Frank26
[Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]
FIREFLY: Television shows the United States president canceling the exception to allow Iraq to obtain electricity from Iran.
Television says we have the capability to have our own electricity, enough to handle our own supply.
FRANK: It is being set up to be as powerful as your currency...Trump wants you to stop buying it from Iran...
Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation visits Baghdad and meets a number of officials
2/7/2025 Baghdad /
Baghdad received the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov.
Bogdanov met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and several important figures. During the talks, current issues related to strengthening traditional and friendly Russian-Iraqi relations were discussed, including the implementation of agreements reached at the highest levels.
During the meetings, Moscow and Baghdad's commitment to active political dialogue and strengthening mutual cooperation in various fields, with a focus on trade, economy and energy, were emphasized.
The Russian side expressed its support for the efforts of the Iraqi leadership to enhance internal political stability, combat terrorism, confront security challenges, solve economic and social problems, and enhance Iraq's regional role in the Arab arena. There
was also an in-depth exchange of views on regional issues of common interest, where the need to maintain the ceasefire in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, find a just and rapid solution to the Palestinian issue, and launch a comprehensive political process in Syria with the participation of all ethnic and sectarian components and political forces to ensure its territorial integrity and sovereignty was emphasized. LINK
CRYPTO TRADER
Iraqi PM Discusses Erbil-Baghdad Relations, Future of US Military Presence, Economic Reforms
KurdistanIraqi PMMohammed Shia al-SudaniErbil-Baghdad RelationsUS Military PresenceRegional Power Dynamics
Feb. 7, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy, regional stability, and national economic reform in an exclusive interview with Asharq.
Speaking with journalist Hadeel Alayan in Baghdad, al-Sudani addressed pressing regional and domestic issues, including Iraq’s approach to Syria’s transition, ties with key international players, and efforts to combat corruption and boost economic growth.
The future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq
The Iraqi Premier described the nature of Iraq’s relationship with the United States as “based on shared interests, governed by a single agreement—the Strategic Framework Agreement”.
“This agreement covers various fields, including security, economy, energy, and education,” he added.
Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq and the U.S. remain partners in the fight against terrorism.
“Even after the official conclusion of the international coalition’s mission, bilateral security cooperation will continue to play a crucial role. Moreover, major American companies are actively engaged in Iraq’s energy sector, with both governments exploring additional investment opportunities,” he stated.
“Our government is seriously committed to strengthening these ties, and we have received positive responses from the U.S. administration regarding collaboration in various areas,” al-Sudani noted.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reaffirmed that Iraq reached an agreement with the U.S.-led international coalition to conclude its mission within the next two years, with a full withdrawal scheduled for 2026.
He emphasized that the withdrawal process is part of his government’s official agenda, which was approved by the Iraqi Parliament.
He stated that discussions with coalition partners began in August 2023 to establish a clear framework for the gradual reduction of foreign military presence in Iraq.
“We have agreed on a timetable for ending the coalition’s mission, and by 2026, the transition will be complete,” al-Sudani explained. “Following the withdrawal, Iraq will move towards bilateral security cooperation with key international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Italy.”
The Iraqi government has long emphasized the need to reassess the role of foreign military forces in the country, particularly as the fight against ISIS has evolved from large-scale combat operations to intelligence-based counterterrorism efforts.
The planned withdrawal signifies Iraq’s growing confidence in its own security forces while maintaining strategic defense partnerships with key allies.
While the coalition’s military footprint in Iraq has gradually decreased in recent years, the formal agreement to phase out its presence represents a significant milestone in Iraq’s post-war security planning.
The transition to bilateral security cooperation is expected to focus on military training, intelligence-sharing, and defense strategy development.
Iraq’s decision to formalize an exit plan for coalition forces reflects broader regional shifts, with Baghdad seeking to balance its relations with both Western allies and neighboring countries such as Iran.
The move is also likely to influence ongoing discussions regarding Iraq’s military modernization and security self-sufficiency.
Kurdistan-Baghdad Relations and Economic Reforms
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani highlighted the progress made in resolving disputes between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), outlining his government’s approach to economic cooperation, salary disbursements, and oil export agreements with the Kurdistan Region.
Al-Sudani acknowledged the longstanding challenges in Baghdad-Erbil relations but emphasized significant strides in addressing key disputes.
Among the most pressing concerns have been salary payments for KRG employees and the legal framework for oil exports.
“While challenges remain, we have ensured salary disbursements and are committed to working with Erbil on sustainable economic solutions,” he stated.
He pointed out that the complications surrounding salary payments are largely technical rather than political, stemming from integrating KRG employees into the federal budget.
The government has worked to ensure that salary payments are processed through the Federal Ministry of Finance in compliance with recent legal rulings.
Additionally, he reaffirmed that efforts to finalize an oil and gas law are ongoing, which would create a more structured mechanism for the Kurdistan Region’s oil exports.
The recent amendment to the federal budget law, which allows for the resumption of oil exports through the port of Ceyhan, was cited as a key achievement in fostering cooperation between the two governments.
Al-Sudani also addressed the broader economic development of Iraq, emphasizing the importance of investment and tourism.
“With our rich history, religious sites, and diverse landscapes—including Kurdistan Region’s mountains and the Mesopotamian marshes—tourism will play a key role in economic growth,” he noted.
The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring that Kurdistan remains integrated into Iraq’s national economic framework.
He pointed to ongoing negotiations over energy policies and revenue-sharing agreements as critical steps toward fostering long-term stability.
As Iraq navigates economic reforms and regional diplomacy, al-Sudani stressed the need for continued dialogue and partnership with the Kurdistan Region.
He acknowledged that while historical grievances remain, his administration is focused on practical solutions that benefit both Baghdad and Erbil.
With economic diversification and energy independence as key priorities, the Iraqi government’s cooperation with the Kurdistan Region will remain essential in shaping Iraq’s broader economic and political landscape.
As negotiations continue, both sides appear committed to forging a framework that ensures mutual stability and prosperity.
Al-Sudani also underscored the government’s aggressive anti-corruption campaign, detailing new measures in governance, digital payment systems, and institutional oversight.
“We have restructured key anti-corruption bodies and pursued the recovery of stolen funds from abroad, making accountability a cornerstone of our administration,” he explained.
Iraq’s Regional Neutrality and Foreign Relations
Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq seeks to maintain a neutral stance in regional politics, striving to be a mediator rather than aligning with any particular bloc.
He reiterated Iraq’s strong yet balanced relationships with both Iran and the United States.
“We have strategic partnerships with the U.S. in counterterrorism, while simultaneously maintaining robust ties with Iran at multiple levels,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Iraq’s flourishing relations with Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas of security coordination, energy markets, and investment.
He described Baghdad’s ties with Riyadh as being at their strongest, signaling a growing Arab consensus on economic and geopolitical cooperation.
Regarding Syria, al-Sudani acknowledged the recent political shift and revealed that he had sent messages to the new Syrian administration.
He advised Damascus to avoid repeating the mistakes Iraq made following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, urging inclusive governance and long-term stability efforts.
Iraq’s Energy Independence and Infrastructure Development
Al-Sudani outlined Iraq’s ambitious plan to achieve self-sufficiency in natural gas production by 2028, reducing reliance on imports. He cited strategic agreements with companies like TotalEnergies and Crescent Petroleum to maximize domestic energy resources.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Development Road initiative, which aims to transform Iraq into a regional trade hub linking the Middle East to Europe.
Balancing Relations with Global Powers
When questioned about Iraq’s ties with both Washington and Tehran, al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s non-aligned position. “Our role is to bridge dialogue between conflicting parties, ensuring Iraq remains a platform for peace rather than a battleground for geopolitical rivalries,” he said.
He further emphasized that Iraq’s foreign policy is guided by national interest and non-interference, principles that have shaped its engagement with neighboring countries and global powers alike.
As Iraq prepares to host the upcoming Arab League summit and continues to position itself as a stabilizing force in the region, al-Sudani’s remarks underscore Baghdad’s commitment to economic resilience, diplomatic balance, and long-term national development.
Kurdistan24.net
Walkingstick
[Iraqi Bank manager friend Aki Update]
Aki's bank will only be for currency education or for people that want to travel to Iraq.
Aki's bank is not to distribute lower notes inside of USA.
