“Tidbits From TNT” Wednesday 12-10-2025
TNT:
Tishwash: The European Union affirms its commitment to expanding cooperation with Iraq.
The European Union today affirmed its commitment to expanding cooperation with Iraq.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that "the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Mohammed Bahr Al-Uloom, received the European Union Ambassador to Iraq, Clemens Zimmtner."
He added, "At the beginning of the meeting, the Undersecretary welcomed the Ambassador, stressing the Ministry's keenness to strengthen the partnership with the European Union and raise the level of cooperation in various fields, especially political, economic and developmental fields."
He explained that "Iraq views the European Union as a reliable partner and supporter of the paths of stability and growth."
For his part, the European Union ambassador affirmed that “the Union sees Iraq as a strong and pivotal partner in the region,” stressing “the need for the continued development of the Iraqi economy and support for the stability that the country is witnessing, which contributes to enhancing its ability to play its regional and international role.”
He pointed out "the keenness of the Union countries to expand the horizons of cooperation with Iraq during the next stage," indicating that the two sides discussed during the meeting the issue of ending the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), and the mechanisms for moving to a new stage of cooperation that focuses on technical and institutional support.
He added: "They also discussed the latest developments in the Syrian file, and stressed the importance of continuing coordination on regional developments of common interest." link
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Tishwash: Financial advisor: Increased international interest in Iraq has opened up broad prospects for economic diversification.
The Prime Minister's Financial Advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, affirmed on Tuesday that the growing international interest in investing in Iraq has opened up broad horizons for economic diversification.
Salih told the official news agency that "Iraqi diplomacy has truly begun to shift from traditional political rhetoric to a promising economic horizon, having undertaken the task of forging partnerships and agreements and opening effective communication channels with industrialized nations, neighboring countries, major international companies, and international institutions, with the aim of making Iraq an active economic partner, not merely a market for crude oil."
He added that "the increasing interest of the international community in investing in Iraq, especially after the improvement in security conditions and the rise in stability levels, has created an opportune moment to capitalize on this momentum in rebuilding and modernizing infrastructure and reviving projects that have been stalled for years."
He pointed out that “the Development Road Project initiative represents a significant leap forward in this new diplomacy of cooperation and intertwined economic interests with Turkey and Europe to the north, and the Gulf and Asia to the south.”
He explained that “economic diplomacy is defined as a state’s use of its foreign relations tools—such as agreements, partnerships, investments, and trade contracts—to expand economic activity, enhance trade, and attract foreign investment.”
He pointed out that “Iraqi economic diplomacy, as outlined in the government program, is based on the principle of productive diplomacy, meaning employing foreign policy to maximize direct economic benefits.”
He noted that “this approach has, in a short period, provided Iraq with an attractive environment for foreign investment, opened new markets for trade, and expanded regional cooperation, thus contributing to diversifying national income sources away from the rentier oil sector.”
He added that “among the most prominent achievements within this framework is the activation of the Strategic Framework Agreement with the United States and its transformation into joint economic action in the fields of technology, infrastructure, digital transformation, and the oil industry.
Furthermore, cooperation with China has been activated within the framework agreement aimed at developing electricity and infrastructure projects.
Cooperation with the European Union in the energy sector and other areas has also been strengthened, along with the move towards more efficient and sustainable regional networks. In addition, there has been openness to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in electricity interconnection projects and investment in various reconstruction and development programs.”
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Tishwash: Washington Prepares Major Sanctions against Iraqi Figures Over Money Laundering, Armed Groups Funding
One official told Al-Araby al-Jadeed that Washington views the move as a response to recent attacks on gas and oil fields, as well as part of a wider effort to curb money laundering and financial support to armed groups.
Iraqi authorities have been informed that the United States is preparing to issue a new round of sanctions targeting politicians, businessmen, and multiple companies, according to three Iraqi government sources familiar with the matter.
One official told Al-Araby al-Jadeed that Washington views the move as a response to recent attacks on gas and oil fields, as well as part of a wider effort to curb money laundering and financial support to armed groups.
According to the sources, US officials conveyed during recent visits to Baghdad that the upcoming sanctions list will include individuals involved in funding channels linked to armed groups operating in the interests of a neighboring country. The measures, which will be finalized by the US Treasury Department, are expected to focus on entities believed to be facilitating illicit financial activities.
A diplomat from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry confirmed that the list includes senior members of armed factions that also maintain political representation in parliament.
Aid Hilali, a political analyst close to the Iraqi prime minister, said Iraqi political circles widely expect the sanctions, noting that they will target a broad range of political, economic, and commercial figures, including members of the private sector. He added that leaked information indicates Washington has completed reviews of the financial and security records of several politicians, businessmen, and faction leaders, as well as companies in the energy transport and logistics sectors.
“The United States has signaled through several channels that these sanctions will form part of a new approach aimed at restructuring Washington’s relationship with Baghdad,” Hilali said. “Leaked details suggest the measures will be significantly wider than previous rounds, raising concerns about the political and security fallout.”
Nizar Haider, head of the Iraqi Media Center in Washington, said both Baghdad and Washington are awaiting the official announcement, which could include dozens of individuals and entities believed to be influenced by foreign governments. He noted that the measures are expected to restrict their future activities inside Iraq.
Haider also stressed that the US may oppose the appointment of individuals aligned with external actors to senior positions in Iraq’s next government, signaling potential diplomatic friction in the formation of the new cabinet.
The US Treasury Department has, in recent years, sanctioned several Iraqi figures and companies over allegations of corruption, money laundering, and arms smuggling. In October, Washington issued sanctions against several political leaders, military officials, and private firms. link
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