Monetary policy has achieved stability in the exchange rate and inflation.
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American reading: Al-Sudani is Washington's "hidden" partner in curbing the influence of the Popular Mobilization Forces.
The Arab Center in Washington asserted that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has emerged as an unlikely partner for Washington in his efforts to weaken the influence of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The Iraqi Prime Minister is described as "walking a tightrope" between asserting Iraq's sovereignty and maintaining essential relations with Iran and its allied powers. This places the country at a crossroads: whether to remain an arena for proxy competition or enjoy full sovereignty .
The institute explained, in a report it published and translated by Shafaq News Agency, that despite the enormous pressure, Al-Sudani succeeded in maintaining Iraq's neutrality in the June 2025 war between Iran and Israel, preventing pro-Tehran factions operating within the Popular Mobilization Forces from joining the battle .
According to the report, this balance represents the beginning of a slow reassessment of Iraqi foreign policy, as Baghdad seeks to reduce its dependence on Tehran, consolidate its authority over state institutions, and curb the political and financial influence of the Popular Mobilization Forces .
He added, "The challenge facing Baghdad lies in seeing the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) recede into the background without having to confront them, which could destabilize Iraq's internal peace and stability ."
He considered that these cautious steps by Al-Sudani, although firm, point to a potential opportunity for Iraq to regain its sovereignty and pursue a more independent path. Therefore, in light of the upcoming elections, they will either lead to the consolidation of the current regime dominated by armed factions, or open the way to nationalist and reformist forces. They will also limit Al-Sudani's success in whether Iraq finally transcends being an arena for regional conflict and transforms into a state capable of determining its own future .
The report notes that "one of the factors likely to expand Iraq's room for maneuver is the internal tensions Iran is experiencing following the Israeli attacks. Despite Iran's resilience, its strong security apparatus, and its ability to absorb economic pressures, it is constrained by structural weaknesses due to escalating sanctions, economic stagnation, recurring social unrest, and uncertainty regarding the succession to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ."
For these reasons, the report concluded, "these pressures have made Iran more dependent on extending its influence abroad, particularly in Iraq, which provides Tehran with an economic lifeline and a strategic lever of influence ."
The report noted that "regional actors are recalibrating their policies," explaining that "the détente brokered by China in March 2023 eased the hostility between Saudi Arabia and Iran, but did not eliminate their competition for influence ."
He also noted that "Riyadh has coupled its cautious rapprochement with Tehran with a renewed push for direct engagement with Baghdad, through numerous investments in Iraq and its connection to the Gulf electricity grid, while the UAE has moved in Basra to pave the way for Emirati companies to benefit from Iraq's oil and gas production and consumption ."
In addition, the report pointed to Turkey, which is expanding its presence, particularly in northern Iraq, where it dominates reconstruction contracts in Mosul, and continues to cooperate with Baghdad regarding the fate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the development road project .
The report continued, "Although Iran still exerts tremendous influence in Baghdad through its militias and political allies, these moves demonstrate that Iraq is no longer an uncontested arena ."
He added, "Gulf capitals and Ankara are investing in ways to connect Iraq to regional economic networks, skillfully balancing Tehran's hegemony ."
The report addressed Iran's influence in Iraq, explaining that while Tehran has developed a military, political, and economic entrenchment over the past two decades, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) remain the cornerstone of Tehran's influence .
turning point
The report stated that the upcoming parliamentary elections on November 11 could represent a significant turning point in curbing the influence of armed factions, although the likelihood of achieving real change remains uncertain .
The report stated that the Sadrist movement, for its part, maintains a strong social base despite its sudden withdrawal from Parliament in 2022, and may re-emerge as a formidable electoral force .
The movements that emerged from the October 2019 protests also retain moral legitimacy, despite their organizational weakness and continued targeting. These movements could serve as a catalyst for broader reform, according to the report .
The report argues that while Iran-backed factions are unlikely to stand idly by, it says these elections represent an opportunity for nationalist and reformist forces, such as the Sadrists and the October protesters, to challenge Tehran's hegemony .
He pointed out that any shift in the parliamentary balance could begin to undermine the political dominance of armed factions and restore a degree of sovereignty to Iraq .
A view of Washington
The report stated that two decades of instability since the US-led invasion in 2003 have reduced America's desire for extensive intervention in Iraq, but it still retains its strategic importance to Washington .
He considered that "Al-Sudani unexpectedly emerged as a partner supporting Washington's efforts. Despite fears of escalation, he was able to maintain Iraq's neutrality after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and prevented the factions from supporting the besieged Assad regime in Syria before its fall in December 2024. Moreover, during the confrontation between Israel and Iran in June 2025, Iranian officials closely monitored Al-Sudani as he countered the factions' attempts to launch rockets at Israel from Iraqi territory ."
Al-Sudani also banned, according to the report, the use of Iraqi territory and airspace for attacks on neighboring countries, following the Israeli and American raids on Iran last June .
The report added that "Al-Sudani also sought to limit the financial networks of armed factions. Baghdad also introduced and then postponed legislation to regulate the status of the Popular Mobilization Forces, slowing the factions' momentum. Electronic surveillance systems purchased with American and international technical assistance were also introduced at customs centers to limit the embezzlement of these factions ."
According to the report, these steps targeting the economic foundations of the Popular Mobilization Forces may be modest compared to the extent of the factions' control over the state. However, Al-Sudani's government appears to realize that sovereignty requires dismantling the financial power that supports the parallel factions' authority, not just security measures .
The report continued, saying that, for Washington, al-Sudani's actions indicate his willingness to reduce the Popular Mobilization Forces' economic empire, but without arousing influence against him within his own ruling political coalition .
The report explained that American diplomats in Baghdad responded positively to Al-Sudani's efforts, including by accelerating energy deals aimed at reducing Iraq's dependence on Iran. For example, in August 2025, Washington facilitated an agreement for Iraq to double its electricity imports from Jordan, and discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council countries are moving toward the 2026 goal of full electricity interconnection .
The report states that "the challenge now is how to ensure the sustainability of this cooperation without tipping the scales in favor of al-Sudani, who relies on the Coordination Framework to remain in office," explaining that the perception of excessive closeness to Washington could provoke adverse reactions .
He continued, explaining that "the United States' policy of supporting Sudan's sovereignty strategy has been clearly and quietly demonstrated through technical assistance, security training for units such as the Counter-Terrorism Service, and coordination with Gulf investors, rather than making high-profile statements that might undermine his political standing ."
The report concluded by stating that "it is impossible to separate Iraqi politics from regional developments and dynamics," explaining that while Iran considers Iraq to be of strategic importance, the shifting balance of power in the region has enhanced the possibility of the Iraqi state protecting itself from destabilizing external influences and reasserting its authority .
He added, "Iraq today stands at a turning point where a combination of regional alliances, internal Iranian pressures, and the upcoming elections could open the door to reform or lead to further factional control." He noted that "while Tehran's influence is effectively entrenched, it is not invincible, as Iran's networks could erode if national forces, civil society, and external partners join forces ."
The Arab Center in Washington concluded in its report that Iraq's trajectory is of great importance to Washington and its Gulf partners, as its stability contributes to shaping global energy markets, regional security, and the balance of power with Iran .
He continued, "No regional power currently views Iraq as a threat, which represents a fundamental break with the past ."
He added, "The next chapter in Iraq's history will determine whether it will remain an arena for proxy competition or emerge as a sovereign state, and the repercussions of the conflict over Iraq will reverberate throughout the Middle East ."
Oil expert: Rising Iraqi oil prices will not boost the economy
Al-Anzi told Furat News, "The funds generated from oil exports are deposited directly into the Federal Central Bank, which sets monthly and annual ceilings for withdrawals, preventing any actual benefit or financial gain for Iraq."
He explained that "Iraq is facing a severe cash crisis, yet no initiatives have been taken to increase the financial withdrawal ceiling from the Federal Reserve, as the bank will hold the government accountable for any potential deficit.
" Al-Anzi continued, "Therefore, any increase in the prices of Basra crude or Iraqi oil in general will not be reflected in the local economy and will not provide any tangible financial benefit," stressing that "Iraq's financial situation is linked more to the restrictions imposed on funds deposited with the Federal Reserve than to global oil prices."
Basra Heavy and Basra Medium crude prices rose by more than 1% on Wednesday for the second consecutive day.
Basra Heavy crude prices rose 80 cents, or 1.27%, to $63.73, while Middle West Texas Intermediate crude prices rose 75 cents, or 1.24%, to $66.53.
Brent and US crude futures fell, impacted by weak global demand and increased OPEC production, which is pressuring the market.
Brent crude fell 10 cents to $66.70, while US crude fell 4 cents to $64.93.
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(Eye on the South) Economic Conference to be hosted by Basra tomorrow
The organizing committee for the second annual Ta'tafaul Hub conference, under the theme "Eye on the South," announced that the conference will begin at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, noting that the conference will focus on the economic situation in southern Iraq in various sectors.
The management told Al-Mirbad that the conference will be attended by representatives of the local government in Basra, along with a group of oil companies and representatives from other sectors.
Al-Sudani: Membership in Parliament is an opportunity to work and a test of giving.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed: "Parliament membership is an opportunity to work and a test of giving."
Al-Sudani said during the launch of the political project (Iraq First), "We launch our political project from the holy Karbala because it is a city that represents a model for balanced development between faith and work."
He added: "There is no difference for us between one governorate and another except in needs. We have made every effort for the holy Karbala and completed the giant Karbala refinery and Karbala airport, which will enter service."
The Prime Minister continued: "We reduced unemployment to 2.1% and ended the problem of one million pending job positions. No project remains stalled in Iraq. The service and engineering effort team has completed 511 projects, and we will continue to combat corruption and overcome obstacles."
He continued: "We were able to spare our country the scourge of wars, and we provided services to residential areas inhabited by more than 3 million citizens. We implemented 43 development projects, 16 of which were fully completed, and 97 new school buildings."
He concluded by saying: “We addressed the challenges of poverty, unemployment and services from our precise understanding of people’s needs, and we faced with steadfastness the neglect, laxity and irresponsibility in postponing people’s needs. We waged, and are still waging, a fierce war on the sources of obstruction and resistance to reform, and we faced the failed will that wants to prevent or obstruct reform and we succeeded in that.”
Al-Moussawi: Al-Sudani will not obtain a second term by submitting to American dictates.
MP for the Coordination Framework, Mukhtar al-Moussawi, stressed that al-Sudani will not be able to obtain a second term by submitting to American dictates and submitting to Washington's will.
Al-Moussawi told Al-Maalouma, “The government is required not to submit or obey the American administration and the dictates that Washington is trying to impose in various ways on Iraq, in order to advance its agendas.”
He added, "Al-Sudani believes that obtaining a second term is linked to his acceptance and submission to American dictates, but this matter cannot achieve what Al-Sudani aspires to in terms of remaining in power and heading the government."
He explained that "the national government will not submit to American pressure imposed on it," noting that "the American side imposed its dictates against the Popular Mobilization Law, which requires the Prime Minister to defend this force just as he defends his government."
Parliamentary movement to hold a session to decide on a number of important laws within two weeks.
MP Mukhtar al-Moussawi revealed on Friday that there is a broad parliamentary movement aimed at holding a parliamentary session soon to decide on a number of important laws that affect the rights of various segments of society and provide legal cover for the work of ministries and agencies.
Al-Moussawi told Al-Maalouma News Agency, “There is a parliamentary movement currently underway to hold a full quorum session to proceed with voting on a group of important laws that were not passed in previous sessions due to the absence of a large number of representatives.” He indicated that "these laws cannot be postponed until the next parliamentary session due to their direct importance in regulating the affairs of citizens and state institutions."
He added, "Efforts are currently underway to create understandings among parliamentary blocs to ensure members' attendance and voting on these laws," stressing the "need for positive engagement with citizens' rights and the country's interests by enacting laws that represent a national priority."
Al-Moussawi pointed out that "the proposed laws have already been read for the first and second time, and all that remains the voting stage," expecting that "the next few weeks, specifically within the next two weeks, will witness a decisive session if a final consensus is reached between the political forces."
Trump is gathering world leaders
US President Donald Trump plans to hold a summit on Gaza during his visit to Egypt this week, according to four sources .
The summit is expected to garner more international support for Gaza, despite the remaining points of disagreement on post-war governance, as well as security and reconstruction in Gaza.
After the approval of the plan by Israel and Hamas on peace in Gaza, Trump plans to meet with many world leaders in Egypt to discuss the situation in Gaza.
The summit is organized by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has already sent invitations to several European and Arab leaders.
"The prime ministers or foreign ministers of Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Indonesia are expected to attend the summit," the sources said.
US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Israel on Monday to deliver a speech in front of the Knesset, meet with the families of the hostages, and then travel to Egypt to attend the signing ceremony of the Gaza peace deal. But Hebrew media reported that Trump will arrive in Tel Aviv on Sunday.
Kurdistan Region Company Leads in Armored Vehicle Production
Saeed revealed that Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani personally commended the company’s achievements during a visit to the Zakho International Fair, describing the work as “unprecedented” and expressing full support for their efforts.
A local company in the Kurdistan Region has made significant strides in producing armored vehicles for both military and civilian use, marking a notable achievement in the region’s industrial and defense capabilities.
Anwar Saeed, owner of Anwar Atroshi Company SHIELD, told Kurdistan24 on Wednesday that his firm manufactures a range of vehicles designed for security, defense, and diplomatic purposes.
“We work on various types of vehicles. In addition to military vehicles, we also armor civilian vehicles, particularly for companies and consuls,” Saeed said.
According to Saeed, the company has successfully developed five types of armored vehicles, beginning with the Toyota Land Cruiser model. Over time, SHIELD expanded into producing military-grade cars that have gained international recognition.
“We can build our vehicles in six months, and all parts are produced locally, except for the engine and tires, which we source from Germany,” he noted.
Saeed revealed that Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani personally commended the company’s achievements during a visit to the Zakho International Fair, describing the work as “unprecedented” and expressing full support for their efforts.
Established in 2014, Anwar Atroshi Company SHIELD initially focused on the maintenance and refurbishment of vehicles and armored units. With years of experience and a skilled technical team, the company has since evolved into manufacturing both civilian and military armored vehicles.
“Every year, we introduce a new model, and we plan to create even better products next year,” Saeed added. “We have also deployed some of our armored vehicles to support the Peshmerga forces.”
The company is licensed by the Kurdistan Region’s Companies Registry and the Engineers Syndicate, and employs a team of engineers and industrial experts specializing in vehicle manufacturing and armor technology.
With its growing production capacity and innovation, SHIELD is emerging as one of the leading defense manufacturers in the Kurdistan Region, contributing to both regional security and industrial self-reliance.
Washington Cracks Down on Iran-Linked Money Laundering and Arms Smuggling in Iraq
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Thursday new sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of helping the Iranian regime evade sanctions, smuggle weapons, and engage in corruption within Iraq.
According to the statement, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against networks that assist Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated “militias,” including Kata’ib Hizballah — a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization.
The Department said these Iran-backed groups have been instrumental in undermining Iraq’s security and economy by infiltrating state institutions, monopolizing resources through corruption, and obstructing efforts to build a stable and functional Iraqi government.
“Today’s sanctions target individuals and entities that exploit Iraq’s economy to fund Iran’s destabilizing activities across the region,” the statement read. “These militias are responsible for attacks on U.S. personnel and interests, as well as those of our regional allies.”
The new measures include restrictions on bankers accused of laundering money for Iran and a front company allegedly providing logistical support to armed groups operating in Iraq. The Treasury has also designated IRGC-linked operatives based in Iraq who are involved in intelligence gathering, including U.S. forces stationed in the region.
The U.S. government emphasized that these actions are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt financial and logistical networks that sustain Iran-backed armed groups and to protect Iraq’s sovereignty and economic stability.
The latest round of sanctions follows a series of U.S. measures in recent years aimed at curbing Iran’s influence in Iraq and the broader Middle East. Washington has long accused Tehran of using proxy groups, such as Kata’ib Hizballah, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, and other factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), to expand its regional reach and challenge U.S. interests.
These groups have been implicated in numerous attacks against U.S. and coalition forces, as well as in corruption schemes that divert public resources away from Iraq’s reconstruction and essential services.
Since 2018, Washington has intensified its efforts to target financial networks that facilitate Tehran’s access to global markets through neighboring countries, particularly Iraq. The latest designations underscore the Trump administration’s ongoing commitment to countering Iran’s destabilizing activities while supporting Iraq’s long-term stability and independence.
Al-Sudani: The journey begins with the citizen's voice. A decision for reconstruction.
0:02
the slogan for reconstruction
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it was not a slogan
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constructive
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or a speech
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but rather the foundation of the state's approach
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the state of institutions
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whose foundations we laid
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and paved the way
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for true development
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for this stage and the next
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Our country deserves the best
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It deserves services
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It deserves education and health
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and decent housing
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Our youth deserve job opportunities
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Therefore
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The journey begins with the citizen's voice
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A voice is a decision for development, a decision for reconstruction
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