They warned of a "major recession"... Baghdad merchants complain about high taxes and customs duties: the citizen is the one who suffers
1/8/2025
Wholesalers and owners of goods and merchandise warehouses in the capital, Baghdad, expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the government’s recent decisions regarding increasing taxes and implementing the new customs tariff, in addition to imposing a quality mark on all imported goods.
Traders confirmed that these simultaneous measures caused clear disruption in buying and selling, warning that continued tax pressure would lead to a major recession in local markets, as a result of the sudden increase in import and storage costs, and the difficulty for the market to absorb these price increases.
Salem Hassan, a construction materials trader, told Shafaq News Agency that "customs duties have increased significantly to more than 30%, which is equivalent to one-third of the price of some materials," noting that the average citizen is no longer able to purchase his basic needs.
He added that "this increase has caused a recession in the markets, while wholesale stores have raised prices for traders," calling on the state to find urgent solutions to this problem.
For his part, a wholesaler of single-use plastic materials in the Jameela Industrial Area pointed out that raising customs duties prompted them to stop import operations, noting that these materials are used daily in packaging food products.
The traders explained to Shafaq News Agency that "the state must find quick solutions, because the citizen will be the victim as he is the last consumer," indicating that the imposed customs duties are excessive.
For his part, economist Mohammed Al-Hassani told Shafaq News Agency that imposing customs duties on goods and commodities would lead to higher inflation rates and an economic recession.
He explained that the government imposed these fees at a time when Iraq does not have an industrial sector capable of meeting market needs, and that the available local production is insufficient, warning that this will contribute to increasing unemployment rates among young people. LINK
All information shared by Bruce is based on sources and personal interpretation. Nothing stated should be taken as financial advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions.
According to Bruce [via WiserNow], we are now hearing strong alignment from three separate, high-quality sources, all pointing toward the same conclusion — with a caveat.
🔹 Source Breakdown:
Source #1: Notifications for Tier 4B (Internet Group) are expected this weekend
Source #2: If everything goes according to plan, notifications should arrive
With three aligned sources, a clear distinction between banks vs redemption centers, and strong confidence in the dinar contract rate, this update stands out as one of the most direct and actionable we’ve seen.
As always: Stay calm. Stay ready. Verify everything.
Bruce
[via WiserNow]
we have talked to three different sources that are saying almost the same thing, with a caveat...they're all good high sources...The first source said notifications. For Tier 4b that's us, the internet group should be out this weekend...
The next source...said if all goes according to plan, then we will be notified this weekend... And we had another source, separate source, that said virtually the same thing, if everything goes according to plan, then we should be notified for tier 4b this weekend.
...If I had dinar there’s no way in this world I would go to the bank – because the dinar has a contract rate at the redemption center ONLY – and it’s terrific - ...it’s very high - President Trump set that up in his first term with the Prime Minister and the central bank of Iraq, and it's a stellar rate, excellent rate...the rate on the Dong is not a contract rate. It is on the dinar, but not on the Dong but dong rate that we've heard in the last few days is is quite good, quite high, and everybody will be pleased with it...
A Sudanese advisor explains to "Al-Eqtisad News" the repercussions of fixing the exchange rate at 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget.
1/8/2025 Economy News – Baghdad
The Prime Minister’s Advisor for Economic and Financial Affairs, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, revealed on Thursday the impact of the Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to fix the official exchange rate at 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget.
Saleh told Al-Eqtisad News that "the government decided to fix the official exchange rate at 1,300 dinars per US dollar in the 2026 budget project, within the framework of what he described as 'calculated coordination between fiscal and monetary policies'."
He explained that this step represents a limited increase in the value of the Iraqi dinar, and is a positive sign that reflects the strength of the country’s foreign reserves and the ability of monetary policy to confidently maintain stability.
He pointed out that fiscal policy is now moving towards maximizing real revenues, moving away from resorting to what is known as "monetary adjustment," which relies on using the exchange rate as an indirect financing tool, stressing that this trend promotes the use of authentic financial instruments to mobilize resources and control spending.
The advisor stressed that this monetary signal sends a clear message that containing inflation and stabilizing the national economy is a permanent priority, while maintaining the independence of monetary policy, and pushing fiscal policy towards greater efficiency and responsibility, in order to achieve the sustainability of macroeconomic balance in the Iraqi economy.
Earlier today, the Central Bank of Iraq addressed the Ministry of Finance regarding fixing the official exchange rate at 1300 dinars in the 2026 budget. LINK
Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything, and it is best to watch the video so that you get everything in full context. Be sure to consult a qualified professional for any financial decisions.
🌍 Global Dinar Revaluation Update – Where We Stand Today
Good morning everyone, and Happy Friday (TGIF). As always, many in the community are asking the same big question:
“Are we there yet?”
While no official trigger has fired yet, the information coming in suggests that movement is happening behind the scenes, and the process appears to be event-driven rather than date-driven.
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
Member: Good morning everyone. Are we there yet?
Member: TGIF…….Hope Mark has good news
MZ: From Iraq: “Why does the CBI refuse to revalue the dinar in order to balance their budget?” Some of the chatter this morning is saying they are looking to go up in value.
MZ: Meetings in Iraq with Washington are going on day 3 right now. This is to make sure the militias are disbanded or absorbed into law enforcement or the military. Especially any that have ties to Iran.
MZ: On the bond side- it is still quiet this morning. I am hoping to have someone on soon to talk about the farm claims and the history of it. Hopefully for next week
MZ: We are not hearing much on the banking side, group side or CMKX side but, we have heard some great stuff this week. Like money is moving in some of the Indian Nations. I spoke with a couple of Indian leaders and some have said yes- we are being told we will get our funding most likely late in this week…..but heck its already Friday. But we have heard some positive things.
MZ: So I believe we are moving…just no idea how quickly we are moving.
Member: All the puzzle pieces are there….we just have to put it together.
Member: Is this puzzle a 50 piece or a 5000 piece? Asking for a friend
Member: I believe this rv is definitely event driven. There may be events yet to occur that we have no idea need to happen?
Member: Bruce thinks it could go this weekend.
Member: Bank Story from UK a Banking Hub…. a friend went to and was told they had a De La Rue Machine
Member: Rumor has it that Venezuela and Iran will be back in the first basket.
Member: I heard a rumor that they are saying Rv may be by the 16th of Jan or the completion of Rv will be in March
Member: Clarity Act & BIG loans come due the 15th...
Member: Someday, Somebody will be right.
Member: Silver making it's third attempt to breakout over $80 and hold…third time's the charm, perhaps?
Member: I heard citi bank has 12 billion in silver shorts, Bank of America 3.75 billion also… due this weekend.
Member: Economists are saying Silver shorts could crash the entire financial system. I wonder if gold and silver will revalue before currency does?
Member: As I sit here doing nothing thinking about post RV, I realize Someday I will be able to afford sitting around doing nothing
Member: I’m looking forward to being able to afford to do more than sit around doing nothing…
Member: Thank you Mark for showing up us no matter where you be
Member: Thanks to all and hope everyone has a blessed weekend
Why is the US pushing militia disarmament in Iraq and acting against Venezuela?
In 2026, the US aims to reduce Iran’s influence in Iraq by disarming Iranian-backed militias—a critical part of US foreign policy pressure. At the same time, Venezuela’s deep ties with Iran, Russia, and China prompted a forceful US response this year to prevent non-Western powers from gaining influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Disclaimer
The following reflects Sandy Ingram’s perspective and is interpreted through current events. This content is informational and opinion-based. Always consult official sources and experts for financial, geopolitical, or investment decisions.
US Policy Toward Iraq’s Militia Forces in 2026
Sandy Ingram stated that the current administration has committed to eliminating militant groups in Iraq in 2026. This aligns with official US diplomatic messaging that year.
According to a US envoy’s New Year message, the United States intends for 2026 to be the year that marks an end to armed militia influence in Iraq. This pressure includes calls for:
Disarmament of Iran-backed groups
Restricting weapons under state control
Reducing Iranian influence within Iraq’s political and security structures
These objectives reflect a longstanding push to strengthen Iraqi sovereignty and reduce proxy influence in the region.
Iran-Backed Militias: Resistance, Integration, and Pushback
Militias backed by Iran have historically been part of Iraq’s complex security landscape since 2014. These groups are often grouped under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), many with deep ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and allied factions.
While some groups have reportedly agreed to cooperate with Iraqi state forces, others refuse to relinquish weapons
unless foreign forces leave. This complicates disarmament efforts and makes 2026’s political negotiations delicate.
Connection Between Militia Disarmament and Broader US Strategic Goals
From a strategic perspective, Iraqi militia disarmament is linked to Washington’s goal of limiting Iran’s regional influence. This strategy includes:
Political pressure on Baghdad
Diplomatic coordination with Iraqi leadership
Encouraging Iraqi state control over security forces
Sandy suggests that this is partially connected to broader commitments to key allies in the region, such as Israel.
Venezuela: Ties with China, Russia, and Iran Ignite US Response
Sandy Ingram also highlighted another flashpoint: Venezuela’s alliances.
While Venezuela long maintained ties with China and Russia, its deeper relationship with Iran has rattled US strategic priorities, especially in the Western Hemisphere.
Recent breaking news confirms aggressive U.S. action in Venezuela:
A US operation captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro
The US signaled control over Venezuela’s governance, at least temporarily
Global criticism followed from Russia, China, and other nations
This unprecedented move demonstrates how geopolitical alliances crossing certain thresholds—especially involving Iran—can trigger direct intervention or intensified pressure
.
Why the US Sees Iran Influence as a Strategic Red Line
Iran’s global network includes proxy militias in Iraq, energy and military cooperation with Venezuela, and longstanding political alliances. A deepened alliance between Caracas and Tehran would give non-Western powers a foothold in a region traditionally under US influence.
This dynamic reflects longstanding geopolitical friction over influence in the Middle East and Western Hemisphere.
While Venezuela’s ties with China and Russia alone raised eyebrows, alignment with Iran was reportedly seen as a red line for US policy.
The Bigger Picture: Geopolitics, Security & Currency Reform
Although Sandy’s commentary focuses on foreign policy and militia disarmament, these geopolitical issues may indirectly affect Iraq’s economic environment and any prospective currency developments.
Foreign security,
military presence,
and external influence can shape:
Investor confidence
Sovereignty of economic reforms
Stability needed for currency policy shifts
It remains critical for observers to follow regional diplomatic developments alongside financial updates.
Q&A – Key Takeaways from Sandy’s Analysis
Q: Why is the US pushing Iraqi militia disarmament in 2026?
A: To reduce Iran’s influence, reinforce Iraqi sovereignty, and align regional security priorities.
Q: Are Iran-backed militias cooperating?
A: Some have tentatively agreed to integration, but resistance continues.
Q: Why did the US intervene in Venezuela?
A: Recent actions are linked to containing strategic alliances involving Iran, China, and Russia.
Q: Does this affect dinar investors?
A: Geopolitical stability can influence confidence and economic reform timelines.
Sandy Ingram’s perspective underscores how geopolitical strategy and regional security intersect with long-term foreign policy goals, including Iraq’s internal reforms.
Whether it’s disarming militias or navigating Venezuela’s complex alliances, these moves are part of a broader 2026 geopolitical landscape that may impact economic and currency developments in the region.
The current administration has voted to eliminate militants out of Iraq in 2026. I do believe this is a promise that they have made to Israel in order to keep Israel from, as the kids say, jumping on Iraq.
The Iran backed militia groups have come together in Iraq. They are telling Baghdad they will not give up their weapons until the occupation ends...As you know the Trump administration has said [disarmament of Iran backed militia] is their goal for 2026...
Venezuela has deep ties with China, Russia and Iran...As long as they were holding hands with China and Russia the Western Hemisphere didn't get too excited.
But when they started holding hands with Iran...the currency administration said, Uh-no, no, no, no, NO!...These relationships give non-western powers a foothold in the Western Hemisphere traditionally influenced by the US. The US was not having it. Venezuela holding hands with Iran was totally out of the question...The US said, 'Ok, you crossed the line. That's it. We're coming to get your ass and we're going to bring you back to the US to stand trial.'...Venezuela is a country the world cannot afford to lose, just like Iraq