The Finance Committee determines the disbursement mechanism for the year 2026
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Committee member Jamal Kojar told Al-Furat News Agency that: “The government will adopt the spending mechanism in 2026 according to Law 1/12 of 2024, as a result of the 2025 budget schedules not being approved yet.”
Kujer explained that "the exchange rate will remain the same," noting that "disbursement operations will be limited to expenses and the operating budget only."
Government advisor: The Central Bank has amended the list of Iraqi banks to comply with international standards.
The Prime Minister’s Advisor for Banking Affairs, Saleh Mahoud, confirmed on Wednesday that there are agreements with European entities to support investment projects in Iraq, while noting that five projects are awaiting a Cabinet decision to issue sovereign guarantees.
Mahoud told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The Central Bank has made an amendment to the list of Iraqi banks, which was limited to government banks, in accordance with the standards required by external parties, foreign correspondents, and the bank that finances those projects.”
He added that "over the course of two years, the Sovereign Guarantees Committee has made great efforts in coordinating with the guaranteeing institutions and the financing banks, as well as its efforts in coordinating the relationship between the Industrial Bank and the Ministry of Finance."
He pointed out that "there are agreements previously signed with Spanish, German and English entities, and one of those projects has obtained a sovereign guarantee, and all procedures will be completed within a period of two weeks after all the details related to the final accounts are resolved."
He explained that “five projects are awaiting the Cabinet’s decision to issue the sovereign guarantees stipulated in one of the paragraphs of the general budget, amounting to one trillion Iraqi dinars, to cover all projects,” noting that “the number of projects reached 6, and the Cabinet approved the disbursement of 600 billion dinars, and 400 billion dinars remain.”
He stated that “Based on the recent Cabinet decision, the Central Bank issued an amendment that includes a list of banks that were previously limited to government banks, in accordance with the standards required by external parties, foreign correspondents, and the bank providing the financing. According to that amendment, the Sovereign Guarantees Committee was informed that the remaining projects within the one trillion ceiling should be handled by private banks.”
He pointed out that "the Trade Bank of Iraq ( TBI ) has been informed that the upcoming projects will be in the private sector, and within a week or ten days there is an agreement waiting to be signed with the Dutch."
Sudanese advisor: Digital transformation has contributed to accelerating the completion of transactions
Hassan Al-Khatib, the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Artificial Intelligence and Communications, confirmed on Wednesday that the digital transformation has witnessed clear steps and contributed to accelerating the completion of transactions, while indicating that the market license will soon be converted to electronic .
Al-Khatib said in a statement to the official media, which was followed by "Mail", that "the digital transformation in Iraq is still in its early stages, as it has become clearly visible, especially to those who visit government departments and institutions ."
He added that “the absence of paper transactions in government departments is in itself a digital transformation,” noting that “there is tangible and remarkable progress in these areas, especially in the Ministry of Interior, which has achieved important accomplishments in national identity, electronic passport, and electronic visa, and soon the electronic driver’s license will also be adopted .”
He stressed that “digital transformation will make life easier for citizens and speed up the completion of transactions,” noting that “the actual achievement of digital transformation will be when the Iraqi economy moves forward significantly because its production has improved as a result of the introduction of technology .”
Washington rejects Iraqi PM's condition on disarming factions
The US State Department on Wednesday dismissed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s recent attempt to link the disarmament of armed factions to the future of the US-led Global Coalition in Iraq, urging Baghdad instead to dismantle the “Iran-backed militias.”
Speaking to Shafaq News, the Department’s spokesperson said that addressing “terrorist organizations,” remains an Iraqi sovereign responsibility, stressing that these groups engage in “violent and destabilizing activities in Iraq.”
“Their actions drain the country’s resources and act against its national interests,” the spokesperson added.
Iraq officially recognizes both the national army and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). While the PMF is legally part of the state’s armed forces, many of its key factions operate under the banner of the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq.” The group is aligned with Iran’s regional “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, and positions itself against US and Israeli interests in the region.
Addressing the future of US forces in Iraq, the spokesperson clarified that Washington is proceeding according to an agreed timeline to transition the Global Coalition’s role and conclude its combat operations.
“This is not a withdrawal,” the spokesperson affirmed. “It is a shift toward a more traditional bilateral relationship in the areas of security and diplomacy.”
With around 2,500 US troops still stationed in Iraq, Baghdad and Washington finalized an agreement last month setting a roadmap for the full withdrawal of American forces by September 2026.
He called for "America to embrace Iraq"... Al-Sudani speaks of factions ideologically linked to Iran
"Let us join in America's peaceful prosperity" - an article by a Sudanese writer published in an American newspaper
In an article published in the American newspaper "The New York Post," entitled "Let's join America's peaceful prosperity - and help calm the Middle East," Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called for "America to embrace Iraq," and spoke about factions in Iraq that are ideologically linked to Iran.
Below is the text of the article published by the newspaper and translated by "Al-Jabal":
" The long wars, the war against terrorism, and the enormous sacrifices on both sides have left deep scars. But Iraq today is not the country it was twenty years ago."
Our armed forces have become stronger, our institutions more mature, and thanks to cooperation with the United States and the international coalition , we are increasingly able to defend our sovereignty.
The gradual reduction of coalition forces is not a retreat but a reflection of Iraq's growing confidence and willingness to assume responsibility. This shift marks the beginning of a new era—an era focused on prosperity rather than mere survival.
Iraq now seeks a partnership rooted in economic opportunities: We need investment, jobs, and access to markets, while the United States offers leading expertise in technology, energy, and agriculture, along with unparalleled investment capacity.
By combining Iraq’s natural wealth with American innovation, both countries will benefit.
The recent agreements with companies such as Chevron and General Electric are not just contracts on paper; they represent real job opportunities, stronger infrastructure, and a more stable Middle East.
Iraq is a young country: 40% of our citizens are under the age of 15. This demographic reality can be either a powerful engine for growth—or fertile ground for despair.
If we provide education and employment, our youth will lead Iraq forward; if we fail, we risk exposing them to extremism. This is why Iraq seeks not aid, but investment—partnerships that generate sustainable opportunities.
Security in Iraq no longer depends on a permanent foreign presence, but rather stems from job opportunities, justice, and sovereignty.
Extremism thrives where young people lack hope.
To counter this, Iraq is working to secure its borders, cut off funding for terrorism, and ensure that weapons remain under state control.
These measures not only protect Iraqis, but also enhance Iraq's role as a reliable partner in global security.
We have also chosen to be a bridge for dialogue rather than a battleground for conflict.
Iraq is cooperating with its neighbors to ease tensions and prevent regional crises that could once again attract external powers.
This reflects our vision of sovereignty: Iraq as a stabilizing force, a supporter, and a contributor to peace.
In this effort, the United States remains a key partner – through diplomacy and continued support for Iraq’s stability.
Iraq has chosen the path of integration and constructive dialogue based on fair and mutual interests, and the pursuit of stability and shared prosperity.
Our relations with the United States are based on mutual respect and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
Guided by these values, Iraq pursues a policy of constructive engagement with both its regional neighbors and the international community.
Iraq is a fully sovereign state, independent in its decisions, and guided solely by its national interests. We maintain balanced and legal relations with all countries.
While some Iraqi factions have ideological ties to Iran , we have worked to ensure that their activities remain strictly within the bounds of state authority.
Externally, we seek partnership; internally, we seek reconciliation.
We are working to resolve issues with the Kurdistan Region and to build trust among Iraq’s diverse communities by promoting a shared national identity, because a stable local foundation is the essential condition for successful international partnerships.
The measure of relations between the United States and Iraq should not be the number of American soldiers on our soil, but rather joint projects, trade, and opportunities available to both peoples.
The relationship that was defined by war must be redefined by prosperity.
We seek cooperation, not conflict. We prefer our steel to be used in the production of goods, not weapons.
The United States embracing Iraq as an investment and trade partner will give our neighbors tangible proof that peace is the best alternative to war.
What Iraq envisions is a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial partnership: a partnership in which Iraq assumes full responsibility for its security while the United States participates as an investor, economic partner, and ally.
This is not a call for charity, nor is it a call for a permanent military presence.
It is a call to build a mutually beneficial relationship that transforms the lessons of the past into the foundations for a better future.
America has always been a leader in innovation and opportunity. Iraq is ready to keep pace with this leadership with its resources, its youth, and its determination.
Together we can redefine the relationship between the United States and Iraq—not as another chapter in an endless conflict, but as a story of prosperity built side by side.
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Parliamentary Finance Committee: Central Bank Governor failed to control the currency market
On Thursday, Finance Committee member Nazem Al-Shibli asserted that the performance of the Central Bank Governor raises many questions, indicating that he has failed to manage the country's financial policy, which has allowed hard currency smuggling mafias to operate freely.
Al-Shibli told Al-Maalomah News Agency that "the current fiscal policy has not achieved the required stability, but rather has contributed to deepening the economic crisis that Iraq is suffering from."
He added that "the lack of strict oversight of the Iraqi financial file has opened the door for currency smuggling mafias abroad, which has negatively affected the local market and the value of the dinar."
He explained that "the continuation of this situation threatens the country's economic security and exacerbates the suffering of citizens, necessitating urgent and decisive measures to stop the drain on foreign currency reserves and stabilize the markets."
Sudani missing Coordination Framework meeting sign of ‘escalating tension’: Analyst
Political researcher Abbas al-Jubouri told The New Region that the absence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani from a recent meeting of the country's ruling Coordination Framework suggests the premier is seeking to remain independent from elements within the alliance seeking to add constraints on the prime ministership.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani recently missed a critical meeting of the ruling Coordination Framework, with an analyst suggesting this is indicative of internal tensions within the alliance, while Framework officials dismiss his absence as routine.
The meeting coincided with the fifth anniversary of the coalition’s formation on November 3, where they discussed potential restrictions on future prime ministers, including term limits of four years and a prohibition on forming parties while in office and within four years of leaving office, which would bind future premiers for another 15 years, an informed source told The New Region.
Issam al-Karaiti, a member of the State of Law Coalition led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, described Sudani's absence as routine.
"Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's non-attendance at the latest Coordination Framework forces meeting is a natural matter and does not carry any political implications," Karaiti told The New Region, citing scheduling conflicts and electoral commitments.
Kairiti added that the ruling alliance considered requiring future prime ministers to be independent of electoral blocs “to ensure greater independence in decision-making and strengthen the principle of separation between executive power and party work.”
Political researcher Abbas al-Jubouri offered a different perspective, saying Sudani’s absence in the meeting showed “escalating tension among Framework forces” ahead of the elections.
“Sudani's absence from the Framework meeting cannot be considered merely a matter of protocol or due to prior commitments,” Jubouri said, adding that the Framework parties are attempting to impose conditions on coming prime ministers regarding cabinet selection and control of economic and security portfolios.
The analyst said Sudani is trying to stay independent from party influence, especially as some want to keep him in office, warning that more pressure on the premier may push him to reconsider his political and electoral calculations.
He warned that the country faces a sensitive political moment that requires dialogue; “otherwise the stability of the political process will be subject to challenges as the election date approaches.”
The Coordination Framework is an umbrella of Iran-backed Shiite parties that came into power in 2022. The coalition holds around 130 seats in parliament and formed the cabinet under Sudani the same year.
Iraq’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for November 11.
Campaigning for the federal parliamentary elections began on October 10, with over 7,750 candidates competing for the 329 seats allocated across the provinces under a proportional representation system.
The electoral silence period is slated for November 8 at 7 am, and electoral campaigns must be immediately halted afterwards.
Special voting is scheduled to take place a day after the silence period, where special forces and members of security services will cast their votes.
Iraq’s last parliamentary elections in October 2021 saw a record low turnout amid widespread public frustration.
Iraq's gold reserves are approaching 171 tons, maintaining its 29th position globally.
The World Gold Council confirmed on Thursday that Iraq's gold reserves have reached nearly 171 tons, maintaining its position among the world's largest holders of gold reserves.
In its November report, the Council stated that Iraq did not purchase any gold during the first seven months of 2025, yet it still maintained its 29th position globally out of 100 countries in terms of gold reserves.
The report indicated that Iraq's gold reserves amounted to 170.9 tons, equivalent to 21.6% of its other foreign currency reserves. This places Iraq fourth among Arab countries, after Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Algeria, in terms of gold reserves.
The Council noted that the United States leads the list of the world's largest gold holders with 8,133 tons, followed by Germany with 3,350 tons, and Italy with 2,451 tons. Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti hold the smallest reserves, at 2.0 and 1.8 tons respectively.
From Wasit... Al-Sudani: We are the only government that confronts the people with tangible achievements.
Prime Minister and head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, affirmed on Tuesday that “we are the only government that confronts the people with a tangible achievement,” while indicating that those who are accustomed to chanting against achievements do not know the meaning of work, and those who speak of corruption created it with their failed policies .
Al-Sudani said at the election rally held today in Wasit Governorate, according to a statement from his office received by “Mail”: “We started from restoring the citizen’s confidence in the government apparatus, from fighting poverty and unemployment, from improving services, from fighting corruption and the corrupt wherever they are, and reforming the economic reality. Wasit Governorate’s share included (103) thousand families, and more than (400) thousand beneficiaries, and the student grant reached (108) thousand students .”
He added: “We launched infrastructure programs and projects, and the package of projects exceeded (231) billion dinars on (8) basic projects for water, sewage and treatment networks, road rehabilitation and expansion, and (71) new school buildings throughout Wasit, as well as the rehabilitation and restoration of (220) other school buildings, in order to make the education base suitable and attractive to students .”
He pointed out that, “At the same time, the Ministry of Housing’s projects were launched, in (15) projects at a cost of 432 billion dinars that were fully completed, including the rehabilitation and maintenance of roads, the construction of bridges, the maintenance of old bridges, and city entrances. We resumed work on the Turkish Hospital project after a delay that lasted for more than 10 years, in addition to the launch of work on the Wasit Hospital with a capacity of (100) beds, while a number of specialized centers, emergency and intensive care centers entered service. We launched the executive work in Wasit Residential City, and the Kut Residential Gate for real estate-developed and serviced lands, in order to provide residential lands for all segments of Iraqi society, and for the first time, private sector employees are included in residential lands .”
He continued: “We supported the agricultural sector and farmers out of our belief in food security, and we were able to implement 3 agricultural plans in previous seasons, which enabled us to have a stock sufficient for Iraq for a year and a half. This has not been achieved in the history of the Iraqi state. The electricity sector also had its share of reconstruction, as we allocated more than (60) billion dinars for energy transmission projects, and another (60) billion for energy distribution projects. Soon, Wasit will witness the largest solar power station with a capacity of 1500 megawatts .”
He continued: “We have allocated funds to Wasit Governorate outside of its annual allocations, 2 trillion and 474 billion dinars, in order to support the reconstruction and services process there, and we are the only government that confronts the people with a tangible achievement .”
He called for "broad participation in the upcoming elections, for the honest vote is what protects the achievement, and the conscious choice is what safeguards the state and its institutions from deviation and prevents the corrupt and the failures ."
He pointed out that "active and conscious participation in the elections is not a secondary option but a national duty, and with your vote the battle will be decided between those who want to build the state and those who want to disrupt it ."
He concluded by saying: "Those who are accustomed to chanting against achievements do not know the meaning of work, and those who talk about corruption created it with their failed policies, but we do not have time to listen to noise and lies ."
Iraq's oil self-sufficiency unleashes a "historic leap"... $6 billion and half a million job opportunities
The Reconstruction and Development Alliance revealed on Wednesday (November 5, 2025) that Iraq's achievement of self-sufficiency in oil products for the first time since 2003 represents a strategic shift that will generate annual financial savings estimated at about $6 billion, which could contribute to creating half a million job opportunities within the country in the coming years.
Alliance leader Mohammed Othman Al-Khalidi told Baghdad Today that “achieving self-sufficiency in the production of oil derivatives for Baghdad and the rest of the governorates is a great national achievement that embodies the success of the government and the Ministry of Oil’s efforts in developing national refineries and creating new production lines that have raised the rates of production of fuel and main derivatives.”
He added that “Iraq’s cessation of importing fuel and derivatives, which were burdening the general budget, will save about $6 billion annually, which can be directed towards supporting the industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as financing strategic investment projects that contribute to driving the national economy and diversifying sources of income.”
Al-Khalidi explained that “investing these resources optimally will allow, within five to seven years, the provision of at least half a million direct and indirect job opportunities, which represents a qualitative leap in addressing unemployment and expanding the base of development.”
He added that “the next five-year plan of the Ministry of Oil aims to transform Baghdad into a regional center for marketing oil derivatives, by exporting high value-added products, instead of just selling crude oil, which will enhance Iraq’s economic returns.”
A politician stated that deciding on the parliamentary presidency will take longer compared to previous sessions.
Political analyst Qasim al-Tamimi said on Thursday that deciding on the position of Speaker of Parliament after the elections will take a long time compared to previous sessions.
Al-Tamimi told Al-Maalouma, “There is a major conflict within the Sunni bloc over the position of Speaker of Parliament, especially since the prevailing custom within the bloc grants the title of leadership to the party that obtains the presidency of Parliament.”
He added that "Sunni parties spent huge sums of money on their election campaigns, and political smear tactics were introduced to bring down opponents. Therefore, the competition is different from before, and each party is seeking to obtain the highest position for the Sunnis."
He explained that "the past period witnessed prior alliances between Sunni political factions, but currently everyone is competing, and each party is striving to reach power at the expense of the others. This will delay the resolution of the parliamentary speakership for a long time."
Warning against government formation negotiations extending beyond December.
Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi stressed that “any lengthy negotiations to form the new government that extend beyond December of this year will have negative, even catastrophic, effects on society.”
Al-Marsoumi indicated in a press statement published by Al-Masra (Thursday, November 6, 2025) that continuing negotiations to form the new government even after December could have an impact.
He explained that “Iraq’s public revenues, both oil and non-oil, are now insufficient even to cover salaries and social benefits, let alone the state’s fixed obligations and burdens.”
Al-Marsoumi continued, “The lack of legal cover means that the state cannot borrow, and this may lead to the government’s failure to meet basic needs.”
US Central Command approves Iraqi forces' ability to conduct combat strikes independently
The US Central Command announced on Thursday that it has certified the ability of Iraqi forces to independently manage and conduct combat strikes.
The command stated in a statement received by the Mail that "the US-led Combined Joint Task Force has certified the ability of Iraqi security forces to independently manage and conduct combat strike operations," indicating that "this step is an important achievement in Iraq's transition to assuming a leadership role in regional operations."
She added that "Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve ( CJTF-OIR ) confirmed its endorsement of the readiness of the Iraqi security forces through a live-fire tactical exercise conducted inside Iraqi territory."
She added that "Iraqi forces were able to successfully complete the targeting course in difficult field conditions that simulated reality, demonstrating high efficiency in managing targeting operations without any support from US or coalition forces."
According to the statement, Brigadier General Stephen T. Rivera, director of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s Military Advisory Group, said, “This achievement demonstrates the readiness of Iraqi security forces to independently suppress ISIS threats anywhere within Iraq, and is a clear example of the success of our partnership with Iraq during the transition to a bilateral security partnership.” He noted that “Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve was established in 2014, and its mission is to advise, assist, and enable partner forces in the fight to defeat ISIS.”
He added: "The traditional threat of ISIS has been weakened and its fighters scattered," explaining that "Iraqi counter-terrorism forces have developed their capabilities, expertise and equipment to become significantly more efficient and effective."
Between popularity and international support, the Reconstruction and Development Coalition confirms the increased chances of Al-Sudani securing a second term - Urgent
The Reconstruction and Development Coalition confirmed on Thursday (November 6, 2025) that the chances of its leader, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, obtaining a second term have increased, based on what it described as “increasing success” in government performance and growing popular, political and international support for him.
Coalition member Mohammed al-Samarrai told Baghdad Today that “al-Sudani’s chances of winning a second term are witnessing a remarkable rise at all levels, political, popular and international, as a result of the reform policies he has pursued in the areas of the economy, services and fighting corruption, which have begun to yield tangible results for citizens.”
He added that “the improvement in public services and economic management has been reflected in the popularity of the Prime Minister, and has raised the level of political support for him within Parliament and the parties participating in the political process,” noting that “Al-Sudani is now enjoying increasing international appreciation, especially with regard to strengthening security stability and balancing Iraq’s foreign relations.”
He explained that “the current political situation is clearly in Sudan’s favor, both in terms of the popular base that has expanded over the past months, and in terms of internal understandings and more stable foreign relations,” indicating that “these factors make Sudan’s chances of renewing his next term clearer than ever before.”
This confirmation comes at a time when there is increasing talk within political circles about the possibility of renewing confidence in al-Sudani, who is trying to achieve a delicate balance between local political forces and regional and international pressures, while maintaining the reform path he pledged since taking over the premiership.
A US delegation praises the Iraqi government: It has the political acumen to avoid international and regional conflicts.
A US delegation, including the US Chargé d'Affaires in Baghdad, Joshua Harris, and the Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, Joseph Kent, praised the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Thursday, noting that it had spared Iraq from entering into international conflicts .
The media office of the National Security Advisor stated in a statement received by "Mail" that "National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, received a high-level American delegation headed by the Director of the American National Counterterrorism Center, Joseph Kent, and in the presence of the Chargé d'Affaires of the American Embassy in Baghdad, Joshua Harris ."
He added that "the meeting discussed developing relations between Iraq and the United States in a way that serves and strengthens common interests, in addition to discussing the continuation of joint cooperation and the exchange of experiences and information in the field of combating terrorism ."
According to the statement, the American delegation praised "the political acumen with which Iraq is dealing by avoiding involvement in international and regional conflicts and seeking to calm the situation in the region ."
For his part, Al-Araji affirmed that “the Iraqi government is proceeding with openness to all countries of the world, in a way that serves Iraq’s security and economic interests and enhances cooperation in the field of development,” noting that “the strategic relationship with the American side serves both countries and enhances common interests.”
Opinion poll: Reconstruction and Development expected to win 51 seats, State of Law 38 seats
they have all the parties listed if you want to see the individual breakdown click the link
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