Wednesday, February 18, 2026
THE IRAQI ARMY AFTER THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION: A NEW PHASE OF PROFESSIONALISM AND READINESS
THE IRAQI ARMY AFTER THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION: A NEW PHASE OF PROFESSIONALISM AND READINESS
The Iraqi armed forces face a major responsibility to secure the borders and protect the country from any internal and external threats, following the withdrawal of the international coalition forces from the country.
This transformation comes as an opportunity to demonstrate the Iraqi army’s ability to assume full responsibility without relying on external support, with a focus on building a professional national army that is trained and equipped with the latest weapons and military technologies.
The history of the Iraqi army extends for more than a century, during which it has fought internal and external battles, from the Iran-Kuwait wars to confronting ISIS.
The spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Sabah al-Nu’man, affirms that Iraq “is moving steadily towards building a professional military system based on field experiences accumulated in battles that were decided in favor of the state, and this vision is based on a unified national doctrine and the exclusive loyalty to the state and the constitution.”
Al-Nu’man adds to Shafaq News Agency that the Iraqi army seeks to achieve technical self-sufficiency by reviving military manufacturing and localizing military technology, while developing the air force, preparing for electronic warfare, and employing the army’s experience in urban warfare and confronting terrorist gangs, to become at the forefront of the region’s armies in terms of equipment and numbers.
Capacity building
Observers note that the “new” Iraqi army after 2003 relied on a volunteer approach to build a professional military institution, whose members choose military life voluntarily, while some experts point out that the “integration officers”, that is, the figures associated with political entities who were thrown into the army after the regime change, within the army affected the level of efficiency.
In this context, military expert Alaa Al-Nashou says, “Establishing a professional national army requires significant resources, and begins with forming military schools, institutes, and colleges to train officers and fighters, and proceeds to preparing military divisions and corps to lead operations internally and externally.”
Al-Nashou’ confirms to Shafaq News Agency that preparing a professional soldier is not limited to physical training only, but includes physical, psychological and tactical maneuvers that prepare him to deal with all military scenarios, from attack and defense to retreating combat.
The expert stresses the need to put in place mechanisms to ensure professionalism within the army, most notably keeping the military institution away from partisan and political conflicts, combating corruption and nepotism within it, and removing unqualified officers and ranks, especially “integration officers”.
It also calls for the need to grant military formations direct powers to confront any threat on the borders without the intervention of “armed factions,” and to form a military council of former commanders and officers to oversee the development of combat, organizational and moral capabilities, and to bring military personnel into training courses inside and outside Iraq, especially in countries with advanced military experience such as America, Europe and Russia.
Modern armament
Military experts believe that developing the air force has become a crucial element in protecting Iraq. Between August 2024 and October 2025, the Iraqi army received 15 American Bell 505 training aircraft, in addition to French Caracal aircraft designated for search and rescue, air transport and support for ground forces.
Observers note that these aircraft represent a qualitative leap in military training and pilot qualification, and contribute to providing fire support to ground forces and increasing their flexibility, at a time when Iraq is preparing to receive the Korean M-SAM air defense system during February to ensure the protection of the borders from any possible air intrusion.
In this regard, military expert Adnan Al-Kinani confirms that Iraq now possesses an advanced air force that includes fighter jets, drones, short, medium and long ballistic missiles, and an air defense system to protect the borders from infiltration.
Al-Kinani adds to Shafaq News Agency, “Iraq also has a local military manufacturing industry to provide weapons and equipment in the event of any potential aggression or difficulty in importing, and multi-specialty ground forces that include special forces, infantry, mechanized infantry, armor and artillery, and electronic warfare capabilities to counter modern threats.”
In conclusion, he notes the importance of having qualified national leaders to guide training, supervise armament, and carry out operations, stressing that the presence of unqualified leaders poses a threat to the army’s ability to protect the state.
🇮🇶 Frank26: Maliki, Iran Influence & U.S. Pressure — Is Iraq Nearing the Monetary Shift?
Frank26 delivered a strong message centered on one core issue:
Iraq cannot meaningfully raise the value of its currency without full political and security stability — and Iranian influence remains the obstacle.
Let’s break down the key points and analyze them through a factual, structured lens.
🇮🇷 The Iranian Influence Question
According to Frank26, Iranian-backed political pressure inside Iraq is preventing progress.
The central political figure discussed is:
Nouri al-Maliki
Maliki’s name continues to surface in debates about:
Prime Minister nominations
Coordination Framework alignment
Iranian influence in Parliament
Internal bloc control
Frank26 argues that as long as Iranian influence dominates key government sectors, Iraq cannot achieve the “security and stability” required for a higher exchange rate.
🇺🇸 U.S. Pressure & Political Leverage
Frank26 attributes strong positioning to the United States and specifically to:
Donald Trump
The claim centers on the idea that:
U.S. leadership is demanding removal of Iranian political influence.
Maliki cannot return to leadership.
Stability must be restored before monetary reform moves forward.
While such claims are opinion-based and not officially confirmed through Iraqi government statements, U.S.–Iraq relations historically have played a significant role in:
Banking compliance reforms
Anti-money laundering enforcement
Sanctions oversight
Monetary policy coordination
The broader policy objective has consistently focused on reducing destabilizing foreign interference.
🏛️ Coordination Framework & Political Deadlock
The Coordination Framework — Iraq’s largest parliamentary bloc — has struggled to form consensus leadership.
If Maliki remains a divisive figure:
Bloc fractures may intensify.
Alternative coalitions could emerge.
Judicial or parliamentary interventions could accelerate resolution.
Political gridlock delays economic confidence.
And confidence drives currency valuation.
🌙 Does Ramadan Affect the Exchange Rate Timing?
Frank26 addressed whether Ramadan is a determining factor.
Short answer:
Not necessarily.
Historically, Iraq has implemented reforms during Ramadan.
Religious observance does not automatically halt:
Banking operations
Monetary policy decisions
International agreements
Could it be symbolic to act before Ramadan?
Possibly.
Is it a hard deadline?
No.
💱 The Core Requirement: Security & Stability
The institution ultimately responsible for exchange rate adjustments is:
Central Bank of Iraq
The CBI has repeatedly emphasized two conditions:
Security
Stability
These are not vague buzzwords.
They include:
Functional government
Controlled militia activity
Clear fiscal policy
Reduced corruption risk
International banking trust
Without these, a stronger rate becomes difficult to sustain.
⚖️ Diplomacy vs. Escalation
Frank26 suggested diplomacy may be reaching its limit.
However, from a geopolitical standpoint:
Diplomatic leverage typically precedes physical escalation.
Economic pressure tools are usually deployed first.
Regional stabilization efforts involve multilateral coordination.
Any major action would require complex international alignment.
Speculation should be balanced with verified reporting.
📌 Featured Snippets
❓ Is Maliki blocking Iraq’s currency reform?
Some analysts believe Nouri al-Maliki’s political influence contributes to parliamentary deadlock, which may delay economic reforms.
❓ Does Ramadan delay the Iraqi dinar rate change?
There is no official evidence that Ramadan prevents exchange rate adjustments.
❓ Can the United States influence Iraq’s monetary reform?
The U.S. plays a role in banking oversight and compliance coordination but does not directly set Iraq’s exchange rate.
❓ What does the CBI require before raising the rate?
The Central Bank of Iraq requires security, political stability, and financial compliance before implementing major rate adjustments.
🧠 Strategic Outlook
If:
Maliki’s influence diminishes…
The Coordination Framework fractures or reforms…
Government formation stabilizes…
External interference decreases…
Then the environment for a stronger, internationally accepted rate improves.
But timing remains dependent on official decisions inside Iraq.
🔔 Final Thoughts
Frank26’s message reflects frustration with prolonged instability.
However, monetary reform is ultimately:
A sovereign decision.
Implemented by the Central Bank.
Dependent on measurable stability metrics.
Political resolution must precede monetary acceleration.
For investors:
Monitor official Iraqi publications.
Follow CBI announcements.
Avoid emotional narratives.
Consult qualified financial professionals before making decisions.
The path forward appears political before it becomes monetary.
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Frank26
I want Iraq to have an opportunity to raise the value of their currency. They're not raising it because Iran steals everything with their political influence in parliament, in the banking sectors...I'm concerned we may have to do something physical. But I am grateful...the United States of America has the ability to make this <snap> very quickly...
Is Ramadan an important factor of when they're going come out with the new rate? Not really. No. It would be nice to have it before it. Oh-yeah.
As much as diplomacy was the best route it is possible that time is up. It is possible that we need to remove Maliki...It is the Iranian influence that is pushing the coordinated framework to have Maliki be the nominee for the Prime Minister of Iraq.
It is Trump that is telling parliament and the Iranian infection inside of Iraq...get out of Iraq. Maliki cannot be prime minister...We are removing Maliki. Trump does not want any Iranian influence in Iraq whatsoever in order to bring forth the security and stability that is needed for the new exchange rate.
BAGHDAD AND ERBIL UNIFY CUSTOMS SYSTEM TO CONTROL MARKETS AND PROTECT THE VALUE OF THE DINAR
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.
Read also:
CONFIRMATIONS JUST IN: Tier 4B Final Triggers Activated – Gold-Backed Financial System Irreversible
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.”
WALKINGSTICK & MILITIAMAN: 🏦 53rd Bank & WTO Readiness? Major U.S. Banking Role + Iraq’s Next Logical Currency Step
New developments from Walkingstick and Militia Man are fueling discussions across the dinar community.
Two major themes emerged:
A prominent U.S. bank may play a significant role in the exchange process.
Iraq appears increasingly aligned with World Trade Organization requirements.
Let’s break this down logically and carefully.
🏦 53rd Bank’s Potential Role in U.S. Exchanges
Walkingstick shared that 53rd Bank is expected to play a substantial role in the exchange process within the United States.
The institution referenced is:
Fifth Third Bank
Key Points:
It may have strong involvement particularly in the Northeast region of the United States.
Other banks are expected to participate as well.
Increased institutional participation suggests infrastructure readiness.
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.
🇮🇶 Iraq’s Foundational Requirements
Over recent years, Iraq has:
Modernized banking compliance systems.
Strengthened anti-money laundering frameworks.
Implemented digital payment expansion.
Increased gold reserves.
Stabilized foreign currency auctions.
These are prerequisites for global integration.
The central institution responsible is:
Central Bank of Iraq
The CBI has repeatedly emphasized:
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.
🧠 Balanced Perspective
It is important to separate:
✔ Infrastructure readiness
✔ Legal compliance
✔ Banking modernization
From:
❗ Official rate change announcements
Preparation does not equal activation — but preparation is necessary before activation.
🔔 Final Thoughts
Walkingstick’s banking intel and Militia Man’s WTO analysis converge on one theme:
Infrastructure and compliance frameworks appear largely complete.
The remaining variable?
Timing.
As always:
Watch official Iraqi government publications.
Monitor Central Bank statements.
Verify banking policies directly.
Consult financial professionals before making decisions.
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🔥 Hashtags
#FifthThirdBank #WTO #IraqiDinar #DinarRV #MonetaryReform #GlobalTrade #CBI #ExchangeRate #FinancialReset #RVUpdate #BankingNews
Walkingstick
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.
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