Article Quote: "Al-Nusairi: No sanctions on Iraqi banks, and false reports cause panic"
Quote: "Al-Nusairi criticized the unspecialized media and unspecialized analysts who published misleading information about the alleged sanctions on Iraqi banks, saying:
They have been annoying citizens for two days with false claims that there are sanctions on five Iraqi banks, and that the number...will reach 37 banks.
They even went so far as to promote false information about the sanction of Rafidain Bank...He considered that the official source in Iraq is the Central Bank of Iraq...and our ongoing relations with the US Treasury Department and the US Federal Reserve"
FRANK26: "FLOW OF OIL FROM TURKEY = A NEW EXCHANGE RATE... OR THERE WOULD BE NO FLOW!!!"........F26
Exporting the region's oil" on the table of Nechirvan Barzani and the Turkish Foreign Ministry
2/18/2025
Tuesday, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, discussed with the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister, Beris Akinci, the file of re-exporting oil to Turkey .
According to a presidential statement received by Shafaq News Agency, the two sides discussed relations between Turkey, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, with a focus on joint cooperation in the energy sector and water resources management, in addition to efforts to resume the region's oil exports .
According to the statement, the two parties expressed their "hope for the approval of the Iraqi general budget law, as it is an important step to pave the way for the resumption of oil exports. They also discussed the technical and legal preparations and procedures related to the export process, and its repercussions on the Iraqi economy and the Kurdistan Region."
In turn, Nechirvan Barzani pointed out that "resuming the export of the region's oil is in the interest of Iraq as a whole, and enhances the financial revenues of the general budget," stressing "Kurdistan's readiness to enhance cooperation with Turkey in the energy sector."
For her part, Akinci expressed her "satisfaction with the ongoing understandings between Erbil and Baghdad regarding the resumption of oil exports, stressing Ankara's full support for this process. She also discussed the water file with officials in the region, and expressed Turkey's readiness for joint cooperation in managing water resources, and dealing with the repercussions of climate change in coordination with Iraq."
The meeting also discussed a number of issues of common interest, in the presence of the Turkish Consul General in the Kurdistan Region .
Last Sunday, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid approved the first amendment to the Iraqi federal budget law regarding the export of oil from the Kurdistan Region through the National Oil Marketing Company (SOMO).
In the video, the speaker, a supporter of Donald Trump, shares his perspective on various political issues, particularly focusing on Trump’s policies and their implications for America and the international community.
He expresses admiration for Trump’s “America First” approach, arguing that every leader should prioritize their own country’s interests. However, he also voices significant disagreements with Trump over specific decisions, particularly regarding the Middle East and international relations.
The speaker criticizes Trump’s handling of the Gaza situation, expressing concern about the humanitarian implications of relocating people from their homes. He emphasizes the complexity of war and the consequences of military actions, urging viewers to pray for peace rather than conflict.
Additionally, he discusses the importance of adhering to international law and the potential repercussions if powerful nations, like the U.S., disregard these rules. Throughout the discourse, the speaker calls for a balanced view of international politics, urging people not to take media narratives at face value.
🇺🇸 Trump’s “America First” Approach: The speaker supports Trump’s focus on prioritizing American interests but acknowledges areas of disagreement.
🏡 Gaza Displacement Concerns: Criticism is directed at Trump’s stance on Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian crisis of relocating its inhabitants.
⚔️ The Complexity of War: The speaker draws attention to the intricate nature of warfare, emphasizing strategy over sheer military power.
🌍 International Law Importance: Discussion on how the U.S. sets an example for the world concerning international law and its implications for global order.
🕊️ Advocacy for Peace: A strong call to pray for peace rather than conflict, urging viewers to reject war as a solution to disputes.
📉 Trade Dynamics: The speaker presents insights on trade relations and tariffs, stressing that America exports more than it imports, contrary to common perceptions.
🙏 Questioning Religious Promises: The speaker challenges the notion that divine promise justifies territorial claims, advocating for a more humanistic view of leadership.
Key Insights
🌎 America First vs. Global Responsibility: The speaker strongly supports Trump’s “America First” ideology, arguing that it is natural for leaders to prioritize their own nations. However, this raises questions about the balance between national interests and global responsibilities. If all leaders acted solely in their country’s interest without regard for international relations, it could lead to increased tensions and conflicts on a global scale. As nations become more isolationist, diplomatic relations may suffer, potentially destabilizing the international order and leading to conflicts that could have been avoided through cooperation.
🏠 Humanitarian Implications of Displacement: The speaker’s concern about the displacement of Gazans reflects a broader discourse on the humanitarian consequences of political decisions. Relocating individuals from their homes isn’t just a logistical challenge; it carries emotional and cultural implications for families and communities. When leaders make decisions that disregard the human aspect of such policies, they risk inciting anger and resentment, which can further complic international relations and lead to prolonged conflict.
⚖️ Trade Tariffs and Economic Reality: The discussion on trade tariffs highlights a common misconception about trade balances. The speaker emphasizes that while tariffs might seem beneficial in the short term, they can have long-term negative effects on the economy. America’s position as a major exporter is crucial in this context, suggesting that a trade war could ultimately harm U.S. economic interests more than it protects them. This insight calls for a reevaluation of trade policies that prioritize short-term gains over sustainable economic relationships.
🕊️ The Misconception of Military Victory: The speaker underscores that military might does not equate to victory in war. The complexities of warfare require strategic planning and understanding of the socio-political landscape. Simply overpowering an opponent does not guarantee success or peace. This analysis is especially relevant in discussions on how conflicts are resolved and the need for long-term strategies that prioritize diplomatic solutions over military interventions.
📜 International Law as a Global Standard: The speaker’s emphasis on international law points to the importance of maintaining a consistent standard for global governance. When powerful nations violate international agreements, it sets a precedent that can lead other countries to justify similar actions. This erosion of respect for international law can destabilize regions and embolden aggressive actions by states that might otherwise adhere to diplomatic norms. The speaker advocates for accountability among all nations, regardless of their position on the global stage.
🤔 The Role of Religion in Territorial Claims: Challenging the narrative that divine promises justify territorial claims, the speaker encourages a more rational and human-centric approach to leadership. This perspective invites critical reflection on how religious narratives can influence political decisions and the potential consequences of allowing such beliefs to dictate international relations. By advocating for human rights and dignity over religious claims, the speaker promotes a vision of leadership that prioritizes peace and coexistence.
📺 Media Literacy and Public Perception: The speaker warns against taking media narratives at face value, advocating for a critical approach to news consumption. In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly, understanding the motivations behind media coverage is essential for making informed opinions. This insight serves as a reminder of the importance of media literacy in a democratic society, where public opinion can significantly influence political outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, the speaker provides a multifaceted analysis of Trump’s policies and their broader implications for America and the international community. While he appreciates the focus on American interests, he raises critical concerns about specific decisions, particularly in the context of international relations and humanitarian issues. The video serves as a call for thoughtful consideration of political actions, the importance of adhering to international law, and the need for a balanced approach to global issues. The insights shared encourage viewers to engage with complex political narratives thoughtfully, promoting peace and understanding in a divided world.
The head of the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives, Atwan Al-Atwani, confirmed today, Tuesday, that there are no sanctions on any Iraqi financial or banking institution.
Al-Atwani stated in a statement received by “Mawazine News” that “the Parliamentary Finance Committee hosted the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, to review the financial and monetary policy.”
The head of the Finance Committee confirmed that “there are no sanctions on any Iraqi financial or banking institution, and that salaries are secured and there are no concerns in this regard.”
🌍 Iraq’s Oil Industry Crisis: Iraq faces a $19 billion loss due to disrupted oil flows to Turkey.
💰 U.S. Sanctions Impact: New U.S. sanctions target five Iraqi banks for illegal money transfers and dollar smuggling.
⚖️ Tax Strategy Advice: Financial experts suggest using charitable remainder unit trusts to limit tax burdens.
🔍 U.S. Financial Intelligence: The U.S. Treasury is intensifying efforts to enforce compliance among Iraqi financial institutions.
📉 Market Reactions: Misleading media reports about sanctions have caused panic among Iraqi citizens.
🏦 Federal Reserve Dinar Holdings: Analysts speculate on the implications of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s holdings of dinars amidst economic changes.
⚠️ Call for Reliable Information: Experts stress the importance of consulting official sources for accurate financial news.
Key Insights
📉 Financial Impact of Oil Disruptions: The $19 billion loss from halted oil flows to Turkey indicates the vulnerability of Iraq’s economy, which heavily relies on oil exports. The significance of oil in Iraq’s financial health cannot be overstated, as it constitutes a major source of revenue for the government. The disruption not only affects immediate cash flow but also has long-term implications for economic stability and growth.
🏦 Sanctions and Banking Sector Stability:
The recent U.S. sanctions against five Iraqi banks signal a growing concern regarding the integrity of Iraq’s banking system. These sanctions are aimed at curbing illegal financial activities, particularly those involving entities like Iran. This tightening of financial regulations may lead to a lack of trust in the banking sector, causing further economic instability and reducing foreign investment.
📊 Tax Strategy and Asset Protection: The discussion around charitable remainder unit trusts (CRUTs) as a financial strategy reveals a proactive approach to tax management among investors. This method allows individuals to minimize capital gains taxes and secure their assets, demonstrating the importance of financial planning in times of uncertainty. Consulting with financial professionals is emphasized to tailor strategies to individual circumstances.
🚨 U.S. Treasury’s Aggressive Stance: The U.S. Treasury’s commitment to enforcing compliance among Iraqi banks highlights a shift towards more stringent oversight of international financial transactions. This reflects a broader U.S. policy aimed at mitigating risks associated with money laundering and financing of prohibited activities, which could lead to broader ramifications for Iraq’s financial relationships with other countries.
📣 Media Influence on Public Sentiment: The dissemination of conflicting reports regarding sanctions has caused significant panic among Iraqi citizens. This situation underscores the power of media in shaping public perception and the necessity for accurate reporting, especially in times of financial distress. Misinformation can lead to hasty reactions that further complicate an already precarious financial environment.
💵 Implications of Dinar Holdings:
The speculation regarding the Federal Reserve’s holdings of dinars raises questions about the future of the Iraqi currency and its value in international markets. Analysts suggest that the U.S. has a vested interest in maintaining a stable dinar, as fluctuations can impact both Iraq’s economy and the broader geopolitical landscape.
🔍 Importance of Credible Sources: The call for citizens to rely on information from official sources, such as the Central Bank of Iraq, highlights the need for transparency in financial communications. As misinformation spreads, the reliance on credible institutions becomes crucial in helping the public navigate the complexities of financial news and policies.
A burning economic debate.. Is raising the exchange rate the magic solution for the Iraqi economy?
An ongoing debate among economists in Iraq about the effects of adjusting the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar on the national economy, especially in the fields of agriculture and industry.
The opinions of experts and officials vary between supporters and opponents of changing the exchange rate, with a focus on how this will affect the productive sectors and the overall economy. In 2020, the Central Bank of Iraq decided to adjust the exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar, as the purchase price of the dollar from the Ministry of Finance reached 1,450 dinars, while its selling price to banks was set at 1,460 dinars, and to citizens at 1,470 dinars per dollar.
In February 2023, the Central Bank of Iraq announced another adjustment in the exchange rate, to become 1,300 dinars per dollar, as the decision came in an attempt to control inflation and achieve stability in the general price level.
Protecting the Iraqi Dinar In turn, economic expert Alaa Al-Fahd believes that “the current exchange rate represents a balance that protects the value of the Iraqi Dinar and maintains the general price level, which helps protect the poor classes.”
“The main reason behind the rise in production costs is due to the rise in energy prices, not the exchange rate,” he told Iraq Observer.
“The real problem that hinders the rise of productive sectors, especially agriculture and industry, is related to the energy crisis, especially electricity, as this crisis leads to higher production costs, which prevents the development of these sectors,” Al-Fahd added, noting that “countries like China have a low exchange rate for their currency, and despite that, their industry is thriving, which means that the decline in the currency may be an opportunity for the growth of local production, and not necessarily an obstacle to development.”
Historically, the Iraqi dinar has witnessed fluctuations in its value. In 1980, the dinar was equivalent to 3.3 US dollars, but its value deteriorated during the Iran-Iraq war, falling to about 4 dinars to the dollar in 1988. After the invasion of Kuwait and the imposition of an economic blockade in the 1990s, the value of the dinar deteriorated significantly, reaching about 3,000 dinars to the dollar in 1995.
Raise the exchange rate On the other hand, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ihsan Shamran, believes that “industry will not rise unless the state finds itself in it, and neither will agriculture unless the exchange rate is changed, as the current rate is unfair, and the Iraqi exporter sells goods at any price and makes a profit because the dollar is very cheap.
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Shamran added in a press statement that “the cheap dollar is pushing some exporters to sell any commodity inside Iraq in exchange for the dollar, as the exchange rate should be between 2,000-2,500 dinars per dollar, considering that the Iraqi currency is very strong due to its high balance.”
He pointed out that “Iraq has reserves of nearly 120 billion dollars against a trading source estimated at 103-104 trillion dinars, which gives the Iraqi currency a cover of nearly 170%, which is not a small matter, but the relationship with the dollar requires adjusting the exchange rate to achieve the required balance.”
Experts have differed on the impact of these amendments on the Iraqi economy. While some believe that devaluing the dinar enhances the competitiveness of local products and reduces the budget deficit, others believe that it leads to higher living costs and negatively affects low-income groups.
Economists believe that the real problem lies in the structure of the Iraqi economy and its heavy dependence on oil, in addition to challenges related to energy and infrastructure, which hinder the development of other productive sectors. link
FIREFLY:Saleh on television...he says the Iraqi dinar will regain its strength and the exchange rate will return to balance sooner or later.
FRANK: This is the Finance Minister telling the Iraqi citizens,
'Hey, the Iraqi dinar will regain its strength'. So you're trying to tell us that 1310 is going to be soon removed... 1310 is an imbalanced rate. What is balanced? IMO anything at 1 to 1 and above..
. FIREFLY: He also said this decision depends on completing the methodology of the financial and banking reforms.
British Ambassador: Our view on Iraq has been fixed for 30 years, but now it has changed for the better
The British Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Charles Hitchcock, confirmed today, Monday, that Iraq is a country of opportunities and investments, while expressing his optimism about the future of Iraq, due to the creativity, courage, dignity and endurance of the Iraqi people .
Hitchen said in a speech during the economic conference of the Iraqi-British Business Council, "My mission will end in two weeks, and it is natural for us to start thinking about what conclusions we can offer, and I share with you several ideas after a beautiful experience with you in Iraq. I am optimistic about the future of your country, and the source of optimism is the creativity, courage, dignity and endurance of the Iraqi people ."
He added, "Despite the challenges and problems, you can see that the trend towards the future is more positive in the current year 2025, and this is better than the situation in 2020, which was better than 2015, which was better than 2007, and the trend towards the future is clear and the existence of challenges cannot be ignored or denied, and you know the size of the challenges ahead of you ."
He continued, "For 30 years, British ministers viewed Iraq as a country of crises, a dangerous region and a security challenge. Now, for the first time, we have changed our ideas and see Iraq as a country of opportunities and investments," indicating, "The presence of our embassy in Iraq is not because of the past, but because of the future, and this is a turning point in our ideas ."
He explained, "The Iraqi government is responsive to our ideas and we have a contact group for the Iraqi economy which includes the G7 and the World Bank," explaining, "We spoke with government advisors with the aim of unifying economic ideas ."
He added, "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's recent visit to London was to renew trade relations and announce projects worth 12 billion pounds sterling, and we have coordination and cooperation with the Prime Minister's Office to implement these projects in the coming period ."
Hitchen concluded by saying, “The most important existential challenge is not ISIS or regional problems, but the demographic and economic situation before you. We expect, over the next 15 years, a decline in the price of oil and an increase in the population, as in 2003 there were 23 million people, now there are 46 million people, and in 2040 the number will reach 70 million people, and this is a big challenge link
Member: What happened to the bond people that got paid. I thought bonds were supposed to kick everything off?
MZ: the bond folks who got money are the facilitators…not the bond holders. When the bond holders get their money …we are very close.
Member: I believe facilitators are like group leaders and paymasters….not the bond holders
MZ: On the positive side….things just lit up. A number of bond holders have told me they expect to get their payments late this week into early next week. This has come from many sources on 3 different continents. Since it came from so many sources I believe it’s safe to say that bond holders will soon have cash. It is my understanding the bond holders should get full payments.
MZ With the vast number of bond contacts that have checked in…I imagine groups will start checking in at any moment. Hopefully this will help us narrow down the timing.
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, the Prime Minister directed the ministries to proceed with implementing the memoranda of understanding concluded with the British side.
Al-Sudani’s media office said in a statement received by Shafak News Agency, “The Prime Minister chaired a meeting dedicated to following up on the outcomes of the recent official visit to Britain, reviewing the work paths of the memoranda of understanding that were concluded during the visit, and ways to proceed with their implementation.”
He added that “Al-Sudani stressed during the meeting the importance of activating all joint sectors, in light of the joint statement with his British counterpart, and expanding the scope of implementation, especially in the field of economic, oil and industrial cooperation, and cooperation in developing the agricultural sector, in addition to the memoranda of understanding with British universities, and the memoranda that were signed between private sector companies in the two countries.”
Al-Sudani directed “the ministries to follow up closely and sectorally, according to their jurisdiction, to proceed with implementing the memoranda of understanding and the resulting agreements and field executive steps.”
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
Member: Good morning Mark...all wonderful mods and friends
Member; What is the good word today Mark?
Member: What happened to the bond people that got paid. I thought bonds were supposed to kick everything off?
MZ: the bond folks who got money are the facilitators…not the bond holders. When the bond holders get their money …we are very close.
Member: I believe facilitators are like group leaders and paymasters….not the bond holders
MZ: On the positive side….things just lit up. A number of bond holders have told me they expect to get their payments late this week into early next week. This has come from many sources on 3 different continents. Since it came from so many sources I believe it’s safe to say that bond holders will soon have cash. It is my understanding the bond holders should get full payments.
MZ With the vast number of bond contacts that have checked in…I imagine groups will start checking in at any moment. Hopefully this will help us narrow down the timing.
Member: Hey Mark if you said bonds have nothing to do with the revalue, why do you get so excited about it if they’re not related?
Member: Because the historic bonds are supposed to pay out before the currencies…..So if they go….we are next
MZ: They have to close out the old books so they can start the new books. Closing out the historic bonds closes out the old books. Bond facilitators told me they pay the commissions out first in fiat money….then the bonds themselves will be paid in asset backed….then you and I all go to the bank.
Member: Elon is doing a final audit to close down the old system ...then hopefully the new QFS system can take over with the new system
Member: How could bond commissions be paid ? if people with bonds have not been paid , in my experience we don’t recieve commission until the Job is done !
MZ: once again I will say fees were designed to be paid out in fiat.
Member: Can bond holders buy more currency after they get paid?
MZ: They are not allowed to double dip. That is what I was told.
Member: isn't our fiat bank accounts mirrored on the qfs? if so it doesn't matter if they are paid in fiat
MZ: I am told they mirror at the exact moment they flip the switch.
Member: If Knox is empty or depleted- where is the gold for new currency?
Member: looks like lots of gold bars being delivered from England to the US. Maybe restocking before the audit?
Member: Bank of England Defaults on Technical Gold Deliveries — Paper Gold ExposedThe Bank of England has defaulted on its technical gold deliveries, revealing that its gold reserves existed only on paper.
Member: The whereabouts of the gold remain unknown. Instead of using the term "default," British media have adopted the euphemism "shortfall." Business as usual.
Member: The Bank of England issued a statement saying it could deliver gold to clients only within 4-8 weeks, which is illegal under the law requiring delivery within 14 days.
Member: SEC meeting tomorrow at 1:00 rumor is all law suits will be closed! Ripple will be integrated into the sovereign wealth fund as the mechanism for cross border payments… XRP will move millions. GOLD!
MZ: “ Will XRP price hit $100 after US President Donald Trump’s Ripple endorsement?” Trump is embracing crypto’s role in our economy. Buckle up and keep watching. Many crypto gurus are calling for a massive increase in value on XRP in the next couple of months.
Member: Breaking: The head of the US Postal Service, Louis DeJoy to step down !!!!
MZ: In Iraq: “Restoring confidence in Iraqi banks-out of the box solutions to save the economy” There is an underlining theme to articles out of Iraq. Restructuring banks and the government wants to protect the financial sector…conversations today are how many people had lost faith in the banks.
Member: Sounds like a worldwide problem.
MZ: one of the things they are discussing is they need to change values……and people lost faith when they “devalued” the currency….as opposed to more people using the banks when they “increase” the value of the currency.
Member: Thanks Mark, Mods and Andy……..we appreciate you all.
Member: Praying everyone is safe, warm, and dry today !!
