AN EXPERT WARNS OF THE US FEDERAL RESERVE’S RESTRICTIONS ON IRAQ’S FINANCIAL AUTONOMY
Economic expert, Diaa Mohsen, confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq still lacks independent economic decision-making due to the restrictions imposed by the US Federal Reserve on its funds, warning of the repercussions of the continuation of this situation on the country’s financial autonomy.
Mohsen said in a statement to Al-Maalouma Agency, “After Iraq was released from Chapter VII in 2011, the United States deposited its funds in the US Federal Reserve under the pretext of protecting them,” noting that “the returns resulting from these deposits are much less than what could have been achieved if these funds were invested by the Iraqi government directly or through partnerships with various countries.”
He explained that “Iraq’s continued exposure to these restrictions is unacceptable and deprives it of significant economic opportunities,” stressing that “Iraq’s liberation from the authority of the US Federal Reserve would revive the national economy and open broader horizons for financial development.”
He added that “Iraq remaining hostage to US decisions makes it vulnerable to financial sanctions in the event of any political dispute with Washington, as the latter can simply seize Iraq’s funds or prevent their disposal.”
(The pressure is building for “full” independence. Will Trump give it to them? All I can say now is “I told you so”.)
