BAGHDAD AND ERBIL UNIFY CUSTOMS SYSTEM TO CONTROL MARKETS AND PROTECT THE VALUE OF THE DINAR
The Iraqi General Authority of Customs announced on Thursday tangible progress in economic relations between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, confirming the region’s response to the initiative to unify customs tariffs and implement federal decisions, in a strategic step aimed at controlling local markets, combating money laundering, and maintaining the stability of the value of foreign currency.
In a press statement, the Director General of the General Authority of Customs, Samer Qasim, revealed that “the Kurdistan Region has actually begun to respond to the issue of unifying customs tariffs with the federal ports,” noting that the steps to comply with Resolution No. (597) and the customs instructions issued by Baghdad have entered into force.
Qasim explained that “the past two days witnessed a series of meetings in the capital, Baghdad, which resulted in initial agreements and practical understandings to begin unifying the customs system,” considering this step a fundamental pillar for resolving many outstanding files and issues between the two sides.
The Director General of Customs emphasized that traders operating outside the customs and tax system will be the “most affected” by these measures.
He added, “Working with the ASYCUDA electronic system requires traders to possess a valid import ID and tax ID. Accordingly, no financial transfers will be allowed to pass through this unified digital system.”
Qassem explained that the tariff unification process will not include all goods in the first phase, but will focus on the “most imported goods” that cause large amounts of dollars to be drained abroad.
The Iraqi official concluded his statement by noting that the objectives of this coordination are “to regulate import operations, protect the Central Bank’s hard currency reserves, prevent the entry of low-quality goods, and provide a safe environment to protect the national product through a clear and comprehensive national customs policy.”
While no official confirmation has been released publicly, expanded foreign currency exchange capabilities across regional banks could indicate preparatory positioning.
Why Would Multiple Banks Participate?
Competitive opportunity
Fee revenue from exchange services
Liquidity positioning
Geographic coverage expansion
Major monetary events require decentralized banking support — not just one institution.
🌍 WTO Readiness: Militia Man’s Analysis
Militia Man emphasized what he considers “clear evidence” of Iraq’s readiness for the next phase of global integration.
The relevant global body is:
World Trade Organization
What Does WTO Readiness Mean?
To align with WTO standards, a country must demonstrate:
Transparent trade policy
Stable monetary framework
Legal compliance mechanisms
Functional banking and financial infrastructure
According to recent commentary:
Required documentation files are reportedly complete.
Negotiations remain active.
Foundational financial reforms are in place.
💱 The “Managed Real Effective Exchange Rate” Concept
Militia Man referenced exposure to a managed real effective exchange rate (REER).
Let’s unpack that.
A REER reflects:
A country’s currency value adjusted against trading partners.
Inflation differentials.
Purchasing power metrics.
If Iraq were to transition toward:
A more market-reflective rate,
Managed within controlled parameters,
That would represent a logical evolution of monetary reform — not a sudden uncontrolled shift.
Stability and security are required before major currency steps.
🔎 What This Means for Dinar Investors
1️⃣ U.S. Banking Preparation Signals Infrastructure Readiness
If regional banks like Fifth Third are preparing internally, it suggests contingency planning.
2️⃣ WTO Progress Indicates Global Integration
Full integration requires currency mechanisms that function internationally.
3️⃣ Timing Matters
Militia Man described current conditions as “impeccable.”
That may reference:
Political realignments
Trade readiness
International negotiations
Domestic reform completion
📌 Featured Snippets
❓ Is Fifth Third Bank involved in dinar exchanges?
There are reports suggesting Fifth Third Bank may play a role in U.S. currency exchange operations, particularly in the Northeast region, though no official confirmation has been released.
❓ What does WTO readiness mean for Iraq?
WTO readiness means Iraq has completed trade, legal, and monetary reforms necessary for integration into global markets.
❓ What is a managed real effective exchange rate?
A managed REER is a currency value adjusted against trade partners and inflation metrics, controlled within central bank policy parameters.
❓ Does WTO accession require a new exchange rate?
Not necessarily a sudden change, but it does require a functional, transparent, and internationally compatible currency system.
⚖️ Logical Progression: What Comes Next?
If Iraq has:
Completed WTO technical files
Stabilized banking reforms
Modernized compliance systems
Reduced currency in circulation
Strengthened reserves
Then the next step logically becomes:
Greater exposure of the Iraqi dinar to international markets under a structured rate mechanism.
That does not guarantee immediate change — but it narrows the pathway.
We found out that 53rd Bank is going to be playing a very big part in the exchange process in the United States of America. There will be many banks that will be involved because they all want a piece of the exchange but the latest one that we just found out, which was a surprise, but we believe it's going to be more for the northeast part of the United States of America.
Militia Man
Clear evidence of WTO readiness. The files are complete, negotiations are active still...I think the timing is impeccable...Iraq now has the foundational requirements covered. The successes today are real and the next logical step as, I see it, is exposure to a managed real effective exchange rate that reflects those successes.
AL-MALIKI: TALK OF DISBANDING THE POPULAR MOBILIZATION FORCES IS JUST RUMORS; THE PRIORITY IS THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE.
The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, affirmed on Wednesday that the priority of the current stage is to consolidate the authority of the state and unify the security decision, stressing that the Popular Mobilization Forces are part of the Iraqi security system.
Al-Maliki said in a statement, “The priority today is not to dissolve this or merge that, but to consolidate the authority of the state and unify the security decision,” stressing that “the Popular Mobilization Forces are part of the Iraqi security system, were established by law, and their role was decisive in confronting terrorism.”
He added that “any organization or development of the work of security institutions is done within the vision of the state and in a way that preserves sovereignty and stability, away from media posturing.”
Al-Maliki pointed out that “the Popular Mobilization Forces are an official institution that was established by law and voted on by Parliament, and any talk about dissolving or merging is done exclusively within the framework of the constitution and the law and by a decision of the state, not through rumors,” stressing that “any development of the Popular Mobilization Forces must protect it from weakness and support its combat readiness.”
(We in this article Maliki’s obvious pro-Iranian stance. So, here we get Maliki’s views on the elimination of the PMF, something that the US is mandating be disarmed. Already we see a conflict in policy that is butting heads with the Trump administration. This is not going to be good if he does become prime minister.)
The political temperature in Iraq just turned up — and this time it’s not rumor. It’s legal maneuvering.
Could Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court dissolve Parliament and force a re-run of the elections?
Let’s break this down calmly, logically, and factually — and more importantly, explore what it could mean for the Iraqi dinar and monetary reform.
⚖️ State of Law Threatens to Dissolve Parliament
In a recent development, members of the State of Law Coalition warned they may petition the Federal Court to dissolve the Iraqi Parliament if the vote for President of the Republic continues to stall.
The article titled:
“The State of Law Coalition Is Threatening to Dissolve Parliament Due to Its Failure to Decide on the Position of President.”
This move could legally trigger new elections.
Under Iraq’s constitutional framework, if deadlines pass without fulfilling key government formation steps — including electing a president — the judiciary can intervene.
And yes… constitutional deadlines have already passed.
🇮🇶 Is Re-Running the Elections a Real Possibility?
Short answer: Yes.
If the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq determines Parliament has failed its constitutional duties, it could order dissolution.
Some analysts speculate:
Has this been quietly anticipated?
Is this a lawful path to restructure Parliament?
Could it reduce Iranian influence inside Iraq’s government?
These are legitimate questions.
🇮🇷 The Iranian Influence Factor
Political sessions are reportedly “on hold” pending outcomes involving Iran and international negotiations.
This ties directly into:
U.S.–Iran geopolitical developments
Regional stability
Internal Iraqi faction realignments
Many Iraqi political blocs are now reconsidering alliances within the Coordination Framework — the largest parliamentary bloc.
🧨 Maliki Under Pressure
Recent articles suggest that support for Nouri al-Maliki is eroding.
One headline even described:
“Three Blows to Maliki in One Night…”
Reports indicate:
The Framework has begun discussing alternatives to Maliki.
Shiite factions are distancing themselves.
Some blocs are considering collecting signatures to dissolve Parliament.
This is significant.
If the Coordination Framework fractures, it may lose majority status.
According to statements from members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, parliamentary sessions remain suspended pending the outcome of negotiations involving Iran.
This contradicts claims that a new Prime Minister was recently ratified.
No such session occurred.
No vote was held.
No confirmation exists.
🏛️ Al-Sudani: Renew or Replace?
Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani reportedly won majority support but faces resistance within the Coordination Framework.
Ironically:
He is Iraqi.
He is Shiite.
He had a relatively stable first term.
He signaled willingness to address militia issues.
Yet renewal remains blocked.
Why?
Political alignment disputes.
🔄 What Happens If Elections Are Re-Run?
Let’s analyze potential outcomes:
1️⃣ Iranian-Linked Members Could Be Removed
If stricter enforcement of citizenship laws occurs, non-Iraqi affiliations could disqualify certain candidates.
2️⃣ Leadership Reset
A re-run could reshape majority blocs and create a more unified coalition capable of forming government efficiently.
3️⃣ Faster Government Formation (Ironically)
While new elections sound like delay, they may actually break the deadlock permanently.
4️⃣ Stronger Stability Signal for the CBI
The Central Bank of Iraq has consistently emphasized two words:
Stability and Security.
A cleaner political structure could directly support monetary reform progress.
💰 How Does This Affect the Iraqi Dinar?
The reinstatement of the dinar and “deleting the zeros” project has been repeatedly described as:
High priority.
Technically ready.
Dependent on stability.
Political paralysis does not equal stability.
But:
Judicial intervention?
Bloc realignment?
Removal of contested figures?
Those could provide the environment needed for forward movement.
📌 Featured Snippets
❓ Can Iraq’s Federal Court dissolve Parliament?
Yes. If constitutional deadlines are missed and Parliament fails to perform its duties, the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq can order dissolution.
❓ Why is Maliki controversial?
Nouri al-Maliki faces opposition due to factional disputes and concerns over alignment with Iranian interests.
❓ Would new elections delay the dinar RV?
Not necessarily. While elections could cause short-term delay, a stable government formed afterward may accelerate monetary reform.
❓ Is Parliament currently active?
Reports indicate sessions are paused pending geopolitical developments involving Iran.
🧠 Alternatives to Re-Running Elections
A full re-run is not the only solution.
Possible faster path:
Coordination Framework fractures.
New majority bloc forms.
Government is seated without new elections.
But time is critical.
The longer paralysis continues, the more legal pressure builds.
🕊️ Investor Perspective: Stay Grounded
As outside investors:
We cannot control Iraqi politics.
We cannot force judicial decisions.
We cannot rush geopolitical timelines.
We can:
Follow credible sources.
Read official Iraqi articles.
Watch statements from the Central Bank of Iraq.
Avoid emotional overreaction.
The CBI has repeatedly stated reforms are ongoing and dependent on stability metrics.
This election saga may be the final stress test of Iraq’s constitutional democracy.
🔔 Final Thoughts
This is not about hype.
This is about political mechanics.
If:
The Federal Court intervenes…
The Coordination Framework fractures…
Maliki loses backing…
A stable coalition forms…
Then the path toward monetary reform becomes clearer.
Let’s talk for a bit about re-running the elections?
First take a peek at the article titled “THE STATE OF LAW COALITION IS THREATENING TO DISSOLVE PARLIAMENT DUE TO ITS FAILURE TO DECIDE ON THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT.” On Wednesday, MP Youssef al-Kalabi, from the State of Law bloc, threatened to go to the Supreme Federal Court to request the dissolution of the House of Representatives if the item on choosing the President of the Republic is not included in the next session of the Council. This would mean re-running the elections. We read later in another article that parliamentary sessions have been ‘put on hold’ until the Iranian crisis is over.
Is re-running the elections a real possibility as it could come out from the Federal Court to proceed in this direction. Yes, it is a REAL possibility based on the time frames already passed that the courts could make this their decision. Could their decision be what the US wanted all along. And what did they want all along? They want to clean out these Iranians from the government. Seems like a logical, legal way to do it. Could this be the plan all along coordinated with the Kurds covertly to get it done. Just asking…..
What would be the impact if they did re-run the elections?
1.It could get all these 28 Iranian parliamentary members out of parliament, something that Mark Savaya told us needed to happen. They would have to ban non-Iraqi citizens from running for office. Oh…I believe the Iraqi constitution already dictates this.
2.It could get the pro-Iranian deputy speaker out too, as he is a known pro-Iranian member of a terrorist organization on the US terrorist list. His assets have already been frozen!
3.It could also ultimately hurt the Coordination Framework as they might not come out on top as the largest block considering their failure to form the government this first round of elections. Could Iraq end up with a more conservative, less Iranian majority block tasked at forming the next government? Then the rest of the election process just could move along with little to no snags from this next go around? As investors we might be better off with this solution.
In the following article we hear what al-Sudani has to say about the real possibility of re-running the elections. It is titled “THE SUDANESE BLOC REJECTS THE CARETAKER GOVERNMENT: EITHER FORM A GOVERNMENT OR HOLD EARLY ELECTIONS.” I quote from the article “On Saturday, Mohammed Al-Khalidi, a leader in the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, expressed his rejection of the proposal to keep outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in a caretaker government. He pointed out that Ammar Al-Hakim, head of the Wisdom Movement, Qais Al-Khazali, secretary of Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, and Haider Al-Abadi, head of the Victory Coalition, threatened to break away from the coalition and form a political bloc if a government was not formed. However, Hussein Al-Shihani, a member of parliament from the Sadiqun Movement, quickly denied this information, stressing that there was no intention to break away from the coalition.”
“Al-Khalidi said in an interview with journalist Haider Zweir, which was followed by 964 Network , that “Mr. Ammar al-Hakim, Mr. al-Khazali and Mr. al-Abadi said: If we do not reach a result, we will split off and announce a political bloc, if the government is not formed.”
So, we can already hear undertones in this article of many of these political parties/forces beginning to think about breaking away from the Coordination Framework majority block and putting together another majority block that can get the job done of forming the next government. This might even happen if elections are not re-run but it will have to be done soon and not procrastinate. This could be done without even re-running the elections. This would certainly speed things up for us too.
Incidentally, for all you Bruce (big stupid call) followers he told his listeners on his Thursday call 2/12 that al-Sudani was the new prime minister and was voted in already in a parliament session last week. Really? Doesn’t he verify anything he says? I am sorry I don’t like to bash anyone but when the shoe fits, wear it. This guy is an idiot! I will also add he is a liar and should take responsibility what he says on his calls and not push off the fake intel to someone else. You said it Bruce not someone else. Do we even know there is someone else or is this all lies too to sell Sue’s classes and Boomer’s products? Is this really what his calls are all about? Note how he always pushes Sue’s latest class at the end of the call, so go figure….
To prove just how wrong this idiot intel guru Bruce is and others like him, let’s take a peek at a very recent the article titled
“THE KURDS ARE KEEPING THE GOOD NEWS SECRET TO AVOID EMBARRASSING THE SHIITES AND MALIKI’S SITUATION…” In the article we read that “Parliament is on recess until the Trump and Khamenei issues are resolved. On Sunday, Ikhlas al-Dulaimi, a leading figure in the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), linked the suspension of parliamentary sessions to the negotiations between Iran and the United States. She indicated that political circles are awaiting the outcome of these negotiations before proceeding with government formation.” Oh… so tell me Bruce how parliament just ratified al-Sudani? They didn’t even had a session last week to do it. Also I told everyone too that this issue of the elections would be connected to what is happening in Iran and so we see it first hand how it is affecting parliament too. Yes, they don’t want to keep scheduling parliament sessions and then nothing happens. Yes, it would be embarrassing to the rest of the world to see.
Some good news…..
In the recent article titled “THREE BLOWS TO MALIKI IN ONE NIGHT… HIS CLOSEST ALLY SIGNALS A RETREAT” It appears that the bloc supporting Maliki is shrinking day by day. We read that the Framework has already begun discussing the alternative to Maliki. It appears that more and more resistance factions are gradually distancing themselves from supporting Maliki and moving to the opposing side, which began with the Asaib movement and the Hikma movement and today includes a large gathering of factions and political forces.“The Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada bloc, led by Abu Ala al-Walai, said that the framework has already begun discussing replacing Maliki.”
“The Victorious Bloc, affiliated with the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, hinted at the possibility of withdrawing Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination for prime minister, given “the importance of the close economic relations between Iraq and America,” according to what was stated by MP Jassim al-Moussawi.
The hints from the Loyalist bloc come in conjunction with the demands of the Services bloc (linked to the Imam Ali Brigades faction) to collect signatures to dissolve Parliament, in order to end the current political deadlock, while Parliament Speaker Hebat al-Halbousi gave the third indication when he decided to go to the judiciary, due to the expiration of the legal period for electing the President of the Republic. I already presented this article to you above.
SUMMARY:
I wish I had better news for everyone today. The blog is all about getting to the TRUTH. Lies about false targets for the RV are not reality at this point and even the best of wishes will not get us to the banks without the Iranian corruption in Iraq being cleaned up. This is now political corruption as Iran seeks Iraq as one of their ‘puppet’ states. We witnessed al the efforts of the CBI and the US Treasury with the financial and banking reforms. I don’t believe they will want a set back to the sanction days of the 90’s.
Today I have given you probable actions by the Iraqi Federal Court to address the impasse in the elections. It is time for the court to make a ruling moving forward since the constitutional deadlines have passed. Legally at this point in time, even parliament is illegal and should be disbanded and the elections re-run. That’s’ the worst case.
It is obvious the Coordination Framework, the largest block, cannot play their part in selecting a prime minister that the Sunni, Kurds and Shiites can all agree on. Yeh… let’s not also forget about the average Iraqi citizen too. Aren’t they part of the mix?
Did the Coordination Framework even consider the fact that al-Sudani won the majority vote? Al-Sudani is a Shiite, an Iraqi citizen, a patriot and had a very good first term. It baffles me as to why they refuse to renew him for a second term. Oh…. but we know why as they are stacking the government as pro-Iranian. Al-Sudani has also already stated he will work out a plan to dismantle the Iranian militias at the request of the U.S. Go figure…. Corrupt terrorist have infiltrated the Iraqi government just as they have infiltrated the US politics.
We learn some good news, if there can be any even, that as time passes more and more Shiite parties are moving their support away from the Coordination Framework over this Maliki issue. If the Coordination Framework does not back down on Maliki, there is a real possibility the majority block could be broken up even and lose the status as the majority block. If this continues even al-Sudani could move his party’s support out too. As a result, yet another block might emerge as the largest block from it. So, we can see there are alternatives to release the deadlock besides re-running the entire election but it has to happen soon, very soon. The clock is ticking. What will the Federal Court decide to do?
As outside investors in the Iraqi dinar all we can do is hang in and watch this saga play out. I cautioned everyone earlier in 2025 that the election was coming and the chaos that always prevails from it. I have not seen an election as worst as this one. This will be the truest test of democracy in Iraq and their new constitution. Will the citizens let the government be taken over by a foreign entity, and I don’t mean the U.S. but rather Iran. The US only wants to help Iraq though this process and then work with an honest government to rebuild their economy and bring Iraq to its potential. There is money to be made with this partnership with Iraq. Part of this process at some point is of course, the reinstatement of the dinar. The CBI has told us they are working on it and even told us it was very close as they only needed STABILITY and SECURITY to make it happen. Opps I said these dirty words again…. lol.. lol.. lol.. These terms can be ambiguous as we ask what is the gauge for these two things to know Iraq is stable and secure? This is where we must pay close attention to the news over a period of time and get a feel for what the CBI says as it is important for stability. In today’s news we got some informaiton from the CBI on this topic and so we can see that the issues with Iran are now on the top of the list of stability issues.
Today I have tried to connect the pieces with you and present the TRUTH as to what is actually going on. Please take the time to re-read the commentary and peek into the articles I listed in it (RED). I do not need bank memos or three letter agency lies to tell me this is going to RV any time soon. We must buckle down and relax. I can assure you my CBI contact has told me many times this event of the reinstatement and deleting the zeros is on the table and is of a high priority. Didn’t we read many articles last fall on this topic too. So, relax, soak in the FACTS and watch it all play out. PS- don’t forget to PRAY, PRAY and PRAY some more…..
_______________________________
We pray-
A nice prayer from one of my blog followers. Thank You!
“Be still, wait on the Lord, my modern David will slay the so-called giant of Islam. It will fall they are already begging for mercy, but it will not come as they have sinned so greatly with their blasphemy, disregarded all warnings for the Lord and now HIS WRATH WILL CONSUME ALL WHO CURSE THE CHOSEN!!
AL-MALIKI PRAISES AL-SUDANI: HIS SUPPORTIVE STANCE TOWARDS MY NOMINATION IS UNFORGETTABLE.
The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, praised on Tuesday the position of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in support of his nomination for the position of Prime Minister, while stressing that his supportive position will not be forgotten.
Al-Maliki said in a televised statement followed by “Mail” that “Al-Sudani’s position supporting my nomination for the position of Prime Minister is unforgettable,” stressing that “Al-Sudani did not demand any guarantees in return for his support for my nomination for the position of Prime Minister.”
(Al-Sudani supports any nominee from the coalition , get it? Maliki makes is sound as though al-Sudani is jumping for joy that Maliki is the nominee. Al-sudani still feels he should have another term in office and wants it.)
He added that “we searched extensively for a way out of the dilemma of choosing between the candidates for prime minister,” indicating that “I did not speak with Al-Sudani about his withdrawal from the nomination for prime minister.”
Al-Maliki continued, “We respect the differences of opinion within the coordination framework and we will return to it in the event of any changes,”
noting that “the issue of whether or not I will concede to Al-Sudani is up to the coordination framework.”
He explained that “if the coordinating framework decides by a two-thirds majority to change its candidate for prime minister, I will comply with its decision.”
I will also add he is a liar and should take responsibility what he says on his calls and not push off the fake intel to someone else. You said it Bruce not someone else. Do we even know there is someone else or is this all lies too to sell Sue’s classes and Boomer’s products? Is this really what his calls are all about? Note how he always pushes Sue’s latest class at the end of the call, so go figure….