WALKINGSTICK: Where are the new lower notes? Where's the new currency?
AKI: The new currency at the CBI bank right now.
WALKINGSTICK: Okay! - Walkingstick commentary: Aki was very adamant about the lower denominations being at the CBI right now. The look on his face told me this is no B.S.
When Aki says something it's not an opinion or a question, it's a statement...Aki would not have spilled it out that way if they were not real...Aki doesn't care about the exchange rate like you and I do...He's running the bank for his boss.
Aki will make no money, his boss will make no money off the new exchange rate. You will.
But Aki will profit via people coming into his bank to exchange the three zero notes for the American dollars and they will come in for their investment in Iraq.
Iraq's Renaissance: Stability as the Bedrock for Currency Revaluation
In the heart of the Middle East, Iraq stands at a pivotal juncture, weaving a tapestry of peace, security, and diplomatic prowess that promises to redefine its global standing. Under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Iraq has embarked on a transformative journey, fortifying its bilateral relations with global powers such as France and Spain.
Today’s diplomatic engagements, including meetings with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, underscore Iraq’s commitment to fostering stability not only within its borders but across the region. These strategic partnerships, rooted in mutual respect and shared visions, are laying the groundwork for an economic renaissance, with currency revaluation emerging as a tangible prospect. Dr. Mohammed Ridha Al-Shabibi, a luminary in Iraq’s financial sphere, has long championed stability as the cornerstone for such economic reforms, and today’s developments resonate profoundly with his vision.
The signing of a landmark security and crime control agreement with Spain exemplifies Iraq’s proactive stance in bolstering its internal security framework.
This accord, inked by Iraq’s Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari and his Spanish counterpart, targets terrorism, human trafficking, and drug-related crimes through the exchange of expertise and cutting-edge technology. Concurrently, Prime Minister al-Sudani’s discussions with French Foreign Minister Barrot highlighted the burgeoning Iraqi-French relationship, poised to culminate in President Emmanuel Macron’s forthcoming visit and the Iraqi-French Business Forum in Baghdad.
These initiatives reflect Iraq’s unwavering dedication to creating a secure and prosperous environment, essential for economic revitalization. By prioritizing regional stability, particularly in Syria, and advocating for inclusive governance, Iraq is positioning itself as a beacon of peace—a prerequisite for the currency revaluation envisioned by Dr. Al-Shabibi.
Today’s robust diplomatic agenda extended to the Ministerial National Security Council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister al-Sudani in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The council’s approval of the Iraqi National Security Strategy (2025-2030) and the advancement of the criminal justice data integration project signal a forward-thinking approach to governance.
These measures, coupled with preparations for the Arab Summit in Baghdad on May 17th, demonstrate Iraq’s readiness to assume a leadership role on the regional stage. The digital transformation of criminal justice processes and adherence to United Nations resolutions further enhance Iraq’s international credibility, creating a fertile ground for economic reforms.
Dr. Al-Shabibi’s foresight—that a stable and secure Iraq could unlock the potential for currency revaluation—finds resonance in these concerted efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks and global alliances.
As Iraq continues to navigate its path toward stability, the prospect of currency revaluation emerges not as a distant dream but as an achievable reality. The nation’s strategic engagements with France and Spain, alongside its domestic security advancements, reflect a holistic approach to nation-building. Prime Minister al-Sudani’s vision, echoing Dr. Al-Shabibi’s principles, underscores that peace and security are not merely aspirations but the very pillars upon which economic prosperity rests.
With the world watching, Iraq’s renaissance is a testament to the power of diplomacy, resilience, and unwavering commitment to a brighter future. As these foundations solidify, the revaluation of the Iraqi dinar looms on the horizon, promising to herald a new era of economic empowerment and global integration.
NATIONAL ECONOMY PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE PLANS ECONOMIC OVERHAUL FOR 2025 BUDGET
The National Economy, Industry, Trade, and Planning Committee, chaired by MP Farid El-Bustani, met on Wednesday to discuss the economic situation and plans for the 2025 budget.
The meeting criticized the 2024 budget for lacking an economic vision and decided to adopt the McKinsey plan from 2017.
The committee aims to develop ideas with input from experts and international organizations like the World Bank and IMF to present a comprehensive economic plan for the new government.
The meeting also discussed restoring confidence in the banking sector and compensating depositors.
Vietnam looks like they're changing their currency from a top-down government-mandated price to allowing the market to discover true value and THEN set the price naturally.
Kurdistan PM Welcomes U.S. Delegation, Discusses Religious Freedom, Unity, and Political Progress
4/23/2025 ERBIL —
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday, April 23, received a high-level U.S. delegation led by Riley Barnes, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State.
The meeting, attended by U.S. Consul General in Erbil Steve Bitner, emphasized America’s continued engagement in the Kurdistan Region and began with the delegation expressing their appreciation for participating in Kurdistan’s National Prayer Breakfast Day.
A key focus of the discussions was the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and religious freedom. PM Barzani and the delegation explored the current state of interfaith harmony in the Region, which has long been recognized as a safe haven for religious and ethnic minorities amid regional unrest.
The talks also highlighted pressing political developments, particularly the urgency of forming the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet. Both sides underlined the importance of resolving internal political issues swiftly to maintain stability and continue development.
In addition, the conversation touched on the timely resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region—a matter with significant implications for both regional economics and Erbil-Baghdad relations.
This meeting underscores the continued strategic partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region, particularly on issues of governance, human rights, and religious pluralism. LINK