UPCOMING US SANCTIONS THREATEN 15 IRAQI BANKS DUE TO CURRENCY SMUGGLING!
(Only 5 Iraqi banks were limited form the US dollar not 15. Also these are NOT US sanctions on restrictions by the CBI. So this article has it all wrong! ☹ Even the CBI director told the new media to stop calling them sanctions.)
In a surprising development, press reports confirmed that the US Treasury Department is preparing to impose new sanctions on more than 15 banks in Iraq, including private and government banks, in a move aimed at combating currency smuggling, which has recently become a controversial issue.
These sanctions come at a sensitive time for the Iraqi economy, which is already facing significant challenges in the currency and finance sectors. According to sources, the US government is targeting these banks for their involvement in foreign currency smuggling, which threatens the stability of the Iraqi economy and further depreciates the value of the dinar.
REASONS BEHIND SANCTIONS
US officials believe that many Iraqi banks have indirectly contributed to currency smuggling by transferring money out of Iraq illegally, which has led to a shortage in the country’s foreign currency reserves. On the other hand, these operations contribute to facilitating the financing of illicit activities, which include financing armed groups or smuggling money to other countries.
Despite warnings from Iraqi authorities about the negative effects of these sanctions, the United States appears to be moving forward with this step in response to the escalation of these activities.
IMPACT OF SANCTIONS ON IRAQI BANKS
If the sanctions are confirmed, the Iraqi banks involved could face significant difficulty in dealing with the international financial system. This means that banks could have their accounts frozen or be prevented from conducting international transactions, which would negatively affect the ability of Iraqi companies and individuals to deal with international banks. (but only if they illegally deal in US dollars. Let’s not exaggerate!)
These sanctions are likely to be an additional blow to the Iraqi economy, which suffers from a lack of investment and weak trade exchanges. But they may also be an opportunity for the Iraqi financial system to correct and move towards improving financial supervision. (Not really as importers can still go to other banks for the dollars.)
THE ROLE OF THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT IN DEALING WITH SANCTIONS
The Iraqi government is expected to exert significant pressure to curb currency smuggling, by strengthening oversight of the banking system and taking strict legal action against banks involved. These measures may include restructuring the financial and banking system and imposing new laws that ensure compliance with international standards.
CONCLUSION
US sanctions (CBI restrictions) on Iraqi banks raise many questions about the future of the Iraqi economy and relations with major powers. While the United States seeks to combat currency smuggling, the challenges facing Iraq may require radical internal solutions to ensure the stability of the financial system and open new horizons for economic growth away from these international pressures.