Wed. Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 7-1-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: On the way to America
The visit of the Prime Minister to the United States of America is approaching, in response to an official invitation from the US President. The Iraqi delegation is scheduled to head to Washington in mid-July, in an important political and economic stop that is being anticipated by both government circles and business circles.
It is customary in international practice for heads of state and government to include in their foreign visits a select group of leading business figures and heads of influential companies and economic institutions, individuals with a proven track record of achievements and a significant presence in local and global markets.
Government representation is often limited to a small number of officials, while the majority of the delegation consists of economic figures capable of transforming official meetings into tangible investment opportunities and projects that serve the interests of their countries.
These visits gain their importance from the fact that they are not protocol occasions or ordinary diplomatic trips, but rather intensive workshops dedicated to holding meetings and encounters, building partnerships and attracting investments, in order to achieve long-term strategic goals.
Hence, the selection of individuals participating in the economic delegation should be based on criteria of competence, experience, and the ability to represent the Iraqi private sector in a way that reflects its true potential, with a focus on those with successful experiences and existing projects on the ground, who have the ability to build bridges of cooperation with American companies and institutions.
Iraq today needs to seize every opportunity to promote its investment climate and present its development needs to major international companies, particularly in vital sectors that form the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. Building strategic partnerships with international investors will also contribute to the transfer of expertise and technology, create jobs, and drive development.
The success of a visit is not measured by the number of meetings or statements issued, but rather by the agreements, projects, and real investment opportunities it can yield.
Iraq needs a comprehensive investment revolution to revitalize its economy, pull it out of its stagnation, and open up new horizons. For growth, development, and prosperity. link
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Tishwash: After the legislative recess... a bet on finalizing the postponed laws.
MP Hussein Shaker affirmed on Tuesday that the Parliament will resume its work after the legislative recess to proceed with enacting important laws, stressing the need to avoid repeating the political disputes that plagued previous sessions and hampered the legislative body's work.
Shaker told the Information Agency, "The Parliament will work after the legislative recess to enact important laws that represent a priority for the coming period, in line with the requirements of the current phase and the needs of the citizens."
He added, "There is a trend within the Parliament to overcome the obstacles that hindered legislative work during previous sessions and to avoid repeating the scenario of political disputes that negatively impacted the performance of the legislative body and affected the passage of many important laws."
He pointed out that "the next phase requires cooperation among the political blocs to complete the remaining laws and expedite the enactment of laws that serve the public interest and strengthen the work of state institutions."
Shaker emphasized that "the success of the Parliament in performing its legislative and oversight duties requires moving beyond political disputes and focusing on completing the important pending laws, in a way that fulfills the aspirations of citizens and contributes to strengthening political and institutional stability."
Among the stalled laws are the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, the Oil and Gas Law, as well as amendments to the Land Ownership Law and the Federal Supreme Court Law. These laws require overcoming disagreements and prioritizing the national interest in order to be passed. link
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Tishwash: Parliament is expected to convene in early July to decide on nine ministerial portfolios in al-Zidi's government.
Member of the Coordination Framework, Uday Abdul-Hadi, predicted on Monday that a session of the Council of Representatives would be held during the first week of July to vote on nine ministerial portfolios in Ali al-Zaidi's government.
Abdul-Hadi told Al-Maalouma, "There is political support for completing the formation of Ali al-Zaidi's government from the forces within the Coordination Framework, in coordination with the other political forces and movements." He anticipated "a session of the Council of Representatives in the first week of July to vote on the candidates for nine ministerial portfolios, in order to complete the remaining cabinet positions."
He added that "next week will witness an important round of political meetings, especially among the forces within the Coordination Framework, to finalize the choices regarding the candidates' names, particularly for the sovereign ministries." He indicated that "expectations point to reaching a comprehensive agreement that will lead to holding the parliamentary session and voting on the candidates for the nine ministerial portfolios." link
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Tishwash: Sanad: Iraq has become a regional communications hub and an international data transmission corridor.
Communications Minister Mustafa Sand confirmed on Wednesday that the achievements in the communications sector represent an important milestone that will make Iraq a regional communications hub and an international data transmission corridor, noting the continued work on developing infrastructure and expanding internet services in various parts of the country.
During the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Iraqi Communications Summit, which was attended by a correspondent from Shafaq News Agency, Sand said that since the ministry took over responsibility for the communications sector, it has put in place a plan to develop this sector, which included expanding free internet services in a number of locations, including holy shrines, external roads during the Arbaeen pilgrimage season, border crossings, as well as other places.
He added that the ministry has worked on expanding the fiber optic cable project and increasing internet service capacities, which contributes to improving the quality of service, stressing that what has been achieved so far represents an important milestone that makes Iraq a regional communications hub and an important site for digital transformation, in addition to being an international corridor for data transmission.
The Minister of Communications indicated that the ministry continues to work on developing the infrastructure of the communications sector, expanding fiber optic networks, improving communications services, and supporting the development of internet networks and systems.
On June 25, Sanad announced the signing of an agreement with the Qatari company GBI to market cross-border internet (transit) capacities through the "Road of Civilizations" project, confirming the receipt of the first financial payment in hard currency, in a step aimed at strengthening Iraq's position as a regional and international digital corridor for data traffic. link
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Tishwash: Source: Al-Zaidi intends to demand that Jordan hand over businessmen and former officials accused of corruption
An Iraqi political source told the Jordanian newspaper “Khaberni” that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi is about to issue official letters to Jordan to hand over businessmen and former officials accused of corruption.
The source, who is close to al-Zaydi's political circle, said that the communications would include businessmen working in the car trade, a potato chip factory, and a private hospital.
The sources indicated that the suspects are required to return tens of millions of dollars, not to mention unspecified quantities of gold, and that Baghdad will formally request the seizure of their assets.
The Iraqi Prime Minister had previously confirmed that the campaign represents a “first phase” in the fight against corruption, stressing the continuation of efforts to recover public funds, and emphasizing that there will be no leniency in protecting the interests of citizens.
The Iraqi News Agency had announced the arrest of 47 defendants, including deputies and officials, in corruption cases, and published the names of 15 of them, citing sources it described as high-ranking. link
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Tishwash: Under the auspices of the Minister of Oil... a confidentiality agreement was signed between Basra Oil Company and the American company Chevron.
The Basra Oil Company signed a confidentiality agreement with the American company Chevron on Wednesday to regulate the exchange of information for the purpose of evaluating the West Qurna 2 field and negotiating future agreements.
Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair al-Abadi stated in a press release: "The West Qurna 2 field is a giant oil field, and the Russian company Lukoil withdrew from its development operations."
The minister indicated that the ministry provides ample opportunities for international companies to invest, including the American company Chevron, emphasizing the attractive and secure investment environment and the removal of all obstacles.
He affirmed that Iraq aspires to be a leading nation in oil production and exports, thereby achieving industrial and economic development for the country, and noted the ministry's commitment to the interests of international companies operating in Iraq.
He also emphasized the ministry's adherence to the government's directives regarding the importance of supporting international companies, which are considered partners in developing the oil and gas sectors, and indicated that full support will be provided to ensure the success of these projects and the achievement of the government's objectives.
The minister added that the investment projects being implemented secure job opportunities for local companies, in addition to employing Iraqi workers and developing service infrastructure in areas near the projects through social benefit initiatives.
It is worth noting that the ministry is negotiating with the American company Chevron to implement several projects in addition to the West Qurna 2 field. link