Hussein Allawi, advisor to the Prime Minister, spoke about the completion of preparations to host the Arab Summit scheduled for the 17th of this month, confirming that Baghdad will soon announce the final list of participating leaders. He also referred to Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein's recent tour of Washington, describing President Donald Trump as "clear."
Hussein Alawi, in an interview with journalist Saadoun Mohsen Damd:
This is the second summit hosted by Iraq, with its democratic system, and the government's preparations are proceeding according to standard criteria, both strategically and operationally. An official clarification will be issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding the level of Arab representation. What we learned through official channels is that all kings and presidents have received invitations to attend, and the UN Secretary-General will be present. This is a message from the international community to support the process of development and stability in the capital, Baghdad, and to restore the country's vitality.
This summit comes at a time when Iraq is playing a role in shaping the region. We will not merely be organizers or hosts, but rather will offer solutions, as the Prime Minister stated. All leaders of the political forces in the Coordination Framework and the State Administration Coalition commend the government's efforts in its regional and global roles.
We've almost completed the logistical and service preparations for hosting the Arab Summit, which will promote three values: dialogue, as we've identified the region's need for Arab-Arab dialogue; solidarity in the face of the crises affecting Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Sudan; and development, where issues including railway connectivity will be discussed.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister visited Washington a while ago, and we reached some understandings with Washington regarding current issues in the region, which we believe will lead to economic stability. The Prime Minister stated a few days ago that President Trump is a clear-cut figure who clearly sets his priorities in relations with other countries, and we deal with him according to these standards.
For the first time, Arab countries are experiencing a threat to their very existence. Consequently, many Arab leaders are exchanging messages, communicating, and discussing this threat, as the Arab region suffers from crises in economic and security integration.
Iraq's commercial position and its awareness of the importance of its geographical location, or as it has been historically called the "King of the Four Corners," qualifies it to play a very important role in the regional equation.
The dinar is recovering. The dollar's value in Iraq has fallen due to local measures.
Iraqi markets have witnessed a significant decline in the dollar exchange rate against the dinar over the past few days, following months of fluctuations and price increases that sparked public concerns and market turmoil.
Exchange offices and the local stock exchange in most Iraqi governorates recorded a decline in the dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar on Tuesday, part of a slight and gradual decline that has been ongoing for days. In the final hours of the closing hours, the exchange rate for $100 reached 143,000 dinars, a difference of 11,000 dinars from the official exchange rate adopted by the Central Bank of Iraq, which is 1,320 dinars to the dollar.
The sudden decline has raised questions about its true causes, and whether it represents the beginning of monetary stability or merely a temporary decline. Experts believe the reasons are primarily local, not the result of regional or global developments.
In this context, economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani told Al-Maalouma, “Geopolitical conditions, such as tensions between India and Pakistan, typically increase demand for the dollar, but what happened in Iraq clearly indicates that internal factors are the primary driver of the price decline.”
Al-Mashhadani explained that one of the most prominent of these factors was the Central Bank's previous decision to regulate the sale and purchase of real estate, which reduced the use of the dollar in real estate transactions, thus easing pressure on foreign currency.
He also pointed out that the expansion of banks authorized to process foreign transfers and the adoption of a balance-enhancing mechanism led to significant dollar sales exceeding $300 million per day in previous periods. However, much of this money was not used to import goods, but rather remained in external accounts, known as “return,” which does not reflect real demand within the market.
Al-Mashhadani pointed out that the new Central Bank administration has adopted a more open policy to regulate the market and tightened controls on transfers and currency smuggling, which has contributed to strengthening confidence and raising the level of foreign exchange reserves.
Despite this improvement, observers are cautious against considering the dollar's decline as an indicator of permanent stability, especially given the ongoing political and economic challenges and the market's reliance on imports. Any decline in oil revenues or foreign currency inflows is a source of concern.
Experts emphasize that sustaining the dollar's decline requires continuing economic and monetary reforms, strengthening the role of the banking sector, regulating the parallel market, and supporting local production to reduce reliance on the dollar.
The dollar continues to fall in Iraq. Is the market approaching the official rate?
Financial and economic expert Alaa Al-Fahd predicted on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) that the dollar exchange rate will continue to decline in the Iraqi market over the coming period, noting that the gap between the official price and the parallel market price is close to disappearing.
Al-Fahd told Baghdad Today, "The Central Bank of Iraq has taken a series of measures in cooperation with banks, most notably direct financing of commercial transactions, which has contributed to narrowing the gap between the official rate and the parallel market rate."
He added, "The Central Bank's continued coverage of foreign trade and regular dollar sales to banks will push the parallel market exchange rate further downward, and we may soon see it reach the official rate."
The local market has witnessed fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate against the dinar over the past few months, with the parallel market rate rising significantly compared to the official rate approved by the Central Bank of Iraq, which is 1,320 dinars per dollar.
The reasons for this discrepancy are restrictions on foreign transfers, declining confidence in some banking channels, and external influences related to sanctions policies and controls on dollar movement.
With the Central Bank's recent measures, expectations indicate a gradual return to stability and a narrowing of the gap between the two rates.
Talks are good so far. J.D. Vance: A potential deal could bring Iran back into the global economy.
US Vice President J.D. Vance described US talks with Iran on Wednesday as "good so far," saying an agreement would be reached that would reintegrate Iran into the global economy while preventing it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Vance added that President Donald Trump hates nuclear proliferation and is open to sitting down with Russia and China in the coming years to discuss reducing the number of nuclear weapons in the world, according to the Economic Times
An Iranian official revealed to Reuters that the size of the country's uranium stockpile, the mechanism for shipping it out of the country, and the number of centrifuges are still under discussion. He confirmed that Tehran is open to transferring enriched uranium to Russia or even the United States. However, he stressed that Iran's right to enrichment is a non-negotiable red line.
Washington presented a new list of conditions through its Secretary of State with the aim of reaching an agreement.
These conditions did not please the Iranians, as they fall within the red lines drawn and repeatedly reiterated by Tehran.
Iran says its right to enrichment is non-negotiable. However, three Iranian officials said that the size of the uranium stockpile, its shipment outside the country, and the number of centrifuges are under discussion.
In this context, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that the date and location of the next round of indirect talks with the United States are still under discussion and will be announced by Omani mediators once a final agreement is reached.
"No final date has been set yet, but the Omani proposal to hold talks early next week is still under consideration," ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told IRNA.
The talks were scheduled to take place in Rome on May 3 but were postponed. Baghaei emphasized that Tehran remains committed to a "results-based dialogue" aimed at lifting sanctions and guaranteeing the country's "nuclear rights."
Al-Sudani and Meta confirm the extension of an optical cable to develop telecommunications and internet services.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed to a delegation from Meta on Wednesday the government's commitment to automation and digital transformation efforts. Both sides emphasized the importance of coordination in managing communication platforms and extending fiber optic cables across Iraqi territory.
The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement received by Al-Rasheed that "Al-Sudani received a delegation from Meta, a company specializing in social media and applications. During the meeting, aspects of developing cooperation in the areas of digital transformation, digital sovereignty, individual security, and publishing policies were reviewed. The Prime Minister affirmed the government's commitment to automation and digital transformation efforts at all levels of service, and all government and banking applications."
He added, "The meeting emphasized the importance of organizing joint workshops for cooperation and coordination in managing communication platforms, as well as the company's extension of an optical cable across Iraqi territory to enhance and develop communications and internet services."
Kurdistan Delegation Meets Iraqi Oil Ministry and Epicur Over Oil Export Resumption
A high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources arrived in Baghdad today to meet with officials from the Iraqi Oil Ministry and international oil companies, including Epicur, to discuss the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve the prolonged suspension of oil exports, which has cost Iraq an estimated 300,000 barrels of oil per day. Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani recently stated that Iraq continues to suffer significant financial losses due to the halt and expressed surprise over what he described as new conditions set by the Kurdistan Region for the resumption of exports.
Today's meeting is expected to focus on overcoming the legal and technical challenges hindering the export process and finding a mutual agreement that would allow oil from the Kurdistan Region to flow back into international markets.
Negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil have stalled several times over the past year due to disputes over oil revenue sharing and control of export infrastructure.
NRT TV will continue to follow the developments of this meeting and provide updates as new information becomes available.
Confirming to Shafaq News, Al-Sudani will visit Türkiye tomorrow, Thursday.
/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will visit Türkiye tomorrow, Thursday, to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as part of an official visit.
This came according to a post by the Director of Communications at the Turkish Presidency, Fahrettin Altun, on the X platform, on Wednesday evening.
Alton explained that Al-Sudani will make an official visit to Türkiye accompanied by a high-level delegation and will meet with President Erdogan at the presidential complex in the capital, Ankara.
He added that Turkish-Iraqi relations and current regional and international developments will be discussed, in addition to holding a high-level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting between the two countries.
Alton stated that documents aimed at enhancing cooperation in various fields between the two countries are expected to be signed during Al-Sudani's visit.
Alton concluded his post by saying, "We believe that Al-Sudani's visit will strengthen the already solid Turkish-Iraqi relations in many areas."
On Tuesday, Mukhtar al-Moussawi, a member of the Iraqi parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, revealed to Shafaq News Agency that al-Sudani will visit Türkiye this week and will discuss security, economic, and water issues in Ankara.
The Iraqi embassy in Ankara announced the arrival of an official Iraqi delegation on Monday, in preparation for the signing of bilateral memoranda of understanding.
Iraqi Ambassador to Ankara, Majid al-Lajmawi, stated that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's upcoming visit to Turkey will include discussions on several issues, including development, energy, and trade.
Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu previously announced that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will visit Türkiye in the coming days, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will visit Iraq during the first half of this year.
"The most important file": Revealing what Iraq will offer at the Arab Summit in Baghdad
“Iraq has begun to play a fundamental role at all levels and aspires to consolidate its regional position thanks to its capabilities,” Al-Musafir said during his appearance on the “Free Talk” program on Al-Furat satellite channel. He explained that “the holding of the Arab summit in Baghdad has positive and negative aspects. The most prominent positive aspect is Baghdad regaining its Arab role, while the negative aspects are represented by the presence of sensitivities that may appear regarding the participation of some figures, especially those connected to the Syrian file.”
He added, "Iraq previously played a pivotal role in mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran, a role that culminated in the Beijing Agreement and paved the way for accumulated political successes, including the Arab Summit and other regional events."
Al-Musafir noted that "despite the challenges, Iraqi democracy has become a unique model in a region plagued by unrest. The current constitution was written with Iraqi diversity in mind and can be amended to suit societal development."
While he pointed out that "the outcomes of Arab summits are often formal and lack realism, as they are limited to statements of condemnation and denunciation, the position on the Palestinian issue has become dependent on interests, especially after the wave of normalization with the Zionist entity by some countries," he questioned "the value of the summit if its outcomes have been agreed upon in advance."
Al-Musafir explained that "the Syrian scene is complex and there is no clear vision for its political future, which makes Iraq's presentation of the Syrian stability issue of great importance." He added that "Iraq's role at the summit will not be limited to providing investment opportunities, but will also focus on side meetings that may open broader political and economic horizons."
Regarding the domestic political landscape, Al-Musafir concluded by emphasizing that "the Sunni community is suffering from a clear struggle for leadership, while the regional government has yet to form, reflecting the instability on the Kurdish side." He noted that "the Shiite community has decided to run in the elections with individual lists, with the possibility of forming a coalition after the results are announced."
The President of the Republic to the Governor of the Central Bank: The need to develop a sound future strategy for fiscal policy
President Abdel Latif Jamal Rashid stressed on Wednesday the need to exert efforts and develop a solid future strategy for financial policy.
A statement from his media office, received by Al-Eqtisad News, stated that "the President of the Republic received the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, at the Baghdad Palace to discuss the state of the Iraqi banking sector and the measures to develop it, as well as the reform packages being undertaken by the Central Bank to address economic changes and their impact on the local market."
The President of the Republic stressed "the need to exert efforts and develop a sound future strategy for fiscal policy that will enhance the desired economic development."
He pointed out that "the meeting discussed plans to stimulate the investment sector by supporting the private sector, especially as the country is witnessing remarkable stability on the security, political, and social levels."
In turn, Al-Alaq reviewed the Central Bank's efforts and future plans aimed at strengthening fiscal policy and economic stability in the country.
Oil Doesn't Feed the Poor: Where Does Iraq's Wealth Go?!
In a country with one of the world's largest oil reserves, scenes of destitution and poverty are still strongly present in the streets and working-class neighborhoods. Iraq, with its vast wealth, is powerless to address the dilemma of poverty, which now affects the lives of millions of citizens. Official statistics indicate that more than a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. As economic and political crises worsen, the roots of this phenomenon deepen, transforming from a social problem into a real threat to societal stability.
According to a 2024 report by the Iraqi Ministry of Planning, the poverty rate reached approximately 25% nationwide, with higher rates recorded in the southern governorates and conflict-affected areas. In Muthanna Governorate, for example, the rate exceeded 50%, reflecting the magnitude of the economic gap between Iraq's various regions.
The spread of poverty is attributed to several factors, most notably: high unemployment among young people, a lack of development projects, deteriorating infrastructure, and financial and administrative corruption that has depleted public budgets without affecting the lives of ordinary citizens. The absence of a clear strategy for wealth distribution has deprived large segments of their basic rights to education, healthcare, and adequate housing.
Babylon of Civilization… At the forefront of poverty
in Babylon Governorate, the cradle of civilization and home to the world’s first law stele, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ahmed Al-Asadi announced during a joint press conference with Babylon Governor Adnan Fayhan that the governorate has the second-highest poverty rate in Iraq.
This statement sparked a wave of anger against the government and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s development plans, especially with Babylon’s inclusion on the World Heritage List, raising questions about development priorities and wealth management.
The Voice of the Poor… A Cry in the Face of Silence
“Umm Ali,” a widow living in a slum in Baghdad, told Video News Agency:
“We live on whatever God provides. My children left school to help me collect empty cans from the street. No one asks about us, and the government doesn’t see us.”
Despite government initiatives such as the social safety net and food basket distribution, experts believe these solutions are temporary and insufficient unless accompanied by real economic reforms that create job opportunities and boost local production.
Umm Hussein, a widow and mother of four, described her suffering to the Video News Agency, saying:
“After my husband’s death, I have no one left to support me. I rely on the social welfare salary, but it is sometimes delayed and sometimes not fully disbursed. I am forced to work cleaning houses to cover school expenses and food.”
Poverty is not just numbers… but a daily pain
. Poverty in Iraq is not just numbers in official reports; it is a daily story experienced by millions in silence and pain. As the challenges mount, there remains an urgent need for a serious stance from the state and society to rescue those drowning in the quagmire of poverty and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.
Parliament is suspended until further notice. Election campaigns and internal crises postpone sessions until after Eid.
MP for the Coordination Framework, Mukhtar al-Moussawi, expects the suspension of parliament sessions to continue during the current month, until Eid al-Adha.
Al-Moussawi said in a statement followed by (Al-Mada), "There is a clear disruption to parliament's work, and it is likely that parliament sessions will not be held in the coming days, especially since it will enter a legislative recess starting next week."
He added, "There is talk about resuming parliament sessions after the Eid al-Adha holiday, in addition to other reasons that were an obstacle to the continuation of parliament sessions, represented by election campaigns that began early."
He explained that "there are many problems within parliament that prevent the parliament from holding sessions or achieving the required quorum, and therefore the parliament will remain suspended throughout the current month and beyond, until after the Eid al-Adha holiday."
As Trump's visit to the region approaches, Iraq is expected to play a role in the Arab Summit in Baghdad.
During his appearance on the "Free Talk" program on Al Furat satellite channel, Karim said, "This is not the first summit that Baghdad has hosted since 2003; but it comes at a sensitive time when regional changes are accelerating, which may push Iraq to the forefront of the summit's political discussions."
He pointed out that "the importance of the summit lies in its moral dimension for Iraq, as it is one of the founding states of the Arab League and seeks to consolidate its position as a regional and international political player."
Karim stressed that "Iraq will be the 'crown' of the Arab Summit, and no party has the right to diminish its role, whether from a protocol or political perspective," noting that "the European Union's members met on the basis of shared interests, while the Arab League's members were divided due to conflicting political interests."
He expressed his concerns about the impact of the summit's final statement on the level of representation, saying, "If the statement includes any reference to the Zionist entity, it is likely that leaders of countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and the Sultanate of Oman will abstain from attending, as happened at the 2012 Baghdad summit, which was attended only by the Emir of Kuwait."
Karim added that "the repeated Zionist aggression against Syrian territory must be among the summit's topics, given its repercussions for regional security," considering that "Iran's role as a regional power cannot be ignored, and the Trump administration's renewed recognition of the Iranian nuclear issue constitutes an acknowledgment of its strength, which Iraq can leverage within the region's balance of power."
The political analyst concluded his remarks by asserting that "the summit represents an important opportunity for Iraq to strengthen its diplomatic standing, not only in the Arab context but also within the broader international interactions that will be affected by its outcomes."
Similar to the coalition authority in Iraq, Trump proposes forming an interim government in Gaza headed by a US official.
The United States and Israel have discussed the possibility of Washington assuming temporary control of the Gaza Strip after the war, according to five people familiar with the matter, Reuters reported .
The agency described the consultations as high-level, claiming they focused on forming a transitional government led by a US official, which would oversee the Gaza Strip until it is disarmed and stabilized, and a viable Palestinian administration emerges, according to the sources .
According to the discussions, which are still in their early stages, there will be no specific timetable for the duration of this interim US administration, as it will depend on developments on the ground, the five sources added .
The speakers, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the subject, compared Trump's proposal to the "Coalition Provisional Authority" that Washington established in Iraq in 2003, following the US invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
She stressed that "the proposal excludes Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, headed by Mahmoud Abbas, from governing Gaza."
Tehran hails US-Yemen truce
On Wednesday, Iran welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Yemen.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran appreciated Muscat’s mediation efforts and praised what he called the Yemeni people's “legendary resistance” in the face of repeated US-led airstrikes and in support of Palestinians.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed in a post on X that Muscat had brokered a truce between the United States and the Houthis.
Despite the US ceasefire, the head of the Houthis' political council pointed out that the agreement does not extend to Israeli targets.
Spotlight Baghdad 2025 Make it full screen and you will see the whole picture I apologize I don't know what I did to it
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