coalition,” which “threatens to implicate Iraq.” In the cycle of conflict.
The Middle East Transparent report saw that the demands to end the American military presence in Iraq are not new, as they were born since the Trump administration adopted the maximum pressure campaign against Iran in 2018, and after the airport operation that resulted in the assassination of the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Qassem. Soleimani, and the Deputy Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, in early 2020, as the safety of American soldiers deployed in Iraq, as well as American diplomats, was exposed to danger not only by the militias, but due to the inaction of the Iraqi government, which did not show the will nor the ability to protect American personnel. .
The report found, “The concept of confronting American forces is not only by the militias in Iraq, but even by the government coalition under which the Sudanese government was formed.
However, according to the report, it is still unclear whether Al-Sudani himself favors the withdrawal of coalition forces, or as one advisor told Reuters, his statement was only aimed at “appeasing angry parties within the ruling Shiite coalition,” according to the report.
While Al-Sudani criticized the recent American retaliatory strikes in Iraq, he did not have the same disdain for the American presence, despite his government’s reluctance to act towards the perpetrators of the attacks on military bases due to “fear of losing political support for it, or Iranian retaliation,” according to Al-Sudani. Middle East Transparent.
While the United States has devoted much blood and treasure to Iraq, and while Baghdad remains of great importance to Washington, the former may eventually decide that it is time for the United States and the coalition to leave the country, so it is clear that the large American military presence in this country has become It is indefensible, according to the report.
The report noted, “20 years after the invasion of Iraq, it is time for the Biden administration to begin thinking about the best way to reduce the American military footprint in Iraq, as the United States does not benefit from its presence in Iraq to undo the expansion of Iranian influence in Baghdad.”
According to the report, since American forces in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq act as a crucial node for logistical support for the Peshmerga forces in combating ISIS, Washington may be able to leave a small presence in the Kurdish Region in northern Iraq, to support this counter-terrorism mission.
The report warned of a hasty and chaotic withdrawal, similar to Afghanistan, from Iraq, which would harm the credibility of the United States. Likewise, leaving under fire, leaving Iraq could also reinforce a malicious regional perception of American military decline in the region.
The report believed that a complete withdrawal from Iraq would make the US Embassy in Baghdad more vulnerable to attack, which is a very real concern given the Iraqi government’s tendency to ignore its commitment to the Geneva Convention to defend diplomatic missions.
He pointed out that "the continued presence of American forces does little to prevent Iranian advances towards imposing hegemony over Iraq, and at the same time, American forces there provide Iran and the militias loyal to it as hostages in everything."
The Middle East Transparent report noted that “removing the majority of US forces from harm’s way in Iraq could put Washington in a better position vis-à-vis the Iranian-dominated Iraqi government, especially if the forces remain in the Kurdistan Region, where the United States is still welcome.” “Washington will be freer to engage Iraq on its relationship with Iran, sanctions violations, and endemic corruption, unencumbered by concerns about force protection.”
The report concluded by saying: “A stable and sovereign Iraq remains a priority for the United States. Therefore, Washington will have to rely on other tools of national power, especially economic influence, to preserve its interests in Iraq. This does not mean phasing out the presence of American forces or reducing their size. The end of American military engagement with Iraq, American austerity in the region, or acceptance of Iranian regional hegemony.”
We will host the Governor of the Central Bank and the directors of licensed banks - Parliamentary Integrity
Due to transfer violations
Member of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, Abdul Amir Al-Mayahi, said that the Central Bank directed the banks to deliver external transfers in dollars, but some of them did not comply with the instructions, and we will take quick decisions against them, indicating that there is talk within the committee to host the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, and the directors of licensed banks, in the coming days, Against the background of these violations.
Al-Mayahi explained, in an interview with the official newspaper, followed by the 964 Network , that “banks’ violation of instructions regarding converting customers’ transfers in foreign currency into the Iraqi dinar at a price set by the state at 132 causes serious harm to customers, due to the price difference,” calling it “a violation, despite From the directive of the Central Bank dated 12/31/2023, and its confirmation on 1/2/2024, then reaffirming the instructions for a period not exceeding nine days on 1/11/2024 on the necessity of adhering to the instructions of the Central Bank and taking into account the rights of customers.”
Al-Mayahi added, “The Central Bank directed that customers be given their transfers in dollars, not Iraqi dinars, and that the banks should inform the Central Bank of the amounts they need for cash dollars to meet their customers’ requests,” indicating that “the banks, unfortunately, did not respond to the call of the Central Bank, did not implement the instructions, and are still delivering external transfers to customers in dinars.” .
He pointed out that “the Integrity Committee will have a major role in relation to these violations, especially since there is talk within the committee to start hosting the Governor of the Central Bank and the advanced staff in the coming days, in addition to the directors of licensed banks to examine the violations committed by them.”
Al-Mayahi stated, “Council of Ministers Resolution No. (23.26) of 2023 emphasized taking into account dealing in the Iraqi currency and supplying the dinar, and this does not apply to converting foreign remittances to the dinar,” and said: “This is a clear violation and quick decisions will be taken regarding it by the committee.”
Parliamentary Finance criticizes the government's handling of the crisis of the rise in the price of the dollar
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Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Muhammad Nouri, warned on Monday of the impact of the continued rise in the dollar exchange rate on the poor and middle classes.
Nouri told Al-Maalouma, “The reasons for the rise in the price of the dollar are due to misconduct and the monopoly policy practiced by some parties, as well as smuggling, without the government having any realistic solutions to control this issue.”
He added, "The attempts of the government and the Central Bank to solve the problem of the fluctuation of the dollar's rise are still timid, as the dollar's exchange rate is still recording a significant increase compared to the official price, and this rise would increase poverty rates in Iraq."
A movement to list government bonds in the markets
Today, Monday, the Iraqi Securities Commission explained the importance of government bonds, stressing that they provide financial liquidity for investment projects, while indicating that there is a movement from the Central Bank to list government bonds in the markets.
The head of the authority, Faisal Al-Haims, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Three issues of government bonds were issued, as the first and second issues were launched, and now there is the third issue.”
He pointed out, "There are requests from the Central Bank of Iraq to list these bonds on the market," indicating that "those bonds are debt securities owed by the Iraqi government, in exchange for interest given to the owner of this bond."
He stressed, "This measure will provide financial liquidity for the investment projects launched by the Prime Minister and his government," suggesting that they "will be crowned with goodness and success for the Iraqis."
Government bonds are a type of debt-based investment, where you lend money to the government in exchange for an agreed interest rate. Governments use them to raise money that can be spent on infrastructure or new projects, and investors can use them to obtain set returns that are paid at regular intervals.
Foreign Minister: This is what the Sudanese will ask of America during his visit to it
Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, confirmed the continuation of negotiations with the American side regarding the presence of international coalition forces in Iraq.
Hussein said, “The negotiations are continuing and the second round has ended, and we hope to have other rounds.”
It is also possible that there will be a round of discussions in Washington during the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, to the United States, according to Hussein.
On January 25, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the success of the negotiations between the Iraqi and American governments, which began in August 2023, to formulate a timetable specifying the duration of the presence of international coalition advisors in Iraq and ending the military mission of the coalition against ISIS.
WTO STUFF
Comoros and East Timor join the World Trade Organization
so they got their ceremony if Iraq is in why not do there's too?
The Republic of the Comoros (officially known as the Comoros Union) and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste have officially joined the World Trade Organization, becoming the organization's 165th and 166th members, and the first two new countries to join since 2016.
After the accession of the Comoros and East Timor, the number of least developed countries, as defined by the United Nations , in the World Trade Organization increased to 37 countries.
The joining of the two new countries came at a ceremony held for this occasion on the opening day of the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, which the UAE is hosting in the capital, Abu Dhabi , from February 26 to 29.
Welcoming the accession of the Comoros and East Timor, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, said: “International trade is a major contributor to development efforts, and expanding access to supply chains to include developing countries and countries is important.” "The least developed is one of the main topics of the Organization's Ministerial Conference."
He added: “This accession constitutes a major boost for the Comoros and East Timor and their economic aspirations in the coming years. This accession also represents an excellent beginning for the conference and for the commitment of member states to work together to adopt a global trade system that suits all.”
Membership in the World Trade Organization is a milestone for both countries, as it means that all members of the World Trade Organization must now grant trade with the Comoros and East Timor the full legal rights stipulated in the WTO treaties, and it also means that they will be able to participate in monitoring these treaties and negotiating. regarding it in the future.
World Trade confirms its aspiration and follow-up of the steps for Iraq to join it
The World Trade Organization confirmed, on Tuesday, its aspiration and follow-up of the steps for Iraq’s accession to it.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce received by (Al-Rabaa), Minister Atheer Al-Ghurairi held a meeting with the Assistant Director General of the World Trade Organization, Zang Shank Shank, in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, to discuss completing Iraq’s procedures to complete the required files, supporting reforms and legislation to be consistent with the market system, and strengthening the country’s economic capabilities to complete... Requirements for the next stage of the accession process.
Al-Ghurairi stressed, according to the statement, “the keenness of the working group on accession to continue by strengthening cooperation with the organization’s accession department and the head of the working group, Saudi Ambassador Saqr al-Muqbel, whose recent visit to Iraq provided great support for the efforts and steps taken by the national committee concerned with accession, which he chaired to complete all requirements in a manner that It achieves Iraq's integration into the multilateral trading system.
The minister stressed "the hope that the efforts of the organization's working group will focus on supporting the accession of important countries, including Iraq."
The minister continued, "The Iraqi government, within its government program and the measures it took to raise the level of draft laws and support the role of the private sector, recorded international signals of its endeavor and eagerness to return to the economic system due to its geographical and economic importance in the region."
For his part, the Assistant Director-General of the organization confirmed that “the organization is looking forward and following the steps for Iraq’s accession carefully, given that Iraq is one of the important and strong economies that is still outside the organization, and that Iraq’s presence within the organization’s membership will be a great added value to the organization and to the global economy.”
He praised "the advanced stages accomplished by the Ministry of Commerce in terms of completing and submitting the technical files on goods and services in trade, which will speed up the holding of the third round of negotiations, wishing for the continuity and continuity of momentum and work to complete the requirements for accession, amend the required laws and legislation, and complete the technical files within their specified timing, as he will submit The team will support him to complete his journey to join, and we will celebrate him at the next ministerial meeting of the organization.”
look at the image that was on the page perfect get your popcorn ready! hahaha
It's an ad for half of movie tickets in Iraq hahaha
Maybe they made some changes to now get Iraq in? hmmmm we shall see
The World Trade Organization approves new rules to facilitate the exchange of services
On Tuesday, the World Trade Organization approved new rules to facilitate the exchange of services between more than 70 of its member countries, despite initial objection from India and South Africa.
The European Union said in a statement that the agreement will contribute, by facilitating administrative mechanisms and technical rules, to reducing the costs of global trade in services by more than $119 billion every year, according to Agence France-Presse.
In turn, European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis explained, during the thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization held in Abu Dhabi, that “reaching this result and integrating it into the World Trade Organization was not an easy matter.”
He added, "We faced opposition from two members of the organization, but the 'spirit of compromise' removed the obstacles in the end," without naming the two countries.
For her part, the Director-General of the Nigerian organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, thanked “India and South Africa for finding a way forward.”
The value of global services exports is estimated at more than $6.5 trillion, representing 23% of total global trade, according to the European Union.
The new WTO agreement applies to the 71 member states that have signed it – representing 92% of global trade in services – but businesses from other member states can benefit from it too.
China, the United States, and the European Union are among the signatory parties to the agreement, while India and South Africa have not signed it.
Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister Manuel Tover, whose country led the negotiations on the agreement, considered it an "important stage" for the member states of the organization.
"This is the first result achieved by the WTO in the field of services in more than 25 years. It is a real success story for this organization," he said.
It will be influential.” Iraq completes its preparations to join the World Trade Organization
Today, Tuesday (February 27, 2024), the BNN network, which specializes in economic affairs, revealed that the Iraqi government has completed the requirements for joining the World Trade Organization after its internal economic and trade conditions “improved,” in addition to improved investment conditions.
The network said, according to what Baghdad Today translated, that Iraq has completed all preparations within the timetable set for it by the organization to integrate its commercial operations with its businesses around the world, stressing that Iraq is now able to enter the global trade market through the organization on a large scale.
It is noteworthy that Iraq submitted an application to enter the organization in 2004, and the application remained pending until the conditions for entry into the international organization were met, which have now ended.
The network says that Iraq "will return to becoming an influential member in terms of international trade and economics through the role it enjoys geographically and economically among the countries of the organization."
Iraq and Lebanon face long wait to join WTO
Iraqi Shiite militia says current calm with US forces "temporary tactic"
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The leader of an Iraqi armed Shiite militia said Sunday that the current period of calm among Iraqi armed groups in their conflict with US forces is a "temporary tactic," stressing that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq did not abandon its support for the Palestinians.
Akram al-Kaabi, secretary general of the Iranian-backed al-Nujaba Movement, said in a statement that the current calm is only a tactic for repositioning and deployment, stressing, "It is only the calm before the storm."
He said that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq "is an essential part in the battle to confront the Zionist aggression (the Israeli military campaign) and its supporter America against the Gaza Strip."
Al-Kaabi also said that there is high-level coordination between different "open fronts" against the Americans and Israelis in the region, stressing that "any calm on one front and ignition on another is an intentional, purposeful and coordinated strategy."
"Although the Islamic resistance did not reject the government's negotiations to schedule the US withdrawal from Iraq, we affirm that the US occupier is a liar, a deceiver, and an arrogant one," the statement said.
Days after fighting broke out between the Gaza-ruling Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel in the Gaza Strip on Oct 7, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq launched rocket, drone, and mortar attacks on military bases housing US forces in Iraq and Syria.
On Jan 27, Iraq and the United States began the first round of dialogue to discuss ending the US-led international coalition's mission in Iraq, but later three US soldiers were killed in an attack on a US base near Jordan's border with Syria. The United States said the attack was carried out by Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella term for pro-Iran Shiite Islamic armed groups in Iraq.
The death of the US soldiers prompted the US forces to retaliate by striking some headquarters of Iranian-backed armed groups affiliated with the Iraqi paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces, killing and wounding dozens of them.
Later, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq suspended their attacks on US bases to pave the way for the Iraqi government to hold negotiations with the US-led coalition to end their presence in Iraq.
Iraqi PM advocates economic integration to prevent regional conflicts
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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani emphasized Sunday the importance of intertwining the interests of regional countries by focusing on the economy rather than politics to prevent and contain conflicts in the Middle East.
Al-Sudani made the remarks during a symposium of the sixth Baghdad International Dialogue Conference that discussed Iraq's relations with its neighboring countries and the rest of the world, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office.
Al-Sudani pointed out that "major strategic projects, such as the Development Road Project, will attract partnerships and facilitate the economic integration of the countries of the region," the statement said.
The Iraqi government proposed the Development Road Project, a massive infrastructure project, in May 2023 with the goal of linking southern Iraq to the country's border with Türkiye, from where it will connect to European rail and road networks.
Al-Sudani also said that Iraq is pursuing a balanced foreign policy by refraining from aligning with alliances or axes, according to the statement.
He said Iraq is open to strengthening relations with everyone, stressing that Iraq rejects its territory being used as an arena for settling scores between rival countries.
Al-Nahrain Islamic Bank announces the granting of POS devices to state institutions and the private sector for free
In a statement, which {Al-Furat News} received a copy of, the bank called on those wishing to obtain (Pos) devices to: “review the bank’s management in Bab al-Muadham, the Jihad neighborhood branch in Baghdad, the Salam branch in Najaf al-Ashraf, and the al-Farahidi branch in Basra.” He added, “that he will work on training.” The technical personnel who will work to activate these devices and provide technical and logistical support to complete this work.”
He added, "This comes in line with the government program and the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani and Minister of Finance Taif Sami and in support of the decisions of the Central Bank of Iraq to move to electronic payment POS and limit cash transactions, which in turn will contribute significantly to enhancing government resources and collecting them in a reliable, safe and transparent environment."
Iraq and Saudi Arabia agree to sign a memorandum of understanding in the field of digital transformation
The head of the Media and Communications Authority, Ali Al-Moayyed, discussed today, Tuesday, with the Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Al-Tamimi, the strengthening of cooperation mechanisms between the two brotherly countries in the fields of communications and information technology.
A statement by the Commission, a copy of which {Al-Furat News} received, stated: “During the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of Iraq’s participation in the International Mobile Conference (MWC 2024), the files of the digital economy, the development of digital skills, and the opening of horizons of cooperation between Iraq and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding regulatory affairs in the sector were discussed.” Information, narrowing the digital gap, and supporting business incubators.”
He added, "It was also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding in the field of digital transformation, developing the information technology sector and e-governance, and supporting the market needs with digital skills, as well as developing working practices with social media platforms and their regulatory requirements."
It is noteworthy that the International Mobile Conference (MWC 2024) is held annually in the month of February in Barcelona, and is considered the most prominent global event in the field of the mobile phone industry and advanced communications technology, in which senior companies, regulators and government officials from various countries of the world participate.
Al-Moayad to major American and European companies: Digital transformation in Iraq qualifies for high profits
The Chairman of the Media and Communications Authority, Ali Al-Moayyed, met today, Tuesday, with a number of major technology companies in the United States of America and Europe, on the sidelines of the International Mobile Conference MWC 2024 in Barcelona.
During the meeting, according to a statement by the authority, Al-Furat News received a copy of, Al-Muayyad urged "American technology companies to expand their work in Iraq, and to help provide solutions to activate digital programs for managing Iraqi government institutions and all their other administrative and organizational operations."
During his meeting with Amazon and Enztsu, Al-Moayad confirmed that the government curriculum adopts digital transformation in the country, which calls on these companies to transfer their global experiences and activate their cooperation with Iraqi institutions, which qualifies them to achieve high profits within the framework of the country’s adoption of the digitization strategy and expansion of financial inclusion processes.
It is noteworthy that the International Mobile Conference (MWC 2024) is held annually in the month of February in Barcelona, and is considered the most prominent global event in the field of the mobile phone industry and advanced communications technology, in which senior companies, regulators and government officials from various countries of the world participate.
What is the impact of Iraq's joining the BRICS group?
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Former member of the Foreign Relations Committee in the House of Representatives, Khaled Al-Assadi, confirmed on Tuesday that the Sudanese government’s request to join the BRICS economic group is an extremely important step to organize the relationship with the Russian side politically, economically and security-wise, noting that Russia announced its support for the Iraqi request.
Al-Asadi told Al-Maalouma, “The Iraqi government’s request to join the BRICS economic group is an extremely important step for the Sudanese government to diversify its relations with various countries of the world, especially Russia and the countries organizing the group.”
He added, "Iraq will actually participate in the group's meetings until it gains full membership after completing the membership requirements procedures," noting that "Russia announced its support for the Iraqi request."
The Russian ambassador to Baghdad, Elbrus Kutrashev, affirmed Russia's position in support of Iraq's accession to the BRICS economic group, expressing Russia's readiness to generously assist Iraq if it joins the group.
Parliamentary Finance Committee: Taif Sami Completes 2024 Budget, Gov’t Approval Next Month
Iraq’s Parliamentary Finance Committee announced on Tuesday that the Finance Ministry has completed the preparation of the 2024 budget. It will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval in March before proceeding to Parliament.
Mustafa Al-Karawi, a member of the Committee, told with Shafaq News Agency that Finance Minister Taif Sami unveiled plans to send the budget law to the House of Representatives soon.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Finance has completed the budget spreadsheets, with only the Ministry of Planning needing to make some adjustments before sending them to Cabinet.
Al-Karawi reaffirmed that the Cabinet will vote on the budget next month before it goes to Parliament. On Monday, Sami also confirmed to the Committee the upcoming submission of the 2024 budget to Parliament.
Mustafa Sanad, another Committee member, told Shafaq News Agency that Sami assured them there’s no funding halt for operational expenses and employee salaries.
The Committee previously discussed with her the domiciliation of salaries for the Kurdistan region's public employees and the delay in salary distribution nationwide.
This comes after the Iraqi Finance Ministry confirmed measures to ensure continuous funding for salaries as per the 2024-2025 budget, dismissing claims of financial shortage.
Pentagon: We have refrained from targeting a key leader in Iraqi factions post-de-escalation.
The New York Times, quoted a Pentagon official stating that the US administration has adjusted plans aimed at targeting a prominent figure within Iraqi factions loyal to Iran.
The official told the American newspaper, "We have stepped back from striking a major leader within the factions in Iraq following the de-escalation."
According to the newspaper, Iran has requested Iraqi factions to refrain from attacking American targets, and Iranian leaders have perceived that the armed factions' autonomy is yielding unintended consequences that may push them toward war.
Noteworthy, a visit by the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force to Baghdad has led to a pause in attacks on US troops by Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, multiple Iranian and Iraqi sources told Reuters, saying it was a sign Tehran wants to prevent a broader conflict.
Esmail Qaani met representatives of several of the armed groups in Baghdad airport on Jan. 29, less than 48 hours after Washington blamed the groups for the killing of three US soldiers at the Tower 22 outpost in Jordan, the sources said.
Qaani, whose predecessor was killed by a US drone near the same airport four years ago, told the factions that drawing American blood risked a heavy US response.
While one faction did not initially agree to Qaani's request, most others did. The next day, elite Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah announced it was suspending attacks.
Since Feb. 4 there have been no attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, compared to more than 20 in the two weeks before Qaani's visit, part of a surge in violence from the groups in opposition to Israel's war in Gaza.
"Without Qaani's direct intervention it would have been impossible to convince Kataib Hezbollah to halt its military operations to de-escalate the tension", a senior commander in one of the Iran-aligned Iraqi armed groups said.
The apparent success of the visit reflects the influence Iran wields with Iraqi armed groups, who alternate between building pressure and cooling tensions to further their goal of pushing US forces out of Iraq.
The government in Baghdad, a rare ally of both Tehran and Washington, is trying to prevent the country from becoming a battlefield for foreign powers and asked Iran to help rein in the groups after the Jordan attack.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani "has worked with all relevant parties both inside and outside Iraq, warning them," that escalation "will destabilize Iraq and the region," the premier's foreign affairs advisor Farhad Alaadin told Reuters when asked to confirm Qaani's visit and the request for help to rein in armed groups.
The attack "played into the hand of the Iraqi government," a Shiite politician from the ruling coalition said.
Following the subsequent lull in hostilities, on Feb. 6, talks resumed with the United States about ending the US presence in Iraq.
Several Iran-aligned parties and armed groups in Iraq also prefer talks rather than attacks to end the US troop presence.
Washington has been unwilling to negotiate a change to its military posture under fire, concerned it would embolden Iran.
The US currently has some 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria on an advise and assist mission. They are part of the Global Coalition deployed in 2014 to fight ISIS, mainly in the west of the country and eastern Syria.
Furthermore, a US State Department spokesperson, who declined to comment on Qaani’s visit to Baghdad, said the US presence in Iraq would transition to "an enduring bilateral security relationship."
The United States asserted that Iran has a high level of control over what it calls Iranian "proxies" in the region. Tehran says it has funded, advised, and trained allies but they decide operations on their own.
Another US official recognized Iran's role in reducing attacks but said it was unclear if the lull would hold.
"We need to see more work done on the ground," by Iraq to control the militias, a separate senior US official said, noting just a few arrests were made after a December mortar attack on the US embassy in Baghdad.
With Iran bracing for a US response to the Jordan attack, Qaani made the visit quick and did not leave the airport, "for strict security reasons and fearing for his safety," the senior Iraqi security source said.
The strike in 2020 that killed former Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani outside the airport followed an attack Washington also blamed on Kataib Hezbollah that killed a US contractor, and at the time sparked fears of a regional war. Along with Soleimani, the drone killed former Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Both Tehran and Baghdad wanted to avoid a similar escalation this time around.
"The Iranians learned their lesson from the liquidation of Soleimani and did not want this to be repeated," the senior Iraqi security source told Reuters.
A high-ranking Iranian security official said, "Commander Qaani's visit was successful, though not entirely, as not all Iraqi groups consented to de-escalate." One smaller but very active group, Nujaba, said it would continue attacks, arguing that US forces would only leave by force.
It remains to be seen how long the pause holds. An umbrella group representing hardline factions vowed to resume operations in the wake of the US killing of senior Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Baqir Al-Saadi in Baghdad on Feb. 7.
Al-Saadi was also a member of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a state security agency that started out as mainly Shiite armed groups close to Iran that fought against Islamic State, highlighting just how intertwined the Iran-backed armed groups are with the Iraqi state.
US-led forces invaded Iraq and toppled former leader Saddam Hussein in 2003, before withdrawing in 2011.
Shiite armed groups who spent years attacking US forces in the wake of the 2003 invasion went on to fight on the same side as, though not in direct partnership with, US soldiers against ISIS until it was territorially defeated.
In the subsequent years, rounds of tit-for-tat fighting with the remaining US troops escalated until the US killing of Soleimani and Muhandis.
Those killings prompted Iraq's parliament to vote for the exit of foreign forces. Prime Minister Al-Sudani's government came to power in October 2022 on a promise to implement that decision, though it was not seen as a priority, government officials have said.
The situation changed again with the onset of the Gaza war.
Dozens of attacks and several rounds of U.S. responses, including the killing of a senior Nujaba leader in Baghdad on Jan. 5, led Al-Sudani to declare that the coalition had become a magnet for instability and to initiate talks for its end.
He has kept the door open to continued US presence in a different format via a bilateral deal.
Iraqi officials have said they hope the current lull will hold so the talks, expected to take months if not longer, can reach a conclusion.
At a funeral service for Al-Saadi, senior Kataib Hezbollah official and PMF military chief Abdul Aziz al-Mohammedawi vowed a response for the latest killing. Still, they stopped short of announcing a return to violence. The response would be based on consensus, including with the government.
"Revenge for the martyr Abu Baqir Al-Saadi means the exit of all foreign forces from Iraq. We will not accept anything less than that," he said.
Kurdistan is a center of military power and Baghdad has soft influence. Washington is considering a “wise” withdrawal from Iraq
The Middle East Transparent website expected that most of the American forces would be withdrawn or transferred to the Kurdistan Region without harming the interests of the United States in Iraq, while it was likely that Washington would have more influence in Baghdad, but without the presence of its forces.
A website report translated by Shafaq News Agency recalled the recent American strikes in Baghdad, in response to the killing of three American soldiers in Jordan in late January, which it saw as a major departure from the Biden administration’s long-term restraint towards the pro-Iranian forces in Iraq, and how It generated significant political backlash in the Iraqi capital, with unknown consequences for the US military presence in that country.
According to the report, the American strikes sparked a strong response in Iraq from “friends and enemies” alike, and the federal government in Baghdad also saw that the American actions that “endanger civil peace” force it to “end the mission of the international coalition,” which “threatens to implicate Iraq.” In the cycle of conflict.
The Middle East Transparent report saw that the demands to end the American military presence in Iraq are not new, as they were born since the Trump administration adopted the maximum pressure campaign against Iran in 2018, and after the airport operation that resulted in the assassination of the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Qassem. Soleimani, and the Deputy Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, in early 2020, as the safety of American soldiers deployed in Iraq, as well as American diplomats, was exposed to danger not only by the militias, but due to the inaction of the Iraqi government, which did not show the will nor the ability to protect American personnel. .
The report found, “The concept of confronting American forces is not only by the militias in Iraq, but even by the government coalition under which the Sudanese government was formed.
However, according to the report, it is still unclear whether Al-Sudani himself favors the withdrawal of coalition forces, or as one advisor told Reuters, his statement was only aimed at “appeasing angry parties within the ruling Shiite coalition,” according to the report.
While Al-Sudani criticized the recent American retaliatory strikes in Iraq, he did not have the same disdain for the American presence, despite his government’s reluctance to act towards the perpetrators of the attacks on military bases due to “fear of losing political support for it, or Iranian retaliation,” according to Al-Sudani. Middle East Transparent.
While the United States has devoted much blood and treasure to Iraq, and while Baghdad remains of great importance to Washington, the former may eventually decide that it is time for the United States and the coalition to leave the country, so it is clear that the large American military presence in this country has become It is indefensible, according to the report.
The report noted, “20 years after the invasion of Iraq, it is time for the Biden administration to begin thinking about the best way to reduce the American military footprint in Iraq, as the United States does not benefit from its presence in Iraq to undo the expansion of Iranian influence in Baghdad.”
According to the report, since American forces in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq act as a crucial node for logistical support for the Peshmerga forces in combating ISIS, Washington may be able to leave a small presence in the Kurdish Region in northern Iraq, to support this counter-terrorism mission.
The report warned of a hasty and chaotic withdrawal, similar to Afghanistan, from Iraq, which would harm the credibility of the United States. Likewise, leaving under fire, leaving Iraq could also reinforce a malicious regional perception of American military decline in the region.
The report believed that a complete withdrawal from Iraq would make the US Embassy in Baghdad more vulnerable to attack, which is a very real concern given the Iraqi government’s tendency to ignore its commitment to the Geneva Convention to defend diplomatic missions.
He pointed out that "the continued presence of American forces does little to prevent Iranian advances towards imposing hegemony over Iraq, and at the same time, American forces there provide Iran and the militias loyal to it as hostages in everything."
The Middle East Transparent report noted that “removing the majority of US forces from harm’s way in Iraq could put Washington in a better position vis-à-vis the Iranian-dominated Iraqi government, especially if the forces remain in the Kurdistan Region, where the United States is still welcome.” “Washington will be freer to engage Iraq on its relationship with Iran, sanctions violations, and endemic corruption, unencumbered by concerns about force protection.”
The report concluded by saying: “A stable and sovereign Iraq remains a priority for the United States. Therefore, Washington will have to rely on other tools of national power, especially economic influence, to preserve its interests in Iraq. This does not mean phasing out the presence of American forces or reducing their size. The end of American military engagement with Iraq, American austerity in the region, or acceptance of Iranian regional hegemony.”
