Iraq Announces A Decrease In Its External Debt And An Increase In Its GDP
Economy | 08:06 - 06/02/2025 Mawazine News – Baghdad Technical advisor to the Prime Minister, Mohammed Sahib Al-Daraji, confirmed today, Thursday, that the volume of investments in Iraq amounts to about 60 billion dollars, while revealing a decrease in the external debt to 9.8 billion dollars.
Al-Daraji said in a statement to the official agency, which was followed by (Mawazine News): “Iraq’s gross domestic product exceeded $260 billion, which makes the ratio of external debt compared to the domestic product at a very low level, which opens the door to a new phase of external financing, but with studied conditions,” noting that “Iraq’s external public debt witnessed a significant decrease, as it decreased from $20.9 billion to $9.8 billion.”
He stressed, “The importance of financing being directed towards productive projects capable of paying their debts on their own, instead of focusing on consumer or ill-considered projects.”
Regarding current investments, Al-Daraji indicated that “the volume of local and foreign investments in Iraq amounts to about $60 billion, most of which is in the real estate and housing sector, which is a good thing,” stressing, “the need to strengthen the role of the Iraqi investor and support him to diversify investments.”
He pointed out that “there is a large cash mass among citizens outside the banking system, which makes it economically useless if it remains stored in homes,” calling for, “transferring this money to investment projects.” It contributes to transforming them into assets that support the national economy and enhance sustainable development.” https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=259408
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
MZ: We start today with the CBD Guru’s fellows for the first 45 minutes and then tackle the news.
Member: Good Morning everyone
Member: Sure would like to see that debt jubilee happen about now
Member: .. a true Jubilee was every 50 years ... all business was setup accordingly ... it was a scheduled date 50 years in advance ... it was a multi-year celebration ... & strict laws concerning it ...
MZ: I am hearing a lot of fun stuff from Iraq and from groups. Expectations are through the roof right now.
MZ: I am hearing the liquidity has been released and More groups right now are sending people to execute payments ect…in the western direction right now -towards Reno. ..These contacts are at the “upper end “ of some groups. One of my best contacts already went there earlier this week. I hope this means we are close.
MZ: Is it possible we will see something Monday morning? It’s possible.
MZ: But stay calm as there are a lot of moving pieces right now. There have been tons of comments from groups and contacts in Reno that have suddenly awakened. It is busier then we have seen it in years. Reno contacts are very optimistic.
MZ: More than one person told me that for a short time on the forex they saw the dinar at around one US dollar . I think this may be a little more testing….they have not opened it up for exchange yet….. Don’t panic…I don’t think this is the rate …but if it is I will take it and be happy. (Mark shows a picture of Forex rates) So this puts one IQD just under one US dollar .
MZ: I do find it interesting that a number of regular, traditional , normal bank employees have to work on this weekend…Some have nothing to do with redemption. But there are also some redemption center/wealth management folks working this weekend for the second weekend in a row. They will not tell me what they are doing during these weekends. They are not allowed to. So I take that as a positive sign.
MZ: Some bond contacts believe they may be getting paid on Monday. Most of what I heard is to watch the 10th through the 12th. Monday is the 10th…so perhaps?
MZ: I did have a couple contacts tell me the M1 liquidity (money you can spend) portion is now being distributed and liquid to the groups this weekend for distribution this coming week. It was exciting to hear this and hope it holds up. Now we just need members of the groups to get a call (on Monday?) Saying “Hey- go look at your bank accounts”
MZ: No news from CMKX and Prosperity packages. Doesn’t mean nothing is happening. It just means they are not sharing it right now.
MZ: We do not have the budget or budget tables in today’s Gazette.
MZ: “Iraqi Parliament : Stopping the export of Kurdistan oil cost the treasury 13 trillion dinars” They want to tell us just how stinking expensive it was when they shut it down. They have resumed selling oil and worked out salaries with Baghdad and Kurdistan….we seemed to be past over 90% of the differences with Baghdad and Erbil.
MZ: There are high level meetings going on in Iraq today with parliamentary members and members of the KRG in Baghdad….seeing if they can finalize those budget tables. We hope to see major progress in Iraq this weekend.
Member: I wonder- Will Iraq have to have a new rate before they start selling their bonds? Heard the bonds are going on sell Monday.
MZ: “Stable outlook for Iraq’s credit rating for domestic and foreign operations” projects are starting to pay off ahead of schedule. They are clearly investing in the future.
MZ: “ The IRS-Service outage on Feb. 9th starting at 1AM to 7 AM.” Looks like they are doing some kind of big update.
Member: The politics finally seems to be lining up, including the closure of the IRS
Member: DOGE Squad is operating with military-grade precision, executing full-spectrum ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) to systematically map, track, and expose entrenched corruption.
Member: NBC 4 Washington NEWS stated DOGE story is putting the FD.I.C on the chopping block this weekend Great!
Member: so no tax on our exchanges?
MZ: I don’t think we will be taxed…but be prepared-just in case. Prepare for the worst and expect the best.
Member: Bloomberg reporting that the UAE is giving Zimbabwe a lifeline of foreign investment
Member: India has a 60 percent tax on cash withdrawals over a small amount if you can't prove where you got it. I am very surprised
MZ: An interesting one. ”China is allowing insurance funds to buy gold” China is trying to shore up its insurance industry. One of these ways is to allow folks to have gold. Gold is where the world is heading and China has been buying up physical gold at historic speeds.
Member: Mark, have we told you lately that we appreciate what you share!
Member: so any chances it will happen this weekend?
MZ: I am almost afraid to tell you all how excited I am for the next few days and the next week or two. This roller coaster is bad enough….but I am quite literally bouncing today. I hope and pray we are through by next Saturday. .
Member: Thanks all and have a wonderful Superbowl weekend….stay safe.
Member: Hoping and praying that next Week is our Boom Boom Boom!!!
$17 Billion In US Oil Imports From 5 Arab Countries In 2024
Economy | 05:11 - 07/02/2025 Mawazine News – Economy A new report by the Energy Research Unit revealed, on Friday, the amount of oil imports to the United States, which amounted to $17 billion from 5 Arab countries.
The report showed that US oil imports increased in 2024, with 5 Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Iraq, accounting for 9% of the total imports of the world's largest crude oil consumer.
According to the Energy Research Unit report, US crude oil imports increased by 1.5% year-on-year, to reach 2.36 billion barrels (6.45 million barrels per day) during 2024.
The report stated that the volume of US oil imports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya, the Emirates and Kuwait amounted to nearly 208 million barrels, representing 8.8% of total US imports during the past year.
According to data collected by the Energy Research Unit, the value of US imports from the aforementioned Arab countries amounted to nearly $17.1 billion during 2024. According to the new report, we review the list of the largest Arab oil exporters to the United States during 2024, as follows:
1. Saudi Arabia: 98.14 million barrels. 2. Iraq: 70.51 million barrels. 3. Libya: 16.99 million barrels. 4. UAE: 14.22 million barrels. 5. Kuwait: 7.83 million barrels.
Arab oil exports to the United States from the 5 countries recorded 192 million barrels, equivalent to $16 billion during the first 11 months of 2024, according to periodic data collected by the Energy Research Unit on January 8, 2025. https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=259416
In this video, urgent developments regarding President Donald Trump’s recent executive order are discussed, which has significant implications for the Middle East, particularly Iraq and Iran.
The order terminates Iraq’s waiver to purchase gas from Iran, aiming to cripple Iran’s economy and nuclear ambitions. This drastic move threatens to exacerbate Iraq’s energy crisis, as the country heavily depends on Iranian gas for its electricity supply. As crises loom, Iraq is scrambling to find alternative solutions, including potential shifts to Russia’s payment systems.
The situation is complicated further by the U.S. strategy targeting Iranian militias in Iraq, which could destabilize the already fragile political landscape. Meanwhile, Iraq’s provincial government is working on significant infrastructure projects and enhancing its international trade capabilities, including its integration into the global Customs Transit Network. The video also highlights Iraq’s push to assert control over armed factions operating outside state authority, reflecting a broader geopolitical struggle and the need for Iraq to stabilize its internal security.
🔥 Trump’s Executive Order: President Trump’s bold move to end Iraq’s gas waiver from Iran could destabilize Iraq’s energy sector.
⚡ Electricity Crisis Looming: Experts warn of potential widespread blackouts in Iraq if gas supplies from Iran are cut off.
🌍 Iraq’s International Trade Advances: Iraq is set to enhance its trade capabilities through the global Customs Transit Network, marking a significant step in modernization.
🏗️ New Development Projects: The launch of the Madat Al-Nil Palm City aims to improve living conditions and reduce pollution in Basra.
⚔️ Disarming Armed Factions: Iraq’s government is urging armed groups to disarm or integrate into state forces to enhance stability.
💵 Financial Transactions Under Siege: The U.S. has blocked Iran’s access to Iraq’s financial system, complicating economic transactions.
🤝 Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government and private sectors is crucial for Iraq’s economic growth and trade modernization.
Key Insights
🌐 Geopolitical Tensions Heightening: The U.S. strategy to clamp down on Iran is causing ripple effects in Iraq, where pro-Iran militias and political factions are under pressure. As these groups navigate the shifting power dynamics, Iraq risks further political chaos, especially if public dissatisfaction over energy shortages escalates into unrest.
💡 Energy Dependency Crisis: Iraq’s heavy reliance on Iranian gas underscores a major vulnerability in its energy infrastructure. The loss of 50 to 55 million cubic meters of gas per day could lead to an electricity shortfall, particularly during the hot summer months when demand peaks. Without immediate alternative energy resources or support systems, Iraq could face a humanitarian and economic crisis.
🔄 Economic Isolation Risks: The U.S. sanctions against Iran and the blocking of financial pathways for Iraq create a precarious economic landscape. Iraq’s potential pivot towards Russia’s payment systems indicates a desperate search for alternatives, but this could alienate Iraq from traditional Western allies and deepen its economic isolation.
🛠️ Infrastructure Development as a Priority: The announcement of new urban projects like Madat Al-Nil Palm City reflects a regional effort to improve living standards and create economic opportunities. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on political stability and the ability to attract consistent foreign investment in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
📉 Political Stability Threats: The push to disarm independent armed groups could prove to be a double-edged sword. While it may strengthen the Iraqi government’s authority, it could also provoke backlash from these factions, potentially leading to increased violence and instability as they resist disarmament.
🚀 Integration into Global Trade Networks: Iraq’s impending participation in the international Customs Transit Network symbolizes a shift towards modernization and a commitment to global trade practices. This move is crucial for enhancing trade security and operational efficiency, yet it requires robust regulatory frameworks and public-private cooperation to be successful.
🔒 Security Imperatives for Sovereignty: The Iraq government’s initiative to bring rogue militias under state control is not merely a security measure but a fundamental step toward establishing national sovereignty. Success in this area could lead to a more unified state, reduced foreign intervention, and an increase in the value of its currency, setting the groundwork for long-term stability and growth.
In conclusion, the unfolding events in Iraq and its relationship with Iran and the U.S. are complex and fraught with challenges. The combination of energy crises, economic sanctions, and political maneuvering underscores the delicate balance Iraq must maintain to navigate its future. The urgency of finding solutions to these intertwined issues is paramount, as the consequences of inaction could lead to dire outcomes for the nation’s stability and security.
National Security Advisor: We Agreed With Washington To End The Coalition Mission In September 2026
Time: 2025/02/07 Read: 2,685 times {Politics: Al Furat News} National Security Adviser, Qasim Al Araji, confirmed the agreement with Washington to end the mission of the international coalition in September 2026.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, confirmed in a press statement yesterday, "We have reached an agreement with the United States that there will be a timetable to end the mission of the international coalition over a period of two years ending in 2026, and then we will move to bilateral security relations.
We have actually started a bilateral dialogue with the United States and the rest of the countries of the international coalition, such as the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Italy."
Iraq and the United States announced in a joint statement on September 27, 2024, that the US-led coalition's military mission in Iraq would end by September 2025, with a transition to bilateral security partnerships.
The joint statement explained that the coalition's mission will end within 12 months, and no later than the end of September 2025. He added that the coalition's military mission in Syria will continue until September 2026.
Earlier this month, Baghdad and Washington reached an agreement on the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq, according to a plan that is being implemented in stages.
Sources told Reuters a few days ago that the plan includes the withdrawal of hundreds of US-led coalition forces by next September and the rest by the end of 2026. LINK