Electronic payment in Iraq: From idea to new reality
Baghdad – Basrawi: In recent years, Iraq has begun to witness a gradual shift towards an electronic payment system , in a move aimed at reducing cash transactions, improving financial inclusion and paving the way towards an integrated digital economy.
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The Beginning: From Challenges to Implementation
Initially, the idea of electronic payment faced social and economic resistance due to a lack of trust in the financial system and the limited use of bank cards. However, with technological advancements and the expansion of internet and smartphone services, the use of digital wallets has become more acceptable among citizens, especially young people.
Electronic wallets and their role in financial inclusion
Telecommunications companies like Zain Cash and Asiacell Money provide digital payment solutions that facilitate online purchases, transfers, and bill payments. These services have contributed to increased financial inclusion and reduced the gap between urban and rural areas.
Digital transformation in government institutions
Many government institutions have begun adopting electronic payment systems for fees and taxes, which enhances transparency and reduces financial corruption. The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank are also working on developing legislation to regulate the operation of electronic wallets.
The culture of electronic payment: a societal responsibility
Promoting a culture of electronic payments among citizens is a crucial task requiring the cooperation of the media, civil society organizations, and the banking sector. The Arab Youth Organization has conducted several training workshops in various governorates to raise financial awareness and educate young people on the safe use of modern technologies.
Basrawi website opinion
Basrawi website believes that the shift to a digital economy is no longer an option but a necessity, and that the success of the electronic payment experience depends on the trust of citizens and the integration of government institutions and the private sector in building a secure and sustainable digital financial infrastructure.
Trump's envoy flatters Sudani: Iraq has made remarkable progress in recent years
Sudanese: There is no economic, service, or developmental field in which we have not made an achievement.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed on Friday that his government was not formed in ideal circumstances, but it launched many projects without hesitation.
Al-Sudani said during a conference held in Baghdad, "We will choose the outstanding achievement in the fund and turn the page on the remaining pages of failure, corruption and limited vision. We choose construction, reconstruction and development. We launched the projects without hesitation, but with clear planning and vision and serious follow-up, and we continued day and night for the sake of achievement."
He added, "We are still planning for Baghdad not for one or two years, but for the next twenty-five years, just as we are planning for Iraq for the next twenty-five years."
He continued, "Our strength comes from you, the generous people of Baghdad, and our drive to perform our duty comes from your conviction in us, in our work, and in what we plan to complete."
Al-Sudani added, "We will expand the boundaries of the Baghdad Municipality to include new districts and sub-districts, and we will launch (Greater Baghdad Municipality) to end the problem of overlapping powers, overlapping services, and administrative and service confusion.
He added, "Our government was not formed in ideal circumstances, and trust was shaky between the citizen and the steps taken by state agencies. Thousands of stalled projects accumulated, and with them, sums exceeding $100 billion were frozen. The development process was disrupted, with a mono-economy and limited opportunities in government jobs."
He added, "We are not accustomed to complaining in our discourse, nor to attributing setbacks to past causes, despite the many chaotic decisions and lack of vision that we inherited. We started with priorities that directly relate to the needs of the Iraqi family, youth, students, workers, laborers, farmers, employees, and all segments of society, and we focused on combating corruption and poverty and reducing unemployment. There is not enough space to list the indicators of change and progress, but we say with certainty: there is no economic, service, or developmental field in which we have not made a clear and tangible achievement."
The Prime Minister added, "I call upon you, the people of Iraq, to support our honorable path. I call upon you to protect what you have achieved through your patience, efforts, and money. I call upon you to support the reconstruction and development process and to participate effectively in the elections. These elections are the most important since 2003 until today, because they will determine your future and the future of Iraq for the next twenty years. Every sincere vote is important, so never compromise your rights, never underestimate your strength, and do not allow the corrupt and the failures to return to manipulate you, your city, and your Iraq."
He pointed out that "Baghdad needs your support, and Iraq needs your support, so that we can continue the journey towards the future, and never return to the painful past, where there was failure, laziness, neglect, corruption, and poor planning and management. Some in Baghdad have challenged us and said that they will garner the most votes, but we do not challenge anyone, because we trust you. We trust your choice, and you will not give your votes based on sect or ethnicity. Your vote will not be for a candidate only, but it is a vote for the present and the future, so do not allow the people of crises to return to you, nor the people of lies and deception to tamper with your lives."
He concluded by emphasizing that "election day is just one day, but its result will either move us forward for the next four years, or set us back another four years that will be lost from the progress."
The Sudanese leader addresses the Iraqi people, urging them to participate in the elections.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addressed the Iraqi people on Friday, urging them to participate in the elections. He emphasized that the elections belong to the people and that their vote is the foundation of the democratic process. He stressed that participation in the elections would send a clear message about the new Iraq to the world.
In his televised address, the Prime Minister stated, “The government has worked over the past months to complete all the necessary preparations to ensure the elections are held on schedule and with full readiness in all Iraqi provinces. We have cooperated directly with the Independent High Electoral Commission.”
He added: “We provided everything the electoral process needed, as part of our duty which was performed with high professionalism and sincere national responsibility, after we had previously accomplished, within our commitment to our government program, the provincial council elections after ten years since the last elections, especially in Kirkuk, where the last provincial council elections were held in 2005, and the legislative elections in the Kurdistan Region.” He pointed out that “these elections belong to the people, and your vote is the basis of the democratic process, and you are the decision-makers. Therefore, we call on you all to exercise your right freely, consciously, and responsibly.”
The Prime Minister called on all Iraqi provinces to participate in the parliamentary elections, saying: “Because we believe that your votes are a trust, a responsibility, and a high value, that your vote is the voice of the future, choose your future freely and without coercion or pressure. The whole world is watching today to see the outcome of the democratic experiment, so your participation will be a clear message about the new Iraq, in which its people continue with determination to peacefully transfer power through the ballot boxes.”
Sudanese: There is no economic, service, or developmental field in which we have not made an achievement.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed on Friday that his government was not formed in ideal circumstances, but it launched many projects without hesitation.
Al-Sudani said during a conference held in Baghdad, "We will choose the outstanding achievement in the fund and turn the page on the remaining pages of failure, corruption and limited vision. We choose construction, reconstruction and development. We launched the projects without hesitation, but with clear planning and vision and serious follow-up, and we continued day and night for the sake of achievement."
He added, "We are still planning for Baghdad not for one or two years, but for the next twenty-five years, just as we are planning for Iraq for the next twenty-five years."
He continued, "Our strength comes from you, the generous people of Baghdad, and our drive to perform our duty comes from your conviction in us, in our work, and in what we plan to complete."
Al-Sudani added, "We will expand the boundaries of the Baghdad Municipality to include new districts and sub-districts, and we will launch (Greater Baghdad Municipality) to end the problem of overlapping powers, overlapping services, and administrative and service confusion.
He added, "Our government was not formed in ideal circumstances, and trust was shaky between the citizen and the steps taken by state agencies. Thousands of stalled projects accumulated, and with them, sums exceeding $100 billion were frozen. The development process was disrupted, with a mono-economy and limited opportunities in government jobs."
He added, "We are not accustomed to complaining in our discourse, nor to attributing setbacks to past causes, despite the many chaotic decisions and lack of vision that we inherited. We started with priorities that directly relate to the needs of the Iraqi family, youth, students, workers, laborers, farmers, employees, and all segments of society, and we focused on combating corruption and poverty and reducing unemployment. There is not enough space to list the indicators of change and progress, but we say with certainty: there is no economic, service, or developmental field in which we have not made a clear and tangible achievement."
The Prime Minister added, "I call upon you, the people of Iraq, to support our honorable path. I call upon you to protect what you have achieved through your patience, efforts, and money. I call upon you to support the reconstruction and development process and to participate effectively in the elections. These elections are the most important since 2003 until today, because they will determine your future and the future of Iraq for the next twenty years. Every sincere vote is important, so never compromise your rights, never underestimate your strength, and do not allow the corrupt and the failures to return to manipulate you, your city, and your Iraq."
He pointed out that "Baghdad needs your support, and Iraq needs your support, so that we can continue the journey towards the future, and never return to the painful past, where there was failure, laziness, neglect, corruption, and poor planning and management. Some in Baghdad have challenged us and said that they will garner the most votes, but we do not challenge anyone, because we trust you. We trust your choice, and you will not give your votes based on sect or ethnicity. Your vote will not be for a candidate only, but it is a vote for the present and the future, so do not allow the people of crises to return to you, nor the people of lies and deception to tamper with your lives."
He concluded by emphasizing that "election day is just one day, but its result will either move us forward for the next four years, or set us back another four years that will be lost from the progress."
The Prime Minister unveils "Iraq Vision 2050" to transform the country into a regional power.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed that his government places the interest of Iraq and its people above all else, noting that the country is currently experiencing an unprecedented period of stability, with a clear transformation in its regional and international image after many years of conflicts and disputes.
In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok explained that the government aims to transform Iraq from a country historically associated with instability into a regional hub for trade, innovation, and stability, according to a comprehensive national vision called "Iraq Vision 2050." This vision rests on six key pillars: digital transformation, sustainable governance, a resilient economy, youth empowerment, achieving sovereignty, and a balanced geopolitical positioning.
Al-Sudani stressed that the slogan “Iraq First” constitutes the essence of this vision, noting that it reflects a philosophy similar to the “America First” slogan adopted by US President Donald Trump, saying: “The common denominator between us is giving priority to the people and the homeland. Just as Trump puts his country’s interest first, we put Iraq first in terms of security, stability, development and services.”
He added that the government has succeeded in achieving tangible accomplishments in security, services and economic reform, citing the conduct of the first comprehensive population census in 37 years under the supervision of the United Nations, and the organization of local elections in all governorates, including Kirkuk, after a hiatus of nearly two decades, which has strengthened citizens’ confidence in the electoral process, with more than five million new voters registering to participate in the upcoming elections on November 11, a number that Al-Sudani described as “unprecedented in the history of modern Iraq.”
On the regional front, Al-Sudani stressed that Iraq follows a policy of "positive neutrality" towards the crises that have plagued the region, noting that Baghdad has succeeded in avoiding the tragic scenarios witnessed by neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, despite the intensity of the conflicts.
Regarding the armed factions, the Prime Minister stressed that the rule of law and the state’s monopoly on weapons are a firm principle, explaining that there is a tangible shift in the orientation of these factions towards political action, which strengthens the state of institutions.
Regarding the Israeli threats, Al-Sudani stressed that Iraq confronted them with a clear official position and complete rejection, emphasizing that Iraqi territory will not be used to attack any party, and that the decision of war and peace is an exclusive right of the state.
He also revealed Iraq’s active diplomatic role during the war on Gaza, noting Baghdad’s participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh conference to support the US president’s plan to stop the fighting, and to work on creating a basis for dialogue between Washington and Tehran based on respect for sovereignty and rejection of sanctions and threats.
Regarding foreign relations, Al-Sudani stressed that Iraq maintains a balance in its relations with both the United States and Iran, saying: “Iran is a neighboring country that supported us in the war against ISIS, and we maintain a relationship based on mutual respect. At the same time, we have a strategic partnership with the United States in multiple areas.”
The Prime Minister indicated that the Trump administration represents an opportunity to build a model relationship based on common interests and economic development, stressing Iraq’s openness to American investments, and that the doors are open for American companies to contribute to reconstruction, energy and infrastructure projects.
Regarding the future of Iraq, Al-Sudani stated that the country possesses all the elements for advancement, including human, natural, and financial resources, saying: "We seek to make Iraq a prosperous economic center and a balancing force in the region, based on science, technology, and youth leadership."
He explained that the “Iraq Vision 2050” project includes programs for digital transformation, smart government, cybersecurity, empowering national talents through entrepreneurs, and achieving productive citizenship, stressing that the government has already begun implementing this vision in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and international companies such as KBR.
He pointed out that these efforts aim to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil, considering that "the rentier economy was a mistake that lasted for decades and must be overcome by building a flexible and innovative economic model."
On the achievements front, Al-Sudani affirmed that Iraq is experiencing its highest levels of stability since the 1960s, with a normal nightlife, growing tourism, and a 40% increase in tourism revenues. He noted that Mosul, once a stronghold of ISIS, has become a tourist destination attracting visitors from Europe and Russia, with plans to establish a dedicated Ministry of Tourism to support this vital sector and enhance Iraq's international image.
The Prime Minister concluded his speech by emphasizing that the position represents a trust and a national responsibility, saying: "The trust that the people give through elections is a precious trust that we must meet with honesty and action, not promises."
He stressed that the biggest challenge facing his government is confronting the campaigns of doubt and obstruction from some political parties, adding: “The more we accomplish, the angrier our opponents become, and this is the best proof that we are on the right path.”
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Rp1,000 Becomes Rp1? Indonesia Eyes Rupiah Redenomination Bill by 2027
I know it says 2027 don't let that bother you. I don't recall ever seeing an article like this about the Rupiah
Jakarta. Indonesia is preparing a draft law to redenominate the rupiah --a long-discussed plan to trim zeros from the currency-- with the legislation targeted for completion in 2027.
The measure appears in Finance Ministry Regulation (PMK) No. 70/2025 on the ministry’s 2025–2029 strategic plan, issued on Oct.10 and enacted on Nov. 3.
“The bill on the redenomination of the rupiah is a carried-over bill that is planned for completion in 2027,” the document states.
Redenomination would remove several zeros from rupiah denominations without altering purchasing power. For example, Rp 1,000 would become Rp1, but the value of goods and services remains unchanged.
Officials argue the move is intended to improve economic efficiency, increase the rupiah’s credibility, and enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness, while reinforcing confidence in the national currency.
The idea of trimming rupiah digits has periodically resurfaced for more than a decade.
In 2023, Bank Indonesia said it was technically ready to implement redenomination, including design work and operational planning, but had not yet found the right timing. Policymakers cited three main considerations: domestic and global macroeconomic conditions, monetary and financial system stability, and social-political dynamics. The central bank emphasized that redenomination is not devaluation, but past experiences (inflation, currency crises) make the public cautious.
A similar discussion emerged in 2016 under President Joko Widodo and then-BI Governor Agus Martowardojo. A draft bill was submitted to the legislature in 2015, but it has never been passed.
Maliki says he would accept premiership if nominated, calls parliament ‘a failure’
Former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki said he would accept a return to office if nominated by the Coordination Framework and his State of Law Coalition, though he insisted he is not seeking the position.
“I do not seek this position, but I will not back down from an assignment,” Al-Maliki said in an interview with Dijlah TV.
Al-Maliki, who served as Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014 and has led the Islamic Dawa Party since 2007, stepped down amid public and political pressure following the Islamic State group’s capture of Mosul and other cities.
The Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia political parties, leads the current government.
Addressing voter apathy ahead of Iraq’s Nov. 11 parliamentary elections, Al-Maliki said many Iraqis have lost faith in the political system. “Parliamentary membership has become disreputable in the eyes of some due to discouraging scenes,” he said, blaming political dysfunction and delays in achieving reforms for “a state of frustration.”
He also accused some political groups of misusing state resources during campaigning. “There is massive use of state money and resources in the elections… the vote is worth $150 or $200,” he said.
Al-Maliki criticized the current parliament as “a failure,” saying many blocs avoid holding each other accountable. He pledged that, if appointed again, “the first decision I will take will be to form effective committees to hold accountable all those suspected of corruption or negligence.”
Excerpts from Nouri Al-Maliki’s interview with Dijlah TV:
The candidate for prime minister is not determined by the number of electoral votes. I wanted to generate momentum to increase participation in the elections after a widespread reluctance to vote. The reasons for this reluctance are many, most notably that parliamentary membership has become disreputable in the eyes of some due to discouraging scenes. Another part of the problem is related to the political process, as hesitation and delays in achieving the goals for which the process was established have caused a state of frustration. Our task is to eliminate frustration and despair.
If the Coordination Framework and my colleagues in State of Law decide to nominate me for the premiership, I will be obligated and will respond. I do not seek this position, but I will not back down from an assignment.
My warnings concern sectarians, who are a defeated minority, and the facilitation of the return of terrorists, who now speak without fear—this is a dangerous phenomenon. What is even more dangerous than the previous two points is the leniency toward Baathists. If it were a personal matter, I would say, ‘May God forgive what has passed,’ but this is a matter concerning the nation. The Baathists operate under a project and receive support. My partners in the Framework did not heed my warnings regarding the Baathists.
Corrupt money has been used in the electoral process alongside state funds. There is massive use of state money and resources in the elections. I demand action against this abuse of public funds and the buying of votes… the vote is worth $150 or $200.
The four presidencies informed us of drafting a document, but it was not adhered to.
Countries are not built by a single government. Each government lays the groundwork for the one that follows. But in Iraq, every new prime minister cancels everything that came before, as if the country is starting from zero. I left the country with thousands of projects, some of which remain unfinished because I signed them. The current government should benefit from the previous one and complete its work.
The next prime minister must be national, sincere in his commitments, and keen on the success of the experience. He must belong to all Iraqis, not just the group he represents. The Framework has not yet discussed candidates for the premiership, but the next prime minister should come from the Framework. Forming the next government will be difficult.
The Framework protected Iraq and became a reference for the partners. Everyone is thinking of supporting its continuity because it has been a successful experience.
I founded the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the religious authority gave it its true meaning. I rely on it in case of future emergencies. The army and the PMF need reorganization, and there is a shortfall in the rights PMF fighters should receive.
The current parliamentary session is a failure. It did not function as required. The worst part of Sunni-Shiite relations was the tit-for-tat mentality: ‘If you question our minister, we will question yours.’ This resulted in a continued failure to conduct proper oversight. The next parliament will not be like this.
The first decision I will take if assigned as prime minister will be to form effective committees to hold accountable all those suspected of corruption or negligence.
Continued for 46 years... Trump extends the state of emergency against Iran
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump decided to extend the national emergency related to Iran, which includes unilateral sanctions against the Islamic Republic, for an additional year .
Trump said in a statement published in the Federal Register, the official collection of documents of the US government, and reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, "I am declaring an extension of the national emergency relating to Iran for one year ."
According to Trump’s statement, “relations between the United States and Iran have not yet been resumed,” and that “the process of implementing the bilateral agreements signed on December 19, 1981, is ongoing,” referring to the Algiers agreements between Washington and Tehran .
He added: "For this reason, the national emergency declared on November 14, 1979, and the measures taken at that time to address it, must remain in effect after November 14, 2025. "
The agreement at the time led to the release of the American diplomats who had been held in Iran for more than a year after the 1979 revolution, as these agreements stipulate the principle of non-interference by states in each other’s internal affairs .
It is worth noting that on November 14, 1979, the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, issued Executive Order No. 12170 in response to the holding of American hostages in Tehran .
Carter then directed the Treasury Department to freeze all official Iranian assets in the United States, including accounts in American banks and their branches abroad, which represented the first American economic sanctions against Iran .
On April 7, 1980, Carter severed diplomatic relations with Tehran and imposed a ban on the export of all goods from the United States to Iran, including food and medicine. This was followed by a ban on the import of Iranian goods and a ban on Americans traveling to Iran .
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