MIKE BARA
if you want some encouragement after this BBB bullshit just came out, then here it is: I have it on good word that redemption center workers were told last weekend that it would be their last weekend off for quite a while.
That could mean we have movement this weekend regardless of the Big Beautiful Bill bullshit.
We'll see.
I encourage Iraq to defy Trump, the USA and the international banking elite and announce their revaluation TODAY.
The US Treasury is pursuing corruption funds... and the Baghdad government remains silent.
An Imminent Crisis in the Iraqi Financial Sector: Has the Phase of Comprehensive Sanctions Begun?
Iraq's financial system is facing new signs of turmoil after the disruption of salary payments through some electronic payment companies affiliated with government institutions. While the reasons for the disruption appear technical, informed sources confirm that the matter is linked to US investigations targeting Iraqi banks and companies suspected of involvement in money laundering operations abroad, to countries including Turkey, Iran, and the UAE.
The same sources explained that the US Treasury had granted a grace period to a number of private banks and electronic payment companies to rectify their status and comply with international standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. However, many of these entities have not demonstrated sufficient seriousness in resolving their cases, opening the door to the inclusion of new names on US sanctions lists in the near future.
This situation threatens to directly disrupt the financial market's performance, especially if the sanctions affect active institutions relied upon to pay salaries and finance daily commercial activities. Experts expect liquidity within the market to be significantly affected, amid growing concerns about declining public confidence in local banks.
This is particularly true with the increased demand for dollars for external transfers or for storage in anticipation of any unexpected developments. This pressure could lead to a decline in the value of the Iraqi dinar and a rise in the dollar on the parallel market, which would impact the prices of goods and services in an already tense economic environment.
Meanwhile, regulatory authorities within Iraq , led by the Central Bank, are preparing to impose stricter oversight on the activities of banks and money transfer companies in an attempt to avoid further escalation. This is particularly true since some technical reports have revealed clear violations in the performance of some banking institutions, including massive financial transfers abroad without legal documentation, the issuance of credit cards to fictitious accounts, and suspicions of financing prohibited activities or smuggling hard currency.
Despite the bleak outlook, observers believe the crisis could mark a turning point in Iraq's financial reform process. It has become imperative to restructure the private banking sector and impose strict regulatory classifications, along with a comprehensive review of electronic payment companies to ensure their compliance with international standards, and to open the door to broader partnerships with globally licensed financial service providers.
In this context, the crisis may turn into an opportunity to reshape the financial market in Iraq, starting with cleansing the banking environment of unregulated entities and bolstering international institutions' confidence in the Iraqi transfer and oversight system. The shift toward a more transparent and governed environment is not a luxury, but rather a necessity imposed by both domestic realities and international pressures.
Iraq today stands at a critical crossroads: either integrate into the global financial system on its terms and ensure gradual stability in its banking sector, or continue sliding toward financial isolation, which will have direct repercussions for the lives of citizens and the country's economy as a whole. link
Government advisor: The government has succeeded in managing fiscal policy.
The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, explained on Friday the reasons for the delay in submitting the budget schedules, while stressing that the government has succeeded in managing the country's financial and economic policy.
Saleh said, "The financial compass reading, which required the submission of the 2025 budget tables for legal approval under Article 77/Second of the Budget Law, was truly delayed for two fundamental reasons. The first was to await the amendment to the three-year general budget law regarding the value of the region's oil contracts and the costs of transporting its oil, which were not approved until last February. The other reason relates to the fluctuations that global energy markets were exposed to and the effects of global oil prices on the general budget, which also required rereading some financial constants and variables, whether revenues, expenditures, deficit financing and its sources, more than once due to international geopolitical and economic problems and the major issues that occurred in the global economy at a rapid pace, which led to the generation of volatile shocks in close periods of the current fiscal year, which necessitated hedging against external shocks."
He added that "all these factors led to the delay in submitting budget schedules to review some of its inputs and outputs," noting that "there is significant and ongoing cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities in monitoring and managing the country's financial affairs, with understanding, interaction, and optimization of great importance to ensuring the economic stability the country is experiencing."
Regarding the impact of delayed budget schedules on projects included in the investment section, Saleh pointed out that, “Based on the Federal General Budget Law No. 13 of 2023, the three-year budget, the federal financial policy was formed based on an approach called ‘fiscal space’, which gave it the high capacity to move dozens of approved and previously suspended strategic government projects forward into implementation.
This is what distinguished it with a highly active development wheel in implementing service projects that the country is witnessing without interruption, and its results have become tangible thanks to the success of the three-year budget, in addition to the major projects approved in the 2023 and 2024 budget schedules, which are currently ongoing without interruption.”
He stressed that “the state’s investment approach is proceeding in line with the sustainability of economic development and in accordance with the high positive results currently achieved in growth rates and the great economic stability that the country is witnessing, whether in terms of declining unemployment rates, increasing economic growth, and price stability, in an active and compatible trilogy achieved as a result of the success of the country’s financial and economic policy without interruption in the wheels of public spending, including the current year 2025.”
He continued, "As far as the rights and entitlements acquired in the operational aspect of the general budget are concerned, but have not been disbursed and are contingent upon the submission of the 2025 financial schedules, these are legally protected rights reserved for their beneficiaries and are not subject to statute of limitations. They are merely a matter of timing and will be disbursed upon the approval of these schedules or any adjustment that does not conflict with the law." link
MILITIAMAN: Iraqi Dinar News-US Treasury-Baghdad and Kurdistan-Oil-Salaries
The video provides an in-depth overview of the current financial, economic, and political developments in Iraq, focusing on efforts to reform the banking sector, improve customs and border controls, and advance oil export agreements, particularly in relation to the Kurdistan region.
The presenter highlights the ongoing challenges and progress Iraq faces in integrating into the global financial system amid corruption issues, banking reforms, and geopolitical dynamics. Several initiatives are underway, including the implementation of modern anti-corruption customs systems, restructuring private banks to comply with international standards, and advancing infrastructure projects such as the Grand Port of Alfa.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government in Baghdad are reportedly close to resolving long-standing disputes over oil exports and salary payments to regional employees, with the U.S. State Department urging the resumption of Kurdish oil exports due to their broader geopolitical and economic implications. The overall tone suggests cautious optimism, emphasizing that despite crises and delays, Iraq is making significant strides toward economic renaissance through investment driven by oil revenues and reforms that aim to diversify the economy and improve financial stability.
💰 Banking Sector Reform is Crucial for Iraq’s Financial Integration:The video stresses that Iraq’s banking sector is undergoing essential reforms to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing standards as set by international bodies like FATF. This compliance is imperative for Iraq to avoid financial isolation, which could have severe consequences on the economy and citizens’ livelihoods. The Central Bank’s enforcement and the private banks association’s support indicate a unified effort to modernize banking practices, although resistance from some “bad banks” could delay progress. This reform phase represents a pivotal moment for Iraq’s financial sector, determining whether it can effectively join the global financial community.
🔍 Modern Customs Monitoring Systems Combat Long-Standing Corruption: The introduction of the ICE CUTA system and related digital customs supervision tools marks a significant technological leap in Iraq’s fight against corruption at border crossings and ports. Corruption has historically drained state revenues and undermined economic growth. By implementing continuous 24/7 digital monitoring, Iraq aims to increase transparency, reduce smuggling, and ensure that customs revenues flow directly into the state treasury. This modernization aligns with broader reform goals and enhances Iraq’s credibility in international trade.
🛢️ Resolution of KRG Federal Oil Disputes is Key to Regional Stability:The ongoing negotiations between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad focus heavily on oil exports and the payment of salaries to regional employees, two interconnected issues that have stalled for years. The video notes that preliminary agreements have been reached, with the federal government expected to approve the resumption of Kurdish oil exports through the Iraqi-Turkey pipeline. The U.S. State Department’s involvement underscores the geopolitical significance of this issue, as the suspension of exports has affected American companies and strengthened Iranian influence in the region. Successful resolution will not only stabilize the region but also boost Iraq’s overall economy.
🌍 Iraq’s Economic Renaissance Hinges on Diversifying Investment:Iraq’s financial adviser emphasizes that the country’s renaissance depends on transforming oil wealth into sustainable, productive investments across vital economic sectors. This approach aims to reduce dependency on oil revenues alone by developing the private sector and other revenue streams, such as non-oil resources and improved customs collection. This strategic shift is necessary for long-term economic stability and growth, especially given the fluctuating nature of global oil markets.
🚚 Implementation of the TIR Agreement Enhances Iraq’s Role in Regional Trade: Iraq’s readiness to implement the international TIR transit agreement signals a major boost to its logistics and trade infrastructure. The ability to handle thousands of trucks daily moving goods across borders reassures international partners of Iraq’s security and operational capabilities. This transit facilitation not only increases customs and border revenues but also positions Iraq as a critical trade hub linking the Middle East to Europe and beyond.
🏗️ Infrastructure Projects Like the Grand Port of Alfa Are National Priorities: The Grand Port of Alfa project is highlighted as a national economic and maritime strategy cornerstone, requiring strict adherence to international technical standards and coordination among various government entities. This project symbolizes Iraq’s ambition to modernize its infrastructure, enhance trade capacity, and develop its maritime sector, which will diversify economic activity and create jobs.
📈 Financial Inclusion Progress Indicates Positive Trends but Challenges Remain: Iraq has made measurable progress in financial inclusion, moving from a ‘gray zone’ to a ‘monitoring’ status with respect to international financial standards. Current financial inclusion stands at approximately 46%, with goals to reach up to 90-95%. This expansion reflects efforts by the Central Bank and private banks to bring more of the population into the formal banking system, which is vital for economic development and reducing informal financial flows. However, achieving these goals will require continuous reforms, public awareness, and infrastructure improvements.
The video transcript presents a comprehensive snapshot of Iraq’s current financial and economic landscape, emphasizing reform, modernization, and strategic agreements essential for the country’s sustainable development and global integration. Iraq is navigating complex challenges ranging from entrenched corruption to geopolitical tensions, yet significant progress is evident across multiple fronts.
Banking reforms and anti-corruption measures are gaining traction, customs systems are modernizing, and key political actors appear ready to resolve longstanding disputes over oil exports and salaries. Infrastructure projects like the Grand Port of Alfa and the expansion of trade through the TIR agreement highlight Iraq’s strategic vision to boost economic diversification and increase revenues.
Supported by oil revenues rather than external borrowing, Iraq’s investment budget is positioned to grow, underpinning a development renaissance that could reshape the nation’s future. While uncertainties remain, the convergence of reforms and cooperation signals a cautiously optimistic path forward for Iraq’s economic and political stability.
🌍 Breaking: A Global Shift Is Taking Shape A powerful convergence of geopolitical tension, financial transformation, and strategic reali...