ATRUSHI: THE OIL AND GAS LAW MUST BE PASSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
The second deputy speaker of the Iraqi parliament, Farhad Atrushi, indicated that so far more than 40 people have nominated themselves for the position of president of the republic, but the two parties, the Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union, do not have a candidate. He stressed that in order to solve the financial problems and implement federalism, the oil and gas law must be passed as soon as possible. At the same time, regarding the parliamentary committees, he said: The committees are formed temporarily.
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, during his participation in the “Today’s Talk” program on Kurdistan24, Atroushi said: In Iraq, the parliament is the center of the political process and the center for making important decisions, so maintaining the position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament for the Kurds is very important.
He added: “Today the new parliament held its first session, during which I submitted a proposal that the parliament’s presidency should have special legislative authority for the next four years, in order to have clarity in the implementation of laws and the identification of important laws. They also welcomed the proposal.” He also said: “In the next session, we will decide on the general outlines of the parliament’s policy and form a special committee.”
He continued: “The oil and gas law must be issued in order to implement fiscal federalism, because a large part of Iraq’s revenues are provided through oil and gas, and without implementing the law and the constitution, no problem will ever be solved, and the constitution must be the arbite
r.”
He added, “So far, more than 40 people have nominated themselves for the presidency, and we expect that number to increase tomorrow, but neither of the two main parties has yet put forward a candidate for the position.” He also stressed that the Kurds must be united on the issue of the presidency and have a single position.
He went on to say: “Tomorrow we will form a committee to lay some foundations and monitor the distribution of parliamentary committees,” and said: The distribution of parliamentary committees should be temporary only to carry out the work of parliament until the new government is formed.
This article reflects Militia Man’s analysis and interpretation of publicly reported economic, political, and financial developments in Iraq. All content is informational and opinion-based and not financial advice.
🇮🇶 MILITIA MAN: WHY THESE 10 INDICATORS MATTER NOW
According to Militia Man, a convergence of ten major indicators has created the conditions for prudent next stepsby the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and international financial gatekeepers such as the IMF, U.S. Treasury (UST), and Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
Together, these indicators suggest Iraq has moved beyond preparation and into operational readiness for deeper global financial integration.
🔑 THE 10 KEY INDICATORS BREAKDOWN
1️⃣ UNAMI MANDATE ENDED – FULL SOVEREIGNTY
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) officially ended on
Clears a major requirement for independent monetary policy
🏛️ Sovereignty is essential for exchange rate authority.
2️⃣ SMOOTH PARLIAMENT LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
On December 29, 2025, Iraq’s parliament successfully elected new leadership:
Peaceful process
Political continuity
Strengthens institutional credibility
3️⃣ ASYCUDA AUTOMATION FULLY MANDATORY
The ASYCUDA customs automation system became mandatory on January 1, 2026.
Generated record non-oil revenues in 2025
Enhances transparency and tax collection
Reduces corruption and revenue leakage
4️⃣ DIGITAL DINAR & ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS LIVE
Iraq has now fully implemented:
Electronic payment systems
Digital dinar infrastructure
Planned phasing out of paper notes in 2026
💳 Digital compliance is a core IMF and BIS requirement.
5️⃣ LOW INFLATION & STRONG FOREIGN RESERVES
Iraq has maintained:
Low inflation
Foreign reserves near $115 billion
This level of reserves is exceptionally strong relative to peer economies.
6️⃣ BANKING SECTOR RESTRUCTURING
Significant advancements include:
Improved regulatory compliance
Banking modernization
Increased attractiveness to foreign partnerships
🏦 A compliant banking system is mandatory for international settlements.
7️⃣ TIR TRANSIT SYSTEM LAUNCHED
The TIR international transit system began its first shipments across Iraq in 2025.
Positions Iraq as a regional logistics hub
Critical component for WTO accession
Enhances trade efficiency
8️⃣ DEVELOPMENT ROAD PROJECT NEAR COMPLETION
Infrastructure progress includes:
Railway designs 87% complete
Navigation channels 100% complete
These projects:
Boost non-oil revenues
Support the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)
9️⃣ EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Iraq has expanded its global reach through:
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development involvement
Direct aviation links with China starting early 2026
🌍 Global connectivity strengthens trade and capital flows.
🔟 INTERNATIONAL VALIDATION & PRAISE
Major global institutions have issued strong endorsements:
IMF 2025 review praised prudent policies
BIS standards reportedly being adopted
U.S. Treasury commended compliance efforts
These validations reflect international confidence in Iraq’s readiness.
⭐ FEATURED SNIPPET
What indicators show Iraq is ready for global financial integration?
Militia Man highlights ten indicators including full sovereignty, digital dinar implementation, low inflation, $115B in reserves, IMF praise, BIS standards, and expanded international trade systems.
🧠 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR IRAQ’S CURRENCY REFORM
Taken together, these indicators show that:
Iraq has achieved sovereignty
Digital financial systems are live
Revenues are diversified beyond oil
Global institutions recognize compliance and stability
📈 This creates a foundation for exchange rate modernization and deeper global financial ties.
❓ Q&A: COMMON QUESTIONS
❓ Is Iraq fully sovereign now?
Yes. The end of UNAMI on December 31, 2025 confirms full sovereignty.
❓ Why is the digital dinar important?
It ensures transparency, traceability, and compliance with IMF/BIS standards.
❓ Are foreign reserves sufficient?
Yes. Approximately $115 billion is considered exceptionally strong.
❓ Does this mean an RV is imminent?
Militia Man suggests conditions are now met, but timing remains a policy decision.
❓ Why do IMF and BIS matter?
They act as global gatekeepers for financial integration and exchange systems.
📌 KEY TAKEAWAY
Iraq has moved from preparation to operational readiness. With sovereignty restored, digital systems live, revenues diversified, and international validation secured, the foundation is in place for next-level global financial engagement.
⚠️ FINAL DISCLAIMER
This article is informational only, reflecting Militia Man’s analysis and opinion. It is not financial advice. Always conduct independent research.
The following 10 indicators...create conditions for prudent next steps by the Central Bank of Iraq and gatekeepers - IMF, UST, BIS...
(1) United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq ended on December 31, 2025...This affirms full sovereignty for Iraq...
(2) Parliament leadership elected smoothly on December 29, 2025.
(3) ASYCUDA system
automations mandatory January 1, 2026...Generated record non-oil revenues...in 2025...
(4) Electronic payments and...digital dinar in full implementation with paper notes phasing out in 2026...
(5) Low inflation maintained. Foreign reserves reached approximately $115 billion...That is phenomenal in comparison to other countries.
(6) Banking sector restructuring and advances...improves compliance and attracts foreign partnerships...
(7) TIR international transit system launched first shipments across Iraq in 2025...This positions Iraq as a reliable logistics partner...a key component to the WTO...
(8) Development Road designs reached 87% for railways...Navigation channels 100%. These enhance...non-oil revenues...which is going to support the Real Effective Exchange Rate.
(9) International partnerships expanded. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development...Direct aviation links with China start early 2026...
(10) The IMF 2025 review praised prudent policies. The BIS supposed standard adoption. The US Treasury commended compliance efforts. These measured validations reflect confidence in Iraq's readiness...These [10] indicators show Iraq reforms have created a stable foundation with sovereignty ...digital systems are live and revenues are diversified. The country is prepared for deeper global financial ties
SALEH’S APPEARANCE: THE FLUCTUATIONS IN THE PARALLEL MARKET ARE TEMPORARY AND DO NOT AFFECT THE STABILITY OF LIVING STANDARDS
The economic advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed on Monday that the fluctuation in global oil prices is not directly related to the volatility of the parallel exchange market in Iraq, explaining that the monetary policy based on a fixed exchange rate supported by reserves exceeding $100 billion provides a strong stability umbrella for foreign currency.
Saleh told Al-Furat News Agency that “the limited fluctuations in the parallel market represent temporary and ineffective reactions that came in response to the launch of the latest fiscal discipline package, which included decisions to re-examine the paths of public spending and enhance the efficiency of revenues, especially through expanding and controlling tax and customs bases.”
He added that “these movements are a natural behavior for markets when they receive new signals from fiscal policy, as supply and demand forces tend to test these signals and adapt to them in stages, before returning to more stable paths that are in harmony with economic and financial fundamentals.”
He pointed out that “the current fluctuations in the parallel market do not reflect a structural imbalance in the exchange market, but rather a temporary adaptation phase with regulatory tools aimed at enhancing financial and monetary stability in the medium term.”
Saleh pointed out that “the limited movements observed in the parallel market do not affect the stability of the general price range, which has maintained a low inflation rate of about 2.5% annually, which reflects the effectiveness of the macroeconomic policy mix.”
He explained that stability is due to the convergence of three main policies:
Monetary policy: A fixed official exchange rate for the Iraqi dinar at 1320 dinars to the dollar. Fiscal policy: Broad support amounting to about 13% of GDP, limits the transmission of price shocks to living standards.
Trade policy: Price defense through the subsidized food basket and the modern market system (hypermarkets), which absorbs the noise generated by the parallel market and turns it into stable white noise.
Saleh concluded by saying that “the parallel market no longer has a significant impact on daily life, after its effect became detached from income and consumption levels and its impact shifted mainly to the asset sector, which is not directly related to the stability of living or social peace.”
This article reflects Militia Man’s analysis and interpretation of publicly reported economic, political, and financial developments in Iraq. All content is informational and opinion-based and not financial advice.
🇮🇶 MILITIA MAN: WHY THESE 10 INDICATORS MATTER NOW
According to Militia Man, a convergence of ten major indicators has created the conditions for prudent next stepsby the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and international financial gatekeepers such as the IMF, U.S. Treasury (UST), and Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
Together, these indicators suggest Iraq has moved beyond preparation and into operational readiness for deeper global financial integration.
🔑 THE 10 KEY INDICATORS BREAKDOWN
1️⃣ UNAMI MANDATE ENDED – FULL SOVEREIGNTY
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) officially ended on December 31, 2025.
Confirms full Iraqi sovereignty
Removes international administrative oversight
Clears a major requirement for independent monetary policy
🏛️ Sovereignty is essential for exchange rate authority.
2️⃣ SMOOTH PARLIAMENT LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
On December 29, 2025, Iraq’s parliament successfully elected new leadership:
Peaceful process
Political continuity
Strengthens institutional credibility
3️⃣ ASYCUDA AUTOMATION FULLY MANDATORY
The ASYCUDA customs automation system became mandatory on January 1, 2026.
Generated record non-oil revenues in 2025
Enhances transparency and tax collection
Reduces corruption and revenue leakage
4️⃣ DIGITAL DINAR & ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS LIVE
Iraq has now fully implemented:
Electronic payment systems
Digital dinar infrastructure
Planned phasing out of paper notes in 2026
💳 Digital compliance is a core IMF and BIS requirement.
5️⃣ LOW INFLATION & STRONG FOREIGN RESERVES
Iraq has maintained:
Low inflation
Foreign reserves near $115 billion
This level of reserves is exceptionally strong relative to peer economies.
6️⃣ BANKING SECTOR RESTRUCTURING
Significant advancements include:
Improved regulatory compliance
Banking modernization
Increased attractiveness to foreign partnerships
🏦 A compliant banking system is mandatory for international settlements.
7️⃣ TIR TRANSIT SYSTEM LAUNCHED
The TIR international transit system began its first shipments across Iraq in 2025.
Positions Iraq as a regional logistics hub
Critical component for WTO accession
Enhances trade efficiency
8️⃣ DEVELOPMENT ROAD PROJECT NEAR COMPLETION
Infrastructure progress includes:
Railway designs 87% complete
Navigation channels 100% complete
These projects:
Boost non-oil revenues
Support the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)
9️⃣ EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Iraq has expanded its global reach through:
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development involvement
Direct aviation links with China starting early 2026
🌍 Global connectivity strengthens trade and capital flows.
🔟 INTERNATIONAL VALIDATION & PRAISE
Major global institutions have issued strong endorsements:
IMF 2025 review praised prudent policies
BIS standards reportedly being adopted
U.S. Treasury commended compliance efforts
These validations reflect international confidence in Iraq’s readiness.
⭐ FEATURED SNIPPET
What indicators show Iraq is ready for global financial integration?
Militia Man highlights ten indicators including full sovereignty, digital dinar implementation, low inflation, $115B in reserves, IMF praise, BIS standards, and expanded international trade systems.
🧠 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR IRAQ’S CURRENCY REFORM
Taken together, these indicators show that:
Iraq has achieved sovereignty
Digital financial systems are live
Revenues are diversified beyond oil
Global institutions recognize compliance and stability
📈 This creates a foundation for exchange rate modernization and deeper global financial ties.
❓ Q&A: COMMON QUESTIONS
❓ Is Iraq fully sovereign now?
Yes. The end of UNAMI on December 31, 2025 confirms full sovereignty.
❓ Why is the digital dinar important?
It ensures transparency, traceability, and compliance with IMF/BIS standards.
❓ Are foreign reserves sufficient?
Yes. Approximately $115 billion is considered exceptionally strong.
❓ Does this mean an RV is imminent?
Militia Man suggests conditions are now met, but timing remains a policy decision.
❓ Why do IMF and BIS matter?
They act as global gatekeepers for financial integration and exchange systems.
📌 KEY TAKEAWAY
Iraq has moved from preparation to operational readiness. With sovereignty restored, digital systems live, revenues diversified, and international validation secured, the foundation is in place for next-level global financial engagement.
⚠️ FINAL DISCLAIMER
This article is informational only, reflecting Militia Man’s analysis and opinion. It is not financial advice. Always conduct independent research.
The following 10 indicators...create conditions for prudent next steps by the Central Bank of Iraq and gatekeepers - IMF, UST, BIS...
(1) United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq ended on December 31, 2025...This affirms full sovereignty for Iraq...
(2) Parliament leadership elected smoothly on December 29, 2025.
(3) ASYCUDA system
automations mandatory January 1, 2026...Generated record non-oil revenues...in 2025...
(4) Electronic payments and...digital dinar in full implementation with paper notes phasing out in 2026...
(5) Low inflation maintained. Foreign reserves reached approximately $115 billion...That is phenomenal in comparison to other countries.
(6) Banking sector restructuring and advances...improves compliance and attracts foreign partnerships...
(7) TIR international transit system launched first shipments across Iraq in 2025...This positions Iraq as a reliable logistics partner...a key component to the WTO...
(8) Development Road designs reached 87% for railways...Navigation channels 100%. These enhance...non-oil revenues...which is going to support the Real Effective Exchange Rate.
(9) International partnerships expanded. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development...Direct aviation links with China start early 2026...
(10) The IMF 2025 review praised prudent policies. The BIS supposed standard adoption. The US Treasury commended compliance efforts. These measured validations reflect confidence in Iraq's readiness...These [10] indicators show Iraq reforms have created a stable foundation with sovereignty ...digital systems are live and revenues are diversified. The country is prepared for deeper global financial ties
This article reflects Mnt Goat’s opinions and commentary, including information reportedly shared by a Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) contact. All information is unofficial, opinion-based, and unverified. This is not financial advice.
🇮🇶 MNT GOAT: IRAQ UNDERSTANDS THE U.S. ROLE IN REFORM
According to Mnt Goat, the people of Iraq increasingly recognize that the United States’ presence is intended to support and stabilize Iraq’s progress, particularly during Prime Minister al-Sudani’s first term.
One of the most critical components of that progress is the financial and monetary reform, which includes:
Mnt Goat emphasizes that currency reform is not optional—it is foundational to Iraq’s long-term economic success.
🏦 CBI CONTACT UPDATE: CURRENCY SWAP-OUT STILL PENDING
Mnt Goat reported speaking with her Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) contact over the weekend. According to that conversation:
The committee is still waiting for final authorization
The directive needed is to begin the currency swap-out
The plan was originally scheduled for the last week of December
The process was stalled due to political reasons
⏳ This confirms that technical readiness exists, but political clearance is the bottleneck.
⚠️ THE IRANIAN ISSUE: A KEY DELAY FACTOR
Mnt Goat shared her personal belief that the currency swap-out and reinstatement will not proceed until the
Iran-related political issues are resolved.
This aligns with:
Regional security concerns
Iranian influence within Iraqi politics
The need for stability before executing a major monetary transition
🌍 Large-scale currency reforms historically require political calm and regional balance.
🔑 THE OFFICIAL IRAQI CURRENCY PLAN (ALREADY PUBLISHED)
One of the most important points Mnt Goat makes is that Iraq has already publicly outlined its full currency reform plan.
According to official Iraqi statements in recent months, the sequence is:
📉 Step 1: Removal of the Zeros
Redenomination of the currency
Simplification of accounting and pricing
Public education phase
📈 Step 2: Revaluation
Adjustment of the currency’s value
Restoration of confidence
Improved purchasing power
🔗 Step 3: New Peg & Reinstatement
Establishment of a new exchange-rate mechanism
Reintegration into global markets
Full reinstatement of the Iraqi dinar
📜 This plan is no longer speculation—it has been openly discussed by Iraqi officials.
⭐ FEATURED SNIPPET
What is Iraq’s official currency reform plan? According to Mnt Goat, Iraq has publicly outlined a three-step process: removal of the zeros, followed by a revaluation, and finally a new peg and full currency reinstatement.
💡
WHY REINSTATEMENT IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
Mnt Goat stresses that true revitalization of Iraq’s financial sector cannot succeed without completing the reinstatement project.
Without it:
Banking reforms stall
Foreign investment hesitates
Economic growth remains constrained
🏗️ At some point, Iraq must “pull the trigger” to move forward.
❓ Q&A: KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED
❓ Is the currency reform plan official?
Yes. According to Mnt Goat, Iraqi authorities have publicly outlined the plan.
❓ Why hasn’t the swap-out started?
Political delays and unresolved regional issues, particularly involving Iran.
❓ Was it supposed to happen already?
Yes. The swap-out was reportedly planned for late December.
❓ What triggers reinstatement?
Completion of political prerequisites and final authorization to proceed.
❓ Does this mean the RV is canceled?
No. Mnt Goat believes it is delayed, not canceled.
🧠 KEY TAKEAWAY
Iraq’s currency reform is planned, documented, and inevitable, but timing depends on political stability, not technical readiness.
“Enough said.” — Mnt Goat
⚠️ FINAL DISCLAIMER
This article is informational only, based on opinions and reported conversations. It is not financial advice. Always conduct independent research and consult professionals.
I believe the people of Iraq... realize the U.S. is there to help continue the progress of al-Sudani’s first term in office. Part of that work is the reinstatement and the change over of the currency.
In speaking to my CBI contact over the weekend she has said her committee is still waiting for the direction to begin the swap out of the currency. She told me it was planned for the last week in December but was stalled due to political reasons. My personal belief is that it will not occur until this Iranian issue is resolved.
.along the way, at some time they will have to pull the trigger on the reinstatement project and get it done for any real revitalization of the financial sector to be successful ... they...actually came out in recent months and outlined the entire plan for us all to see. It states first the removal of the zeros which leads to a revaluation and then a new peg and reinstatement. Enough said