Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The Minister of Finance discusses with the Iraqi Economic Council mechanisms to enhance investment opportunities.
The Minister of Finance discusses with the Iraqi Economic Council mechanisms to enhance investment opportunities.
Minister of Finance Taif Sami Mohammed received the head of the Iraqi Economic Council and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they discussed prospects for cooperation between the two sides, focusing on enhancing investment opportunities and developing economic partnerships.
The Minister stressed, according to a statement by the ministry, the keenness to open effective channels of communication with economic entities and support initiatives aimed at stimulating the investment environment, providing job opportunities, and driving the wheel of development.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Economic Council called on the Ministry of Finance to support the Economic Investment Conference scheduled to be held in early June, through coordination and providing the necessary
facilities for the success of its work.
The two sides stressed the importance of the conference contributing to highlighting investment opportunities in various sectors and attracting capital.
The Council delegation also stressed the importance of the ministry's participation in preparing workshops and discussions related to financial reform and developing the investment environment, as it is a pivotal body in formulating economic policies. link
“Update on Redemption Centers?” by Texastreeman
“Update on Redemption Centers?” by Texastreeman
Good afternoon : Family, Intel providers,
This is going to be fast and straightforward.
Right now you have too many Intel providers saying on How, Who, What to do for going into the redemption centers appointment.
Everyone is telling every group how they think what you should Do. !!
Unfortunately am not a leader. So I can’t take charge and make sure everybody, every site is on the same page.
If I was I would have had a zoom call with all Intel providers and give instructions to all.
We are to late in the journey to be this mess up still giving out wrong information.
If Charlie Ward is still in charge of the currency side.
Someone reach out to Charlie.
We need print detail from him posted on all sites so everyone is prepared correctly. In the next 24/48 hours.
If Charlie is not in charge any more.
Any body that is reading this and has connected to the alliances.
We need them to step forward and give instructions and have it pass on to all Intel providers so they can print it out on their shows.
I listen to 6 different shows and everyone is saying different ways. They add their own touch to do this or that.
We must all come up with correctly way to walk into appointments.
We need a leader in all the groups to give the right details now.
If this gets pass up. Then you will have a big mess at the redemption centers and the people will look d**b infront of the redemption center staff. Plus it could cost them a lot.
Am professional type person who wants to walk in looking prepared, not unprepared. If you don’t know the correct instructions to following through going in to your appointment, then it makes us look bad.
Please Someone find out the 100 percent correct instruction. PASS IT ALONG.
Thank you
Texastreeman
PM Barzani, US Congressman discuss Erbil-Washington ties
PM Barzani, US Congressman discuss Erbil-Washington ties
On Wednesday, Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani discussed strengthening Kurdistan-US ties with Congressman Abe Hamadeh in Washington.
The meeting followed the signing of two energy agreements during Barzani’s visit, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and attracting foreign capital to the Kurdistan Region.
Energy remains a strategic sector for the Region, which continues to pursue independent development amid ongoing disputes with Baghdad over oil revenues and export authority.
Hamadeh, a US lawmaker of Kurdish descent, called the agreements a “positive development” for Iraq’s economy and stressed the importance of sustained engagement between Washington and Erbil.
Barzani then congratulated Hamadeh on his election to Congress, highlighting his support for Kurdish interests in US policymaking.
The Kurdistan Region has previously partnered with the United States in counterterrorism and regional stability initiatives. link
ABU SNWE UPDATE
ABU SNWE
@s... 9h
Wow, news headlines in the Arab world ...
The arms and legs of the octopus have been completely cut, except for Iraq ...
Iraq must decide whether to stand by America and Israel ...
Or with the Khamenei regime...
Iran has threatened Iraq that if cooperating with America and Israel, I will strike you with myself ...
President Trump also threatened Iraq: If you want to stay octopus, I will cut you myself ...
Oil Minister: The Iraqi Oil Services Center will transfer well revenues to the state treasury.
Oil Minister: The Iraqi Oil Services Center will transfer well revenues to the state treasury.
Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, explained today, Tuesday (May 20, 2025), that the establishment of the Iraqi Center for Oil Services will transfer financial revenues from oil extraction and well drilling to the state treasury instead of going to foreign companies.
Al-Sawad said in a statement to Baghdad Today, "The well-drilling operations require a number of supporting operations that will be under the control of the center, which will save money for the state treasury."
He pointed out that "the center has actually proceeded with updating specialized equipment in a number of oil companies, particularly the Basra Oil Company," explaining that "Basra Oil Company purchased some equipment years ago, and after its arrival in Iraq, the selling companies refused to deliver the software to Iraq. However, the company preserved this equipment, and it has now been updated, and it will enter service as important equipment in the oil sector."
Last Friday, the Oil Minister inaugurated the Iraqi Oil Services Center in Basra Governorate, a move he described as significant in achieving self-sufficiency in vital sectors. This move aligns with the government's directives and decisions within the government program, as well as creating national partnerships with the private sector and relevant entities in the oil industry. link
TIDBIT FROM MNT GOAT
Mnt Goat
...the 34th Arab Summit held in Baghdad this past Saturday, May 17, 2025...was a pivotal moment in strengthening Iraq’s regional economic role and consolidating its position as one of the most prominent players in shaping the Arab development map,
at a time when it has risen to fourth place in the Arab world in terms of gross domestic product by 2025.
This is just yet another ride on the RV choo-choo that Iraq took to strengthen its position even more. If later they are going to present a dinar rate much higher than most, if not all middle eastern countries, they better be able to back it up.
The Ministry of Finance is discussing with the World Bank the establishment of a permanent office in Iraq.
The Ministry of Finance is discussing with the World Bank the establishment of a permanent office in Iraq.
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami received a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to discuss joint cooperation, a number of economic and investment issues, and the establishment of a permanent office in Iraq.
The Ministry of Finance stated in a statement received by Al-Jabal that "the meeting focused on expanding the bank's role in Iraq during the next phase, particularly in the areas of supporting the private sector, financing small and medium-sized enterprises, and providing technical assistance to government agencies, in line with the priorities of the government program to improve the business environment and develop infrastructure."
According to the statement, the two sides discussed "the progress made in the negotiations on the Host Country Agreement, which aims to enable the Bank to establish a permanent office in Iraq, facilitate its mission of providing technical and advisory support, and expand its network of cooperation with local institutions."
Potential areas of cooperation were also reviewed, including renewable energy, transportation, and modernizing the financial sector, which would contribute to attracting investments and stimulating economic growth. link
IWFG1818: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Stabilization of Iraq
FIREFLY: They say we are still very safe and stable with our reserves and secure
Frank26
[Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]
FIREFLY: Television says our foreign reserves have fallen to $100 billion from $110 billion...We'll make that up next month.
But they say we are still very safe and stable with our reserves and secure.
Frank26
Question: "Won't the black market get away when they raise the rate?"
No! The black market will be annihilated. There won't be a need for the black market. The black market is there because they're trying to rip off the Iraqi citizens.
Once you have an established exchange rate, no. 1310 is not established. It's a program rate.
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ: "We are in a 36-48 hour window"
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ
Member: From another intel provider: (TS) Well folks, I have received notifications that we are in a 36-48 hour window from 3 sources. Europe, China and our Treasury.
I along with a few brokers and my bankers are attempting to confirm any one or all of these notifications.
I have never had this many indications all in the same period of time, but one notification was for tomorrow night was the drop dead timeline for this to go. Be safe, say your prayers and God bless. From 11: 48 last night. ;
MZ: That fits with the bankers looking for Wed. night through Saturday. I am just trying not to let myself get to excited.
Al-Sudani: Iraq presented important initiatives regarding digital transformation during the Arab Summit.
Al-Sudani: Iraq presented important initiatives regarding digital transformation during the Arab Summit.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed Iraq's commitment to continuing coordination with Nokia on Monday, noting that Iraq presented important initiatives regarding digital transformation and artificial intelligence during the Arab Summit.
The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement seen by Al-Eqtisad News, "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received, on Monday, the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Iraq, Anu Saarela, accompanied by a delegation representing the executive directors of the Finnish telecommunications and information technology company Nokia."
He added, "During the meeting, we discussed ways to develop cooperation, particularly in the fields of information technology and modern digital technologies. The company's delegation provided His Excellency with a detailed explanation of its programs and plans to implement the digital transformation project and its services in the field of artificial intelligence and fifth generation communications. "
Al-Sudani affirmed "Iraq's commitment to continuing coordination with Nokia to secure the infrastructure for the digital transformation project in government departments and institutions and across various sectors," noting that "the government has laid the foundations for legislation and laws and created centers dedicated to developing this technology and providing the required technologies."
He stressed that "Iraq presented, during the Arab Summit, important initiatives regarding digital transformation and artificial intelligence."
For her part, the ambassador congratulated the Prime Minister "on the successful organization of the Arab Summit, and the strengthening of Iraq's role at the Arab and regional levels, in addition to the government's success in providing services and implementing development projects." She emphasized that "Nokia is determined to contribute effectively to providing the infrastructure for the digital transformation project through contracts concluded with Iraqi companies." link
Coffee with Zester and MarkZ 5-20-2025
Coffee with Zester and MarkZ 5-20-2025
Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim
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 Zester, Mark, mods and everyone else.
Member: RV there yet??
Zester- Good morning to all…Pops will be back tomorrow night for the Wed. night podcast
Zester: MarkZ will be popping in to give an update now.
MZ: Happy birthday Koukla….Good morning everyone
MZ: We are getting all kinds of information….the question is what is really “solid”
MZ: Banking sources are saying now to watch between now and Saturday.
MZ: A Bond source, along with their attorneys are expecting news by 5 pm est tomorrow. I am planning on a podcast tomorrow night around 8 pm est. A short update on Whiskey and Wisdom. . I may do a short recording for tonight as I get news today.
Member: Just to be clear – a number of bonds have already been paid- right?
MZ: All I can tell you is a lot of money has been moving and in place according to paymasters, banks and bond holders. And initiated. We are waiting to see if it is spendable. Hopefully I can say more tonight and tomorrow night.
Member: Is it happening this week for t4b ? this has been dragging on long enough
Member: Mark, any further news from your Group contacts? There was some confusion last week with the Indian Nations…
Member: (From Dinar Guru) Mnt Goat I have been told years ago and this still holds true today that when the CBI is ready to conduct the Project to Delete the Zeros in-country, we will not have to guess or spread rumors about it. It will come out in the news...as all Iraqi citizens must know about this event and will know. It will be common knowledge. There is no hiding it. For us investors this is our que to know that of what comes next, the reinstatement.
MZ: That checks out. In today’s world…they will not be able to hide it;
Member: From another intel provider: (TS) Well folks, I have received notifications that we are in a 36-48 hour window from 3 sources. Europe, China and our Treasury. I along with a few brokers and my bankers are attempting to confirm any one or all of these notifications. I have never had this many indications all in the same period of time, but one notification was for tomorrow night was the drop dead timeline for this to go. Be safe, say your prayers and God bless. From 11: 48 last night.
MZ: That fits with the bankers looking for Wed. night through Saturday. I am just trying not to let myself get to excited.
Member: Question, with Syria running forward to get reevaluated at breakneck speed after sanctions were lifted, does that mean Iraq pretty much has to revalue now?
MZ: Pretty much…Syria is hoping to be in the same basket as Iraq. It definitely appears that way.
Member: so will Iran be in the basket now?
MZ: It is sure starting to look that way. If Iraq and Syria go at the same time- think of the stability it will bring to this region.
Member: Rumor appeared that the new back wall in 6/15 due to implementation of digital sovereignty and Sudani’s resistance to revaluation?
Member: I heard late last night , Iraq got a hard Back Date of June 15th by the IMF to have it done. Or expect Sudani to resign and step down.
Member: Erbil, capital of Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has recognized among the world’s safest cities, earning a score of approximately 81/100 in the "Safety" category of the latest World Travel Index rankings.
Member: The US Treasury just shocked Americans with a $258B surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history
Zester: I continue to be amazed as we continue to see DOGE cutting waste, fraud and abuse and at seeing a sound money policy and how quickly things are improving.
Member: After first tier of currency are done ? When will second tier of currency starts ??
Member: there are about 7 people in the world who might know the answer to that. It's possible that all countries will revalue simultaneously.
Member: Praying the money tree flourishing and ready for the picking! Come on RV!!!
Member: This is a 3 day Memorial Day weekend…..Is it the one we are waiting for???
Member: Everyone have a great day.
Al-Sudani: Iraq is keen to continue coordination with Nokia to secure the infrastructure for the digital transformation project.
Al-Sudani: Iraq is keen to continue coordination with Nokia to secure the infrastructure for the digital transformation project.
Today , Monday, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq's keenness to continue coordination with Nokia to secure the infrastructure for the digital transformation project.
The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by Al-Youm Al-Akhbariya that "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received, today, Monday, the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Iraq, Anu Saarela, accompanied by a delegation representing the executive directors of the Finnish company Nokia, which specializes in the field of communications and information technology.
" The statement added that "during the meeting, ways to develop cooperation were discussed, especially in the fields of information technology and modern digital technologies, as the company's delegation provided a detailed explanation to Al-Sudani about its programs and plans to implement the digital transformation project and its services in the field of artificial intelligence and fifth generation communications."
Al-Sudani affirmed "Iraq's keenness to
continue coordination with Nokia to secure the infrastructure for the digital transformation project in government departments and institutions, and in various sectors."
He pointed out that "the government has laid the foundations for legislation and laws, and created centers concerned with developing this technology and providing the required technologies," indicating that "Iraq presented, during the Arab Summit, important initiatives regarding digital transformation and artificial intelligence."
For her part, Ambassador Al-Sudani congratulated "the successful organization of the Arab Summit and the strengthening of Iraq's role at the Arab and regional levels, in addition to the government's success in providing services and implementing development projects," stressing that "Nokia is determined to contribute effectively to providing the infrastructure for the digital transformation project, through contracts concluded with Iraqi companies." link
ABU SNWE UPDATE
ABU SNWE
Is my words clear, do you want to scream at your ear until you hear me? I repeat my words a million times. The reason for the delay in re -evaluation is the corrupt system that is part of its deep state.
It is Iran's arm in the Middle East.. All corrupt systems will be overthrown where it was
-----
I repeat and say I do not mean to re -evaluate.
I have a greater goal, which is to get rid of the corrupt system in Iraq because the cause of ruin. As for the month of July, we are in Iraq with a weapon in this month I expect a revolution or demonstrations begins within the next two months.
Rome addresses Baghdad economically: We propose an investment forum to deepen bilateral partnership.
Rome addresses Baghdad economically: We propose an investment forum to deepen bilateral partnership.
The Italian government has expressed its desire to organize a joint economic forum with Iraq, bringing together businessmen and investors from both countries, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade and investment cooperation between Baghdad and Rome.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement received by {Euphrates News} a copy of it, that: “Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, received today, Monday, the Undersecretary of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Maria Tripodi, in Baghdad.”
At the beginning of the meeting, Tripodi congratulated the minister on the remarkable developments taking place in Baghdad, as well as on the success of the recent Arab Summit. She noted that she had held important and fruitful political and economic discussions during her visit, and affirmed her country's desire to organize an Iraqi-Italian economic forum with the participation of businessmen from both countries.
The Foreign Ministry added, "The meeting discussed developments in the region, with both sides affirming their convergence of views on a number of issues, while expressing optimism about the ongoing positive developments."
For his part, Fuad Hussein expressed his "satisfaction with the results of the discussions held by the Italian official in Baghdad," stressing that "bilateral relations are witnessing significant growth, and there is a shared ambition to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two countries." link
SANDY INGRAM: SPECIAL REPORT: Why does the value of the Iraqi dinar fluctuate?
SANDY INGRAM: SPECIAL REPORT: Why does the value of the Iraqi dinar fluctuate?
Highlights
Summary
The video addresses the ongoing fluctuations of the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) against the US Dollar, emphasizing the complexity and external influences affecting the currency’s value. Foremost among these issues is Iraq’s pressure to comply with global financial standards, particularly those targeting anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing.
The United States plays a crucial role in enforcing these standards and has made clear that Iraq’s dollar transactions will face restrictions unless full compliance is achieved. This enforcement has caused increased scrutiny, especially due to concerns about US dollars leaking into the hands of Iranian interests.
The Trump administration exerted significant pressure on Iraq to curb this flow of currency to Iran, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in the region. Iraqi leaders have responded with urgency, urging swift upgrades to the banking system to prevent further financial leaks.
Meanwhile, the divergence between the official IQD exchange rate and the parallel market rate is growing wider, with the latter representing the actual living costs for everyday Iraqis. The channel maintains a watchful eye on these developments, aiming to provide ongoing updates about the IQD’s value and underlying causes of its fluctuations.
- 💵 IQD experiencing persistent fluctuations against the US dollar due to complex geopolitical and financial pressures.
- 🌍 Iraq under pressure to meet global anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing standards.
- 🇺🇸 US insists on Iraq’s full compliance as a condition for unrestrained dollar transactions.
- 🇮🇷 Increasing amounts of US dollars are reportedly reaching Iranian hands within Iraq.
- 🏦 Iraqi Prime Minister prioritizes swift banking upgrades to prevent currency leaks.
- 📉 Gap between official and parallel market IQD exchange rates is widening, reflecting economic strain.
- 🔔 Continuous monitoring of IQD value changes by informed channels promised.
Key Insights
💼 Global Compliance as a Key Determinant of Currency Stability: The video highlights that Iraq’s ability to maintain a stable IQD value heavily depends on its compliance with international financial regulations. This linkage shows how monetary policy cannot be analyzed in isolation but is deeply affected by regulatory and geopolitical frameworks, especially in conflict-affected countries. Non-compliance invites sanctions or restrictions that directly impact currency liquidity and valuation.
🌐 Geopolitical Tensions Drive Financial Policy: US efforts to curb Iranian influence by restricting dollar movement in Iraq reveal how international political objectives affect Iraq’s internal financial systems. This intervention disrupts the regular flow of currency and services and places Iraq at the crossroads of competing power interests, causing instability in exchange rates.
💵 Currency Leakage and Economic Vulnerability: The leak of US dollars to Iran poses a significant challenge for Iraq’s financial security and economic sovereignty. Dollars leaving the official banking channels increase pressure on the IQD’s exchange rate, impede monetary policy effectiveness, and weaken economic control, illustrating the challenge faced by emerging economies adjacent to volatile geopolitical zones.
⏳ Urgency in Banking System Reforms: The Iraqi Prime Minister’s insistence on rapid banking upgrades underscores the critical need for infrastructure modernization to withstand external pressures. Robust banking systems can enhance transparency, reduce illicit financial flows, and stabilize currency markets by fostering trust among investors and citizens.
📉 Parallel Market vs. Official Exchange Rate Disparity: The widening gap between official and parallel market exchange rates reflects a fundamental disconnect between government-set valuations and the realities faced by ordinary Iraqis. This disparity often arises in economies grappling with inflation, political uncertainty, or foreign exchange shortages, leading to a dual exchange system that affects imports, pricing, and public confidence.
🔄 Information Gaps and Conflicting Narratives: The fluctuating reports and lack of consistent clarity about the reasons behind IQD changes highlight the challenges in obtaining transparent, reliable financial news during politically charged times. This confusion complicates decision-making for investors, businesses, and policymakers.
🔍 Continuous Monitoring Is Crucial: The commitment to ongoing updates on IQD fluctuations reflects the dynamic nature of Iraq’s financial environment. In such cases, constant vigilance allows stakeholders to react timely to shifts, understand underlying causes, and adapt strategies accordingly for both economic and political risk mitigation.
Overall, the video offers a layered understanding of IQD value fluctuations not merely as an economic phenomenon but as a consequence of intertwined regulatory, geopolitical, and domestic economic challenges. It stresses the importance of comprehensive reforms and international cooperation to stabilize Iraq’s currency and financial system within a highly complex regional context.
Finance: Ernst & Young contracted to evaluate Iraqi insurance companies.
Finance: Ernst & Young contracted to evaluate Iraqi insurance companies.
The Minister of Finance announcedSami's SpectreToday, Monday, contractedIraqWith the company "Ernest"Young" Global to evaluate the performance of government insurance companies and make recommendations to determine their fate.
Sami told the official agency, which followed it:Alsumaria NewsHer ministry, "based on the directives ofcabinetI contracted with the international company Ernst & Young to evaluate the work of government insurance companies.
She added , "The company's role will focus on submitting technical recommendations to the ministry regarding merging, restructuring, or improving the current performance of these companies, in line with international best practices and standards."Ministry of FinanceIn 2023, it announced its selection of the international audit firm "Ernest"Young" and its headquartersAmerica...to "review its financial statements, as a first step in efforts to correct and reform financial policy, consistent with the principles of the Iraqi government's reform program," according to an official statement issued at the time. link
TIDBIT FROM FRANK26
Frank26
IMO all the groundwork...fundamentals, everything that is needed in order to bring forth the new exchange rate is here. It's established.
It's been established. The new exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar is being protected by the Gazette Article 12-2c.
The only way a new exchange rate can come to Iraq is because many from the IMF to the World bank to the United States Treasury all are done helping the CBI...
IMO the next step will be to show them the lower notes and then the new exchange rate together simultaneously...
Al-Sudani directs contracting with two international companies to contribute to raising Iraq's credit rating.
Al-Sudani directs contracting with two international companies to contribute to raising Iraq's credit rating.
5/19/2025 - Baghdad
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired a special meeting on Monday to discuss financing private sector projects under the Sovereign Guarantees Initiative.
The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement received by Al-Eqtisad News that "the meeting discussed mechanisms to facilitate procedures for achieving industrial development, the work of the Sovereignty Guarantees Committee, and the significant economic shift it has achieved in supporting the private sector, as part of the government's vision to achieve economic reform."
Al-Sudani directed "finding quick solutions to simplify legal and administrative procedures to facilitate the implementation and success of small business lending and sovereign guarantee initiatives, emphasizing the importance of adopting the economic reform approach and its paths to develop projects."
The Prime Minister also directed "contracting with two international companies, one specializing in international law and global economics, to work as an advisor to the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI), and the other specializing in public relations, to contribute to raising Iraq's credit rating." LINK
TIDBIT FROM PIMPY
Pimpy
Article: "Prime Minister's Advisor: Baghdad summit took place regularly and Iraq regained its leading role" This is an important place for Iraq.
They once were the lead over in the Middle East and it looks like they're regaining their spot...
There are big things coming for Iraq and Iraqi people all tied into the economy. I'm looking forward to seeing Iraq grow...
PM Barzani’s U.S. Visit Focuses on Energy, Constitutional Rights, and Bilateral Ties
PM Barzani’s U.S. Visit Focuses on Energy, Constitutional Rights, and Bilateral Ties
5/19/2025 By Dler Mohammed ERBIL —
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s current visit to the United States has been described as “exceptionally strategic” as it comes at a critical juncture in both domestic and regional politics. The visit marks the first of its kind by a Kurdish leader under the Trump administration, underscoring Washington’s intent to strengthen its partnership with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Noreldin Waisy, Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Prime Minister Barzani, emphasized the significance of the visit, which comes in response to an official invitation from the U.S. government. He said the visit is a milestone for Kurdish-American relations and serves as an opportunity to advance shared strategic interests.
Waisi emphasized that the KRG is not seeking conflict but rather a constitutional resolution to its disputes with Baghdad. His remarks came during an interview with the London-based Arabic-language daily newspaper Al Arab, where he elaborated on the region’s priorities ahead of PM Barzani’s meetings in the U.S.
“This visit is crucial not just for bilateral relations but for amplifying the Kurdistan Region’s perspective to the international community,” Waisy stated. “It comes at a time when Erbil is deeply frustrated with Baghdad’s failure to uphold constitutional agreements—especially in matters of oil revenues and federal budget entitlements.”
Barzani’s agenda in Washington includes high-level meetings with senior U.S. officials, members of Congress, policy think tanks, and American investors. He is also expected to take part in a specialized energy forum, where multiple agreements and MoUs with leading U.S. energy firms are anticipated.
Tensions with Baghdad Take Center Stage
Waisy accused the federal government of systematic financial pressure, including the deliberate withholding of Kurdistan’s share of the federal budget and delay in civil servant salaries.
He blamed Baghdad for violating multiple signed agreements, including the foundational “State Administration Agreement” that led to the formation of Iraq’s current government. “The federal government’s actions reflect a deeply entrenched centralist mindset that seeks to undermine the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region,” he said.
The core grievance centers on what Waisy described as “chronic violations” of revenue-sharing principles. “Despite the Kurdistan Regional Government’s transparency and legal compliance, Baghdad continues to use financial entitlements, particularly salary payments, as a political tool,” he added.
Energy Export Impasse and Federal Overreach
Touching on the energy file, Waisy said the federal government’s ongoing obstruction of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region—now lasting over two years—has inflicted losses amounting to billions of dollars on both the regional and national economies.
“Baghdad’s aim is clear: to keep Kurdistan excluded from the global energy map and force concessions that infringe on our constitutional authorities,” Waisy noted. “This is a broader effort to dominate Iraq’s wealth through centralized control.”
Public Opinion Warfare
Waisy also criticized what he called a “disinformation campaign” by certain Baghdad politicians who portray the Kurdistan Region as a burden on the rest of Iraq. “They frame the delayed and partial salary payments as a benevolent gesture rather than a constitutional right,” he said. “In reality, what is sent to the Region accounts for less than 5% of its rightful entitlements—far below the 14% share affirmed by recent demographic data.”
A Call for International Support and Federal Reassessment
Concluding his remarks, Waisy expressed hope that Barzani’s meetings in Washington would garner stronger international support for Kurdistan’s constitutional rights and further institutionalize its strategic alliance with the United States.
However, he warned of rising risks: “If Baghdad continues down this centralist path, the result could be irreversible deterioration in Erbil-Baghdad relations—jeopardizing not only the political balance but also the broader stability of Iraq.”
Waisy called on the federal government to take immediate and concrete steps to redress grievances and restore mutual trust. “The ball is in Baghdad’s court,” he said, “but the consequences of inaction will be felt across the entire Iraqi political landscape.” LINK
TIDBIT FROM SANDY INGRAM
Sandy Ingram
BP is helping Iraq's economy grow. Their investments are creating jobs and bringing in money. This is goodness for the Iraqi dinar...When the economy is strong the currency usually gets stronger too.
This means people in Iraq can buy more with their money. It also makes Iraq more attractive to foreign investors.
As investors we are looking for more foreign investments and safety for these investors.
We are also looking forward to a time when foreign countries need billions more IQD to ship goods from the Gulf to Europe. These are factors that will drive the value of the IQD up.
MAJEED: 💥 From Zeros to Value: How Iraq’s Currency Reform Could Transform the IQD 💥
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