News Posted by Tishwash at TNT Saturday 4-18-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: The IMF and World Bank announce the resumption of relations with Venezuela.
In a pivotal move that strengthens the international legitimacy of the current government in Caracas, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank announced on Thursday the resumption of their official relations with Venezuela, paving the way for broad financial and technical cooperation after a years-long rift.
Within hours of the announcement, the Venezuelan government confirmed the restoration of communication channels that had been frozen with the two international financial institutions since 2019.
In an official statement, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, explained that the decision was "guided by the views of the Fund's members who represent a majority of the voting power," confirming that the Fund will henceforth deal with the Venezuelan government headed by interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
For its part, the World Bank followed the IMF's lead, announcing its official recognition of the Rodríguez government and the resumption of all dealings with it. This shift aims to enable both institutions to begin collecting official economic data, providing technical advice, and potentially offering direct financial support should Caracas request it.
In her first official comment, Delcy Rodríguez welcomed the move, saying in an interview on state television, "We are restoring Venezuela's legitimate rights within these international organizations." The IMF had conducted a survey among its members in recent days to gauge their stance on the legitimacy of Rodríguez's leadership before making its final decision.
This return comes after a long hiatus; relations had officially broken off in March 2019, when the IMF recognized the opposition that controlled parliament as the legitimate government of the country.
It is worth noting that the financial and economic gap between Venezuela and international institutions dates back to years before the recent political crisis; the last official assessment of the Venezuelan economy by the IMF dates back to 2004, while Caracas fully repaid its debts to the World Bank in 2007, before the relationship entered a prolonged period of stagnation. link
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Tishwash: Sudanese: The importance of supporting the private sector to be a key partner in building and scientific and economic development
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed on Saturday that the government will continue to implement projects to expand and develop the infrastructure of the education sector, which will positively impact the quality of education in Iraq.
This came during a visit by Al-Sudani to Al-Raqiya Intermediate Basic School in the capital, Baghdad, where he participated in the graduation ceremony of the current batch of students for the academic year.
The Prime Minister praised the great efforts made by educational staff in all schools across the country, stressing that the government gives special priority to the education sector within its reform and development plans.
He stressed that human development and providing a suitable educational environment are key priorities in the government’s work, along with supporting other development sectors and enhancing the role of the private sector as a partner in scientific and economic development, particularly in the educational field.
Al-Sudani also called for strengthening cooperation between families and educational institutions in order to prepare a generation that is aware and committed to societal values, stressing the importance of continuous monitoring of the educational process to achieve sustainable positive results link
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Tishwash: Sheikh Hamoudi: Iraq is on the verge of forming a new, strong government with a balanced vision.
The head of the Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, confirmed on Thursday that Iraq is on the verge of forming a new, strong government with a balanced vision.
A statement issued by the Supreme Islamic Council, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that "the President of the Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, received the Japanese Ambassador to Baghdad, Akira Endo, and they discussed developments in the region, their global impact, the danger of the Zionist presence, the trends of the political process in Iraq, and opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries."
The statement added that, during the meeting, Sheikh Hamoudi stressed that “(Israel) is a rogue, extremist entity that does not believe in dialogue at all,” calling on the countries of the region to bear responsibility for their security with an integrated economic security vision,” noting “the need for Japan to take its role in building understandings in the Middle East, given its influence and being influenced by events.”
Sheikh Hamoudi stressed "Iraq's keenness not to be a party to the region's conflicts but rather to its stability, especially as it is about to form a new, strong government with a balanced vision and open to everyone," calling on "Japan to seize investment opportunities and expand its presence in Iraq." link
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Maliki and Sudani resort to the 8/12 formula to resolve the prime ministerial candidate crisis.
Maliki and Sudani resort to the 8/12 formula to resolve the prime ministerial candidate crisis.
A source within the Coordination Framework revealed the nature of the initial understandings reached regarding the selection of the next prime minister, explaining that the candidate who secures two-thirds of the votes from the Framework's leaders will win the position. This requires time to finalize this preliminary agreement.
This comes against the backdrop of understandings reached among the Framework's leaders regarding the premiership, which led to the postponement of a crucial meeting until next Saturday.
A source close to the Framework stated that "the Framework's leaders agreed to postpone the meeting, which was supposed to be held Wednesday evening, until Saturday, after reaching important understandings." The source added that "the new understandings require more time to decide on the prime ministership."
Regarding the nature of these understandings, the source revealed that "the initial understandings between the Framework's most prominent candidates, Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, which prompted the postponement of the meeting, stipulate that whoever obtains the support of 8 out of 12 leaders from the Shia political bloc will proceed unanimously once the remaining two-thirds are automatically joined, thus securing the premiership." link
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Tishwash: Sudani: Iraq is no longer a battleground... a new partnership with Washington and billions of dollars in investment.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani published an article in the American magazine Newsweek on April 17, in which he reviewed the most prominent features of the political and economic stage in Iraq, and the government’s vision to enhance internal stability and redefine international relations, especially with the United States.
Al-Sudani stressed that the election result represented a popular mandate for a difficult but necessary path to maintain Iraq’s stability in light of a very dangerous regional phase, and to build stronger institutional foundations and long-term economic renewal.
He noted that over the past two and a half years, and during three waves of regional escalation, his government had managed to keep Iraq out of the war, protect international personnel on its territory, and maintain the cohesion of the state.
He explained that the government brought companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP and GE Vernova back to Iraq through new commitments in the energy sector worth billions of dollars, in addition to attracting more than $100 billion in investments.
He explained that the current moment is the most appropriate to redefine Iraq’s relationship with the United States, noting that Iraq has always been viewed in Washington through the lens of crises, war and terrorism, while today it is a country that has proven its ability to withstand enormous pressure.
Al-Sudani spoke about the challenges his government has faced since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023, stressing that the goal was to prevent Iraq from being dragged into a conflict that was not of its choice, despite increasing pressure and escalation from multiple parties.
He added that the government has acted through direct engagement, issuing security directives and continuous political management to prevent Iraqi territory from becoming an open arena for regional war, while maintaining a firm objective of containing escalation and protecting stability.
He stressed that this position represents an exercise of sovereignty, noting that Iraq is more aware than others of the cost of becoming an arena for settling scores between others.
On the security front, he pointed out that the Popular Mobilization Forces were formed in response to the threat of ISIS, and that the government strengthened oversight and directed resources through official institutions, while refusing to turn exceptional arrangements into permanent alternatives to the state.
On the economic front, he affirmed that Iraq has rebuilt its economic position, with the return of major companies to develop oil fields and energy projects, in addition to the implementation of strategic projects such as the Total Energies and Qatar Energy project in Basra.
He stressed that Iraq has become more competitive and more attractive for investment, thanks to improved contractual terms, restored confidence, and the creation of a favorable environment for long-term investment.
He explained that Iraq possesses the fifth largest oil reserves in the world and is located in an important strategic location, which calls for dealing with it as a strategic opportunity in American policy.
He also stressed that Iraq’s partnerships will remain diverse, with continued cooperation with China alongside the United States, Europe, Turkey and the Gulf States, noting that Iraq’s geographical location and balanced relationships represent a strategic strength.
He touched on the development road project, which will make Iraq an important trade corridor and a bridge for trade, energy and diplomacy, instead of being an arena for conflict.
Al-Sudani called on the United States to adopt a more mature strategic framework towards Iraq, especially in the economic field, while protecting and encouraging American investments.
He also stressed the importance of developing the security sector, enhancing intelligence cooperation, and combating terrorism, in order to support the state’s long-term capabilities.
He concluded by emphasizing that Iraq is working to strengthen its institutions, diversify its economy, and resolve the relationship between the state and armed groups in favor of the state, noting that what Iraq is proposing is based on partnership, interests, and mutual respect, and that the opportunity is available to build a more stable and interconnected future in the region. link