More Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 8-7-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: A new shipment of $500 million in cash has arrived in Iraq.
Payment of $500 million
Allocating funds for travelers and remittances
To boost liquidity
A source reported in press statements that a new batch of cash dollars had arrived in Iraq, sent by the US Federal Reserve to the Central Bank of Iraq.
Within the framework of periodic agreements between the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Federal Reserve
Controlling the demand for foreign currency
The source told the official agency that "the US Federal Reserve sent a new batch of cash dollars to the Central Bank of Iraq worth $500 million."
He added that "the amount sent will be invested in transactions related to travelers and foreign remittances, with the approval of the Central Bank of Iraq."
This payment comes as part of the periodic agreements between the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Federal Reserve to supply the local market with dollar liquidity and to cover the needs of travelers and foreign remittances, at a time when Baghdad is seeking to stabilize the exchange rate. link
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Tishwash: The United States begins dismantling its air defense systems in Iraq as the withdrawal date approaches.
The United States has begun reducing its military presence in Iraq by dismantling its last air defense systems in the Kurdistan region, as the scheduled end of its forces' mission in the country approaches at the end of September.
Reports indicate that Patriot missile batteries stationed near Erbil International Airport have begun withdrawing, after playing a key role in countering missile and drone attacks targeting the region in recent months.
This development comes as the Iraqi government continues to implement its plan to restrict weapons to the state, and emphasizes that no armed formations will be allowed outside the framework of official institutions after the end of September, at a time when efforts continue to end the mission of the international coalition against ISIS.
Observers believe that reducing air defense systems raises concerns about the Kurdistan Region's ability to confront any future attacks, especially in light of the absence of an independent air defense system and the continued security tensions in the region.
In contrast, analysts point out that the American withdrawal may not be complete, but may take the form of a reorganization of the military presence, while maintaining limited defensive capabilities to protect American interests and diplomatic and military facilities inside Iraq.
Experts also link the future of the American presence to the course of growing economic relations between Baghdad and Washington, especially after the signing of dozens of investment agreements in the fields of energy, technology and infrastructure, which reflect a trend towards expanding bilateral cooperation outside the security framework.
Experts confirm that the next phase will determine the nature of the Iraqi-American partnership, in light of the continued security and regional challenges, and whether Washington will maintain a limited defensive presence in Iraq, or proceed towards a broader withdrawal while relying on economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. link
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Al-Zaidi Retains Control of Defense and Interior Ministries; No Appointments Imminent as Strict Criteria Disqualify Candidates
Last updated: August 7, 2026 – 1:15 AM
Informed government sources have revealed that Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, does not currently intend to finalize appointments for the Ministries of Defense and Interior. He prefers to maintain their administration on an acting basis, given his confidence in the performance of current leadership and his direct oversight of the two security institutions' operations.
According to the sources, Al-Zaidi has established rigorous professional and security criteria for selecting candidates for these ministries. They emphasized that names circulating in political circles are baseless and that the matter remains on hold as the government focuses on more pressing issues—foremost among them the financial crisis, the expansion of economic and investment partnerships, and managing the repercussions of regional developments.
The sources explained that while relevant political blocs have the right to nominate candidates in accordance with their constitutional entitlements, the final decision rests with the Commander-in-Chief. He will not approve any candidate who fails to align with the standards he has set for managing the two security institutions.
This stance follows the Parliament's vote of confidence in Al-Zaidi’s government months ago—a government formed only partially, with several portfolios, including Defense and Interior, remaining vacant due to persistent political disagreements over candidates. Since assuming the premiership, Al-Zaidi has initiated sweeping changes within military and security institutions, redrawing the high-level command structure. These moves coincided with an unprecedented campaign against financial and administrative corruption, resulting in the dismissal and arrest of officials, as well as the recovery of funds and assets worth billions of dinars.
As part of the security sector restructuring, he tasked Senior Undersecretary Hussein Al-Awadi with managing the Ministry of Interior in an acting capacity. He also brought former Interior Minister Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Al-Shammari back to the forefront by appointing him Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Al-Zaidi capped these changes by dissolving the Joint Operations Command and merging it with the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and the National Operations Center into a unified security entity. Observers view this move as part of a broader initiative to consolidate command and control, accelerate the plan to restrict arms to state control, reorganize the security apparatus, and integrate the Popular Mobilization Forces into official defense institutions. link
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Tishwash: Iraq adopts Apple as a trusted platform to promote electronic payments
The head of the executive body of the Media and Communications Commission, Baligh Abu Kalal, announced on Thursday that Apple has been approved as a verified digital platform to operate in Iraq, after completing all the requirements and procedures stipulated in the framework regulations for digital platforms and services.
Abu Kalal said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the accreditation includes classifying Apple as a trusted digital service provider for its services represented by ( App Store , Apple Music , Apple Podcasts , Apple Arcade , and Apple Ads ), after it has met the technical and legal requirements approved by the Media and Communications Commission, which allows the provision of these services within an official regulatory framework that is consistent with the laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Iraq.
He pointed out that the adoption of global digital platforms falls within a strategy aimed at aligning the services of international companies with Iraqi legislation, ensuring the protection of users’ rights, supporting the digital economy, and developing the investment environment in the information technology sector.
He added that the commission continues to work with major international companies and platforms to complete licensing and accreditation procedures, which will contribute to expanding the scope of digital services, regulating electronic payment operations, and enhancing Iraq’s presence in the global digital economy link
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Tishwash: IMAX technology enters Iraqi cinemas; Minister Sarwa says it's a step towards keeping pace with developed countries.
Mall of Iraq (Baghdad)
On Thursday (August 6, 2026), the capital Baghdad witnessed the opening of the first “IMAX” theater in Iraq, located inside the Mall of Iraq, in the presence of the Acting Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Sarwa Abdul Wahid, who affirmed the ministry’s support for investment and artistic projects aimed at developing the film and theater industry in the country.
As Iraq officially entered the era of modern cinematic display technologies, those in charge of the project revealed plans to establish the second IMAX theater in Baghdad, in addition to the largest private theater with a capacity of more than 5,000 spectators to host Arab and international concerts and artistic performances, stressing that the prices of tickets for the new theater are among the lowest in the world.
Culture: Developing cinema requires competition
Acting Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Sarwa Abdul Wahid, confirmed to 964 Network that the ministry supports artistic and investment projects that contribute to the development of the cinema and theater sectors, considering the opening of the first IMAX theater in Iraq as an important step that reflects the existence of cultural investments that keep pace with what exists in developed countries.
She added that developing the film industry requires an investment mindset based on competition, stressing that complete reliance on the state in managing this sector will not achieve the desired success, noting that the ministry is open to supporting projects that contribute to the production and screening of films.
5 years to reach the first IMAX in Iraq
Zaid Al-Khafaji, CEO of Iraqi Cinema, told 964 Network that work on the IMAX project took more than 5 years due to the strict technical requirements imposed by the technology's owner, explaining that the team was finally able to complete all the requirements and obtain the official license.
He added that the success of the project prompted the company to plan to establish a second IMAX theater in the Karkh district, explaining that Baghdad received an exception due to its size and population, even though the company's policy usually stipulates that there should be only one theater in each city.
The largest private theater in Iraq
Al-Khafaji revealed a new direction for the company towards investing in the theater sector, explaining that Iraq lacks a hall that can accommodate concerts and major artistic performances. Therefore, work is underway on a project to establish a theater that can accommodate more than 5,000 spectators, to host Arab and foreign singers and artists and public events.
He added that ticket prices in Baghdad are among the lowest globally for IMAX theaters, noting that they start from 15,000 dinars for front seats, 18,000 dinars for middle seats, and 25,000 dinars for VIP seats, despite deducting percentages from the ticket value for the benefit of IMAX and film production companies. ink