Iraq news and more Posted by Clare at KTFA 5-19-2025
KTFA:
Clare: The US Treasury just shocked Americans with a $258B surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history
The US Treasury just shocked Americans with a $258 billion surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history.Is Trump’s plan surprisingly working?
Jing Pan Sun, May 18, 2025
Budget deficits are something we’ve come to expect from Uncle Sam. After all, without years of overspending, the federal government wouldn’t be sitting on trillions of dollars in debt. But, the latest monthly Treasury statement delivered a rare — and welcome — surprise.
In April 2025, the U.S. government collected $850.2 billion in receipts while spending $591.8 billion, resulting in a monthly budget surplus of $258.4 billion.
That’s not just any surplus — it’s the first monthly surplus of fiscal year 2025 (which began in October 2024), and the second-largest monthly surplus in U.S. history, behind only April 2022’s $308.2 billion surplus.
Does that mean President Trump’s plan is working?
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the surplus was driven by “large individual tax deposits,” with April being the due date for final payments on prior-year taxes and the first installment of quarterly estimated taxes for many individuals and businesses. LINK
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Clare: Iraq is preparing to hold the Baghdad International Energy Forum with the participation of 12 countries in September.
5/19/2025
The capital, Baghdad, is preparing to host the "Baghdad International Energy Forum," one of the most prominent international events in the energy sector, in early September 2025.
The Ministry of Oil stated in a statement received by {Euphrates News} a copy of it, that: “This important event is being organized under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, in partnership with the “Tomorrow” Foundation for Risk Management and the Iraqi Institute for Dialogue, and under the sponsorship of the Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO).”
She added, "Official invitations to attend the forum were extended to energy and oil ministers from twelve countries, in addition to senior executives from major international oil companies, and a select group of experts and specialists in various energy fields."
She continued, "The forum's sessions will address vital topics related to the concepts of environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and developments in global energy markets, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the region in this context."
She noted that "this forum embodies Iraq's future directions in developing the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors, and reflects its commitment to its active role in consolidating regional and international dialogue on the future of global energy." LINK
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Clare: In Washington, the Kurdistan Region signs two strategic energy agreements
5/19/2025
The Kurdistan Regional Government announced on Monday that Prime Minister Masrour Barzani sponsored the signing ceremony of two important energy agreements in Washington, D.C.
In a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, she said, "As part of his official visit to the United States, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani oversaw the signing of two important agreements in the energy sector today, Monday, at the headquarters of the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC."
The statement pointed out that the two agreements were concluded between the Kurdistan Regional Government on the one hand, and the American oil companies "HKN Energy" and "Western Zagros" on the other hand, which are companies specialized in this vital field.
These two agreements, estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars, aim to develop and grow the oil and energy sector in the Kurdistan Region, in addition to strengthening its economic infrastructure. LINK
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PM Barzani’s U.S. Visit Focuses on Energy, Constitutional Rights, and Bilateral Ties
5/19/2025 By Dler Mohammed ERBIL —
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s current visit to the United States has been described as “exceptionally strategic” as it comes at a critical juncture in both domestic and regional politics. The visit marks the first of its kind by a Kurdish leader under the Trump administration, underscoring Washington’s intent to strengthen its partnership with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Noreldin Waisy, Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Prime Minister Barzani, emphasized the significance of the visit, which comes in response to an official invitation from the U.S. government. He said the visit is a milestone for Kurdish-American relations and serves as an opportunity to advance shared strategic interests.
Waisi emphasized that the KRG is not seeking conflict but rather a constitutional resolution to its disputes with Baghdad. His remarks came during an interview with the London-based Arabic-language daily newspaper Al Arab, where he elaborated on the region’s priorities ahead of PM Barzani’s meetings in the U.S.
“This visit is crucial not just for bilateral relations but for amplifying the Kurdistan Region’s perspective to the international community,” Waisy stated. “It comes at a time when Erbil is deeply frustrated with Baghdad’s failure to uphold constitutional agreements—especially in matters of oil revenues and federal budget entitlements.”
Barzani’s agenda in Washington includes high-level meetings with senior U.S. officials, members of Congress, policy think tanks, and American investors. He is also expected to take part in a specialized energy forum, where multiple agreements and MoUs with leading U.S. energy firms are anticipated.
Tensions with Baghdad Take Center Stage
Waisy accused the federal government of systematic financial pressure, including the deliberate withholding of Kurdistan’s share of the federal budget and delay in civil servant salaries.
He blamed Baghdad for violating multiple signed agreements, including the foundational “State Administration Agreement” that led to the formation of Iraq’s current government. “The federal government’s actions reflect a deeply entrenched centralist mindset that seeks to undermine the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region,” he said.
The core grievance centers on what Waisy described as “chronic violations” of revenue-sharing principles. “Despite the Kurdistan Regional Government’s transparency and legal compliance, Baghdad continues to use financial entitlements, particularly salary payments, as a political tool,” he added.
Energy Export Impasse and Federal Overreach
Touching on the energy file, Waisy said the federal government’s ongoing obstruction of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region—now lasting over two years—has inflicted losses amounting to billions of dollars on both the regional and national economies.
“Baghdad’s aim is clear: to keep Kurdistan excluded from the global energy map and force concessions that infringe on our constitutional authorities,” Waisy noted. “This is a broader effort to dominate Iraq’s wealth through centralized control.”
Public Opinion Warfare
Waisy also criticized what he called a “disinformation campaign” by certain Baghdad politicians who portray the Kurdistan Region as a burden on the rest of Iraq. “They frame the delayed and partial salary payments as a benevolent gesture rather than a constitutional right,” he said. “In reality, what is sent to the Region accounts for less than 5% of its rightful entitlements—far below the 14% share affirmed by recent demographic data.”
A Call for International Support and Federal Reassessment
Concluding his remarks, Waisy expressed hope that Barzani’s meetings in Washington would garner stronger international support for Kurdistan’s constitutional rights and further institutionalize its strategic alliance with the United States.
However, he warned of rising risks: “If Baghdad continues down this centralist path, the result could be irreversible deterioration in Erbil-Baghdad relations—jeopardizing not only the political balance but also the broader stability of Iraq.”
Waisy called on the federal government to take immediate and concrete steps to redress grievances and restore mutual trust. “The ball is in Baghdad’s court,” he said, “but the consequences of inaction will be felt across the entire Iraqi political landscape.” LINK