Iraq Nears End of Dollar Struggle Amidst Financial Reforms and Rising Dinar
As Iraq inches closer to the resolution of its dollar conundrum, a recent statement from a media advisor to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has confirmed the near-end of this struggle. The U.S., represented by Ambassador Alina L. Romanowski in Baghdad, has pledged its support to the Iraqi government’s efforts by offering dollar services.
Renewed Confidence Between Baghdad and Washington
The Iraqi government’s commitment to financial reforms and the resolve to rectify institutional practices have fostered a renewed sense of confidence between Baghdad and Washington. Romanowski has lauded the mutual cooperation between the U.S. Treasury Department and the Central Bank of Iraq. The budding relationships between Iraqi banks and international banks are viewed as a positive stride towards reforming the banking sector.
Washington’s Refusal and the Rising Dinar
This announcement follows a report by The Wall Street Journal, revealing that Washington had declined Iraq’s request for $1 billion in cash from the Federal Reserve. This refusal was attributed to the efforts to curb Baghdad’s dollar use and halt illegitimate cash flows to Iran. Contrarily, the Central Bank of Iraq had previously announced that dollar payments from the Federal Reserve were on track, adhering to a schedule mutually agreed upon by both institutions. Simultaneously, the value of the Iraqi dinar has seen a surge for the first time in about a year following the formation of the current government. This government has been combating currency speculators and manipulators while addressing the currency sale window used for financing import and export operations.
A Hopeful Start to 2023 for Iraq
Prime Minister al-Sudani has initiated the formation of an Iraqi-Turkish committee to streamline trade and strategic partnership between the two nations and bolster Iraqi merchants’ imports in Iraqi dinars. Despite the preliminary local election results announced a week ago, the final results are yet to be declared, leading to public confusion. Nevertheless, the U.S. ambassador reiterated the continuation of dollar services to Iraq, and Prime Minister al-Sudani appeared confident as he inaugurated the Freedom Bridge in Baghdad, indicating a hopeful start to 2023 for Iraq.
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