The US Treasury freezes the assets of Halbousi and two of his party leaders
An official source in Anbar province revealed on Wednesday that Jordan and the UAE have frozen the assets of the head of the Progress Party, Mohammed al-Halbousi, and two of his party leaders, due to their inclusion in the US sanctions.
The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “Jordan and the UAE have frozen the assets of the head of the Progress Alliance, Mohammed al-Halbousi, the current governor of Anbar, Omar Mishaan Dabbous, and Hebat al-Halbousi, the Speaker of Parliament, due to their inclusion in the US Federal Reserve’s decision.”
He added that "the targeted party leaders stole huge sums of money after assuming leadership positions in the central and local governments and transferred them to banks outside Iraq."
He indicated that “Mohammed al-Halbousi and Speaker of Parliament Hebat al-Halbousi failed to convince the acting US ambassador in Baghdad to mediate to lift the freeze on his funds outside Iraq and the rest of the party leaders.”
He explained that "Al-Halbousi owns, undeclared, banks and exchange offices used in currency smuggling operations from Iraq to neighboring countries," stressing that "Al-Halbousi's talks with officials at the US Embassy in Baghdad and the Kuwaiti ambassador failed to release frozen assets outside Iraq due to their inclusion in the US sanctions." link
According to Frank26, the timing we are entering is not accidental — and it’s certainly not idle.
“We didn’t come here for the last two months to twiddle our thumbs.”
That statement frames everything that has unfolded since the recent international presence arrived in Iraq. What has followed, Frank says, is a clear acceleration of progress, especially within the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and across the Government of Iraq (GOI).
Why This Sunday Matters
Frank26 describes this coming Sunday as pivotal — even epic — for Iraq’s success.
Why? Because the groundwork laid over the last two months is now converging:
This is the kind of moment where many pieces come together at once.
Major Accomplishments in Just 2–3 Weeks
Frank points out that the last two to three weeks have revealed:
Significant monetary reform advancements
Clearer communication to Iraqi citizens
Stronger signaling to the international community
These developments are not theoretical — they are visible outcomes of active engagement inside Iraq.
CBI Focus: Monetary Reform Becomes Clearly Defined
One of Frank26’s strongest points is that monetary reform is no longer vague.
Since the arrival of international support:
The CBI’s direction has sharpened
Citizens are becoming more informed
Global observers now see structure instead of speculation
This clarity is essential before any meaningful currency evolution can occur.
Political Containment: Maliki Taken Off the Table
Frank26 also emphasizes the political side of stability.
A key priority has been ensuring that Nouri al-Maliki no longer has a viable path back to power. Removing uncertainty at the top:
Reduces internal friction
Improves international confidence
Protects monetary reform timelines
Stability is not optional — it’s foundational.
“This Sunday Is Epic”
Frank doesn’t guarantee outcomes — but he does express hope and conviction:
“It is my prayer… that Sunday we see many things come together.”
In his view, this Sunday represents:
A convergence point
A validation of the last two months of work
A moment where progress becomes undeniable
Key Question: Will Bank Activity Lower the Currency Value?
A listener asked an important question:
If people flood the banks after the event, will the value drop?
Frank26’s answer was unequivocal:
👉 No — the opposite.
Financial Friction: Why Use Adds Value
Frank explains this using a core economic principle:
Every time a currency is used, traded, bought, or sold
It creates financial friction
That friction increases credibility, demand, and velocity
This is supply and demand in action.
More use = more confidence More confidence = more value
Why Activity Strengthens the IQD
According to Frank26:
Bank participation validates the currency
Widespread use signals trust
Demand pressure draws value upward, not down
A stagnant currency weakens. An active currency strengthens.
Featured Snippet: Why Is Sunday Important for Iraq?
Frank26 believes this coming Sunday is pivotal because recent CBI actions, political stabilization, and international involvement are converging into a critical moment for Iraq’s monetary reform.
Featured Snippet: Does Heavy Bank Activity Hurt a Currency?
No. According to Frank26, increased buying, selling, and usage of a currency adds value through supply and demand, increasing credibility and strength.
Q&A: Key Points from Frank26
Q: Why does Frank say this Sunday is pivotal?
A: Because weeks of preparation and reform are now converging into a critical moment.
Q: What role does the CBI play?
A: The CBI is defining and executing monetary reform with increasing clarity.
Q: Why is Maliki mentioned?
A: Removing political uncertainty helps protect reform momentum.
Q: Will people rushing to banks weaken the IQD?
A: No. Increased usage strengthens the currency through demand.
Q: What is “financial friction”?
A: Economic activity that increases trust, circulation, and value.
Final Thoughts: Momentum Creates Value
Frank26’s message is about momentum.
Progress is visible. Reform is defined. Confidence is building.
And when a currency begins to move, its value doesn’t collapse — it rises.
If this Sunday delivers what many expect, it won’t be the end of the story — it will be the beginning of the next chapter.
This coming Sunday is very pivotal for your success of [Iraq]. IMO we didn't come there for the last two months to twiddle our thumbs and pick our noses. You see very well what has happened since we've arrived.
Some amazing accomplishments have been revealed in the last 2 to 3 weeks because of what we brought over and because of what we are doing at the CBI, let alone at the GOI by making sure Maliki doesn't even consider he has a chance to be prime minister.
The moment we arrived, the monetary reform started to become better defined...not only to the Iraqi citizens but to the rest of the international world...It is my prayer...for us that Sunday we see many things come together...This Sunday is Epic.
Question: "After the event and the people flood the banks, will that cause the value to drop?"
No, the opposite. That's financial friction. Anytime you move, buy, sell, trade with a currency, it only adds value to it. It adds credibility to it, more people use it. It's called supply and demand. That draws the value upward.
S&P affirms Iraq's credit rating with a stable outlook
- Baghdad
Standard & Poor's (S&P) credit rating agency has affirmed Iraq's credit rating at B-/B with a stable outlook.
According to a previous World Bank report, Iraq remains committed to pursuing stability and sustainable growth, despite the significant challenges it has faced in recent years, including the war against terrorism and economic fluctuations.
The government has focused on rebuilding infrastructure, improving public services, and pushing forward economic reforms, supported by international partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable development and human capital development.
The World Bank noted that Iraq’s oil-based growth model has been a major source of economic instability, limiting its ability to achieve stable growth and sustainable development.
Continued reliance on oil revenues makes the Iraqi economy more vulnerable to risks amid the accelerating global shift towards reducing carbon emissions.
The bank explained that Iraq is among the countries most exposed to the effects and shocks of climate change, both in terms of physical risks, such as rising temperatures, water scarcity and extreme weather events, and in terms of financial vulnerabilities that exacerbate these challenges. LINK
This is how large monetary transitions happen without destabilizing markets or populations.
Why This Matters for the IQD
When people tie the IQD’s future to political arguments, they miss the bigger picture:
Monetary reform does not wait on political consensus
Central bank independence protects timing and execution
Economic readiness matters more than political headlines
The exchange rate story belongs to the CBI — not parliament.
Featured Snippet: Who Controls Iraq’s Exchange Rate?
According to Militia Man, the Central Bank of Iraq operates independently and has full authority to adjust the exchange rate without government approval.
Featured Snippet: Is Political Instability Stopping the IQD Revaluation?
Political noise is described as a strategic distraction, while the real progress occurs through CBI-led reforms in banking, digital infrastructure, and economic growth.
Q&A: Clarifying Militia Man’s Message
Q: Does the Iraqi government control the exchange rate?
A: No. The Central Bank of Iraq is independent and controls monetary policy.
Q: Why is Alaq questioned by officials?
A: It’s standard oversight—informational, not controlling.
Q: Can the exchange rate change during political turmoil?
A: Yes. Political events do not prevent CBI action.
Q: What should people focus on instead of politics?
A: Economic indicators, banking reforms, and digital infrastructure.
Q: Is the current calm a warning sign?
A: No. According to Militia Man, the calm is deliberate and strategic.
Final Thoughts: Watch the Bank, Not the Headlines
Political drama is loud. Monetary reform is quiet.
I don't care what people are saying or seeing. The central bank is separate from the government. Just because Alaq is invited in to have questions, that's normal course of business. It's informing where have you been, what are you doing, what are your plans to the context of what they need to know. Alaq has the full control of making an exchange rate adjustment. The government has nothing to do with it. He can do it anytime he wants...
Political noise is a utility tool, not a derailment. It keeps everyone alert while the real story is the CBI's independence, non-oil growth, digital infrastructure, gatekeeper support,unfolds quietly with massive positive impact. The calm is engineered.
In a rapidly evolving political landscape, two separate but converging developments are reshaping Iraq’s future:
The U.S. State Department has formally opposed the return of Nouri al-Maliki
A senior Hikma Movement leader now says Maliki is expected to withdraw
Taken together, these signals point toward a strategic political reset—one that could ease tensions internally and externally, while accelerating Iraq’s path toward stability.
U.S. State Department Draws a Firm Line on Maliki
The U.S. State Department has made its position unmistakably clear:
👉 It will use all available tools to prevent the return of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Featured Snippet: Is Maliki Withdrawing from Iraqi Politics?
According to a senior Hikma Movement leader, Nouri al-Maliki is expected to withdraw from the political process amid growing internal and international pressure.
Featured Snippet: Why Does the U.S. Oppose Maliki’s Return?
The U.S. State Department opposes Maliki’s return due to concerns over his past governance, sectarian policies, and their destabilizing impact on Iraq.
Q&A: Breaking Down the Political Shift
Q: Has Maliki officially withdrawn yet?
A: No official announcement yet, but senior political leaders indicate withdrawal is expected.
Q: Why is the U.S. so firm on this issue?
A: Maliki’s past leadership is viewed as destabilizing and tied to sectarian division.
Q: What is the Coordination Framework?
A: A coalition of Shi’ite political parties that plays a central role in government formation.
Q: Why return to the original six candidates?
A: To restore unity, reduce tension, and move forward with government formation.
Q: Does this help Iraq’s stability?
A: Yes. Removing polarizing figures can accelerate consensus and international confidence.
Final Thoughts: A Strategic Step Back to Move Forward
This is not about personalities—it’s about functionality.
If Maliki exits the stage, Iraq gains:
Political breathing room
International goodwill
A clearer path toward governance
In moments like this, withdrawal can be progress.
All signs suggest Iraq’s political system is choosing stability over confrontation.
News 2: Hikma Movement Leader Says Maliki Will Withdraw
Highlights:
A senior leader within the Hikma Movement announced that Maliki is expected to withdraw from the political process.
The decision is reportedly driven by growing internal and external pressure.
Following his withdrawal, the Coordination Framework is expected to return to its original six candidates, restoring the initial political arrangement.
This move aims to reduce political tension and preserve unity among Shiite factions.
