Monday, April 21, 2025

FRANCIS: "Iraq-KRG unity is a prerequisite for rate reform U.S. involvem...

FRANK26: "BARZANI SUPPORTS THE REFORMS OF IRAQ!!!", 21 APRIL

KTFA

FRANK26: "BARZANI SUPPORTS THE REFORMS OF IRAQ!!!".....F26

Baghdad prepares to receive a Kurdistan delegation...a decisive round to turn the page on disputes.

4/17/2025

Baghdad is preparing to receive a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government early next week, in a renewed attempt to resolve outstanding issues between the two sides as part of ongoing financial and economic negotiations.

An informed source told Baghdad Today, Thursday (April 17, 2025), that "the Kurdish delegation will consist of the region's Finance Minister Awat Sheikh Janab, the Minister of Natural Resources Kamal Ashti, and the Chief of Staff of the Regional Government Omed Sabah, and they will meet with the Federal Finance Minister Taif Sami and the Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani."

He pointed out that "the meeting aims to resolve the issue of non-oil financial revenues, the issue of salary localization, the delivery of lists, and the disputed points regarding the resumption of the region's oil exports."

This meeting is seen as a crucial opportunity to break the deadlock and push for a comprehensive agreement that would end the financial tension between Baghdad and Erbil.

The roots of the disputes between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) go back many years and largely revolve around oil and financial issues, most notably the mechanism for exporting the region's oil and transferring its revenues to the federal government, in exchange for Baghdad's commitment to paying the salaries of KRG employees.

Despite preliminary agreements reached during 2023 under the federal budget law, disagreements remain regarding the localization of salaries, the submission of financial statements, and the region's share of non-oil revenues. The Kurdish delegation's upcoming visit to Baghdad comes within this context, with the hope of achieving practical progress on these thorny issues.

LINK

GOLDILOCKS : Iraq has successfully transitioned to a system where Iraqi banks handle foreign transfers directly through their international correspondent banks, 21 APRIL

GOLDILOCKS

Iraq has successfully transitioned to a system where Iraqi banks handle foreign transfers directly through their international correspondent banks, rather than through an electronic platform.

This shift, announced by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), aligns with international banking practices and improves the country's financial system.

Key points about the transition:

Shift from electronic platform:

Previously, the CBI managed foreign transfers through an electronic platform. This new system allows Iraqi banks to handle these transfers directly.

Improved compliance:

The CBI has been working to improve the compliance capacity of Iraq's financial system, enabling more Iraqi banks to establish international correspondent relationships.

Alignment with global standards:

This transition allows Iraqi banks to participate in the global banking system and conduct international transactions more efficiently.

FINAL STEPS

The CBI is still working to fully integrate all foreign currency transactions into this new system.

National Bank of Iraq, with its extensive network of correspondent banks, facilitates internal and external remittances, and trade finance services.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraqi-Central-Bank-completes-transition-to-International-Standard-Banking-Practice#:~:text=Shafaq%20News/%20On%20Wednesday%2C%20the,through%20their%20international%20correspondent%20banks.

Is the New IQD Rate Already in the Budget? ‪@DINARREVALUATION‬ #iraqidinar #IQD #iraq

FRANK26: "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS"., 21 APRIL

KTFA

FRANK26: "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS"..........F26

Mark Kimmitt to Kurdistan24: U.S. Will Not Resort to War if Iran Talks Collapse

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL

– Mark Kimmitt, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, confirmed during an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 on the sidelines of the ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum 2025 that the United States is unlikely to resort to military action if ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran break down.

Speaking on Wednesday, Kimmitt highlighted the importance of the conference, describing it as “the first real platform to discuss the results of renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.” He praised the clarity provided by both Iranian and American representatives present at the forum and commended the American University of Iraq–Sulaymaniyah and Kurdistan24 for organizing and sponsoring what he termed a "gathering of great minds on tough issues."

No New Warpath—Economic Pressure Instead

Kimmitt emphasized that the idea of war following failed negotiations is a misconception frequently amplified by media narratives. "People often assume that if diplomacy fails, war is inevitable," he said. "But there’s a significant step in between: an intensified economic confrontation."

According to Kimmitt, the U.S. has multiple layers of economic pressure tools that are yet to be fully utilized under the so-called "maximum pressure" campaign. He cited a potential embargo on Iranian oil exports as a decisive move that could paralyze Iran’s economy and potentially shift its strategic calculations.

“President Trump was proud of not starting a war during his tenure—and I don’t think he plans to start one now either,” Kimmitt added, underscoring the Republican frontrunner’s aversion to initiating armed conflict.

Stability Without Redrawing Borders

Addressing regional geopolitics, Kimmitt dismissed the possibility of redrawing borders in the Middle East. “Even with the collapse of Assad’s regime, al-Sharaa has maintained a strong line on preserving Syrian unity,” he said. “If changes weren’t made in Syria, they’re unlikely elsewhere.”

While he acknowledged that Iranian proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis have been weakened post-October 7th, Kimmitt warned they remain intact and capable of future destabilization. “The grass has been mowed,” he said, “but it will grow back.”

Kurdistan–U.S. Relations: A Two-Decade Partnership

Kimmitt also reflected on the enduring relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the United States, recalling his own experience working with Kurdish officials during his tenure at the Department of Defense in 2006. “Kurdistan has been America’s most consistent ally in Iraq for two decades,” he affirmed.

Debt Over Diplomacy

Pivoting to U.S. domestic constraints, Kimmitt expressed concern over America’s $37 trillion national debt, arguing that fiscal limitations could curtail Washington’s global influence. “Right now, the interest payments on our debt exceed the defense budget. That’s a warning signal,” he said.

On Iraq and Iran: Influence vs. Interference

When asked about the broader regional dynamics, Kimmitt distinguished between acceptable influence and unacceptable interference. “The U.S. position is clear: Iraq must make its own decisions without external coercion—not from Iran, not from us,” he said. “Let Iraq be Iraq.”

Concluding his remarks, Kimmitt underscored that, decisions on Iraq’s future, including its relationship with the Kurdistan Region, must be left to Iraqis themselves. “That’s not our call,” he stated. “It’s up to Baghdad and Erbil to decide what serves the country’s best interests.”

LINK

TIDBIT FROM MILITIAMAN, 21 APRIL

Militia Man

Those that are out there that believe this was a scam, you’ve been told it’s a scam and those not invested, they’re going to have a rude awakening…

It’s going to be a horrible one. I think a lot of people are gonna be really bummed out because of this event.

It’s not just about Iraq. It’s about all kinds of countries and it’s a really big deal and a complex.

DINAR REVALUATION