The central bank wants to solve the cash problem
link from Kurdish news
Some types of currency, even less than 10,000 dinars, are not accepted from some banks, so the currency has accumulated among citizens to solve this problem in the latest guidelines of the Central Bank of Iraq, private banks and currency dealers. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has issued new guidelines to deal with all types of Iraqi dinars. The central bank has issued new guidelines to deal with all types of Iraqi dinars.
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The 250, 500 and 1000 Iraqi dinars are the least traded in the market, banks and currency dealers' markets, and in some places are not accepted, so the small amount of money has accumulated among citizens.
The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) had earlier said it had a shortage of cash, one of the reasons being the deterioration of the balance between the currencies, so they issued new guidelines and must deal with all types of Iraqi dinars.
Anwar Mousavi, a currency dealer, told Kurdistan24 that there is no problem in providing any kind of money to pay salaries and shop owners must cooperate in the markets.
Iraq spends about 7 trillion dinars monthly on salaries, the central bank said by the 10th of each month to end the transaction of the money in the markets, about 15 trillion dinars are withheld by citizens.
Economist Haider Sheikh said the central bank wants to solve the cash problem and eliminate the excuse of currency in transactions, so government offices and private banks have instructed to receive all kinds of money, because the money paid for salaries will not be in the market.
Previously, currency dealers and even some private banks accepted bills against the dollar at less than their value, but according to the new guidelines, bills will be accepted at the same value even if they are torn or old.
The Central Bank postpones the requirement for prior customs declarations until 2026 and exempts four goods from the decision.
The Central Bank of Iraq postponed on Monday the requirement for companies wishing to purchase dollars for importing goods to submit a prior customs declaration until January 2026, with the exception of four specific commodities for which the requirement remains mandatory. This postponement comes after the General Authority of Customs had previously announced that the procedure would be implemented starting Monday, December 1, 2025.
The Central Bank, in an official letter to licensed banks yesterday, Sunday (November 30), directed the suspension of the prior declaration requirement until (January 1, 2026), while maintaining its mandatory nature from December 1 of this year for the import of gold and jewelry, mobile phones, cars, and refrigeration equipment .
According to the decision, the application of the prior declaration for companies importing the rest of the goods will be optional until the beginning of 2026, and will become mandatory after that date, while the bank excluded materials that arrived at the border crossings before December 1 and the financial transfer procedures were not completed according to the invoice or commercial contract.
The General Authority of Customs had begun on November 25 to implement the procedure that requires companies to pay customs duties in advance and inform the Central Bank through the ASYCUDA system to allow the entry of goods, which led to difficulties faced by companies in the Kurdistan Region, as the region does not operate under this system.
In this context, Sami Jalal, advisor to the Minister of Interior in the regional government, said in press statements followed by the “Iraq Observer” agency, that “the Kurdistan Region is not part of the ASYCUDA system, and we will be in negotiations with Baghdad regarding pre-clearance customs to resolve this issue by the new year.”
Companies in Iraq and the region benefit from the official dollar exchange rate set by the Central Bank at 131,000 dinars per 100 dollars, as part of measures to regulate import financing and control border crossings.
Tomorrow, the Security Council will hold a session on the situation in Iraq.
An economist reveals an "impending shock" threatening creditors with the possibility of a change in the exchange rate!
Economic researcher Aziz Shwan confirmed that the Iraqi economy has recently witnessed direct effects of the policies of the government, which recently became a caretaker government, noting that these policies have had positive results and others burdened with future challenges.
Shwan explained to the newspaper's platform that the government has taken a series of measures to curb the outflow of hard currency abroad by tightening controls on dollar export channels and reducing unregulated activities. This has contributed to encouraging large investors to direct their investments domestically instead of transferring them abroad. This has had a positive impact on the local market by stimulating the productive and service sectors and giving the economy a degree of relative stability.
In contrast, Schwan pointed out that the significant expansion in government projects, especially infrastructure projects, has forced the government to increasingly rely on financing through domestic debt to cover growing obligations, creating additional pressure on public finances.
The researcher warned that the incoming government might find itself compelled to reassess the dinar's exchange rate against the dollar to make it more realistic, which could negatively impact domestic creditors, given that a significant portion of the public debt is denominated in dinars. He explained that any increase in the official dollar exchange rate would lead to a decrease in the real value of what creditors receive, threatening to create financial pressure on investors and institutions reliant on local debt instruments.
Shwan concluded by saying that the current stage represents a sensitive economic turning point for Iraq, where attempts to strengthen monetary stability intersect with the increasing requirements for financing government projects, stressing the need to adopt balanced financial and monetary planning and rearrange spending priorities to avoid side effects that may affect the market and investors and negatively impact the budgets of future years.
Economist: Talk of rising exchange rate is a frenzy media to serve this group.
Economic researcher Diaa Abdul Karim believes that the talk circulating in the street and the media about the rise in the dollar exchange rate is nothing but a frenzy media to serve the interests of some money traders.
Abdul Karim told Al-Maalouma, “The exchange rate at official and parallel sales outlets remains fixed at certain figures despite the slight rise and fall that has occurred, but at the same time it is not considered a change in the exchange rate.”
He added that "the Iraqi public is apprehensive after rumors spread in the media about an expected rise in exchange rates, but the reality is different, as there is no official government move towards the exchange rate, and what happened is just a media frenzy."
He explained that "the government and the monetary authority determine the official exchange rate, and it is unlikely that the rate will be changed at present or even with the arrival of the new government, especially given the stability witnessed in the local markets."
A Kurdish delegation is in Baghdad to discuss the transfer of two months' back pay to the region's employees.
A reporter for "Baghdad Today" in Erbil reported on Monday (December 1, 2025) that a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government will leave for Baghdad in the coming hours to discuss the disbursement of the delayed salaries for October and November.
The correspondent noted that the delegation’s agenda includes discussing the financial mechanisms previously agreed upon between the two sides, and working to establish transfer dates to ensure the regular flow of salaries to employees and prevent any disruption that may affect their living conditions.
According to information obtained by our correspondent, the talks will focus on ensuring that financial entitlements are transferred according to the established timetables, and addressing the delays that occurred during the past weeks, in order to enhance the stability of the living conditions of employees and prevent the accumulation of arrears again.
The financial relationship between Baghdad and Erbil has witnessed a series of understandings regarding salaries in recent months, after thousands of employees in the region experienced repeated delays, prompting both governments to establish new mechanisms for settling outstanding payments. This coincided with increased political and financial coordination between the two sides, particularly following the agreement to adopt fixed procedures for transferring payments within specific timeframes.
Despite these understandings, the issue of salaries remains one of the most sensitive files, prompting both sides to conduct periodic reviews of any disruptions that may affect the regularity of payments or impact the living conditions of employees.
Securities Authority sponsors signing of cooperation agreement to develop investments
The Securities Authority sponsored the signing of a cooperation agreement to develop financial investments on Sunday, while the head of the Authority, Faisal Al-Haimas, affirmed its continued support for all initiatives that enhance institutional work and raise the levels of transparency and efficiency in the securities market.
Al-Haims said in his speech during the signing ceremony of the joint agreement between Al-Karmel Financial Brokerage Company and PDO at the Authority’s headquarters, “The signing of this agreement constitutes an important step within the Authority’s vision aimed at enhancing integration between financial institutions, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of the securities market and the establishment of a safe and transparent investment environment.”
He added that "the Authority pays great attention to developing financial brokerage services and expanding the scope of modern technologies used in trading, which enhances market efficiency and gives investors more advanced and reliable options."
He pointed out that "active companies among companies operating in the financial sector represent a key source of diversification of services and support for efforts aimed at improving market activities and attracting more investors."
He emphasized "the Authority's continued support for all initiatives that enhance institutional work and raise levels of transparency and efficiency in the securities market, in a way that serves the aspirations of the financial sector and contributes to its development and sustainability."
In his speech, Waseem Youhanna, the Managing Director of Al-Karmel Financial Brokerage Company, stated that “this agreement represents a qualitative step towards institutional professional cooperation in the Iraq Stock Exchange,” noting that it “aims to develop financial evaluation and due diligence services, consolidate the principles of transparency and governance, enhance investor confidence, as well as contribute to the success of initial public offerings (IPOs) and support Iraqi companies in the stages of growth and listing on the market.”
For his part, Ali Ghaleb Abbas, Managing Director of BDO Iraq, expressed his “pride in the Securities Commission’s sponsorship of this cooperation,” praising its “vital role in regulating and developing the Iraqi financial market and supporting the investment environment.”
He explained that "signing this agreement comes within BDO's vision to provide specialized consulting services that take into account international standards, and to enhance professional independence and provide added value to Iraqi investors and companies by transferring global expertise to the local market."
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Political analyst: Washington controls 90% of the government formation decision... and the coordination framework awaits Savaya's conditions.
Political analyst Rafed Al-Atwani said that the coordination framework is experiencing a “clear state of anxiety” regarding its political future, noting that the parties within it “are still unable to agree on an alternative to Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani,” and that all the names being circulated “are subject to change and are awaiting the opinion of the American envoy, Mark Safiya.”
Al-Atwani explained in an interview with “Al-Manassa Al-Jarida” that the framework is almost convinced that “the formation of the next government and the selection of the prime minister will be subject to the conditions of Safaya,” noting that this reality “puts his political future at stake and pushes him to avoid the risk of putting forward a controversial figure.”
He added that Iran also “does not currently want to engage in a confrontation with the United States,” and that it seeks “calm in order to preserve its political and ideological presence within Iraq” in light of escalating American pressure.
Al-Atwani pointed out that some armed factions have begun to show “unprecedented flexibility” in dealing with these changes, which, in his opinion, reflects “the shrinking of the framework’s options in favor of a new political equation in which the United States will be the most influential player, by up to 90%.”
Al-Atwani concluded by saying that announcing a new prime minister “will be a very difficult task for the framework,” suggesting that the state of waiting will continue until Washington’s requirements become fully clear.
“Key” is the guarantor of Iraq’s funds
The global smart card company's vision stems from the concept of "an easier life," where financial services are guaranteed for both citizens and the state. It relies on the best electronic systems to prevent the misappropriation or misuse of public funds.
One of the company's most significant achievements for the country was uncovering a large number of fraudulent individuals who had no real existence and were instead depriving legitimate beneficiaries of government financial support. Through its advanced technologies, the company ensured the smooth flow of funds to the rightful recipients.
To guarantee everyone's rights, the company adopts and leverages the best smart systems worldwide to offer advanced products characterized by ease of payment. This makes it the first national company to provide world-class services and keep pace with the latest developments in the international electronic payment field.
The company recognizes its significant responsibility to serve citizens and meet their needs, alleviating the burdens of life by providing world-class financial services. It continues its service operations across a wide area of the country, tailored to the needs of Iraqi families who require easy access to advanced financial products.
A review of financial activities and the payment landscape in Iraq reveals continuous development. The company operates in accordance with the demands of the local market, which seeks sustainable development and requires advanced products that prevent the return of those who manipulate public funds. This is emphasized by the directives of the Iraqi government and the Central Bank of Iraq, which regulates electronic payments and has contributed to a qualitative leap in this field, aiming to transition transactions from cash to electronic.
Adopting the best global payment systems, which facilitate financial transactions and provide them with greater flexibility and security, represents a growing objective for the company in its future endeavors. This is especially crucial given the urgent need to develop the payment system in Iraq, as it is a key driver of economic growth. The volume of work expected in Iraq necessitates the development of the payment system and the adoption of the best global technologies.
"K" Company understands that flexibility in conducting financial transactions is essential for the smooth and continuous operation of business. Developing the components of electronic payments and keeping abreast of global developments in payment systems are among the most important aspects of its work, ensuring that our products are on par with the best international products.
Al-Sudani: Iraq is going through a recovery phase and regaining its leading role in the region.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed on Monday that Iraq is going through a recovery phase and regaining its leading role in the region, while stressing the need to keep ambassadors away from any political alignments or squabbles .
His office said in a statement received by the Mail that “Al-Sudani received the new Iraqi ambassadors on Monday, congratulating them on gaining the confidence of the government and the House of Representatives to represent their country diplomatically in various countries around the world .”
Al-Sudani stressed that “the ambassadors’ mission is not a privilege but a duty and responsibility to represent the country, and they have the duty to defend the interests of Iraq and its people in all their diversity and components, by investing their expertise in diplomatic work,” stressing that “the selection of ambassadors was subject to criteria and requirements, and we are all confident in those who were chosen to be keen on representing Iraq in the best possible way, and to contribute to formulating the strategy of Iraqi diplomacy, and building a modern diplomacy that keeps pace with the requirements of the future .”
He pointed out that "the ambassador must stay away from any political alignments or squabbles," stressing that "Iraq is currently going through a phase of recovery, stability and restoring its leading role in the region, despite the events it has witnessed ."
He added: “Our government has managed to maintain a clear approach to foreign policy, establish broad relations, and not limit them to certain countries. We have maintained our principled position towards the Palestinian issue and the Zionist aggression, which has affected Arab and Islamic countries. Iraq’s balanced position regarding the events and developments in the region must be highlighted, while preserving the interests of Iraq and its people .”
He continued: "We are working to strengthen economic partnerships, and it is among the ambassadors' tasks to present studies and proposals in this regard," indicating that "the work of embassies should reflect the positive developments in development, reconstruction and stability in Iraq ."
He pointed out that "work in the field of economic diplomacy must be strengthened, and we seek to move from a rentier economy to a diversified one, and we have worked on developing the economy through a series of banking, customs and tax reforms, to contribute to creating an attractive investment environment ."
He continued: “We face environmental challenges and a water crisis, which requires a pivotal diplomatic role in negotiating with the countries concerned and international organizations. We emphasize strengthening the role of (soft diplomacy) through cultural and sporting aspects that bring peoples closer together .”
He explained that "all capabilities will be ready to support the path of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our ambassadors in various capitals, and the joint committees must be maintained and activated, because they represent the framework of foreign relations between Iraq and the rest of the countries ."
He pointed out that "during the days of the former regime, Iraqi citizens used to flee from Iraqi embassies, but today the state, its institutions and embassies are at the service of the citizen ."
He concluded by saying, "One of the ambassadors' priorities is to care for the Iraqi communities in all their diversity and with all their needs, and to work on connecting the communities with their country ."
Iraqi contractors are pursuing Sudanese businessmen for billions: We will resort to embassies and the World Bank.
The position of the Dhi Qar Union
remember last week it was the contractors in Basra
Hussam Aqeel Al-Sakr Al-Saidi, Vice President of the Dhi Qar Contractors Union, demanded on Sunday the disbursement of outstanding payments for more than a year in about 800 projects, stressing that the contracting sector is going through very difficult circumstances that affect the payment of wages to workers and employees. He concluded his statement addressed to the government by saying that he and his colleagues will resort to embassies of countries and the World Bank to present this problem of contractors’ debts to the state, which amount to trillions.
Vice President of the Dhi Qar Contractors Union – Hussam Aqeel Al-Sakr Al-Saidi:
I address my remarks to the central government and to those who care about the country's interests.
Here is the extent of the disaster caused by the non-payment of dues to companies operating in Qar Governorate and in Iraq in general.
More than 30,000 families of engineers, technicians and workers have lost their source of income under the umbrella of deprivation, and more than 800 vital projects are threatened with stopping and disappearing, out of 1,200 projects in Dhi Qar.
800 active companies were completely paralyzed out of 1048 companies registered in the Dhi Qar Contractors Union.
More than 18 months have passed since the companies stopped receiving their financial dues, and the governorate and the Dhi Qar Reconstruction Fund have not been funded.
Completion rates have reached 60-90% in the Dhi Qar projects, and they are threatened with damage if they are left without disbursing the dues.
Dhi Qar is witnessing an economic and service earthquake that goes beyond the stage of being affected, and the private sector is facing complete collapse due to the lack of liquidity because of the Ministry of Finance’s failure to deliver the dues.
The crisis has paralyzed the local market and caused a recession. The deterioration of these projects is a waste of public funds; leaving them exposed to environmental conditions will damage them.
The threat of a complete shutdown is the only remaining option after the waiting period has been exhausted, and work will stop on all projects without exception, which means the collapse of reconstruction efforts.
Today we are surprised that dozens of projects worth billions are being referred and the foundation stone laid in light of this crisis, and this indicates confusion.
We will resort to the judiciary as a last resort if the dues are not disbursed. We will file lawsuits against all the responsible parties before the Administrative Court and the Federal Court.
We will address the World Bank and international embassies to present the extent of this damage and human injustice suffered by the private sector and its workers.
Shell companies in Iraq: Do they achieve economic growth or are they just a shadow economy?
The phenomenon of shell companies and the shadow economy has begun in Iraq, where deals are made without knowing who they are or whether they have a known headquarters, and they are mostly brokerage companies with high incomes.
After years of destruction, Mosul is facing a phenomenon described by observers as a “ghost economy,” where companies are officially registered despite not having headquarters, employees, or actual activity, yet they still obtain contracts worth millions of dollars.
This report reveals the mechanisms by which these companies operate in secret, at a time when the city continues to suffer from declining services and infrastructure.
Engineer (S.A.), a former supervisory employee who preferred not to mention his full name, confirmed that one of the companies that won a service contract had no actual address other than a rusty door and an abandoned yard, despite having implemented three contracts since 2022.
Fake companies in Iraq
He added that dozens of other companies operate from small rooms, empty warehouses , or through local intermediaries, but they continue to win contracts.
Official sources in the Nineveh Governorate office stated that most of these companies are used as fronts for contracts that are later converted into subcontractors in exchange for large commissions.
One official said in a private statement: “There are integrated networks, fake names, real contracts, and money moving through accounts that are difficult to trace.”
This drains reconstruction resources and reduces the quality of projects.
As the administrative investigator (M.R.), who preferred not to be named, explained, some companies have employee lists on paper, but the majority of these people do not actually work.
Their salaries are disbursed through group accounts managed by one person, indicating a systematic method of disbursing funds under the guise of official work.
No clear titles
He stressed that “one of the companies that won a service contract had no actual address other than a rusty door and a deserted yard, even though it had executed three contracts since 2022.”
He pointed out that dozens of other companies are in a similar situation, as they are officially registered with the investment department, but they operate from small rooms or empty warehouses or through local intermediaries, and they continue to obtain contracts.
Activist Zaid Khalil pointed out that the pattern of these sham projects is recurring: announced projects begin, signs are put up for a few days, and then the equipment disappears. Meanwhile, a paper report is submitted stating that the project is up to 90% complete.
Abu Raed, a resident of the New Mosul neighborhood, confirmed that a paving project allocated to the neighborhood two years ago has not been implemented on the ground despite the official contracts.
He said: “We live amidst the pits and stagnant water, and every year we are told that the project is complete, but we have not seen a single meter of paving.”
Economic expert Dr. Baraa Al-Fahdawi explained that Mosul, due to the scale of the destruction and the multiplicity of sources of influence after 2017, has become a fertile environment for the spread of fictitious companies.
He added: "Weak oversight and a lack of transparency have allowed this phenomenon to spread, delaying economic recovery and reducing opportunities for real investment."
In the same context, Dr. Hani Al-Azzawi, Professor of Project Management at the University of Mosul, confirmed that the multiplicity of funding bodies and the absence of a unified central plan contributed to the emergence of “shadow companies”.
Money outflow
He added: “When local government funding intersects with international funding projects, verifying each company or contract becomes almost impossible, allowing funds to escape to fictitious entities.”
From the liberation of Mosul until 2023, Nineveh spent about 6 trillion and 128 billion Iraqi dinars on reconstruction projects, equivalent to about 4.5 billion dollars.
The number of stalled projects reached 148 projects with an estimated cost of half a trillion dinars.
In 2024, an oversight committee revealed 36 project files suspected of containing irregularities or issues.
A financial surplus of 26 billion dinars was also recorded in projects funded from frozen assets, supporting stability and regional development.
The National Reconstruction Fund also allocated 100 billion dinars annually for infrastructure in Nineveh.
These figures, compared to what is visible on the ground, show that a large portion of the funds allocated for the reconstruction of Mosul are being spent on shell companies or unimplemented projects, indicating the existence of a parallel economy operating behind the scenes.
The abundance of funds and weak unified oversight seem to create a favorable environment for the continuation of the phenomenon of ghost companies, while the affected citizen continues to face a lack of basic services and infrastructure.
Al-Sudani at Al-Maliki's house: The framework concludes "negotiations" and begins "decision-making" to expedite the formation of the government.
With the escalation of political activity within the Shiite bloc, it seems that the coordination framework is closer than ever to deciding on the name of the new prime minister, after moving from the negotiation phase to the decision-making phase.
This shift opens the door to a clearer phase in the process of forming the government, amid assurances from the leaders of the framework that they are determined to avoid any political vacuum and move towards producing a stable government capable of facing the upcoming challenges.
The Coordination Framework announced today, Monday (December 1, 2025), in a statement, that it held its regular meeting No. (252) at the office of the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, to discuss the latest political and security developments in the country.
The statement, which was received by “Al-Alam Al-Jadeed”, stated that “the attendees reviewed the results of the work of the two leadership committees formed during previous meetings, and listened to a presentation by the Prime Minister on the latest field and political developments, and what the current stage requires in terms of institutional coordination and shared national responsibility to ensure stability and protect the interests of citizens.”
The statement added that “the meeting stressed the importance of following up on the work of the High Investigative Committee regarding the bombing of the Khor Mor field, as it is a file related to national security and vital facilities on which countries depend.”
Regarding the political aspect, the Coordination Framework, according to the statement, affirmed its determination to “proceed in resolving national entitlements within the constitutional timeframes, and in cooperation with the various partners in the political process.”
In this context, Salah Boushi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, confirmed that “the coordination framework has officially moved from the negotiation stage to the decisive stage regarding the formation of the government and the selection of the prime minister.”
In a statement followed by “Al-Alam Al-Jadeed” on Monday (December 1, 2025), Boushi explained that the framework works to avoid any political vacuum that may hinder the formation of the government, noting that “the framework sent a clear message that it is capable of producing a stable government without falling into any political deadlock or suffocation.”
For his part, Ali al-Difai, spokesman for the Supreme Islamic Council, suggested that today’s meeting would produce “important results that will mark a turning point between the negotiation and decision phases,” stressing that the meeting would precisely determine the next steps to complete the requirements for forming the government.
For his part, Hussein Habib, a leader in the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, said on Monday (December 1, 2025) that “the coordination framework hopes to move towards renewing the mandate of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani for a second term,” indicating that “Mr. Ammar Al-Hakim has repeatedly praised Al-Sudani’s performance during the past period.”
Habib explained in a televised statement followed by “Al-Alam Al-Jadeed” that “the rejection of a second term for Al-Sudani exists only within the state of law,” while he considered “the formation of the government an internal matter and not subject to any interference.”
He added that “the framework will not go towards choosing a controversial prime minister in the next stage,” expressing his hope that “Al-Sudani will get a second term to complete his projects and service plans.”
Baghdad is anxiously awaiting Savaya's arrival... Will the US envoy directly intervene in the formation of the government?
he Iraqi political scene is witnessing cautious anticipation as US envoy Mark Savaya prepares to arrive in Baghdad on a mission considered the most sensitive in years. While the nature of his mandate and powers remain unclear, observers expect Savaya to meet with various political forces to convey Washington's conditions regarding the formation of the next government. They assert that his visit could mark the beginning of a new phase in the US-Iranian struggle for influence within Iraq, at a time when the US administration prefers to use economic and diplomatic pressure tools rather than direct confrontation, according to observers.
Political analyst Ghalib al-Daami told Al-Alam Al-Jadeed that “US envoy Mark Savaya is likely to meet with a number of Iraqi political forces and blocs during his current visit, with the aim of conveying the American viewpoint directly. His mission is based on pushing for the formation of a government free from Iranian influence, which Washington considers a prerequisite for Iraq’s stability and its entry into the next political phase.”
Al-Daami adds that “Safaya carries a clear mandate from the US administration, based on the principle that the formation of the Iraqi government is an internal matter, but the United States will not cooperate with any government that is run under the direct influence of Tehran or in which executive positions are given to figures loyal to Iran,” explaining that “Washington does not object to the formation of such a government if the Iraqis want it, but in return it will prevent any form of dealing or political and economic support with it.”
Al-Daami continues, “This equation puts Iraqi political forces to a real test: either to proceed with forming a government that takes into account regional balances and maintains a balanced relationship with Washington, or to accept the international and economic isolation that may result from ignoring the American position.” He explains that “the coordination framework in particular will be under direct pressure from Savaya, who represents the American viewpoint that rejects any government that is subject to the influence of armed factions or Iranian influence.”
Al-Daami concludes by saying that “the next stage will reveal the extent to which the Iraqi political forces can deal flexibly with these pressures, as Washington is closely monitoring the scene and is trying to impose a new equation based on an Iraqi government that is independent in its decision-making and is not an extension of any external axis, and this will determine the shape of the relationship between Baghdad and the United States in the next stage.”
Trump’s envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, is expected to arrive soon, coinciding with a complex phase Iraq is going through amid government formation conflicts following elections that saw the victory of the Coordination Framework, which includes forces and factions opposed to the American presence.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Resources Michael Regas arrived in Baghdad on Monday morning for a visit “aimed at strengthening the partnership between Baghdad and Washington and supporting joint efforts to promote sovereignty, stability and prosperity in the country,” according to a post by the US Embassy in Baghdad on the “X” platform. He was received by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy, Joshua Harris.
Savaya, who is of Chaldean Iraqi origin, wrote in a post on the X platform two days ago that “Iraq stands at a crucial crossroads. It can either move towards independent institutions capable of enforcing the law and attracting investments, or it can return to the spiral of complexity that has burdened everyone.” He added: “What we need today is to support the country’s progress, respect the constitution, strengthen the separation of powers, and make a firm commitment coupled with concrete action to keep weapons out of politics. This is the way to build a strong Iraq that commands the world’s respect.”
For his part, Ghazi Faisal, director of the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies, told Al-Alam Al-Jadeed that “US envoy Mark Savaya will not directly interfere in the process of forming the Iraqi government, but he carries a clear set of instructions from Washington stressing the need for political parties to adhere to the US conditions regarding the form of the next government.”
Faisal adds that “Safaya is not a traditional diplomat as much as he is a businessman who thinks in economic terms, which means that his approach to the Iraqi file may differ from the style of previous envoys, as he is likely to adopt economic and diplomatic means of pressure to move the political scene in a new direction, away from the approach followed by previous American administrations,” explaining that “the United States today does not want a military confrontation in Iraq, but it seeks to impose an Iraq that is independent in its decision-making, without armed factions, and with a unified sovereignty in which laws and the constitution are respected, which has not been achieved so far.”
He continues, “The American pressure during the next stage will be economic and diplomatic on the three authorities and on the armed factions alike, with the aim of disarming these factions and rebuilding the Iraqi state on real institutional foundations,” noting that “the message that Savaya carries includes clear conditions not to involve any political figure linked to Iran or involved in armed factions classified as terrorist by the US Treasury or State Department.”
Faisal asserts that “in contrast, Tehran insists on maintaining its influence within Iraq, and works through its loyal forces in parliament, where there are more than 90 MPs who owe direct allegiance to the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and are linked to the Revolutionary Guard,” noting that “the current scene reflects a direct power struggle between Washington and Tehran over who has the decision in determining the three presidencies and sovereign ministries in the next government.”
Savaya stated on Friday that he received his orders from the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces, Donald Trump. He wrote in a post on the X platform that he received those orders regarding Iraq during his meeting with the US president on Thanksgiving Day.
While Iraqi circles, especially the Shiite ones, are anticipating the impact of the victory of a number of political forces that have armed wings, and its repercussions on the American position, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein clarified yesterday, Sunday, that “Washington informed Baghdad that it will not deal with armed groups covered by sanctions, and announced the names of the bank, figures and entities.”
He added in a television interview that “the Americans declare quite frankly, in accordance with American law, that it is impossible to deal with any party that carries weapons, and therefore they give a prior indication in this direction,” explaining: “Everyone knows that it is necessary to separate the interest of Iraq from the interest of any faction or party, and therefore it is necessary to take into account the nature of American policy, and what it represents in terms of great regional and global weight.”
In addition, politician Falah Al-Mashal told Al-Alam Al-Jadeed that “US envoy Mark Savaya has not yet presented any clear plan or practical program regarding his mission in Iraq. His speech is limited to general statements, such as saying that there is no future for armed factions or Iranian influence inside Iraq, but these remain slogans that are not translated into realistic steps or specific executive tools.”
Al-Mashal adds that “Safaya did not clarify how these goals can be achieved or with whom he will deal to implement them. The Iraqi scene today is very complex, as the House of Representatives has expired and its term has ended, while the current government is a caretaker government that does not have the authority to issue fateful decisions, and only the judiciary remains with limited powers, while the presidency’s role is almost symbolic,” noting that “the current political and administrative environment does not give the American envoy a real basis for effective action.”
He continues, “Safaya himself spoke about receiving instructions from US President Donald Trump, but it has not yet been revealed whether these instructions are limited to the political and civil aspect, or whether they include broader field or operational procedures, perhaps of a security or military nature, which makes his mission shrouded in mystery so far.” He adds, “The US administration has not yet shown complete seriousness in dealing with the Iraqi file, as evidenced by the fact that it has not yet appointed an official ambassador to Baghdad, which raises questions about the extent of Iraq’s priority on Washington’s agenda.”
Al-Mashal points out that “the absence of an ambassador makes the presence of a special envoy like Savaya more symbolic than practical, because the envoy does not have full diplomatic powers, and cannot make executive decisions inside Iraq,” noting that “the envoy’s challenges are very great, so how can he face a political reality in which representatives of armed factions hold about 95 seats in parliament? And how can he convince them to give up their executive positions under the pretext of building a civil state?”
Al-Mashal concludes by saying that “the current crisis is the result of the absence of a strategic vision in both Washington and Baghdad. If there had been an accurate, proactive reading of the post-election period, it would have been possible to modify the course or postpone the entitlement until the regional and political conditions matured. But now the crises have accumulated and the issues have become more complicated, and all that remains is to wait for what Savaya will officially announce during his upcoming visit, to see whether he will bring real solutions or just new political promises.”
Have the politicians forgotten what happened? America's disregard ended with the assassination of Al-Muhandis and Soleimani... So what awaits Baghdad now?
It seems that the Iraqi file raises the same question again in almost every political cycle: Why do politicians not learn the lesson, even though the facts that governed Washington’s dealings with “centers of power” in Iraq have been repeated more than once and in ways that do not allow for interpretation? Since 2019, when the American side presented a list of officers to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and demanded their removal from sensitive positions within the military establishment on the pretext of “not being in line with common interests,” that was the first indication that the United States is shaping its relationship with Baghdad according to clear rules: when it feels that the balance of influence is shifting away from its vision, it quickly moves from diplomatic warnings to harsher steps.
Baghdad's disregard for that warning didn't last long. Months later came the strike that reshaped the region: the assassination of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis near Baghdad airport, followed by a series of subsequent strikes targeting camps and positions of the factions inside and outside Iraq. The message was unambiguous regarding the limits of what Washington would accept or reject. Now, American intervention has expanded, taking a new, more stringent, and less diplomatic turn. This is exemplified by the direct role of current Secretary of State Marco Rubio in preventing the passage of amendments to the "Popular Mobilization Forces Law" that would have strengthened the factions' position within the state. Washington has also added a number of their leaders and political figures close to them to its terrorism lists, as part of a gradual process that more closely links Iraqi security to the American-Iranian conflict.
Despite all these precedents, a segment of the Iraqi political class continued to treat the American position as manageable pressure, rather than as part of a long-term strategy. However, the current situation is far more complex, because the forces that Washington is wary of are no longer small groups or marginal factions; they have become the backbone of the parliamentary majority, holding the reins of key ministries and sensitive security files. Hence, the question arises again: How will the United States deal with a government whose levers of power are controlled by forces it considers part of a regional project opposed to it? And will Washington accept the logic of an "electoral majority" if it produces a political reality that does not align with its security and strategic calculations?
At the heart of this debate came the comment of Abdul Samad Salar al-Zarkoushi, a leader in the Asas Alliance, which added a different dimension. He affirmed to Baghdad Today that “Iraqi elections are a clearly defined democratic process, and among the most transparent in the region, despite some shortcomings. They remain a vital process that reshapes the government every four years.” He pointed out that the results of the ballot boxes “represent all components, groups, and ethnicities.” He explained that “American red lines are not new; they have been repeated for more than 15 years,” and that political forces today are “more aware of the importance of the independence of Iraqi political decision-making.” He noted that “forming governments is a purely Iraqi matter, determined by dialogues among national forces, and is not subject to acceptance or rejection by any external party.” He emphasized that “international and regional pressures may exist, but they do not negate the fact that Iraqi forces are engaged in discussions to form the next government and are searching for a formula that represents the entire spectrum of Iraqi society.”
While al-Zarkoushi's statements reflect a discourse emphasizing the independence of national decision-making, they clash with a far more complex reality. Washington no longer deals with Iraq according to the logic that governed its relationship during the Obama and Biden eras, when stability was prioritized over pressure. Instead, it operates according to the principle of "peace through strength," which makes issues of government participation, weapons, and the nature of influence direct elements in defining the relationship with Baghdad. With the rise of armed groups within the state apparatus, Washington is employing unprecedented pressure tactics: financial restrictions, increased monitoring of transfers, sanctions lists, and the obstruction of political processes it deems contrary to its regional interests.
However, some Iraqi forces continue to treat these signals as mere seasonal noise preceding government formation, rather than as part of a dynamic equation that imposes itself on the course of power as Baghdad approaches a critical juncture. But experience has proven, from 2019 to the present, that ignoring American indicators is costly, and that reproducing the same scenario every four years keeps Iraq trapped in a vicious cycle whose existence the political system refuses to acknowledge.
In light of the accelerating course of events, the central question arises again: Will the winning powers learn the lesson this time, or is Baghdad heading towards a new test that reproduces the same scenario by different means, while Washington continues to monitor, exert pressure, and set the rules of engagement, and the political forces continue to act as if time has not changed, and as if the precedents are not part of the Iraqi governance equation?
It’s mostly spoken in Sorani Kurdish (with a few Arabic sentences mixed in). The speaker has a strong Kurdish accent and Iraqi dialect, so some words are slurred, but the meaning is clear.this translation is from an ai deepl not deepseek just fyi the youtube translation was terrible I'm also going to try to get the words on the screen tooTranslation (time-stamped where it matters):0:01
Kurdish: جوکانی دجاوی پانس وزارنا عراقی لە بازاڕ
→ “The jokes about the Iraqi ministries are all over in the market”
(he means the rumors and gossip are finished)0:09
شرور ناجوا → probably “شروع نەکردوە” (it hasn’t started yet)0:12–0:26
پاری وەردوتیان بو بانکەکانی عێراق پشتڕاست بوچی بونو پاریشیان هیچک لەو کارکانی هە سنگی جاکاری لەیوان جوکانی بۆینمایانردو دەمام بە تەواوی جوڵاندنی عێراقی
→ “They took the money for the Iraqi banks, why did they confirm it? And none of their employees got a single dinar of it… it smells fishy from those jokes side… anyway, the entire movement of the Iraqi currency…”0:30
Arabic: توفير الأموال من أجل الرواتب مهمة جدا
→ “Providing money for salaries is very, very important.”0:47–0:58
Arabic (colloquial Iraqi): بس هذا الإشكال، أما احنا نكيف طبعا مهما تكن نوع العملة العراقية ما طول راتبي متوفر وبموعده أني أتقبلها… العراق ما نجان نسكي حو ترليون دينار
→ “But this is the problem. As for us, we’ll manage of course — no matter what kind of Iraqi currency it is, as long as my salary is available and comes on time, I’ll accept it… Iraq isn’t short, we have trillions of dinars.”0:59
چاخ بانکینا → “Good for the banks!”1:02–1:13
تاک مامە لەبو کۆی پێت لە بازاڕ نز پانز تریلیوناش لەن هیراو، همە پاریش لەزار بو بونا بانکینا لەڕانو پکاش بازاڕ
→ “Up to now, the total in the market is close to 15 trillion (dinar), and it’s still coming out — all that money is in the streets for the banks to collect and clean the market.”1:20
Arabic: المواطن وساط الدولة
→ “The citizen is the mediator of the state” (or “the citizen is stuck in the middle”)1:23
توجيه لە بانکەکان پاره بیان جوری لە ملەت بفرمای بانک شرايە
→ “Instructions to the banks: collect the money from the people — go ahead, banks, buy it!”1:41–1:51
Arabic: تكون تبديل نهاية الشهر لغاية يوم 10 من الشهر
→ “The exchange/replacement will be from the end of the month until the 10th of the next month.”1:51–2:11
شتڕ مامەکارانی تەنکەلیش وەرد لبن وەردان بوک سەرجەم بولا
→ Very slangy street Kurdish: “Even the big employees of Tankali (a company or area) took it — Lebanon, Jordan, everywhere, all of them…”2:11–2:22
دینار عراقی برام دلار ئەمڕۆ تاخاری دینار باشن فانفان جباری کوردستانش وەر بغدا
→ “The Iraqi dinar versus the dollar today… the last delay… the dinar will be good, 500–500 (maybe meaning 1 USD = 500 IQD?), Jabari in Kurdistan and Baghdad too.”Overall summary of what the guy is saying:He’s excitedly claiming that:
- The Central Bank is sucking trillions of physical dinars out of the market through the banks (to “clean” the streets).
Salaries will be paid no matter what.
There will be a short window (end of month → 10th of next month) for people to exchange or deposit cash.
He believes this is all points to an imminent big jump in the dinar value (“the dinar will be good”), and even mentions a possible rate around the old 500–1,000 IQD per USD level that some gurus keep dreaming about.
words on the screen
The central bank obliges private banks to accept all kinds of dinars
The central bank obliges private banks to accept all kinds of dinars
The central bank obliges private banks to accept all kinds of dinars
The central bank obliges private banks to accept all kinds of dinar currency
0:01
“The rise of the exchange rate has really put pressure on the Iraqi markets…”
0:09
“It caused chaos and discomfort.”
0:12
“People’s money is losing value — why should Iraqis suffer like this?”
0:17
“There’s no stability… their money disappears without getting anything in return.”
0:21
“There’s no solid or reliable work being done between the currency exchangers.”
0:25
“They just move the rate up and down however they want.”
0:26
“This has completely affected people’s lives in Iraq.”
0:30
“Saving money for salaries is extremely important.”
0:47
“But aside from this problem — for us, we adapt.
Whatever the Iraqi currency looks like, as long as my salary is paid and on time, I accept it.”
0:53
“Iraq used to have around half a trillion dinars in reserves.”
0:59
“The banks…”
1:02
“One person goes to the market, and with the fluctuations, they lose thousands.”
1:07
“Three trillion dinars were lost in one wave — and all that money was drained out of the market.”
1:13
“The banks were unable to control it, and the market collapsed.”
1:20
“The citizens — and even the state — were affected.”
1:23
“The banks were instructed to protect people’s money and manage it properly.”
1:30
“They said: bring your money to the bank, the bank is trustworthy.”
1:41
“For example…”
1:44
“From the end of the month until the tenth day of the next month…”
1:51
“People struggle with their expenses — groceries…”
1:55
“Milk…”
1:56
“Salaries…”
2:00
“Everything…”
2:04
“Food…”
2:07
“All of it…”
2:09
“People are overwhelmed.”
2:11
“The Iraqi dinar against the dollar is creating serious pressure.”
2:17
“The dinar is strong, but the situation is suffocating the people — even in Kurdistan.”
2:22
“Baghdad should fix this.”
Notes
Some phrases were incomplete recordings, but the meaning is clear:
People are expressing frustration about the rising dollar rate, market instability, banks losing control, and the pressure on citizens’ salaries and daily expenses.
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