US FEARS THE POPULAR MOBILIZATION LAW… “IT THREATENS WASHINGTON’S INTERESTS AND CREATES A NEW REVOLUTIONARY GUARD.”, 16 APRIL

 US FEARS THE POPULAR MOBILIZATION LAW… “IT THREATENS WASHINGTON’S INTERESTS AND CREATES A NEW REVOLUTIONARY GUARD.”

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy called on the US administration, headed by Donald Trump, to send a “calm and firm” message to the Iraqi government regarding the risks of passing a new law related to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), warning that this legislation would transform the PMF into an entity similar to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

The institute stated in a report translated by Shafaq News Agency that “the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have been considered a threat to US national security interests and Iraqi civilians for years,” noting that “US-designated terrorists hold senior leadership positions within the PMF, including the head of the organization and the chief of staff, exploiting this institutional structure to secure government salaries for tens of thousands of militia members affiliated with designated terrorist groups such as Kata’ib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq.”

He considered that “these practices represent blatant manipulation,” noting that “Baghdad is currently studying two legislative projects that could grant the Popular Mobilization Forces greater legitimacy as a national security institution. The first is the Popular Mobilization Forces Service and Retirement Law, which the report described as internally aiming to remove leaders of rival militias. The second, and more important, is the amended Popular Mobilization Forces Authority Law, which restructures the Mobilization Forces within a formal framework resembling a ministerial institution.”

According to the report, passing the new law would consolidate the Popular Mobilization Forces, which number approximately 238,000 members, as a parallel armed force with powers at the local and regional levels. The report emphasized that “the legislation will consolidate the Popular Mobilization Forces’ status as a permanent structure within the Iraqi security sector, not as an emergency force, but rather as a ministry-like institution that would be difficult to reform or dissolve later.”

He also warned that the draft law explicitly refers to the Popular Mobilization Forces as the “guarantor of the political system,” led by Shiite factions since 2003, similar to the role of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. This weakens the standing and prestige of the Iraqi armed forces and grants the militias broad powers that could include “militarizing the political process, from candidate registration to voting and government formation.”

The report also warned that the legislation could encourage militias to repeat the violence against demonstrators and civil society organizations, as occurred during the 2019 protests, it said.

He called on the Trump administration to act quickly and convey its clear objections to officials in Baghdad, via direct messages to the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament, to prevent the bill from being referred to the House of Representatives for ratification. He noted that such a step would not require a significant American effort, but rather a “firm signal behind the scenes. ”

He pointed out that the current tense regional situation presents Washington with a powerful opportunity to exert pressure, as the United States is redeploying its forces extensively, while Iraqi militias are keen to remain outside the US targeting circle. This provides Washington with leverage that must be used wisely to prevent “the birth of a new Revolutionary Guard in the heart of the region,” as the report put it.

According to the report, the institute called on decision-makers in the White House and the US embassy in Baghdad to urgently reinforce this message and shift from quiet pressure tools to more vocal ones, including imposing sanctions on the Popular Mobilization Forces as a whole, as Washington previously did with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

He explained that “these sanctions will have a broad financial impact within the Iraqi financial system, given that the Popular Mobilization Forces receive their salaries from the Iraqi government.”

The report continued, stating that “early US action to block this legislation would demonstrate the Trump administration’s awareness of the delicate developments in Iraq and its ability to deter Iranian-backed groups without waiting for a military escalation via drones or kidnappings and killings of Americans.”

The report concluded with a recommendation not to be satisfied with warnings, but to take concrete steps, such as imposing immediate sanctions on the General Engineer Company, the economic wing of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which the report likened to the Khatam al-Anbiya Foundation, the economic conglomerate affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has long been subject to international sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations.

TIDBIT FROM MARKZ , 16 APRIL

 MarkZ  

 [via PDK]

 This one got me excited... “Parliament face a constitutional challenge. Ready laws await vote and fate is in hands of blocs” 

 they are telling us things are ticking down and there is a short time period to make all of these changes before they get into the election cycle. They are telling us to look for a lot of activity. Look for the budget and HCL and lots of agreements. They are setting the stage right now.

With oil falling Iraq is faced with some things. 

They may have to revalue their currency. And that is being talked about right there in the news. They are actually discussing going ahead and pulling that trigger.

REDEMPTION CENTERS ARE ACTIVE!! @DINARREVALUATION #iraqidinarinvestor #iraqidinar #iraq

 

An Economic Expert Told Nina: There Is A Need To Establish A Supreme Authority For "Trans-Governmental" Strategies, 16 APRIL

 An Economic Expert Told Nina: There Is A Need To Establish A Supreme Authority For "Trans-Governmental" Strategies

Monday, April 14, 2025, | Economic Number of reads: 197  Baghdad / NINA / Economic and financial expert, Dhurgham Mohammed Ali, confirmed on Monday that all strategic government programs cannot be completed after the change of governments due to the change of goals and plans from one government to another. He stressed the need to draft a law establishing a permanent, cross-government supreme authority for strategic policies.

Mohammed Ali said in a special statement to the National Iraqi News Agency ( NINA ): "The concerned authorities must draft a law establishing a permanent, cross-government supreme authority for strategic policies with judicial supervision so that its decisions are binding on all governments," stressing: "Economic reform cannot be achieved through interim measures, but rather through strategic plans that continue for years with the aim of achieving what is required."

The economic expert explained: "Many of the components of economic reform that have begun to take place need follow-up because they take a long time to yield practical results that positively reflect on the Iraqi economy."

He pointed out that "banking and financial reform, developing the private sector and the investment environment are the priorities, along with combating corruption to achieve the best possible results." /End   https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?Key=1197718

MILITIAMAN : IQD News-World Bank-Private Sector-Direct Investment-Development-Economic Breakthrough-US-IRAN, 16 APRIL

 MILITIAMAN : IQD News-World Bank-Private Sector-Direct Investment-Development-Economic Breakthrough-US-IRAN

Highlights

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses recent developments in Iraq’s economy, governmental policies, international relations, and the potential for economic growth and stability. The speaker emphasizes important figures and plans that affect the Iraqi economy,

 including substantial allocations for salaries and social welfare planned for the 2024 budget and the vital role of private sector development backed by international financial institutions like the World Bank.

 The speaker notes significant advancements in Iraq’s banking relationships with the U.S. Treasury, the International Monetary Fund, and other foreign currency strategies.

 The importance of foreign direct investment is highlighted as essential for expanding major projects, developing the private sector, and creating job opportunities for the youth. The speaker also mentions Iraq’s strategic relationships with the United States and neighboring countries as crucial for regional stability. 

Additionally, the speaker addresses the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, suggesting that potential agreements could ease sanctions, allowing Iraq to engage in trade more effectively.

 Lastly, the significance of improving purchasing power for the average Iraqi citizen is underscored, reflecting an optimistic outlook on Iraq’s economic landscape amidst various challenges.

• ☕ Promotion of local coffee: Freedom Forge coffee, praised for its rich flavors, serves as a metaphor for enjoying shared experiences in the community.
• 💼 Economic allocations for 2024: 57% of Iraq’s public spending is planned for salaries and social welfare, highlighting a focus on social security.
• 📈 Private sector emphasis: Prime Minister Al-Sudani underscores the importance of the private sector and support from the World Bank for infrastructure and development projects.
• 💡 Direct foreign investment: Experts stress that direct investment is critical for expanding capabilities in various sectors, creating significant job opportunities, especially for youth.
• 🤝 Iraq’s mediation role: The foreign minister highlights Iraq’s position as a mediator in regional tensions, aiming for stability through balanced foreign policy.
• 📉 Potential agreements with Iran: Ongoing negotiations may ease sanctions and enable Iraq to conduct trade with Iran, potentially benefiting the Iraqi economy.
• 💵 Concern for purchasing power: There is a strong focus on improving purchasing power for ordinary Iraqis amid challenges posed by economic instability and inflation.

Key Insights

• ☕ Community and Local Business Engagement: The speaker initially encourages viewers to support local businesses like Freedom Forge coffee. This emphasizes the importance of a strong community network that not only provides support for local enterprises but also fosters a sense of togetherness and positive experiences among members. Encouraging local consumption also signals confidence in domestic products and services, an essential sentiment for economic recovery and growth.

• 📊 Significant Budget Allocations: The budget planning for 2024 includes a substantial allocation for salaries and social welfare, which could indicate a shift towards enhancing the overall quality of life for citizens. The funding proportions signal to both local and international stakeholders that the Iraqi government is prioritizing its citizen’s welfare, a crucial aspect in fostering trust and stability in public governance.

• 🏗️ Focus on Private Sector Growth: The emphasis on the private sector development reveals awareness on the part of the Iraqi government regarding its economic diversification needs. By leveraging support from institutions like the World Bank, Iraq aims to reduce dependency on oil revenues and enhance its economic resilience. This strategy might also attract more foreign investments, vital for modernizing infrastructure across various sectors.

• 🌍 International Financial Relations: Iraq’s advancing banking relationships with the U.S. Treasury and the International Monetary Fund symbolize a concerted effort to integrate into the global economy. The potential upcoming changes could also bring increased transparency and improved financial practices in Iraq, which are pivotal for long-term economic stability and growth.

• 💼 Strategic Role as a Mediator: Iraq’s active role in mediating regional tensions underlines its growing diplomatic importance. This stance could attract investments and improve relations with major powers, emphasizing the significance of a stable and influential Iraq within the Middle East. The government’s recognition of its diplomatic position points toward a broader strategy aimed at enhancing Iraq’s geopolitical relevance.

• 💵 Impact of U.S.-Iran Negotiations: The anticipated agreements between the U.S. and Iran hold great potential for Iraq as they may facilitate economic transactions and help move the country toward recovery from years of sanctions and instability. If successful, these negotiations may not only bolster Iraq’s trade possibilities but also reduce some of the economic pressures facing ordinary citizens.

• 📉 Purchasing Power Concerns: The discussion around purchasing power illustrates a critical aspect of the economic landscape, as citizens remain acutely aware of financial volatility and its direct impact on their livelihoods. The focus on enhancing purchasing power through economic reforms hints at broader social expectations for government performance in improving living standards, making it essential for policymakers to prioritize economic stability along with growth initiatives.

In conclusion, the video’s content paints an optimistic picture of Iraq’s persistent endeavors toward economic improvement, while also acknowledging the complexities that lay ahead. The speaker effectively conveys crucial information that indicates both the potential and challenges facing Iraq’s economic future, reinforcing the need for strategic initiatives that prioritize stability, investment, and citizen welfare.

REPORT FROM MR SALVAGE The pentecostal group leader Betzabe report they are liquid !#iqd

 

Iran Informs Iraq Of Its Negotiations With The United States, And Baghdad Affirms Its Support For Any Effort That Contributes To Regional Stability , 16 APRIL

 Iran Informs Iraq Of Its Negotiations With The United States, And Baghdad Affirms Its Support For Any Effort That Contributes To Regional Stability

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received a phone call on Monday from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who briefed him on the latest developments in the Iranian-American negotiations.

A Foreign Ministry statement said that "Hussein received a phone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who briefed him on the latest developments in the Iranian-American negotiations that took place in the Omani capital, Muscat."

According to the statement, Araghchi indicated that the negotiations between the Iranian and American sides went well, noting that the nuclear project was discussed, stressing that the second round of talks will be held soon in the Italian capital, Rome, also under the auspices of the Sultanate of Oman.

For his part, Fuad Hussein expressed his "satisfaction with the ongoing dialogue process, appreciating the positive role played by the Sultanate of Oman in facilitating the negotiations, and affirming Iraq's support for any effort that contributes to enhancing regional security and stability."

At the conclusion of the call, Araghchi extended an official invitation to Fuad Hussein to visit Iran, as part of supporting bilateral dialogue and strengthening relations between the two countries.  https://burathanews.com/arabic/news/458843