DINAR REVALUATION UPDATE:Iranian Influence in Iraqi Government Bureaucracy and Legal System in 2024, 26 AUGUST

Iranian Influence in Iraqi Government Bureaucracy and Legal System in 2024

In 2024, Iranian sympathizers have permeated various levels of Iraq's government and legal system, significantly impacting national policy and the daily lives of Iraqis. 

1 The Popular Mobilization Force (PMF), an umbrella organization for multiple militias, stands out as a key instrument of Iranian influence. 1 This group's growing power within Iraq's political and institutional landscape has fueled concerns over the country's sovereignty. 1

PMF's Role and Expansion

Since 2022, the PMF has markedly enhanced its influence over the Iraqi state and government. 1 Initially formed in response to the Islamic State's (ISIS) advance and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's call to defend Iraq in 2014, the PMF has evolved into a dominant force. 1 Its expansion has been facilitated by Iran's backing, with the PMF's leaders often expressing loyalty to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. 4

Penetration of Iraqi Institutions

The PMF's influence is not confined to security and military affairs but extends into the political realm. For instance, the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) movement, an Iran-backed militia, has made concerted efforts to control the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. 2  This control allows the group to recruit young cadres and undermine the youth reform movements that have challenged the militias' authority. 2

Impact on Iraqi Society

The pervasive Iranian influence in Iraq affects not only the government and legal system but also impacts the lives of ordinary Iraqis. The case of Sara Saleem, a dual Iraqi-American citizen and leading businesswoman, illustrates the perils faced by those who challenge Iran-backed actors. 5 Saleem was coerced into securing a substantial loan and transferring shares of her real estate company to her partners, who are believed to have close ties with Iran. 5Her subsequent kidnapping by an Iran-backed militia underscores the risks involved in opposing such entities. 5

Implications for U.S. Interests

The increasing Iranian influence in Iraq poses challenges to U.S. interests in the region. The U.S. has been a target of attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq, particularly since the escalation of tensions in 2023. 1 These attacks have not only endangered American lives but also threatened the relative stability Iraq had enjoyed in recent years. 3

U.S. Response and Policy Considerations

To counter Iranian influence, U.S. policy must focus on strengthening Iraq's autonomy and resilience. This involves supporting Iraq's financial institutions through global integration and digitization, as well as fostering broader ties between Iraq and other countries, including Gulf states. 3 Additionally, maintaining a military presence in Iraq and considering decisive military measures to address attacks by Iran-backed militias are critical for protecting U.S. interests and preventing an ISIS resurgence. 1

Conclusion

As of August 26, 2024, Iranian sympathizers within Iraq's government and legal system continue to exert significant influence, shaping national policy and impacting the daily lives of Iraqis. The U.S. must adopt a multifaceted approach to counter this influence, focusing on strengthening Iraq's institutions, maintaining a military presence, and considering targeted military actions.

A revealing case in Iraq , 26 AUGUST

 By Greg Tosi

Real Clear Wire

In the Middle East, much of the world’s attention is on the conflict in Gaza and appropriately so.

But other challenges remain. In Iraq, where American military forces liberated the country from the evil clutches of Saddam Hussein just a few years ago, the independence of an American ally is increasingly in doubt. Iranian sympathizers exist at all levels of Iraqi’s government bureaucracy and legal system. Iraqi governmental decisions are made not in the best interests of the Iraqi people, but in the best interests of Iran’s mullahs.

 This perverse Iranian influence threatens American interests and undermines two decades of U.S. effort in blood and treasure to bring democracy and prosperity to Iraq. The Iranian influence affects national policy and the daily lives of Iraqis.

One legal case is particularly revealing. Sara Saleem, a dual Iraqi-American citizen, is a leading businesswoman in Iraq. Her company competes for and regularly wins the biggest construction contracts in Iraq. She has developed housing and commercial projects in every region of Iraq. Today, however, she must live in Virginia because Iranian interests threaten her life.

Ten years ago, Saleem entered a business partnership with three brothers. Saleem’s partners – Nizar, Namir, and Ramez Hanna Nasri – used what she believes were deceptive tactics to persuade her to secure a $100 million loan from the Trade Bank of Iraq. They convinced her to transfer these funds to them and to relinquish half of her real estate company’s shares without compensation and with the promise of significantly expanding the Safah project in the Basra Governorate.

Shortly after that, an Iran-backed militia – working with the Nasri brothers – kidnapped Saleem. With courage and tenacity, Sara escaped captivity and returned to a relatively normal, everyday suburban life. Since then, the Nasri brothers have been convicted of criminal fraud in Iraq and are under house arrest. Unfortunately, Saleem must continuously look over her shoulder, and the Nasri brothers still own half of Sara’s construction company, worth tens of millions of dollars.

Saleem’s civil case is pending appeal before Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council. Lower courts have ruled both for her and against her. The president of the Supreme Judicial Council is Faeq Zaidan. 

The U.S. House of Representatives has labeled Zaidan a “tool of Iranian influence” in legislation. Zaidan will make the final decision on Saleem’s case, and she fears Iran’s influence in Iraq’s court system will cause an unjust decision to be meted out by the Iraqi judiciary.

An article recently published in Iraq hints that Prime Minister Sudani, who relies on Iran-backed militias for security, might have intervened on behalf of the Nasri brothers. Here is the key paragraph in English: 

“The story begins with heavy steps, about the director of the Iraqi Trade Bank, who was informed of a ‘semi-mandatory’ order from government decision-making agencies, and delivered to him a decree that does not violate, a decree covered with poison, but pretending to be honey, in a proposed settlement for the file of Hanna's children by paying half the amount looted by them, while the other half, paid by Sara Hamid, owner of the company "Falcon Al-Jareh Real Estate Investments," to be this woman victim of this deal.”

Freedom of the press is limited in Iraq. Only the most veiled reference to the highest level of power is advisable. Thus, an “order from government decision-making agencies” really means the prime minister. Prime Minister Sudani and President Zaidan have a chance to show that Iraq is not a tool of Iran and that it will stand against corruption and malign foreign influence by giving Sara Saleem control of her company. 

Saleem’s case might appear to be a small, isolated dispute in the global scheme of international relations, but it will be highly indicative of Iraq’s future. While much of the world’s attention is on Gaza, the Biden administration would be well advised to use its good offices to ensure justice for Sara Saleem in Baghdad.

Greg Tosi is a former senior staff member in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

https://highlandcountypress.com/opinions/revealing-case-iraq#gsc.tab=0

"THE RV HAS STARTED FOR BONDHOLDERS" BY WOLVERINE, 26 AUGUST

Sun 25 2024 Wolverine

The Whales are receiving their appts and going to Colombia and to Reno! Tier4A funds are released. It is taking longer than expected… it is a process. All is coming through. 

Today or tomorrow, we will have good news for Tier4B and then the opera will be released.  

I was hoping to be under NDA today, but it is slow, but I will get that call coming through! This is about helping humanity and our families. We want to help all we can. Whatever is possible. Private contractors are now getting paid as well.  The amount of money these people are receiving fathoms the mind.

 Sadly, one of my huge whales in Mexico who waited a long time for this RV, has d**d in poverty, he had no money, and hopefully his assets can be passed on to his family.

 Most of the whales have no money…many sold all they had to get their bonds or have lost their businesses due to world events. 

 I know a huge whale in Germany who lost his business and is struggling, but he has huge amounts of boxes. 

Not all whales are rich.

 Fortunately, my whale is well off, and I am lucky. 

In summary, the RV has started for bondholders and Tier4B is waiting for today or tomorrow, and today there is still time to get notifications for Tier4B. 

You are also seeing people getting debits released for Nesara and Gesara.

 Hopefully we will get good news! I think we all would like to have our debts paid off! Yellow Dragon bonds are available till our whale gets his notifications. 

 Send me a message if you are interested. Things are happening. Hold on. I am very sure we will get through this during this week.  Take care, Wolverine

MILITIAMAN: IQD Update-Iraq Dinar News - #iraqidinar Central Bank-New York City-Iraq...

DINAR REVALUATION UPDATE: Al Sudani’s Ambitious Energy Plans for Iraq in 2024: A New Era Dawns, 26 AUGUST

Al Sudani’s Ambitious Energy Plans for Iraq in 2024: A New Era Dawns

Iraq's Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, has embarked on a transformative journey to reshape the country's energy sector, aiming to reduce its dependency on Iran and enhance its energy independence by 2030. 1 His ambitious plans, which have garnered attention and support from US companies and the government, could signal the beginning of a new era for Iraq's energy landscape. 3

Strategic Initiatives and Collaborations

During a pivotal visit to the United States, Prime Minister Al Sudani met with President Joe Biden and several American companies to discuss and finalize strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Iraq's power sector.  2 Key among these was an announcement by GE Vernova, which outlined plans to boost power generation and enhance the availability of power supply across Iraq by injecting an additional 3 gigawatts (GW) of energy into the grid through highly efficient combined cycle power plants. 2

The Role of US Companies

American companies, including KBR, Transatlantic Petroleum, Honeywell/UOP, Baker Hughes, Emerson, Arc Energy, and GE, are working closely with RASEP, a Baghdad-based energy infrastructure developer, to develop one of the world's largest oil and gas fields—Nahr Bin Umar in southern Iraq.  3 This project includes the development of an associated liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility near Basra, which could become operational within the decade. 3

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The Iraqi government has approved the construction of the country's first LNG regasification import terminal in the southern port of Al-Faw, which could potentially be converted into an export terminal. 3 This move, alongside other energy sector developments, is expected to create thousands of local direct and indirect jobs, stabilize Iraq's economy, and expand the country's treasury. 3

Addressing Emissions and Climate Change

Iraq is a promising market for American energy and technology companies, with investments in the energy sector also aimed at addressing emission reduction goals. 3 These efforts reinforce US governmental initiatives towards climate change, highlighting the mutual benefits of economic development and environmental sustainability. 3

A Comprehensive Relationship

Prime Minister Al Sudani's visit to the US also underscored the desire for a 360-degree, comprehensive relationship between the two nations. 4 This includes a focus on economic, educational, and people-to-people domains, beyond the traditional security and military ties. 4

Security and Cooperation

Despite domestic and Iranian pressure to reduce the US military presence, Al Sudani is keen on managing this pressure in a way that does not detract from his broader political and economic agenda. 4 The establishment of the Higher Military Commission (HMC) by Iraq and the United States in August 2023 is aimed at transitioning from the anti-ISIS coalition mission to bilateral security relations. 4

A New Chapter for Iraq

Al Sudani's ambitious energy plans, coupled with strategic collaborations with US companies and the government, could indeed signal a new era for Iraq, marked by enhanced energy independence, economic stability, and a more comprehensive partnership with the United States. 1