“Tidbits From TNT” Monday 3-2-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: Reuters: Three drones shot down over Erbil airport in northern Iraq
Security sources told Reuters on Monday that three armed drones were shot down over Erbil airport in northern Iraq, where US forces are stationed.
Explosions were heard Monday morning near Erbil International Airport in Iraq's Kurdistan region, where forces from the US-led international coalition are stationed, according to an AFP correspondent.
Early this morning, an AFP photographer reported that air defenses shot down at least two drones near the airport, which houses a coalition forces base.
Since the start of the American-Israeli attack on Iran, Erbil, where a huge complex of the American consulate is also located, has been subjected to attacks by drones that are shot down by air defenses. link
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Tishwash: The Iraqi parliament postpones its session until further notice.
The Iraqi parliament decided on Sunday to postpone its scheduled session until further notice.
The council's media department stated in a brief statement received by Al-Sa'a Network that "the council decided to postpone its session scheduled for today until further notice link
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Tishwash: Statement from the US Embassy in Baghdad regarding the demonstrations near the Green Zone
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert on Sunday (March 1, 2026) regarding demonstrations taking place in areas near the Green Zone in the Iraqi capital.
The embassy said in a statement received by "Baghdad Today" that "the US mission in Iraq advises American citizens to exercise extreme caution, limit their movements, and remain in their places of residence when necessary, given the continued reports of missiles, drones, or projectiles being detected in Iraqi airspace, and to monitor active threats to US interests, including restaurants, businesses, and individuals."
The statement noted that "the southern bank of the July 14 Bridge in Baghdad is witnessing anti-American demonstrations, along with calls for demonstrations in various parts of the country, warning of the possibility of the gatherings turning into acts of violence, in light of a security situation that the embassy described as 'complex and rapidly changing'."
As a precautionary measure, the US mission directed its staff who are able to work from home to do so until further notice, and consular operations, including routine services for US citizens, were temporarily suspended.
She emphasized that "the Level 4 travel warning for Iraq (Do Not Travel) remains in effect, urging American citizens not to travel to Iraq for any reason, and to review their personal security plans if they are already in the country, and not to rely on the U.S. government for departure or evacuation operations."
The statement noted that "Iraqi airspace is currently closed, with the possibility of it being reopened or closed again at short notice," and called on "travelers to contact airlines for the latest information."
The embassy clarified that "work at its headquarters in Baghdad and the US Consulate General in Erbil continues on a limited basis and is restricted to essential operations only."
The embassy, according to the statement, urged “American citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates, prepare contingency plans, ensure adequate basic necessities, keep their communication devices charged, avoid large gatherings and areas frequented by foreigners, and follow local media to stay informed of developments.”
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Tishwash: Gasoline and dollar queues are the first signs... Is Iraq entering a tunnel of economic turmoil?
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, has quickly cast a shadow over the overall situation in Iraq, particularly the economic aspect.
Concerns related to energy markets and supply chains have resurfaced, with growing anxiety about the impact of any escalation of the conflict on oil exports, shipping routes, and the stability of the domestic market in a country almost entirely dependent on imports.
The exchange rate of the dollar has also seen a significant increase in Baghdad's Al-Kifah Street market, exceeding 160,000 dinars per 100 dollars, alongside a sharp rise in the prices of both foreign and Iraqi gold in the markets of Baghdad and Erbil. In a tangible indication of the "shock" spreading domestically, Iraqi cities witnessed signs of a fuel crisis.
For example, the city of Fallujah in Anbar province saw long queues at gas stations, revealing the public's sensitivity to any development that might be perceived as a direct threat to supply chains or transportation between provinces.
The government, for its part, attempted to offer reassurances to alleviate the confusion. The Ministry of Trade affirmed that the food situation in Iraq is "stable and under control," and that there are no indications of concern regarding the availability of food in the markets following the Israeli-American attack on Iran.
Ministry of Trade spokesman Mohammed Hanoun stated that "the government has given great attention to the food security file in anticipation of emergency circumstances, and has worked during the past period to strengthen the strategic reserves of basic commodities, especially wheat, in addition to ration card items such as rice, sugar, and oil." He emphasized that "the stock is good and sufficient to meet citizens' needs within a plan aimed at ensuring continued supply and market stability, with daily monitoring of market activity to prevent exploitation and price hikes."
Economically, "energy sensitivity" appears to be the most prominent issue. Iraq may theoretically benefit from higher oil prices, but at the same time, it faces the risks of disruptions to export routes, shipping, and insurance, along with the accompanying pressure on internal stability and prices, especially if the war escalates to a stage where economic infrastructure or maritime routes are targeted.
What about the Strait of Hormuz?
Economist Safwan Qusay warns Al-Mada that "expanding the scope of the war in the Middle East to include economic targets and closing the Strait of Hormuz will lead to a rise in global oil prices, forcing Baghdad to confront the challenge of managing risks, not merely monitoring figures."
Qusay believes that "Iraq needs options to mitigate the potential shock, including reaching an understanding with Saudi Arabia on arrangements to secure supplies in case some routes are disrupted, or relying on the reserves of the Central Bank of Iraq to ensure the financing of public spending for a period that may exceed six months if the crisis enters a phase of severe pressure."
Qusay goes further, discussing logistical alternatives, such as "expanding export routes towards Turkey by utilizing the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and its capacity, with the possibility of boosting exports by truck to Jordan, Kuwait, or Turkey, depending on developments in the security and trade situation."
Warnings of a more dangerous scenario .
In this context, political analyst Mohammed Naanaa told Al-Mada that "Iraq must prepare for the repercussions and consequences of a war with Iran, especially if the war escalates or the Iranian regime loses control of the internal situation." He warned that the most dangerous scenario is the possibility of the war leading to widespread internal disintegration, which could open the door to large waves of displacement towards the Iraqi border.
Naanaa stressed the necessity of "taking all necessary precautions to confront potential challenges and threats, including administrative and security preparedness and the management of resources and services in the provinces near the front lines."
According to field observations, Iraqi markets remain in a phase of "anticipation and questioning" rather than an actual crisis. However, observers note that this phase could change rapidly if the war continues and expands, especially given the sensitivity of consumer sentiment towards fuel and basic commodities, and the potential for rumors to ignite excessive buying that would disrupt the market even if stocks are stable. link
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Mot: Procrastination
