Baghdad merchants' strike paralyzes trade in protest against increased customs tariffs
On Sunday morning, Iraqis woke up to an unusual sight in the streets of the capital, Baghdad, as markets and shops appeared completely closed, in a general strike carried out by merchants in protest against a government decision to raise customs tariffs.
Major commercial areas such as Al-Shourja, Al-Rashid Street, Al-Karrada, Al-Rabeei, Al-Sina’a, and Jamila witnessed an almost complete closure of shops, while a number of merchants went out in demonstrations in the middle of Al-Shourja, demanding a reversal of the decision, which they described as “suffocating,” due to the sharp rise in commodity prices and the decline in citizens’ purchasing power that it caused.
Traders confirmed that the decision led to a major recession in the markets and increasing financial losses, which prompted them to escalate the strike, indicating their intention to continue the closure until the government responds to their demands to open a serious dialogue and review the customs tariff in a manner that is appropriate to the difficult economic conditions.
This strike comes days after warnings issued by traders about the consequences of implementing the decision, which prompted citizens yesterday, Saturday, to rush to the markets to buy food and consumer goods, fearing price increases or shortages in supply.
While some economic voices blame this decision for the accumulation of goods at ports and the disruption of trade, official sources maintain that the customs increase has generated significant revenue, a move aimed at bolstering the public treasury. However, as the crisis worsens, calls have grown louder to expand the strike to other governorates if immediate action is not taken. link
“What he’s giving up is his parliamentary seat — and he’s taking the position of Prime Minister.” — Jeff
This means:
❌ He is not leaving leadership
✅ He is fully committing to the premiership
🔒 His authority becomes clear, legal, and consolidated
This move:
Removes ambiguity
Strengthens governance
Shuts down political manipulation
This is not instability — it’s clarification.
Why This Is a Win: Maliki Is Fading Out
Jeff has been consistent on this point:
“I’ve been saying this whole time — Sudani’s got this and Maliki is out.”
Sudani stepping away from parliament:
Weakens legacy power structures
Limits behind-the-scenes interference
Signals a shift away from old political control
👉 This is not chaos — this is consolidation.
Short-Term Confusion, Long-Term Stability
Jeff also acknowledges investor frustration:
“It’s a very difficult investment to study right now because there’s a lot of unknown information.”
Key realities:
Not everything is being disclosed publicly
Government formation is being intentionally delayed
Silence does not equal failure
Historically, the final stages of political and financial transitions are the least transparent.
Why the Government Formation Is Being Stalled
This stalling is not accidental
.
Possible reasons include:
Final power realignments
Legal restructuring
Protection from political sabotage
Timing coordination with economic reforms
👉 When governments rush, mistakes happen. 👉 When they stall strategically, big changes usually follow.
Important MarkZ Disclaimer
MarkZ Disclaimer: 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 for full context. Always consult a professional before making any financial decisions.
A New Week… Same Global Financial Tension
The MarkZ call opened with optimism:
“Good morning and welcome to a new week of possibilities.”
But reality quickly set in:
“The weekend was a nothing burger… so hoping the week is better.”
Despite the quiet surface, global financial pressure continues to intensify.
Bond Market Update: Quiet… But Closely Watched
According to MarkZ:
Bond activity remains quiet
No unexpected movement — yet
Any sudden change will be shared via Truth, X, or Telegram
⚠️ Silence in bond markets often means tension is being artificially managed, not resolved.
Federal Reserve Injects $56 Billion: A Red Flag
One member noted:
“The Federal Reserve is injecting $56 billion into the banking system over the next three weeks.”
MarkZ Response:
🇯🇵 Japan is struggling to prevent bond collapse
🇺🇸 The U.S. is trying to prevent bank implosions
Liquidity injections are damage control, not growth
👉 When central banks inject money at this scale, it signals systemic stress, not strength.
China Dumps U.S. Treasuries — Confidence Is Fading
Another major topic:
“China has announced they will be dumping $600 billion in U.S. Treasuries.”
MarkZ added:
“Nobody wants U.S. treasuries… even U.S. citizens don’t buy them much anymore.”
This highlights:
Declining trust in debt-based assets
A global move away from paper promises
Rising interest in hard assets and alternative systems
Is the Yuan Gold-Backed?
MarkZ clarified:
China introduced a hybrid gold-backed yuan years ago
Used mainly for international oil trade
Not a full gold standard — but strategic
This reinforces one truth: 👉 De-dollarization is real and accelerating.
Iraq Update: Political Gridlock, Digital Control
Parliament Dysfunction Continues
“Iraq Parliament held a session for minutes and adjourned until further notice.”
Sessions are being:
Opened briefly
Shut down quickly
Repeatedly postponed
Political dysfunction remains frustrating — but reforms continue quietly.
ASYCUDA: The Silent Game Changer
MarkZ emphasized:
“They are sticking to their guns on customs and imports.”
ASYCUDA (digital customs system):
Digitally tracks all imports
Eliminates bribery and corruption
Stops money leakage to elites
Speculators and smugglers are spreading false narratives — a sign the system is working.
Comex, Silver, and a Broken Market
One of the most alarming topics:
“Comex is in crisis: the Western silver racket implodes.”
MarkZ confirmed:
A recent bank failure involved silver exposure
Physical silver supply is extremely tight
Paper silver markets are structurally broken
Bill Holter warned:
“If you sell your silver, you probably won’t be able to replace it.”
ATM Shutdowns and Public Awareness
A member shared:
“My bank texted me that ATMs will be shut down on the 16th & 17th.”
While often localized, these notices contribute to growing public unease.
As one member summarized perfectly:
“Mark, TNT, Frank, Bruce — every RV site will be shouting it from the treetops. You won’t miss it.”
Featured Snippet: Why Did Sudani Resign from Parliament?
Answer: Sudani resigned from parliament because Iraqi law does not allow one person to be both an MP and Prime Minister. By giving up his parliamentary seat, he fully commits to the premiership and strengthens governance.
Featured Snippet: Why Is the Federal Reserve Injecting Liquidity?
Answer: The Federal Reserve is injecting liquidity to stabilize banks and prevent systemic failures amid extreme bond stress in the U.S. and Japan — a sign of financial strain, not strength.
Final Thoughts: Calm on the Surface, Change Underneath
Bad headlines often hide good news. Quiet markets often hide stress. Silence often comes before major shifts.
Sudani didn’t step away from leadership — he stepped into it fully.
And globally, the financial system is showing classic signs of transition pressure.
Historically, resets don’t arrive with noise — they arrive after silence.
“Who represents Iran in Iraq? Maliki and his Framework.”
In this view:
Iran’s influence is political, not just military
Maliki and the Coordination Framework act as proxies
Removing or neutralizing this influence is critical
This is not about personalities — it’s about control.
What Is Trump Doing in the Background? (IMO)
Frank26 frames current geopolitical pressure as strategic:
“Trump is causing countries to play fair with the American dollar by raising the value of their currency.”
From this perspective:
Currency values are being forced into alignment
Bad actors are being pressured economically
Stability is being demanded before cooperation
Iran’s Position Is Changing (IMO)
Frank26 adds:
“What else is he doing in Iran? He’s pretty much neutering them… Trump is talking to them.”
This suggests:
Diplomatic pressure over military escalation
Reduction of Iran’s leverage in the region
A path toward regional de-escalation
Security doesn’t always come from force — sometimes it comes from containment.
Lower Notes and the Role of U.S. Forces (IMO)
One of Frank26’s most striking opinions:
“IMO American soldiers will deliver the lower notes to the banks that have qualified and are working with the U.S. Treasury and Donald Trump.”
Key implications:
Only qualified banks receive lower denominations
Coordination with the U.S. Treasury
Security ensured during monetary transition
Controlled and protected rollout
This reinforces the idea that the exchange rate is tied to security logistics.
Why the CBI Hasn’t Introduced the New Rate (IMO)
Frank26 concludes:
“Trump is demanding security and stability for this new exchange rate… because the CBI is too stubborn to introduce it.”
From this viewpoint:
The Central Bank of Iraq is hesitant
External pressure is being applied
Stability is the final checkpoint
Once secured, resistance fades
Featured Snippet: What Is the Main Requirement for Iraq’s New Exchange Rate?
Answer: According to Frank26, the number one requirement for Iraq to introduce a new exchange rate is security and stability—specifically protection from Iranian influence within Iraq’s political system.
Featured Snippet: Why Is Iran Important in Iraq’s Monetary Reform?
Answer: Frank26 explains that Iranian influence, represented politically by figures like Maliki, must be neutralized before Iraq can safely move forward with a new exchange rate and monetary reform.
Q&A: Key Clarifications
❓ Is this Frank26’s opinion or confirmed fact?
Much of this analysis is clearly stated as IMO (In My Opinion).
❓ Why would security matter more than economics?
Because without stability, any new rate would be vulnerable to manipulation or collapse.
❓ Are lower notes already prepared?
Frank26 believes they exist and will be distributed only to qualified banks.
❓ Why involve the U.S. Treasury?
To ensure transparency, compliance, and protection during reform.
❓ Is this process close to completion?
Security pressure suggests final positioning, not beginning stages.
Why This Perspective Matters
Frank26’s analysis highlights something many overlook:
💡 Exchange rates are not just financial tools — they are security assets.
Before value can change:
Influence must be controlled
Stability must be guaranteed
Systems must be protected
Only then can a new rate survive.
Final Thoughts: Security Unlocks the Door
The money is ready. The banks are ready. The systems are ready.
According to Frank26, security is the last lock on the door.
Once that lock is removed — everything else can move forward quickly.
What is it we need in order to bring forth a new exchange rate?
Well a lot of things but the #1 thing, security and stability from Iran.
Who represents Iran in Iraq? Maliki and his Framework. What's Trump doing?
He's causing countries to play fair with the American dollar by raising the value of their currency...What else is he doing...in Iran? He's pretty much neutering them...Trump is talking to them.
IMO American soldiers will deliver the lower notes to the banks that have qualified and are working with the United States Treasury and Donald Trump on your monetary reform...Trump is demanding security and stability for this new exchange rate that we are introducing to [Iraq]because the CBI is too stubborn to introduce it...IMO
The Central Bank Governor visits the Iraqi House and renews his support for humanitarian initiatives.
His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, visited the Iraqi House, managed by Mr. Hisham Al-Dhahabi, a leading humanitarian institution dedicated to the care of orphans and the elderly, and providing social and developmental support to the most vulnerable groups in society.
During his visit, His Excellency was briefed on the services provided by the Iraqi House to children without guardians. The House takes them in from an early age, nurturing and caring for them, and providing them with academic and vocational training. It also secures employment opportunities for them in both the public and private sectors, contributing to their integration into society and their economic empowerment.
He noted that a number of the children from the House have successfully completed their university studies at prestigious colleges, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and engineering, a true testament to the success of the sustainable care model adopted by the Iraqi House for Innovation.
His Excellency commended the positive results achieved by this initiative and pledged sufficient support to meet the institution's essential needs, as well as those of the elderly care home currently under construction.
The visit included a tour of the facility, during which the governor met with the elderly residents and toured its various amenities, including children's play areas, restaurants, and small businesses run by the sons of Professor Hisham Al-Dhahabi.
These businesses serve as practical models of self-reliance and skills development.
During the visit, Mr. Al-Alaq affirmed his full financial and moral support for this humanitarian institution, praising the efforts made in caring for vulnerable groups and emphasizing the importance of partnerships between official institutions and community initiatives in promoting social solidarity and achieving sustainable development.
Central Bank of Iraq, Media Office, February 7, 2026 link
An article recently caused concern across the community:
“The Sudanese MP resigns from parliament and a replacement is preparing.”
At first glance, this sounds alarming — almost as if Prime Minister Sudani is withdrawing from the government. But according to Jeff, this interpretation is completely wrong.
In reality, this is very good news.
Let’s explain why.
You Cannot Hold Dual Power in Iraq
Jeff breaks it down in simple terms:
“You cannot be both a Member of Parliament and a Prime Minister at the same time.”
One person cannot legally hold legislative and executive power
Sudani had to choose
And the choice he made is the key takeaway.
Sudani’s Decision: Parliament or Prime Minister?
“What he’s giving up is his parliamentary seat — and he’s taking the position of Prime Minister.” — Jeff
This means:
❌ He is not leaving leadership
✅ He is fully committing to the premiership
🔒 His authority becomes clear, legal, and consolidated
This move removes ambiguity, strengthens governance, and shuts down political manipulation.
Why This Is a Win: Maliki Is Fading Out
Jeff has been consistent on this point:
“I’ve been saying this whole time — Sudani’s got this and Maliki is out.”
Sudani stepping away from parliament:
Weakens old power structures
Limits behind-the-scenes interference
Signals a shift away from legacy political control
This is not chaos — this is consolidation.
Short-Term Confusion, Long-Term Stability
Jeff also acknowledges the frustration many investors feel:
“It’s a very difficult investment to study right now because there’s a lot of unknown information.”
Key realities:
Not everything is being disclosed publicly
Government formation is being delayed intentionally
Silence does not equal failure
Historically, the final stages of political and financial transitions are the least transparent.
Why the Government Formation Is Being Stalled
This stalling is not accidental.
Possible reasons include:
Final power realignments
Legal restructuring
Protection from political sabotage
Timing coordination with economic reforms
👉 When governments rush, mistakes happen. 👉 When they stall strategically, big changes usually follow.
Featured Snippet: Why Did Sudani Resign from Parliament?
Answer: Sudani resigned from parliament because Iraqi law does not allow one person to be both a Member of Parliament and Prime Minister. By giving up his parliamentary seat, he is fully committing to the role of Prime Minister, strengthening his authority and stabilizing governance.
Featured Snippet: Is Sudani Leaving the Government?
Answer: No. According to Jeff, Sudani is not leaving the government. He is stepping away from parliament in order to legally and fully assume the Prime Minister position, which is a positive and necessary move.
Q&A: Clearing Up the Confusion
❓ Is this resignation bad news for Iraq?
No. It’s a required legal step and a sign of stability.
❓ Does this weaken Sudani’s position?
The opposite. It strengthens his authority.
❓ What does this mean for Maliki?
It signals continued loss of influence.
❓ Why is information limited right now?
Because Iraq is in a sensitive transition phase where not all actions are made public.
❓ Does this delay reforms or RV progress?
Delays can be strategic. Structural moves often happen before financial changes.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
Political clarity always comes before economic execution.
Sudani choosing the premiership:
Clarifies leadership
Reduces internal conflict
Strengthens reform credibility
Builds the foundation for future monetary actions
This is not regression — it’s positioning.
Final Thoughts: This Is Not a Step Back
Bad headlines often hide good news.
Sudani didn’t step away from leadership — he stepped into it fully.
As Jeff emphasized: 👉 “This is very good news, not bad news.”
Article: "The Sudanese MP resigns from parliament and a replacement is preparing"
This sounds bad. It sounds like Sudani is withdrawing from the government. It's actually really good news ... Let's get into what it means... You cannot be both a MP and a Prime Minister at the same time...You can't have dual power and authority. He can't be an MP and a prime minister. He has to give up one. What he's giving up is his parliamentary seat and he's taking the position of the prime minister premiership.
That's really good news...I've been saying this whole time Sudani's got this and Maliki is out...That's the direction it's heading into...This is very good news, not bad news.
It's a very difficult investment to study right now because there's a lot of unknown information. There's things they're not telling us...They're stalling the formation of the government.
