Tuesday, July 15, 2025
IMPLICATIONS OF TRUMP’S “GREAT IRAQ” SPEECH: A COURTSHIP WITH THE OPPOSITION OR A CONDITIONAL MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT?
IMPLICATIONS OF TRUMP’S “GREAT IRAQ” SPEECH: A COURTSHIP WITH THE OPPOSITION OR A CONDITIONAL MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT?
Political and strategic affairs researcher Ali Nasser confirmed today, Thursday (July 10, 2025), that US President Donald Trump’s recent message to Iraq, in which he described the country as “great Iraq,” carries symbolic and political dimensions that may shape the relationship between Baghdad and Washington in the coming period, especially in light of the accelerating regional changes.
Nasser told Baghdad Today , “Trump’s message included striking phrases such as ‘Great Iraq’ and ‘We will never disappoint you.’ These are not just diplomatic compliments, but carry profound implications related to the future of bilateral relations between the two countries.”
He explained that “the United States continues to view Iraq as a key pillar of its Middle East strategy, amid shifts related to tariffs, investment, and military alliances.”
“Great Iraq” is a term with a double effect.
Trump’s description of Iraq as “great” has sparked various interpretations within Iraqi political circles. According to Nasser, some analysts linked the term to attempts to court Iraqi opposition groups abroad, who had previously officially called for changing the country’s name from “Iraq” to “Great Iraq,” as a symbol of a break with the current political regime.
But Nasser believes that “the United States uses this symbolic language as part of its balanced messages, especially if it obtains Iraqi guarantees regarding the protection of its regional interests and the expansion of economic and security partnerships.”
Nasser points out that the other phrase in Trump’s message, “We will never let you down,” represents what he described as a “double-edged sword,” as it could be interpreted as a conditional commitment from Washington to continue support if the Iraqi government proves its ability to fulfill its commitments, most notably protecting American interests, stabilizing the region, and signing new bilateral agreements beyond the strategic framework.
He also warned that “the absence of these guarantees could push the United States to strengthen its alliance with Iraqi opposition groups abroad,” referring to what he described as “a soft, open-ended political escalation.”
Observers: The message has more than one meaning.
According to observers, Trump’s message goes beyond diplomatic courtesy. Rather, it may mark the beginning of a new phase of the US carrot-and-stick policy toward Iraq, based on a clear trade-off between supporting the current government and opening broader channels with the opposition, should disagreements over security presence and regional influence persist.
Popular readings suggest that the phrase “Great Iraq” may not be entirely innocent, but may instead serve as a cover for a more distant purpose: to enable alternative narratives of political legitimacy within Iraq, and perhaps to reshape national identity from abroad.
MarkZ Morning Recap – July 14, 2025
MarkZ Morning Recap – July 14, 2025
Disclaimer: All content shared reflects MarkZ’s opinion and is for educational purposes only. Always consult a financial professional.
Bond Updates:
No official updates yet on bond payments.
Expectations were that fund wiring could begin today following the implementation of ISO 20022 over the weekend.
Sources out west say the platform is set and testing began this morning.
Banking System:
Global bank upgrades took place over the weekend (including U.S. regional and government institutions).
Redemption center and wealth management staff did not work over the weekend.
Some reports (including from Frank's source “Aki” in Detroit) confirm ISO 20022 testing occurred.
- Read also: Weekend Coffee with MarkZ. 07/12/2025Iraq Developments:
High-level Kurdish meeting was held Sunday night in Baghdad to discuss salaries. Results not yet known.
Iraqi Parliament is back in session, expected to pass important laws and decisions in the coming days.
Concerns rising over economic sanctions linked to oil smuggling from the Kurdish region—putting pressure on Kurdistan.
Precious Metals:
Silver is at $39.08 and possibly heading toward $50 this week.
Reports claim 70 million oz of silver are being called in.
Community Notes:
Some members report currency dealers contacting them to buy back IQD.
Ongoing speculation about how the public will know when the revaluation is triggered.
Final Notes:
No evening podcast unless major news breaks.
Encouragement and gratitude expressed by listeners for the community and ongoing updates.
"A Quiet Comeback: Iraq's Return to World Trade"
AMERICAN MAGAZINE: IRAQ QUIETLY RE-ENTERS INTERNATIONAL TRADE
A report by the American economic analysis magazine Procurement Magazine examined the significant economic and geopolitical benefits and returns of the Iraqi Development Road initiative, extending from the Grand Faw Port to the Turkish border. The report noted that it will be a viable alternative to other trade channels, competing with them in terms of shorter distances and lower costs, transforming the country into a regional logistics hub while creating a multi-source economy beyond oil alone.
The report notes that Iraq’s Development Road project represents a transformative $17 billion infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting the Gulf to Europe. With global shipping facing challenges stemming from regional instability and bottlenecks such as the Suez Canal, Iraq is quietly redefining its role in international trade. This logistics corridor, stretching from the Grand Faw Port in southern Iraq to the Turkish border, represents a strategic alternative that will reshape supply and transportation chains between Asia and Europe.
This major project has been described as “one of the most important infrastructure projects in Iraq since the 1920s.” This faster route delivers direct benefits to procurement by enabling faster supply routes, reducing storage costs, and improving responsiveness to market changes.
The global importance of Iraq’s development route has been highlighted amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis, exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East, where shipping delays have become commonplace. In this context, the Iraqi land corridor offers a practical alternative. In recent weeks, truck drivers from Poland and Germany have completed journeys from Europe to the Gulf via Iraq in just ten days, less than half the time required by sea through the Suez Canal.
The journey from Turkey to Kuwait now takes just seven days, and digital border crossings have reduced waiting times by 92%. The TIR (Terrestrial International Transports International) system, which ensures the safe and efficient movement of goods across borders, is already operational, enhancing the flow of cross-border procurement and supply chains. Hamad Al-Hakim, a transport infrastructure expert at the University of Baghdad, told the Middle East Observer earlier this year:
“The development road is expected to become a vital trade corridor, not only for Iraq but for the entire region. By connecting the Gulf to Europe via Turkey, it will serve as a new Silk Road, revitalizing ancient trade routes and promoting economic integration.” This corridor provides a practical alternative to the Suez Canal, meaning greater route diversification and a reduced risk of disruption, thus ensuring more reliable supply chains.
At the heart of the Iraq Development Road project is the Grand Faw Port, currently under construction in the city of Al-Faw. This deep-water port features the world’s longest breakwater, at 14.5 kilometers long, and is expected to handle 7.5 million containers annually, capable of receiving the world’s largest container ships. A 1,200-kilometer road and railway extend from the port to Turkey, and the project is expected to be fully operational by 2028. In addition to the transportation infrastructure, the project plans to develop at least ten new cities along the railway route, along with several industrial zones and logistics centers. The development of these areas will provide new opportunities for local supply.
The development road is not just a logistics project; it represents a geopolitical transformation, charting Iraq’s transformation from a war-torn country to a pivotal regional link. The project is supported by Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, who recognize its potential to boost regional trade and reduce reliance on vulnerable maritime routes.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said of the project: “The Development Road Project represents a crucial step towards building a more stable and prosperous Iraq, based on a diversified economy and enhancing regional cooperation with neighboring countries.”
Türkiye’s participation is pivotal, as it represents the northern endpoint of the corridor, which will connect to Europe via the cities of Mersin and Istanbul.
“The project provides a catalyst for economic prosperity that can benefit the entire region,” said Ranj Alaaldin, a fellow at the Middle East Council on International Affairs. As global trade networks seek to bolster their resilience in the face of geopolitical volatility, Iraq is proving to offer not just a backup plan but potentially a major new artery for trade. This project will redraw the region’s economic map, transforming Iraq into an alternative trade artery at the heart of Eurasia.
This means transforming the country from an importer of opportunities to an exporter of corridors, creating a diversified economy that moves away from its reliance on oil alone.
MNT GOAT: "Trump’s Tariffs Push Iraq to Choose: Align with the U.S. or Face Isolation"
MNT GOAT
"TRUMP PUTS IRAQ AT A CROSSROADS: JOIN THE
WEST OR FACE SANCTIONS" "US TARIFFS OPEN THE DOOR TO PARTNERSHIP: IRAQ CALLS FOR ACTIVATING THE ECONOMIC AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON."
"the customs duties imposed by the United States on Iraqi products can be transformed from a
challenge into a real opportunity to support the national economy and enhance joint cooperation."
He explained that "the new customs duties do not currently have a direct impact on the volume of trade between Iraq and the United States, given that Iraqi exports to the United States primarily rely on oil, which is not subject to such duties."
He noted that "if Iraq diversifies its exports in the future, the impact will be significant, which calls for investing in this step to strengthen economic dialogue
between the two countries." Trump is asking Iraq to ditch Iran entirely, it's militias in Iraq and illegal oil sales smuggling for Iran. Does this U.S./Iraq Economic Agreement also mean a currency reinstatement to go
along with it if Iraq complies? Pressure is mounting on Iraq.
Their words not mine.....
IRAQ LAUNCHES PROJECT TO ISSUE LOCAL ELECTRONIC PAYMENT CARDS
IRAQ LAUNCHES PROJECT TO ISSUE LOCAL ELECTRONIC PAYMENT CARDS
Iraq has launched a project to issue a local electronic payment card, aiming to enhance financial trust between the public and the government. This is part of Baghdad’s efforts to strengthen its digital infrastructure and provide secure and reliable electronic payment solutions that support the national economy.
The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed – in an official letter addressed to all banks and electronic payment companies – that this national system for local electronic payment cards will be implemented gradually, and that the card identifiers (BIN) and application identifiers (AID) will be issued exclusively by the Central Bank.
The cards represent an additional local option for use within Iraq exclusively in Iraqi dinars. The bank emphasized that they do not replace or restrict existing international cards such as Visa Card and MasterCard, but rather complement the financial system and provide a national alternative, according to the bank.
Release Date
Government economic advisor Alaa Al-Fahd expects the national electronic payment card to be launched before the end of 2025, as part of the Central Bank of Iraq’s efforts to implement comprehensive financial and banking reforms.
Al-Fahd told Al Jazeera Net that this national card will achieve several key objectives, most notably improving the quality of financial services and reducing fees. It will be a purely local card, he emphasized, noting that it will not replace existing international cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, but will work in tandem with them to enhance the options available to citizens.
Alaa Al-Fahd: The new cards will be exclusively local. He added that the Central Bank will be responsible for issuing this card, and that this approach is already in place in many developed countries. He continued, “The card is unique in that it is intended for local use, and aims to build public confidence and enable control over its operations and procedures nationally and locally.” He described this measure as “natural and legal, aiming to create a competitive environment, improve the quality of services, increase financial inclusion, and enhance public confidence in the local banking sector.”
On February 10, the General Secretariat of the Iraqi Council of Ministers announced the suspension of cash transactions in all state institutions, effective at the end of June. All transactions would be fully electronic beginning July 1.
This decision is the culmination of Iraq’s efforts, which began more than two years ago. The country has witnessed a gradual expansion in the use of electronic payment tools. Government departments have begun implementing this system in several vital sectors, such as traffic, fuel filling, and electricity collection.
This gradual expansion has helped citizens become accustomed to using electronic payments, encouraging the government to move toward full compliance with these transactions.
Positive project
For his part, financial and economic expert Mustafa Hantoush emphasized that the launch of the national plan for a local card system is a very positive project that aligns with the rapid development of electronic payment processes.
Hantoush told Al Jazeera Net that the system will include an internal network and a national center that will allow companies to subscribe and issue their own payment cards. He noted that the system will be independent of any international sanctions or restrictions and will operate in Iraqi dinars to ensure the continuity of financial transactions on a permanent and stable basis.
He added that existing international cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, will remain valid for those who need to use them outside Iraq, stressing that the local card will feature reasonable fees and transparent data.
He continued: “This card will enhance competition among companies that obtain card issuance services from the Central Bank, providing an easier and more convenient mechanism for dealing in Iraqi dinars, thus meeting the needs of a broad segment of the Iraqi population and ensuring greater data confidentiality.”
Hantoush emphasized the importance of developing the capabilities of the National Electronic Payments Center at the Central Bank of Iraq, suggesting that the central bank will work in the future to establish a national electronic payments company to provide services and issue cards.
There are several types of electronic payment cards available in Iraq, including debit, credit, and prepaid cards issued by banks and payment companies. These cards enable users to make online purchases, withdraw cash, and pay at merchants.
Prominent examples of these cards in Iraq include Visa and MasterCard, which are the most common, as well as the “Ki Card,” a widely used local payment card. The Rafidain credit card also offers special facilities.
Banks such as Ashur , Middle East Bank, and Al-Ahli Bank of Iraq offer a variety of debit cards, MasterCards, and other electronic payment services.
Towards the better
Iraqi businessman Abdul Hassan Al-Ziyadi welcomed the Central Bank of Iraq’s move to launch a national electronic payment card, describing it as a “step towards the better.”
Al-Ziyadi told Al Jazeera Net that this initiative comes in light of previous experiences with unscrupulous companies that caused harm to citizens, as some of their systems were compromised by internet hackers.
He explained that issuing a dedicated card for dealing in the Iraqi local currency and controlling the situation within the country, so that it accommodates the most important projects and transactions of companies, the government, and economic institutions, is an absolutely necessary step.
Al-Ziyadi predicted the success of this card, given that it is a well-considered step managed by the Central Bank of Iraq, despite some concerns about the bank’s work.
He pointed out that Iraq is in dire need of a local identity card to address the challenges of corruption and the numerous problems that lead to the waste of public funds and, consequently, the weakening of public confidence.
Monday Coffee with MarkZ. 07/14/2025
Monday Coffee with MarkZ. 07/14/2025
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 Mark, Mods, and Dinarians!!
Member: Welcome to Monday and a new week.
Member: any bond news this morning Mark?
MZ: No updates yet…but the expectations were to see wiring of funds starting today after ISO 20022 kicked in this weekend.
Member: Well today is supposed to be a big day in the banking world with Iso 20022…. Hope something good happens.
MZ: I was told from connected folks sitting out west that the platform has been set , they are testing this morning …and they have great hopes of moving forward. That’s what I heard from some group leaders.
Member: it’s definitely a slow process. Mark’s bondholders have been saying it’s close for 2 yrs. can’t imagine thinking you’re close for that long.
MZ: We do know they upgraded banks all over the world – including the US. Regional banks, local banks and many government institutions were upgraded over the weekend…I think we may have a lot to watch today.
MZ: Hoping for updates from bonds, banks and groups over the next few days.
Member: Frank said his bank contact Aki was testing the ISO 20022 system in his Detroit banks over the weekend..
MZ: There were a lot of bank personnel that worked over the weekend. . The redemption centere/wealth management folks I know did now work.
MZ: In Iraq : “Baghdad to host a high level Kurdish meeting tonight to discuss the region’s salary file” That was last night. We know they brought in all the heavy hitters….but what we don’t know is “what were the results” They are hopeful for this week.
MZ: “Parliamentary Oil: Iraq is subject to sanctions that may cripple its economy due to the smuggling of Kurdistan” Baghdad is pointing out that many of the threats of sanctions is coming because of smuggling in the northern regions. It could shut down all of Iraq if Kurdistan does not start playing along. There is a lot of pressure on the Kurdish region.
MZ: “House of Representatives resumes its sessions with crucial decisions and important laws” they are finally back to work. We expect to see a lot of decisions out of Iraq over the next few days.
Member: Silver at $39.08
Member: Mark…I heard silver is forcast to go over $50 this week!!!
Member: Recaps has an article from Andy about 70 million oz of silver being called in
MZ: We know its coming.
Member: The Florida and Texas currency exchange sent me a text to see if I want to sell them back my IQD.
Member: I wonder- How will we really know when the revaluation is happening…esp since we dont even know who is pulling the trigger…
Member: Christmas in July would be nice this year
Member: I haven’t said enough .I thank all that make this podcast possible .. I sure think we are so blessed to be able to be together for this wonderful blessing …
Member: Hope everyone has a wonderful day….See you in the AM.
MZ: No podcast tonight unless I get big news throughout today.
THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY
RAFIDAIN BANK INCREASES ELECTRONIC TAX SETTLEMENTS TO MORE THAN 4 TRILLION DINARS DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 2025
RAFIDAIN BANK INCREASES ELECTRONIC TAX SETTLEMENTS TO MORE THAN 4 TRILLION DINARS DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 2025.
Rafidain Bank announced today, Thursday, that electronic collection settlements exceeded 4 trillion dinars during the first half of 2025, compared to approximately 1.89 trillion dinars during the same period in 2024, reflecting an annual growth rate of nearly 113%.
A statement from the bank, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, stated: “Data from the Electronic Collection Settlements Department showed an expansion in the number of government agencies activating the system from 1,395 by the end of January 2024 to 1,979 by the end of June 2025, which directly contributed to the increase in the pace of electronic collection.”
He added, “May 2025 recorded the highest monthly settlement value, at 761 billion dinars, compared to 571 billion dinars in May 2024, confirming the improved operational efficiency of the system and the strengthening of government institutions’ confidence in the electronic payment services provided by the bank.”
The bank explained that “this performance falls within its comprehensive strategy to support the government’s digital transformation program and enhance collection efficiency and public revenues, while adhering to the highest standards of transparency and financial governance, in line with official directives aimed at building an integrated and effective financial system.”
FIREFLY: "New U.S. Trade Map Signals Pressure on Iraq to Drop 1310 Exchange Rate"
Frank26
[Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]
FIREFLY:Television says America's new trade map is now open to Iraq.
FRANK: You know what the map contains? A new exchange rate. You think Trump wants to trade with you guys at 1310? No.
He put tariffs on you instead didn't he? Which tells you, 'I don't want that garbage. Get rid of your 1310, I get rid of the 30%. You don't get rid of the 1310 by the end of this month, I'm going to go with 60%.'
That's not good is it? Yes it is! The pressure not just on Sudani but the GOI, CBI, everybody that's behind the monetary reform.
THE TWO RULING PARTIES IN KURDISTAN ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING THE SALARIES OF THE REGION’S EMPLOYEES
THE TWO RULING PARTIES IN KURDISTAN ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING THE SALARIES OF THE REGION’S EMPLOYEES.
The two ruling parties in the Kurdistan Democratic Region, led by Masoud Barzani, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, headed by Bafel Talabani, held a meeting on Tuesday, during which they agreed to continue negotiations and dialogue to resolve the issue of employee salaries and other issues .
A joint statement by the two parties, received by Mail, stated, “After discussion and analysis of the political, economic, and social dimensions, the two sides agreed to intensify efforts to resolve the problem and provide salaries to employees of the Kurdistan Region, within the framework of the constitution, through joint cooperation between the two sides .”
He added, “Another part of the meeting was devoted to discussing strengthening relations between the Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, to overcome challenges and obstacles, and to protect the entity of the Kurdistan Region and its achievements.
The attendees stressed the “need for unified positions between Kurdish and Iraqi political parties to overcome and resolve this problem.”
(Yes, yes more meetings and more handshakes. How many more…… We have read so many of these dialogues over the last two decades, yet the same issues keep coming up creating problems over and over again because what must be done is not really completed. In today’s Newsletter, I give you a different perspective on things in Iraq and attempt to connect the pieces once again so we can all see the BIG picture.)
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GOLDILOCKS: Banks Ready for Upcoming Currency Swaps – All Tests Finished @DINARREVALUATION #Iraq
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