Expectations that the dollar will exceed 150,000 dinars, and a "Kurdish oil" proposal to attract the currency.
The spokesman for the Sulaimaniyah Stock Exchange, Jabbar Kuran, predicted on Monday that the price of the dollar would rise to 150,000 dinars, attributing this to the Iraqi Central Bank’s failure to release sufficient quantities of foreign currency into the local markets. He suggested utilizing the Kurdistan Region’s refineries to refine oil and sell it to some neighboring countries to obtain dollars.
The video for this My FX Buddies Blog post is below here:
Kuran told a Shafaq News Agency correspondent that the dollar exchange rate witnessed a significant increase today, reaching 147,000 Iraqi dinars for 100 US dollars, "due to the Iraqi Central Bank's failure to inject sufficient quantities of foreign currency into the market, in addition to the high level of demand for the dollar."
He explained that "these factors coincide with the decline in oil prices, which is the primary source of funding for Iraqi imports, as well as the increase in the size of public spending, which reduces Iraq's ability to provide the Central Bank with the necessary funds in the event of continued decline in global oil prices and increased domestic spending."
He pointed out that “Iraq, by virtue of its commitment to the production quotas set by the OPEC+ alliance, cannot increase oil exports, but it can invest the surplus quantities of oil by converting them into petroleum derivatives such as gas and gasoline, and then exporting them to neighboring countries, including Türkiye, Syria and other countries.”
Kuran explained that "one of the most prominent challenges facing Iraq in raising local production is the small number of refineries," suggesting in this context the use of existing refineries in the Kurdistan Region to invest in and refine crude oil.
He continued, "The regional government can submit a proposal to the federal government to take over the oil refining process in Kurdistan's refineries, thereby increasing production and then exporting to neighboring countries."
Kuran predicted that "the dollar exchange rate will witness an additional increase in the coming days, reaching about 150,000 dinars per 100 dollars," stressing that citizens "have begun to buy dollars as a result of financial fears related to the decline in oil prices and its impact on the economic situation in the country."
The dollar is breaking the dinar's backbone: "Late" decisions are opening "the gates of hell" on Iraqis' pockets.
economic massacre
In a country that sells its oil in dollars and pays its citizens' salaries in dinars, any surge in the parallel exchange rate is enough to shake the budgets of families and businesses alike. Over the past two or three days, the dollar has risen again on Iraq's parallel market, reaching nearly 150,000 dinars per 100 dollars, while the official rate remains fixed at 1,320 dinars per dollar, according to the Central Bank's latest bulletins and instructions to banks.
Economic expert Nasser al-Kinani summarized the situation from an Iraqi perspective for "Baghdad Today," stating that "the current rise is not surprising, but rather a natural consequence of several factors, primarily the increased demand for dollars by merchants, coinciding with the implementation of the customs automation system, which has imposed a new reality on import and customs clearance operations." With this concise statement, al-Kinani links a seemingly reformist decision to a price surge in the parallel market.
Two prices for one currency
On paper, Iraq has a traditional pegging system; a fixed official rate set by the central bank at 1,320 dinars per dollar, supported by large foreign reserves and relatively low annual inflation of around 2–3 percent, according to central bank data and international reports.
But practically speaking, there are two currencies in an Iraqi's pocket:
The dollar is bought and sold at an official rate through banks and correspondent banks, within a transfer system that is subject to strict US and international oversight.
Another dollar is traded in the parallel market at levels higher than the official rate by thousands of dinars per 100 dollars, as shown in the periodic banking bulletins in Baghdad, Basra and Erbil.
The gap between the two prices is not new; economic reports during 2024 and 2025 repeatedly noted a difference of up to 10,000–15,000 dinars per 100 dollars between the two prices, and linked it to the policy of “de-dollarization” and US restrictions on bank transfers, which created a constant demand for dollars outside official channels.
In this environment, any slight change in the rules for accessing the official dollar, or in the customs and tax system, is reflected amplified in the parallel market.
Customs automation: A financial reform with a taste of monetary shock
From a public finance perspective, automating customs appears to be a necessary step: electronic linking of ports, standardization of procedures, reduction of smuggling, and increase of non-oil revenues, demands that have been reiterated by Iraq’s financial partners in their recent reviews.
But from a market perspective, the transition phase carries a clear monetary cost:
Small and medium-sized traders who did not prepare proper accounting and controlled invoices that comply with the requirements of the new system found themselves facing existing imports, dollar obligations, and a more stringent banking system.
In parallel, much of the real demand for dollars has turned into an "urgent demand" for cash instead of bank transfers, because the merchant wants to secure his goods first and then settle his paperwork later, which pushes him towards the parallel market.
Herein lies the paradox: administrative reform aims to close the loopholes for corruption and smuggling, but without a "soft transition phase," it itself becomes a catalyst for a short-term speculative wave, exploited by the most mobile, liquid, and informed groups.
External pressure and a fragile internal structure
What is happening in the Iraqi dollar market cannot be separated from a broader context:
Since the beginning of 2025, Iraq has begun to implement more broadly a correspondent banking transfer mechanism, with continuous scrutiny of hard currency uses, in response to financial compliance requirements.
In contrast, the local banking sector continues to suffer from limited confidence, a concentration of loans, and a high proportion of the cash economy outside the banking system.
The result is the creation of something resembling an "external constraint" on the economy: the dollar exists in comfortable quantities in reserves, but the path to it goes through a network of regulatory and compliance conditions, making its price on paper different from its price on the street.
Recent economic analyses have described the gap between the two prices as a "hidden tax" paid by an import-dependent economy, as part of the oil revenue is converted into profits for limited groups who can access the official dollar, then resell or recycle it in the parallel market.
From the stock exchange to the market: How does the shock reach the citizen?
So far, official levels insist that "fluctuations in the parallel market do not have a significant economic impact," based on low inflation figures and relatively stable growth in 2025.
Economically, the picture is more complicated:
Iraq imports a large portion of its food, medicine, and construction materials in dollars.
When a merchant buys part of his dollars from the parallel market, this is gradually reflected in the price of the commodity, even if it is priced in dinars.
The middle class and the poor segments only have the dinar, but they pay the bill for a commodity whose inputs or part of its costs are imported in dollars.
If the gap between the official and parallel exchange rates remains at its current levels or widens, the "latent" inflation in the supply chain may become more apparent in subsequent waves, especially if it coincides with expansionary budgets or new oil or political shocks.
What does economic policy need now?
From an economic perspective, the question is not just: Why did the dollar rise in two days? But: Why does every reform step remain linked to a price surge in the parallel market?
The answer lies in three parallel paths:
Transition Management: Any reform in customs or platforms must be accompanied by a clear timeline, gradual implementation, and direct communication with trade segments, so that the transition period does not turn into a monetary shock that fuels speculation.
The integration of monetary and fiscal policy: The central bank's ability to maintain the official exchange rate ultimately depends on the discipline of public spending and the size of the deficit. Expansionary budgets without structural reforms mean higher demand for imports, and therefore recurring pressure on the parallel market, no matter how stringent compliance measures are.
Transparency of information: When officials describe what's happening as "noise" in the market, citizens and merchants need to see the detailed figures: the platform's sales volume, the percentage of rejected orders, and the impact of each set of measures on the price gap. The absence of this transparency leaves ample room for rumors, which are the preferred fuel of an unregulated market.
Ultimately, the problem isn't a few thousand dinars added to the price of $100 on the black market, but rather how Iraq navigates the path of financial and monetary reform without each step turning into a new wave of anxiety for its citizens. The true measure of policy effectiveness isn't what's published in the Central Bank's daily bulletins, but what Iraqis see firsthand in the price of bread, medicine, and rent at the end of each month.
Abdellatif Rachid submits his candidacy papers for the presidency of the republic independently.
Current President Abdul Latif Rashid submitted his candidacy papers for the presidency independently on Monday.
According to official media citing a parliamentary source, as reported by Al-Ghad Press, "Abdul Latif Rashid submitted his candidacy papers for the presidency independently, without the approval of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)."
Earlier, a political source told Al-Ghad Press that "the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) nominated Fuad Hussein for the presidency."
It should be noted that the PUK, led by Bafel Talabani, had previously nominated Nizar Amidi for the position.
The President and the Speaker of Parliament affirm their support for political stability and the enactment of laws.
At the beginning of the meeting, Rashid congratulated Al-Halbousi and his two deputies on gaining the confidence of the members of the House of Representatives, expressing his wishes for them to succeed in performing their constitutional duties, and in a way that strengthens the role of the House of Representatives in supporting the democratic process and consolidating legislative and oversight work.
The importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the Presidency and the House of Representatives was also emphasized, in order to ensure the integration of roles between the constitutional authorities, and to contribute to supporting political stability and enacting laws that serve the aspirations of citizens in various fields.
For his part, Al-Halbousi expressed his thanks and appreciation to the President of the Republic, stressing the commitment of the House of Representatives to work jointly with the Presidency of the Republic and the constitutional authorities, and to proceed with enacting laws and following up on priority files in service of the public interest.
The Sudanese president chairs a meeting to discuss tax reform measures and reducing government spending.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Economy on Monday to discuss tax reform measures and reducing government spending.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office said in a statement received by Al-Ghad Press that “Al-Sudani chaired, today, Monday, the meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Economy, in the presence of a number of ministers and relevant advisors, and it is the fourth meeting dedicated to discussing ways to maximize financial revenues and reduce government expenditures.”
The statement added that "the meeting discussed the possibility of issuing the necessary decisions and recommendations in this regard, with the need to preserve the interests of citizens and not to harm their purchasing power and living standards, especially for the most vulnerable groups."
He added that "the meeting addressed the completion of discussions on tax reform steps and the review of Cabinet Resolution 822 of 2025, as well as discussing steps to support and develop the work of mixed and public companies and to contribute to strengthening the national economy."
The statement highlighted that "the Council reviewed detailed statements of the Export Support Fund, as well as the contents of the paper on adding support through borrowing, in order to make decisions regarding the principle of lending from the Fund to diversify sources of income and reduce dependence on oil revenues."
Saleh's appearance: The fluctuations in the parallel market are temporary and do not affect the stability of living standards.
Saleh told Al-Furat News Agency that “the limited fluctuations in the parallel market represent temporary and ineffective reactions that came in response to the launch of the latest fiscal discipline package, which included decisions to re-examine the paths of public spending and enhance the efficiency of revenues, especially through expanding and controlling tax and customs bases.”
He added that "these movements are a natural behavior for markets when they receive new signals from fiscal policy, as supply and demand forces tend to test these signals and adapt to them in stages, before returning to more stable paths that are in harmony with economic and financial fundamentals."
He pointed out that "the current fluctuations in the parallel market do not reflect a structural imbalance in the exchange market, but rather a temporary adaptation phase with regulatory tools aimed at enhancing financial and monetary stability in the medium term."
Saleh pointed out that "the limited movements observed in the parallel market do not affect the stability of the general price range, which has maintained a low inflation rate of about 2.5% annually, which reflects the effectiveness of the macroeconomic policy mix."
He explained that stability is due to the convergence of three main policies:
Monetary policy: A fixed official exchange rate for the Iraqi dinar at 1320 dinars to the dollar.
Fiscal policy: Broad support amounting to about 13% of GDP, limits the transmission of price shocks to living standards.
Trade policy: Price defense through the subsidized food basket and the modern market system (hypermarkets), which absorbs the noise generated by the parallel market and turns it into stable white noise.
Saleh concluded by saying that "the parallel market no longer has a significant impact on daily life, after its effect became detached from income and consumption levels and its impact shifted mainly to the asset sector, which is not directly related to the stability of living or social peace."
The head of the money changers' union in Nineveh, Abdullah al-Jiro, stated that the lack of liquidity is forcing money changers to spend the night in front of banks in Mosul waiting for their payments.
The head of the money changers' union in Nineveh province, Abdullah Al-Jiro, revealed on Monday that banks in Mosul are suffering from a cash liquidity crisis, which has caused delays in disbursing payments to the owners of the outlets, prompting some of them to spend the night in front of the banks hoping to get their money.
Al-Jiro said, in a statement followed by “Mosul Time”, that the banks operating in Mosul are experiencing a clear shortage of cash liquidity, which has directly affected the non-disbursement of dues to the owners of outlets, explaining that this crisis is due to the financial deficit that the government announced earlier.
He added that a number of outlet owners now spend their nights in front of banks waiting for them to open in the morning, while others are forced to go to other governorates to collect their dues, which burdens them and disrupts their work.
Al-Jiro pointed out that the continuation of this crisis will negatively affect the local economic situation and lead to a loss of confidence between citizens on the one hand, and the “Key Card” company and government institutions on the other hand, calling on the concerned authorities to find urgent solutions to address the shortage of liquidity and restore confidence in the financial system.
Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization: The United Nations confirms tangible progress.
Joining the World Trade Organization is witnessing clear progress, according to the United Nations International Trade Centre, with the completion of key technical and regulatory stages at both the local and international levels.
The International Trade Centre, a United Nations agency, confirmed that Iraq has made clear progress in its steps towards joining the organization.
Eric Bochot, the director of the International Trade Centre’s programs in Iraq, affiliated with the United Nations, said : “The process of Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization is still ongoing, and has seen progress in several important stages at both the national and international levels.”
Bushot added that this progress includes the establishment and reactivation of the Iraq Working Group at the World Trade Organization, the revival of national coordination mechanisms, technical reviews of trade-related legislation, communication with member states of the organization, as well as preparatory work related to market access and regulatory harmonization.
The UN official stressed that what has been accomplished so far reflects a continued commitment to aligning the Iraqi trade system with multilateral rules, although additional steps are still required.
For his part, economist Nabil Al-Tamimi said that the government and the Ministry of Trade are working hard to join the World Trade Organization.
Al-Tamimi added that “joining requires several procedures, including legislative and legal amendments, in order for Iraq to meet the conditions for joining this organization, noting that the legislative process in Iraq may be slow for several reasons.”
Al-Tamimi explained that these steps were accompanied by procedural obligations that are part of the conditions for joining the organization.
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The drop in oil prices puts Iraq's budget to a new test.
Oil prices are putting the Iraqi budget under direct pressure with every global downturn, in an economy that relies on crude oil as an almost sole source of revenue, which raises questions about the government’s ability to protect spending, services and job opportunities, in light of limited reserves and a postponed need for deep structural reforms.
Economic expert Ahmed Hadhil confirmed on Monday that the decline in global oil prices is putting the Iraqi budget under great pressure, especially since the economy depends on oil for more than 90% of its revenues.
Hathal said , “This decline exposes the government to the risks of reducing spending, resorting to borrowing, or postponing some obligations, which negatively impacts infrastructure projects, job opportunities, and public services.”
He then pointed out that “ Iraq has short-term reserves at the Central Bank, but they are insufficient to cope with long-term shocks, stressing the need to diversify the economy, revitalize non-oil sectors, reform the tax system, and link spending to productivity to reduce waste and ensure financial sustainability.”
Oil exports represent more than 90% of Iraq’s public revenues, making the national budget sensitive to fluctuations in global crude oil prices.
It is worth noting that the price of a barrel of oil in the general budget law was set at $70 per barrel, and the price of a barrel of oil at that time was more than $70.
Sources: Measures and solutions to reduce the dollar exchange rate against the dinar in local markets
Economically,
the exchange rate of the US dollar continues to rise against the Iraqi dinar in local markets, with trading indicators approaching the 150,000 dinar mark for every 100 dollars in many governorates, in a development that has raised concerns among economic circles and citizens alike.
Banking reports indicated that the exchange rate reached levels close to this threshold, with prices ranging around 147,000-150,000 dinars per 100 dollars recorded in exchange bureaus and shops in Baghdad, Erbil and other cities, after a relative stability of the dinar earlier this year.
sources confirmed to Iraqi media outlets that a series of governmental and monetary measures are being implemented or planned to contain the surge in the dollar's value and attempt to lower its price against the dinar in the parallel market.
strengthening oversight of the exchange market and curbing speculation.
Sources indicated that relevant authorities are focusing on monitoring buying and selling activity in unofficial markets and attempting to limit speculation, which is considered a driving factor behind the rise in the price of foreign currency. This step comes within the framework of efforts to control prices and reduce the gap between official and parallel exchange rates.
Encouraging official transactions through banks and official platforms is also being
pursued.
This includes utilizing reserves. IraqRegarding hard currency,
economic sources stated that the country's hard currency reserves play a role in calming the market, as they contribute to meeting the real demand for dollars and reducingAsylumThe parallel market, along with efforts to finance foreign trade to support legitimate demand, has prompted economic and public reactions .
"A second term through the gateway of stability": The State of Law coalition supports renewing confidence in al-Sudani for "the benefit of Iraq" - Urgent
On Monday (January 5, 2026), MP Jassim Al-Alawi, from the State of Law Coalition, affirmed his support for renewing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s term for a second term, stressing that this choice stems from the supreme interest of Iraq and the preservation of political and service stability.
Al-Alawi told Baghdad Today that “the stage that Iraq is going through requires the continuation of the current governmental approach, especially in light of the relative security stability achieved and the improvement in some service and economic files,” indicating that “Al-Sudani is a successful man with great experience and an electoral mandate, and he has proven during his current term a clear ability to manage the state and deal with complex challenges.”
He added that “renewing confidence in the Prime Minister for a second term will contribute to completing the strategic projects launched by the government, and will prevent disrupting the political scene by entering into conflicts or uncalculated changes,” stressing that “the State of Law believes that the interest of Iraq takes precedence over any political or partisan considerations.”
Al-Alawi pointed out that “political forces are required today to prioritize the language of understanding and stability, and to support any governmental path that aims to strengthen sovereignty and improve the standard of living of citizens,” noting that “political stability is the real gateway to addressing outstanding issues and building a state of institutions.”
This statement comes at a time of political activity surrounding the next phase and constitutional and electoral requirements, with names and potential figures circulating as possible candidates to lead the next government. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is considered one of the leading candidates to continue as prime minister, given what some political factions deem the "stable performance" of his government compared to previous administrations.
The Iraqi parliament's leadership gives blocs 10 days to distribute their members among the committees.
MP Mohammed Al-Baldawi, from the “Sadiqun” parliamentary bloc, stated on Monday that the meeting held by the Speaker of Parliament with the heads of political blocs, and the second session of Parliament, resulted in an agreement to grant ten days to the heads of blocs to distribute their members among the parliamentary committees.
Al-Baldawi told Shafaq News Agency that the number of parliamentary committees currently stands at 25, and some committees are expected to be split to bring the total to 27. These committees will be finalized after the distribution of representatives and their official adoption within Parliament.
He pointed out that the process of appointing the heads of the permanent parliamentary committees needs time until the new government is formed, taking into account parliamentary entitlement, indicating that the management of the committees will currently be based on the oldest members.
In a statement issued by the office of the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Adnan Faihan, the latter stressed the importance of expediting the submission of the names of candidates for the temporary committees, taking into account experience, competence and specialization, achieving a legal quorum during meetings, and giving priority to proposals and draft laws that touch the lives of citizens.
During the meeting, it was agreed to form a committee headed by the First Deputy and a number of heads of blocs to study the names of the candidates and decide on their distribution among the committees, in addition to an understanding to prepare a monthly agenda for the sessions of the House of Representatives, with the aim of developing the role of the legislative institution and enhancing its oversight work in the sixth parliamentary session.
On Monday morning, January 5, 2026, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hebat Al-Halbousi, opened the proceedings of session number (2) within the first legislative term of the first legislative year of the sixth electoral cycle.
Parliament will host officials from the Central Bank and the Integrity Commission next week.
"Within the framework of activating the oversight role"
The Parliament Presidency set next week, Monday (January 5, 2026), as the date for hosting a number of officials from the Financial Control Bureau, the Integrity Commission, the Central Bank and other federal institutions within the framework of activating the oversight role.
The media department of the House of Representatives stated in a statement received by Network 964 that the parliament “held its second session of the sixth electoral term of the first legislative year, the first legislative chapter, today, Monday, under the chairmanship of Hebat Al-Halbousi, Speaker of the Council, and in the presence of 229 deputies.”
He added that “the Speaker of the Council emphasized at the beginning of the session the need to adhere to the provisions of the House of Representatives’ internal regulations, as they are in effect and were voted on in the previous session.”
He pointed out that “President Hebat Al-Halbousi stressed the importance of expediting the formation of parliamentary committees, and giving a deadline of 7 days for parliamentary blocs to submit their proposals to the Presidency of the Council regarding the development of a plan to distribute members among the parliamentary committees according to the internal regulations of the Council, stressing the importance of activating the Parliamentary Conduct Committee to preserve the status of Iraq and the House of Representatives in terms of oversight and legislation.”
He added that “the Speaker of the Council noted that the time for holding the Council sessions has been permanently fixed at 11 am, in agreement with the heads of the parliamentary blocs, in addition to proceeding with other controls and instructions that enhance the management of the legislative institution in the best way.”
He explained that “the session emphasized the discussion by the members of the council of the organizational matters that the council follows in managing its sessions and parliamentary committees in order to address some of the previous obstacles to enhance the role of the House of Representatives in oversight and legislation, in addition to stressing the need to prioritize the enactment of important laws.”
Regarding candidacy for the presidency, he explained that “the Speaker of the Council noted that 44 applications for candidacy have been received so far, and the extension of time was due to the New Year holiday, indicating that the nomination period closes today, Monday, at the end of official working hours.”
He concluded by saying that “Al-Halbousi mentioned that the House of Representatives will host next week officials from the Financial Control Bureau, the Integrity Commission, the Federal Service Council, the provincial councils, the Central Bank, the head of the Martyrs Foundation, and the head of the Retirement Authority.”
The Sudanese man secretly flew to 3 countries and prevented the bombing of the factions... “Doesn’t he deserve the presidency?”
Details about Sheikh Adnan Al-Danbous
Sheikh Adnan Al-Danbous, a member of the Reconstruction and Development bloc, revealed that Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani visited three countries in “complete secrecy” to pressure America not to strike Iraqi factions during the 12-day war with Iran. He explained this by saying that Al-Sudani enjoys “wide acceptance” during the formation of the new government, as the one who can solve problems is the most suitable for the presidency “even among the tribes,” according to his statement during an interview with journalist Ahmed Al-Tayeb, which was followed by 964 Network .
The pin:
During the 12-day war, they wanted to strike the factions, and Al-Sudani made completely secret visits to 3 important countries that influence America and prevented them from targeting the factions at that time. Al-Sudani has many advantages; he is a flexible man, has no complexes, and is easygoing. He even understands his opponents and those who hate him. Therefore, an acceptable person brings good results. Even in the tribes, an acceptable sheikh has a positive influence in solving problems, and Al-Sudani is internationally beloved.
We are very concerned today about what is happening in the region because Iraq’s economy is rentier and depends 91% on oil for distributing salaries, and the livelihood of the Iraqi people depends on salaries that come from oil.
In my estimation, the Americans attacked and seized Venezuela to overcome Iran regarding the issue of closing the Strait of Hormuz in the event of any clash with it. Therefore, the United States postponed striking Iran for all this time to secure energy. Now, after securing oil, there is no problem for America even if Iran closes the strait again.
The House of Representatives has set next Saturday as the date for a session to discuss non-oil revenues.
Regarding Venezuela, China is asking its banks to report on their credit exposure.
Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing informed sources, that China’s top financial regulator has asked its monetary policy banks and other major banks to report on their credit exposure to Venezuela, following the United States’ abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The report added that the National Financial Regulatory Administration also advised banks to strengthen risk monitoring for all loans and credits related to Venezuela, in an effort to assess potential risks that lenders in China may face.
For years, China has provided Venezuela with lines of credit under arrangements of “loans for oil”.
A Bloomberg report said the move by the agency highlights growing concern among regulators about potential shocks to the banking sector as geopolitical risks escalate.
The report added that billions of dollars in loans were granted to the Latin American country during the past decade.
China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated on Monday Beijing’s position on the situation following the US attack on Venezuela, calling for the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro.
This is Ashur Bank—look at it! This is my appeal to the Central Bank regarding the National Ashur Bank, regarding Ashur National Bank. Today is the 4th of the month, and no one has received anything. Look, all these people are standing here [waiting]."
It's the exact same message: a frustrated customer filming outside or inside Ashur National Bank (مصرف أشور الأهلي), complaining that payments (probably salaries, pensions, or welfare) arrived late only for customers of this bank, while others got theirs on the 30th/31st. He's calling out the local radio station (Al-Mirbad) and appealing directly to the Central Bank of Iraq for help.
