Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-14-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  Vietnam has asked the United States to allow an Iraqi oil tanker to pass

 Vietnam's oil company has warned that the disruption of the Agio Fanurios, carrying Basra oil, could disrupt operations at the Nghi Sun refinery and damage millions of consumers. US forces have blocked the ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Vietnam has asked the United States to allow an oil tanker carrying Iraqi oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the BBC reported. 

The ship, named Agio Fanurios, was carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil from the port of Basra, the channel said.

As for the reason for the interception, the US Central Command said it had changed the direction of the ship as part of the implementation of sanctions against Iran. 

Meanwhile, Vietnam has said that the oil inventories of the Nghi Sun refinery have decreased significantly and if the shipment does not arrive, the refinery will be disrupted, damaging millions of consumers and the country's industrial sector.

The Vietnamese oil company said the oil belonged to Iraqi SOMO and had nothing to do with Iran.

It is unclear whether the United States will allow the ship to pass.  link

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Tishwash:  Here’s Why 27 May Is Now Critical For Iraq’s Future And The West’s Middle East

Iraq’s Iran-aligned Coordination Framework nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate, but he faces a difficult 30-day deadline to form a cabinet balancing pro-Iran factions, Kurdish and Sunni blocs, and U.S. pressure.

If Zaidi fails, Iraq’s constitution allows the president to nominate another candidate while caretaker PM Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani remains in office.

Iraq’s political future remains tied to the broader U.S.-Iran power struggle, with Washington, Tehran, Russia, and China all competing for influence

 After more than five months of political cajolery, threats, and infighting since Iraq’s 11 November parliamentary elections – the seventh since Saddam Hussein’s fall in 2003 – an erstwhile obscure businessman, Ali al-Zaidi, has been selected as the Prime Minister-designate of the governing Iran-aligned Shia Coordination Framework bloc.

Regarded as a compromise candidate between more pro-West sitting Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, and one of his predecessors, the pro-Iran Nouri al-Maliki, al-Zaidi now has until 27 May to form a government. This is done by selecting a cabinet, which must, in turn, be approved by Iraq’s parliament (the Council of Representatives). So, what happens if, as occurred in 2020, he as Prime Minister-designate cannot do so, and what happens if he can?

A cornerstone of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution was the safeguarding against the re-emergence of a single dominant force in Iraqi politics, especially any resurgence of Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath Party.

This meant a dispersal of executive power between three key jobs – Prime Minister, President, and Speaker of Parliament. These have traditionally been split between the three main groups in the country -- the Prime Ministership for the Shia Arabs (the largest demographic group), the Presidency for the Kurds (occupying the semi-autonomous state in the North), and the Speakership of Parliament for the Sunni Arabs (the other principal religious grouping).

Although this power structure has indeed prevented any meaningful revival of the Ba’ath Party, it has also complicated what on the face of it looks a straightforward and quick procedure for choosing a new premier.

According to the constitution, once the general election results have been verified, the president asks the newly elected parliament to meet within 15 days. In that first gathering, parliament elects a speaker and two deputies by a simple majority vote. It can then choose a new president – provided there is a two-thirds majority for a single candidate -- or extend the sitting president’s term. Once this has been finalised, the new president authorises the bloc that holds the most seats in the new parliament to form a cabinet led by its chosen nominee for prime minister.

 So what happens if al-Zaidi is unable to form a new government by 27 May?

Under Article 76 of the Constitution, the President (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan member and former Environment Minister, Nizar Amedi) has 15 days from the date of the deadline’s expiration (taking us to 11 June) to task another candidate with forming the Council of Ministers.

The new nominee then receives their own 30-day window to present a cabinet and government programme to the Council of Representatives, and so the process would continue until any of the subsequent Prime Minister-designates can form a new government.

In 2020, two consecutive Prime Minister-designates failed to take office after proving unable to assemble a cabinet with parliamentary support. In the interim period, the outgoing government – currently led by al-Sudani – would continue to function in a caretaker capacity to prevent a political vacuum.  link

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Tishwash:  The President of the Republic affirms the importance of supporting the private sector as a key partner in economic development.

President Nizar Amidi emphasized the importance of supporting the private sector and enabling it to play its vital role as a key partner in economic development.

The Presidential Media Office stated in a press release: "President Nizar Amidi received today, Wednesday, Abdullah al-Jubouri, Vice Chairman of the Permanent Council for Private Sector Development."

During the meeting, al-Jubouri provided a detailed explanation of the Council's work, its responsibilities, and the economic vision it seeks to achieve, in accordance with developmental paths aligned with the state's development plans, contributing to supporting the national economy and strengthening the private sector's role in the development process.

The President stressed the importance of supporting the private sector and enabling it to fulfill its vital role as a key partner in economic development, emphasizing the need to create a suitable investment environment and remove obstacles facing businesspeople and investors, thereby contributing to achieving sustainable development, diversifying income sources, and reducing reliance on traditional resources.

He also pointed to the importance of strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors and supporting economic initiatives that contribute to creating job opportunities and stimulating productive activity, in line with the priorities of economic reform and achieving comprehensive development.

For his part, Al-Jubouri expressed his appreciation for the President's interest in the private sector, affirming the Council's continued work on presenting initiatives and proposals that would support economic activity and strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors, serving the national interest and enhancing economic stability in the country.  link

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Tishwash:    In Washington, there is talk of developing relations with Baghdad and activating the "framework" agreement.

Mustafa Hashim 

The opening session of "Iraqi Dialogue Day," hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, was held on Wednesday. The focus was on the nature of developing the relationship between the two countries and how Iraqi delegations can contribute to this, with reference to the Strategic Framework Agreement and its activation.

Victoria Taylor, director of the Iraq program at the Atlantic Council, confirmed during the session, which was attended by a correspondent from Shafaq News Agency, that the relationship between Baghdad and Washington is going through a major transitional phase, especially with the approaching end of the international coalition’s mission (Operation Inherent Resolve) and the reduction of the American military presence.

She added that "the security element has been the main pillar of the relationship for the past 20 years, but current circumstances necessitate a change in this approach."

 She indicated that "there is currently a strong logic to focus on the business and investment sector, especially since the current US administration is interested in making economic deals," while expressing her concern about the decline in the level of exchange between the two countries, saying: "We are no longer in the days when the US president would make weekly calls to candidates or Iraqi leaders."

She called for increased visits by Iraqi delegations to Washington to explain the issues and understand the nature of the current American focus.

For his part, former Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari stressed that "the failure to develop relations was not due to a lack of legal tools, but rather to the absence of political will in previous periods."

Zebari strongly defended the Strategic Framework Agreement, which he helped negotiate, stressing that it would have provided Iraq with gains that "countries in the region would envy," if it had been properly utilized.

Zebari attributed the failure to activate the agreement to "laziness or lack of interest" on the part of subsequent Iraqi governments, which did not follow up on its provisions as they should have.

He noted that "the current US administration seems more serious and specific about the problems in Iraq," stressing that officials in Baghdad have begun to feel Washington's seriousness in dealing with the outstanding issues, despite the "utilitarian" nature that may sometimes characterize the dealings  link

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Evening 5-13-26

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

China Gains Strategic Edge as Iran War Reshapes Global Power Balance

Growing concerns inside Washington suggest the Iran conflict may be accelerating a broader shift in global influence, energy markets, and financial power structures.

 Overview

A reported U.S. intelligence assessment delivered to senior military leadership warns that the ongoing Iran conflict is “massively improving China’s geopolitical position” while increasing long-term strain on the United States economically, militarily, and diplomatically.

According to reports referenced by multiple media outlets, U.S. analysts believe Beijing is benefiting from the war without directly entering the conflict. China is reportedly gaining valuable military intelligence, expanding energy influence, strengthening ties across the Global South, and positioning itself as a stabilizing economic alternative while the United States absorbs the direct costs of prolonged military operations.

The developments arrive as global markets remain highly sensitive to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, rising inflation pressures, and escalating competition between major powers over trade, energy, and currency influence.

Key Developments

1. U.S. Intelligence Warns China Is Benefiting Strategically

A reported intelligence assessment prepared for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff concluded that the Iran war is creating significant advantages for China across multiple domains including military intelligence, diplomacy, energy leverage, and economic influence.

The report reportedly used the DIME framework — Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic — to evaluate how Beijing is capitalizing on the conflict while avoiding direct military entanglement.

Analysts believe China is closely studying U.S. military operations in real time, including logistics, missile defense systems, cyber capabilities, intelligence coordination, and operational pacing. This information could potentially provide strategic insight relevant to future tensions involving Taiwan or the Indo-Pacific region.

2. Energy Disruptions Increase China’s Global Leverage

The continuing instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has intensified fears regarding long-term global energy security.

With oil flows disrupted and shipping uncertainty rising, China has reportedly positioned itself as a more stable economic partner for countries seeking alternative supply arrangements and infrastructure cooperation.

At the same time, Beijing continues maintaining relationships with both Gulf states and Iran, allowing it to expand influence across multiple sides of the regional conflict without direct confrontation.

The crisis highlights how energy security is increasingly becoming a geopolitical weapon, with major powers competing not only militarily but also through control of trade routes, commodities, and financial systems.

3. Concerns Grow Over U.S. Resource Depletion

The intelligence assessment reportedly raised concerns regarding the rapid consumption of U.S. precision-guided munitions, missile interceptors, and operational resources during the conflict.

Military analysts fear that prolonged engagement in the Middle East could weaken readiness for future strategic challenges elsewhere, particularly in the Indo-Pacific theater.

This issue carries broader economic implications because large-scale military operations increase federal expenditures at a time when the United States is already facing historically elevated debt levels, persistent inflation pressures, and growing scrutiny from BRICS nations seeking alternatives to Western financial dominance.

4. China Expands Diplomatic Influence Across the Global South

The report also reportedly concluded that China is using the conflict to strengthen its diplomatic narrative globally.

Beijing continues presenting itself as a supporter of stability, trade continuity, and non-intervention, contrasting its messaging against perceptions of Western military escalation.

This strategy may strengthen China’s influence among developing economies already exploring alternatives to the U.S.-led financial system, particularly within BRICS and broader Global South trade initiatives.

The timing is especially significant as China continues expanding cross-border yuan settlement systems, commodity agreements, and infrastructure partnerships outside traditional Western institutions.

Why It Matters

The reported assessment reflects growing concern inside Washington that the Iran conflict may be accelerating larger structural changes already underway in the global system.

Rather than remaining a regional war, the crisis increasingly appears tied to:

• Energy market realignment

• Strategic competition between the U.S. and China

• Growing BRICS influence

• Currency diversification efforts

• Rising pressure on Western financial systems

• Expansion of alternative payment networks

The situation also demonstrates how modern geopolitical conflicts now directly influence inflation, central bank policy, sovereign debt markets, and long-term reserve currency confidence.

Why It Matters to Currency Holders

For foreign currency holders and global reset observers, the developments are significant because they reinforce the accelerating connection between:

• Geopolitical instability

• Energy disruptions

• Debt expansion

• Inflation pressures

• Currency diversification

• Global power redistribution

As major economies increasingly weaponize trade routes, sanctions, commodities, and financial infrastructure, more countries may continue exploring systems that reduce dependence on the traditional dollar-based order.

While the U.S. dollar remains dominant globally, ongoing geopolitical fragmentation is placing increasing focus on multi-currency trade systems, gold accumulation, yuan settlement mechanisms, and BRICS financial cooperation.

Implications for the Global Financial Reset

• Pillar 1:  Strategic Wars Are Becoming Economic Wars

Modern conflicts increasingly impact energy flows, inflation, interest rates, debt markets, and reserve currency confidence simultaneously.

• Pillar 2:  China Is Expanding Influence Without Direct Military Engagement

The reported intelligence concerns suggest Beijing may be leveraging global instability to expand long-term influence while avoiding direct battlefield costs.

• Pillar 3:  Global Financial Fragmentation Continues Accelerating

As geopolitical rivalry deepens, more nations may pursue trade diversification, alternative settlement systems, and regional economic alliances outside traditional Western frameworks.

Closing Thoughts

The reported U.S. intelligence assessment underscores how the Iran conflict may be reshaping far more than Middle Eastern security dynamics.

What began as a regional military confrontation increasingly appears tied to a broader transformation involving energy security, strategic competition, reserve currencies, global trade architecture, and the future balance of financial power.

In today’s interconnected world, geopolitical conflicts no longer remain isolated events. They increasingly act as catalysts accelerating deeper economic and monetary shifts already underway beneath the surface of the global system.

This is not just a regional conflict — it is part of a larger global restructuring of power, energy, and finance.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — “Iran war looms over Trump’s China visit, shifts alliances”

• The Washington Post — “China gains major edge on U.S. amid Iran war, intelligence report find

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Evening 5-13-26

Exclusive: US warning: Iraq has only five months' worth of "financial buffers" to avoid "the mother of all crises".

2026-05-13 Shafaq News – Washington   Mustafa Hashim   On Wednesday, economist Ziad Dawood painted a "bleak" picture of the future of the Iraqi economy in light of the sharp fluctuations in global oil prices, warning that the country could find itself facing "bitter choices" within a few months if the growing financial gap is not addressed.

In remarks made during economic discussions at the Iraq Dialogue Day at the Atlantic Council in Washington, which was attended by a correspondent from Shafaq News Agency, Dawood explained that Iraq is currently experiencing a state of "excessive dependence" on oil revenues, which makes its budget more vulnerable to external shocks than it was in the crises of 2008, 2014 and 2020.

Salaries And Currency Value

Dawood defined the concept of "economic crisis" in Iraq with two main axes that represent the existential obligations of the state:

1.   Currency stability: Maintaining the dinar's peg to the dollar at its current levels.

2.   Salaries and obligations: The ability to pay employee salaries, wages, and pensions without delay.

Daoud warned that failing to meet either of these commitments would mean entering "the mother of all crises," stressing that the process of "currency revaluation" (devaluing the currency) is a painful process economically and socially.

Narrow Safety Margin

The economist presented a detailed calculation to estimate the length of time Iraq could withstand the decline in oil revenues:

Reserves: the central bank of iraq has approximately $100 billion.

Currency Cover: To ensure the stability of the dinar and maintain the circulating money supply, the central bank needs to allocate about $75 billion as cover.

Available Surplus: Iraq practically has only $25 billion left that can be used to cover the deficit.

Payroll: The annual cost of salaries and pensions is approximately $64 billion, which is equivalent to about $5.3 billion per month.

The result: According to Dawood, the available surplus ($25 billion) is only enough to cover salaries for five months in the event of a sharp interruption or decline in oil revenues, before the country reaches "the brink of collapse".

Post-World Cup Predictions

Dawood indicated that Iraq may experience a period of relative stability until next July, coinciding with the celebrations for the 2026 World Cup, but he expressed deep concern about the price levels and economic pressures that will follow this period.

He concluded his statement by emphasizing that Iraq faces "difficult choices," as dependence on oil has increased rather than decreased, making any disruption in global markets a direct threat to the social and economic stability of Iraqis.

https://www.shafaq.com/ar/اقتصـاد/خاص-تحذير-ميركي-العراق-يمتلك-مصدات-مالية-لخمسة-شهر-فقط-لتفادي-م-ال-زمات

Ahmed Al-Basheer ridicules Iraq’s political system as Al-Zaidi nomination fuels criticism

2026-05-13 / 15:49   Shafaq News- Washington    Iraqi political satirist Ahmed Al-Basheer on Wednesday delivered a public critique of Iraq’s post-2003 political order, mocking the opaque rise of businessman Ali Al-Zaidi toward the premiership and arguing that elections in Iraq have become little more than a ceremonial exercise overshadowed by elite bargaining and foreign influence.

 Speaking during a session hosted by the Atlantic Council, Al-Basheer said Iraqis were introduced to Al-Zaidi’s candidacy with almost no public understanding of who he was politically. “We woke up one morning to headlines saying Ali Al-Zaidi would become the next prime minister,” he said. “Honestly, I had never heard of him as a politician. I only knew him as a businessman whose food products I personally buy abroad.”

 The comedian then turned the discussion into a broader indictment of Iraq’s political culture. “We know nothing about this man,” he continued. “Is he Islamist? Liberal? Atheist? Nobody knows because he has never even given an interview. We are dealing with a ghost prime minister. We do not even know what his voice sounds like. The voice we eventually hear could literally be AI.”

 Read more: Who is Ali Al-Zaidi? The businessman tapped for Iraq's premiership

 Drawing laughter from the audience, Al-Basheer mocked the media image circulated of Al-Zaidi, saying he had expected “the traditional Iraqi political figure with a thick moustache and an old-fashioned suit,” only to find someone who “looks more like your friend from a café smoking shisha than the man expected to run a country drowning in crises.”

But the sharpest part of Al-Basheer’s remarks targeted the political system itself rather than Al-Zaidi personally. He argued that Iraqi elections have steadily lost meaning because real power lies in closed-door negotiations among party leaders and regional actors.

 “Since 2005, Iraqis vote in one direction and America or Iran pushes things in another,” he said. “We exhaust ourselves with purple ink [elections] while nine political leaders sit in a room deciding who comes next. Why continue this game at all?”

 Al-Basheer described parliament as a “gold mine” for comedy, portraying lawmakers as figures driven less by policy conviction than by instructions from party leadership.

 “Our MPs suddenly become guardians of morality when a woman wearing a short skirt appears on television,” he said sarcastically. “But on oil, corruption, and stolen money, they turn into puppets waiting for WhatsApp instructions.”

 The Iraqi presenter also painted a bleak picture of media freedom inside the country, arguing that most television channels operate as extensions of political factions rather than independent institutions. “Yes, Iraq has hundreds of channels,” he said. “But they function exactly like our democracy. Every outlet attacks the rival side only until political deals are reached. Once agreements happen, the ‘freedom of expression’ disappears overnight.”

He added that his ability to criticize political figures openly was tied largely to the fact that he lives outside Iraq.

 Still, Al-Basheer surprised some attendees by saying that the era of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki witnessed broader tolerance toward media criticism than later periods. “I criticized al-Maliki relentlessly and he never pursued me legally,” he said.

 Despite his criticism, Al-Basheer ended on a more hopeful note, saying meaningful change in Iraq would ultimately come from society itself rather than from outside intervention.

 He also recalled receiving a phone call from former Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi after Al-Abadi left office, during which Al-Abadi thanked him for exposing “the snakes” surrounding his administration, despite years of criticism directed at him on the show.

 “I once believed one sentence could change the country overnight,” he said. “Now I believe change takes time. Iraqis will eventually reclaim their country from corruption and militias, just as the October protest movement surprised all of us. No Iron Man is coming to save Iraq —Iraqis will have to do it themselves.”

 https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Ahmed-Al-Basheer-ridicules-Iraq-s-political-system-as-Al-Zaidi-nomination-fuels-criticism

A Kurdistan Democratic Party MP Told Rudaw: Oil And Gas Law Talks Between Baghdad And Erbil Have Reached The Point Of Agreement

Keywords: Oil and Gas Law   Rudaw Digital    Iraq's economy is almost 90% dependent on oil production, yet remarkably, there is still no specific law governing oil and gas. Most political parties believe that the absence of such a law has been a source of tension between Erbil and Baghdad. Enacting such a law would be key to resolving many of the issues between the two sides.

Hakim Farouk, a member of parliament from the Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc, told Rudaw Media Network that the oil and gas law has been discussed and "extensive talks have taken place, reaching the point of agreement."

For nearly two decades, the oil and gas bill in parliament has not been passed; the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s condition for participating in the new Iraqi government was the passage of this law.

Hakim Farouk, a member of parliament from the Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc, told Rudaw Media Network: “During both Ali al-Zaidi and Nechirvan Barzani’s visits to Baghdad, the oil and gas law was discussed, as well as the need to pass it as soon as possible and in the next legislative session. Many talks were held on the matter, which reached the point of agreement.”

Hakim Farouk - Member of Parliament for the Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc

 In 2007 and 2011, two different drafts of the Iraqi Oil and Gas Law were prepared, but they were not passed due to disagreements between Baghdad and Erbil, and now attempts are continuing once again to amend them.

 Shaker Mahmoud Abu Turab, a member of parliament from the Fatah Alliance, told Rudaw Media Network that "there are many problems that need to be amended, and this will become apparent when they are presented and discussed. They are currently in the drawers of the House of Representatives.

We - the Badr Bloc - have two important laws as our priorities: the Popular Mobilization Forces Law and the Oil and Gas Law. There are other laws, but these two are the most important."

Shaker Mahmoud Abu Turab - Member of Parliament for the Fatah Alliance

 The draft currently in the Iraqi parliament is the 2011 draft law consisting of 49 articles; according to the principles of this draft, the “Federal Council for Oil and Gas” must be formed, which is responsible for determining oil policy in Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region will have a representative in it at the level of a minister. https://www.rudawarabia.net/arabic/middleeast/iraq/110520262

Al-Zaydi And The Dollar: Expectations Of A Breakthrough In The Exchange Market

2026-05-13 02:43 Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah    An economic expert predicted on Wednesday that the formation of the new Iraqi government would contribute to lowering the dollar exchange rate against the dinar in local markets, noting that there was an expected “American support” that would positively affect the financial market.

Sulaymaniyah currency market spokesman Jabbar Goran told Shafaq News Agency that the resumption of government projects after the formation of the government will lead to an increase in spending in Iraqi dinars and a full return of the ministries’ activity, which will boost demand for the local currency and support the stability of the exchange rate.

He added that the United States renewed its support for the formation of the government of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, considering that this support gives a "positive signal" to the financial markets, provided that no new tensions or wars occur in the region.

He explained that there was confusion surrounding the news regarding the "stopping of dollar transfers" from the United States to Iraq, indicating that Baghdad had requested the transfer of part of the surplus oil revenues deposited in JPMorgan Chase Bank and subject to the supervision of the US Treasury Department.

He pointed out that Iraq does not need all of its oil revenues immediately, so part of them is kept in the United States, noting that Washington informed Baghdad that it would postpone the transfer of additional funds until after the formation of the new government.

Goran predicted that the exchange rate of 100 dollars would fall to less than 150,000 dinars in the coming period, if regional conditions stabilize and there is no security or military escalation.

He stressed that the natural difference between the official price of 132,000 dinars per 100 dollars and the market price should remain within the limits of 12,000 to 13,000 dinars only. https://www.shafaq.com/ar/اقتصـاد/الزيدي-والدولار-توقعات-بانفراجة-مرتقبة-في-سوق-الصرف

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Afternoon 5-13-26

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Global Inflation Shock and BRICS Tensions Accelerate Pressure on the Financial System

Rising energy prices, surging bond yields, and deepening geopolitical divisions are increasing fears of a structural shift in the global economy

Markets reacted sharply today as inflation concerns intensified, oil remained elevated above $100, and BRICS ministers prepared for emergency discussions overshadowed by the Iran conflict

 Overview (Key Points)

Global financial markets faced renewed volatility today as investors reacted to:

• Surging U.S. inflation data

• Rising Treasury and bond yields

• Elevated oil prices tied to Middle East instability

• Growing geopolitical divisions within BRICS nations

Analysts increasingly warn that the combination of persistent inflation, geopolitical fragmentation, and weakening confidence in long-term debt sustainability may accelerate structural changes already underway in the international financial system.

Key Developments

1. Inflation Surges Again as Oil Shock Spreads Through Global Markets

Fresh U.S. inflation data released today showed producer prices rising at their fastest pace since 2022, intensifying fears that the global economy may be entering another prolonged inflationary cycle.

The U.S. Producer Price Index surged 1.4% in April, significantly above expectations, while annual producer inflation climbed to 6.0%.

Markets reacted immediately:

• Treasury yields climbed sharply

• The U.S. dollar strengthened

• Bond markets sold off

• Expectations for future rate cuts declined dramatically

Investors now increasingly believe the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated longer than previously expected.

2. Oil Prices Remain Above $100 Amid Hormuz Crisis

Oil markets remained highly volatile as ongoing instability involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz continued threatening global energy flows.

Brent crude hovered near $106–$108 per barrel, while analysts warned that any further disruption to Gulf shipping lanes could rapidly trigger another major energy spike.

Although prices eased slightly during trading, markets remain extremely sensitive to developments involving:

• The Iran conflict

• Maritime security

• U.S.–China diplomacy

• Global supply disruptions

The International Energy Agency also warned that supply conditions are tightening as Middle East disruptions continue impacting production and transportation networks.

3. European Central Bank Signals More Rate Hikes

The inflation surge is no longer limited to the United States.

A Reuters poll released today showed that economists now widely expect the European Central Bank to continue raising interest rates as energy-driven inflation spreads across Europe.

The ECB is expected to raise rates again in June, with some analysts warning that inflation could remain structurally elevated if oil prices stay high.

This creates growing concerns about:

• Slowing European growth

• Rising sovereign debt costs

• Increased pressure on banking systems

• Weakening consumer demand

4. BRICS Meeting Overshadowed by Iran Conflict and Internal Divisions

The upcoming BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi is now expected to focus heavily on the economic and geopolitical fallout from the Iran war.

The expanded BRICS alliance includes:

• China

• Russia

• India

• Brazil

• South Africa

• Iran

• UAE

• Egypt

• Ethiopia

• Indonesia

However, deep divisions within the bloc are emerging as some member nations support Iran while others maintain closer ties with Gulf states and Western economies.

The conflict is increasing pressure on BRICS nations already pursuing:

• Local currency trade settlement

• Reduced dollar dependence

• Alternative payment systems

• Greater economic fragmentation from Western-led institutions

5. Global Markets Increasingly Price in Long-Term Instability

Financial markets today reflected growing concern that geopolitical instability is becoming a permanent feature of the global economy rather than a temporary disruption.

Rising inflation, elevated energy costs, and tightening monetary policy are beginning to reinforce one another across multiple regions simultaneously.

Analysts warn this environment resembles elements of previous stagflationary periods where:

• Growth slows

• Inflation remains elevated

• Debt burdens increase

• Monetary flexibility weakens

 Why It Matters

Today’s developments highlight how interconnected the modern financial system has become with geopolitics and energy security.

The combination of:

• Persistent inflation

• Rising debt costs

• Geopolitical fragmentation

• Commodity volatility

is increasing stress across both developed and emerging economies.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Periods of sustained inflation and geopolitical uncertainty often lead to:

• Increased currency volatility

• Pressure on reserve currencies

• Greater diversification efforts

• Rising demand for alternative settlement systems

Several nations continue exploring mechanisms designed to reduce exposure to Western financial infrastructure.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Inflation and Debt Pressures Are Reshaping Monetary Policy

Central banks worldwide are increasingly constrained between controlling inflation and preventing economic slowdown.

• Pillar 2: Geopolitical Fragmentation Is Accelerating Financial Realignment

The growing divide between Western powers and emerging economic blocs continues pushing the world toward a more multipolar financial structure.

 Conclusion

Today’s inflation data, oil market volatility, and BRICS tensions reinforce the reality that the global economy is entering a period of heightened structural uncertainty.

What began as regional geopolitical instability is increasingly influencing:

• Monetary policy

• Global trade flows

• Energy security

• Currency systems

• Sovereign debt markets

As inflation, energy disruption, and geopolitical rivalry continue converging, pressure on the existing financial order is likely to intensify throughout 2026.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — “Global equities rise modestly with the dollar, bond yields as US inflation soars”

• Reuters — “Iran war to cast a shadow on BRICS foreign ministers meeting in Delhi”

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Some “Iraq News” Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-13-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi receives the European Union Ambassador to Iraq

Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received on Tuesday the European Union Ambassador to Iraq, Clemens Smutner, who delivered a message from the EU countries expressing their support for the new government and their willingness to work with it in various fields.

 During the meeting, the prospects for cooperation relations between Iraq and the European Union countries were discussed, as well as ways to enhance them within the framework of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding, and the future vision in a way that promotes mutual interests and benefits.

 The meeting also witnessed discussions on regional and international issues and files of common interest, and emphasized the importance of intensifying joint work to achieve stability and development, and to preserve regional and international security.  link

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Tishwash: Al-Zidi is close to gaining confidence and forming a strong government with the support of all parties in Iraq.

Political analyst Ahmed Al-Tamimi confirmed on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) that the current disagreements between political forces regarding the distribution of ministerial portfolios are a natural part of the negotiations process for forming governments in Iraq, predicting that the political forces will succeed in passing Ali Al-Zidi’s government during this week.

Al-Tamimi told Baghdad Today that the political process has become accustomed to intensive rounds of negotiations and political bargaining related to the distribution of sovereign and service ministries, noting that current indicators show advanced understandings between political blocs towards resolving the cabinet and voting on it within Parliament.

He explained that the political forces are aware of the sensitivity of the current stage and the country’s need for a fully empowered government, therefore the disputes raised fall within the framework of traditional political competition and do not reach the level of disrupting or thwarting the formation of the government.

He added that there is an internal and external desire to end the state of executive vacuum and to expedite the granting of confidence to the new government, noting that some objections related to names or ministerial quotas may be resolved in the last hours before the voting session, as happened in previous government experiences.

Al-Tamimi indicated that passing Ali al-Zaidi’s government is “closer than ever,” especially in light of the initial agreements between the main political forces, explaining that the next stage will depend to a large extent on the ability of the new government to achieve political balances and present a government program capable of addressing service and economic issues.

He stressed that the success of the next government will also be linked to its ability to calm the street and enhance internal stability, in light of the economic, service and security challenges facing the country.

For weeks, the political arena has witnessed intense activity among political blocs and alliances to resolve the issue of forming the new government, amid internal and external anticipation of the nature of the ministerial lineup and the political and economic program that will be adopted in the next phase.  link

************

Tishwash:  The most complex issue awaits resolution: Oil: The oil and gas law is the key to stability between Baghdad and Erbil.

 The spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Sahib Bazoun, confirmed on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) that the oil and gas file between Baghdad and Erbil will not witness complete stability until the oil and gas law is approved within the House of Representatives, noting that there are existing understandings between the federal government and the region regarding the management of the oil file.

Bazoun told Baghdad Today that there is an agreement and a political decision between the two sides, but that enacting the oil and gas law during the current parliamentary session represents the most important step to ensure the stability of the oil relationship and preserve the rights of all parties.

He explained that oil still constitutes about 90% of the Iraqi state’s imports, which makes this file a top priority for the next government, noting that the Prime Minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, has placed among his priorities the diversification of the state’s sources of income and the reduction of dependence on oil revenues, as he is “an economist.”

Bazoun pointed out that the Ministry of Oil is working to revitalize and expand oil export outlets, stressing the reactivation of the Ceyhan and Banias port outlets, in addition to proceeding with the activation of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline with an export capacity of up to one and a half million barrels per day.

He added that the relative calm witnessed in the Strait of Hormuz during the past month helped in exporting two oil shipments, expressing his optimism about the improvement of conditions and the stability of export activity during the coming period.

Regarding strategic alternative plans, Bazoun revealed that the ministry has begun implementing the Basra-Haditha pipeline project, a strategic project with a capacity of two and a half million barrels per day and a diameter of 56 inches.

He explained that the importance of the project is not limited to transporting crude oil, but extends to supplying refineries located along the pipeline in the south, center and north with petroleum products, as well as enabling Iraq in the future to export oil through multiple outlets including Türkiye, Syria and Jordan via the port of Aqaba.

He confirmed that the project has already entered into force at an estimated cost of about five billion dollars, of which one and a half billion dollars have been allocated so far, noting that the work is proceeding "very normally" according to the plans set.

The Oil and Gas Law is one of the most prominent controversial laws postponed in Iraq since 2005, as it is related to regulating the management of oil wealth and the distribution of revenues between the federal government, the Kurdistan Region and the producing governorates, amid repeated political and economic demands to resolve it in order to end the disputes related to oil exports and contracts.  link

************

Tishwash:  Oil and gas law: Will the current parliamentary session succeed in resolving one of the most complex issues?

The oil and gas law is imposing itself as one of the most sensitive issues within the Iraqi scene, amid increasing questions about the ability of political forces to pass it during the current parliamentary session.

The spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Sahib Bazoun, confirmed on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) that the oil and gas file between Baghdad and Erbil will not witness complete stability until the oil and gas law is approved within the House of Representatives, noting that there are existing understandings between the federal government and the region regarding the management of the oil file.

Bazoun said that there is an agreement and a political decision between the two parties, but that enacting the oil and gas law during the current parliamentary session represents the most important step to ensure the stability of the oil relationship and preserve the rights of all parties.

He explained that oil still constitutes about 90% of the Iraqi state’s revenues, which makes this issue a top priority for the next government.

He then pointed out that the Prime Minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, had placed among his priorities the diversification of the state’s sources of income and the reduction of dependence on oil revenues, in his capacity as an “economist.”

Bazoun pointed out that the Ministry of Oil is working to revitalize and expand oil export outlets, stressing the reactivation of the Ceyhan and Banias port outlets, in addition to proceeding with the activation of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline with an export capacity of up to one and a half million barrels per day.

He added that the relative calm witnessed in the Strait of Hormuz during the past month helped in exporting two oil shipments, expressing his optimism about the improvement of conditions and the stability of export activity during the coming period.

Regarding strategic alternative plans, Bazoun revealed that the ministry has begun implementing the Basra-Haditha pipeline project, a strategic project with a capacity of two and a half million barrels per day and a diameter of 56 inches.

He explained that the importance of the project is not limited to transporting crude oil, but extends to supplying refineries located along the pipeline in the south, center and north with petroleum products , as well as enabling Iraq in the future to export oil through multiple outlets including Turkey, Syria and Jordan via the port of Aqaba.

He confirmed that the project has already entered into force at an estimated cost of about five billion dollars, of which one and a half billion dollars have been allocated so far, noting that the work is proceeding “very normally” according to the plans set.

The Oil and Gas Law is one of the most prominent controversial laws postponed in Iraq since 2005, as it is related to regulating the management of oil wealth and the distribution of revenues between the federal government, the Kurdistan Region and the producing governorates, amid repeated political and economic demands to resolve it in order to end the disputes related to oil exports and contracts. link

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Morning 5-13-26

Transportation: Detailed Designs For The Development Road Are Nearing Completion

Money and Business    Economy News – Baghdad   The Ministry of Transport is nearing completion of the detailed designs for the Development Road project, in preparation for presenting it to major international companies specializing in infrastructure, transport and logistics services.

The director of the media office at the ministry, Maitham Al-Safi, explained in an interview with the official newspaper, which was followed by “Al-Eqtisad News”, that the ministry has made significant progress in preparing the technical and engineering requirements for the project, noting that the detailed design phase is nearing completion, which is a fundamental step that precedes the referral, implementation, and negotiation process with international companies wishing to participate in the project.

He added that the project is attracting increasing regional and international attention, given its strategic importance in linking Iraq to global trade routes, as well as its expected role in strengthening the transport and logistics sector and opening new economic horizons for the country.

Al-Safi pointed out that a number of European and regional companies have expressed their desire to cooperate and participate in the implementation of the project during its next phases, indicating that the latest entity to announce its interest in the project was the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, which expressed its support for its completion in cooperation and coordination with the Iraqi side, in a way that contributes to enhancing trade exchange between the two countries and facilitating the smooth flow of transport through international corridors. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69015

Iraq Ranked Fourth In Well Drilling Activity Within OPEC During 2025

Energy   Economy News – Baghdad   Iraq ranked fourth among OPEC countries in well drilling completion activity during 2025, an indicator that reflects continued field activity in the oil sector, despite the difference with the leading countries.

Kuwait topped the list with 755 wells, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 444 wells, then Saudi Arabia with 383 wells, while Iraq came in fourth with 280 wells among the most active countries in drilling operations within the organization.

OPEC data also showed an improvement in global demand for oil derivatives related to the transportation sector during 2025, as demand for diesel rose by 0.39%, gasoline by 0.34%, and kerosene (jet fuel) by 0.29%, compared to a decline in the remaining fuel by 0.19%, reflecting the recovery of land and air transport and the expansion of global trade and tourism activity.https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69026

Parliamentary Integrity Committee: A Move To Obligate Investment Projects To Employ 70% Of Iraqi Youth

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad      The Parliamentary Integrity Committee intends to issue directives in the near future to investment projects, obligating them to employ 70 percent of Iraqi youth within their projects.

Naheda Al-Daini, a member of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, told the official newspaper, as reported by "Al-Eqtisad News," that "investment in Iraq is witnessing remarkable development, especially in the capital, Baghdad, but this sector still faces a number of problems, which requires a comprehensive review of the investment file and an examination of the licenses granted during the past years."

Al-Daini added that the file of real estate developers also needs to be reconsidered, especially with regard to the lands granted for investment projects, indicating that the Parliamentary Integrity Committee is serious about following up on this file, by requesting all investment and building licenses and financial guarantees, as well as studying the violations that occurred previously.

She affirmed that the committee will play a strong role in the coming phase to ensure that investment proceeds within legal and normal frameworks, stressing the need to stop any bargaining or violations by investors. Regarding the prices of residential complexes...https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69022

Planning: Including New Projects Within The Poverty Reduction Strategy

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad

The Ministry of Planning included a new package of projects within the third poverty reduction strategy after completing its detailed discussion, and confirmed that its approval is pending the formation of the government in the coming period.

Ministry spokesman Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi told the official newspaper, as reported by "Economy News," that the new projects aim to support the poor and improve the service and living conditions in a number of villages and rural areas in various governorates, through the implementation of development programs that contribute to providing job opportunities and strengthening infrastructure and basic services, in line with development goals and the government's plans to address poverty rates.

He explained that the third poverty reduction strategy includes multiple economic and social axes, focusing on economic empowerment, social protection and improving services, as well as expanding the scope of development projects in the most needy governorates, noting that its implementation will be after its official ratification by the new government.

The Ministry of Planning launched its first poverty reduction strategy in 2010, then started the second in 2018, and the third was approved last year and is preparing to launch and implement it. 

In the same context, Al-Hindawi stated that the number of projects of the Social Fund for Development has reached more than 600 since it began its work in 2017, noting that the majority of them have been completed, while the remaining projects have reached advanced rates exceeding 90 percent. 

He pointed out that these projects cover 18 governorates, including the governorates of the Kurdistan Region, explaining that the coordination mechanism between the Ministry of Planning and the governorates is based on the philosophy of (bottom-up planning), meaning that projects are implemented according to what the people of the poorest regions and villages identify in terms of needs and priorities in the fields of education, health, water, electricity and roads.

Al-Hindawi noted the existence of a monitoring and continuous follow-up system for projects, which includes technical, environmental and social reports, as well as direct field follow-up through specialized teams working in coordination with the governorates, in addition to supervision and coordination with the World Bank as the donor to the fund with a loan of $300 million.

He stated that there are currently great efforts to complete all the remaining Fund projects by the end of this year, which represent a limited number, indicating that some villages were completely lacking in electricity, which made delivering it through the Fund projects an important transformation for their residents.

The construction of culverts and bridges also contributed to facilitating the students’ access to their schools, especially in villages separated by rivers, which reduced the risks that threatened children during the winter season.

Al-Hindawi stressed that the fund began its work in three governorates, namely Al-Muthanna, Salah al-Din and Dohuk, before later expanding to include 18 governorates throughout the country. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69019

Jordanian Electricity Exports To Iraq Increased By 13% In Four Months.

energy   Economy News – Baghdad   Data released by Jordan’s National Electric Power Company on Wednesday showed that electricity exports to the Trebil border crossing with Iraq rose by 13% during the first four months of this year, indicating growing electricity cooperation between the two countries.

According to the company's data, which was reviewed by "Al-Eqtisad News", electricity exports to the Trebil center reached 2.6 gigawatt-hours during the aforementioned period, compared to 2.3 gigawatt-hours during the same period last year.

The data also showed that total sales of the Jordanian National Electric Power Company increased by 3.5%, reaching 7683.2 gigawatt-hours, compared to 7420.6 gigawatt-hours during the same period last year.

Jordanian electricity exports generally recorded an increase of 24.7%, reaching 124.2 gigawatt-hours, compared to 99.6 gigawatt-hours, distributed between Iraq and Palestine.https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69024

Italian Company Eni To Increase Its Oil Production In Iraq During 2025

energy   Economy News – Baghdad   Data from the annual report of the Italian company Eni, released on Wednesday, showed an increase in its oil and gas production in Iraq during 2025, compared to the previous two years, within its global operations.

According to the company’s annual report, which was reviewed by “Al-Eqtisad News”, Eni’s production in Iraq during 2025 amounted to about 11 million barrels of oil liquids and 30 billion cubic feet of natural gas, equivalent to 17 million barrels of oil equivalent, compared to 15 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2024, and 14 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2023.

The report indicated that the company’s total global production reached 631 million barrels of oil equivalent during 2025, compared to 625 million in 2024 and 604 million in 2023, driven by a 7% year-on-year increase in oil liquids production.

Eni has been operating in Iraq since 2009, and manages the Zubair oil field in Basra Governorate under technical service contracts with the Iraqi government.https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69023

A Chinese Tanker Carrying Two Million Barrels Of Iraqi Oil Is Attempting To Cross The Strait Of Hormuz.

energy   Economy News – Baghdad    Ship tracking data showed on Wednesday that a giant Chinese oil tanker carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi crude was attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, a move that reflects the continued flow of Iraqi oil exports despite escalating security tensions in the region.

According to data from ship tracking company LSEG and the Kpler platform, the giant oil tanker "Yuan Hua Hu" passed Iran's Larak Island and headed south through the strait, after being stuck in the Gulf since the beginning of March.

The tanker had loaded its cargo of Basra Medium crude from the port of Basra and is currently heading towards Asian markets. It is owned and managed by a unit of the Chinese company COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation, while the shipment was licensed by Unipec, the trading arm of Sinopec.

This attempt marks the third known passage of a Chinese oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz since military tensions escalated between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other on February 28, according to available tracking data.

Reports also indicated that Iran has strengthened its influence in the Strait in recent days through understandings related to oil and gas shipments with Iraq and Pakistan, amid global concerns about any disruption that could threaten the movement of energy supplies through the vital waterway.

This comes as Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that US forces imposing a naval blockade on Iran prevented a Greek ship carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi oil from continuing its journey to Vietnam for "unknown" reasons, while the Vietnamese government appealed to the United States to allow the oil shipment to proceed.

According to Bloomberg, the giant oil tanker Agios Phanourios 1, operated by Athens-based Eastern Mediterranean Maritime, made a sudden turn at sea on Monday near the point where the US blockade begins.

The tanker had passed through the Strait of Hormuz carrying 1.99 million barrels of Iraqi Basra Medium crude when it turned back, according to ship tracking data and documents seen by Bloomberg.

PetroVietnam Oil, the trading arm of the state-owned energy company, confirmed to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command that the cargo aboard the Agios Phanourios 1 belongs to them and was loaded in Iraq, according to a letter seen by Bloomberg. The tanker still indicates its destination as Nghi Son, home to one of the refineries in the Asian nation. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69021

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Morning 5-13-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Trump Heads to China as Iran Conflict and Oil Route Crisis Shake Global Markets

Energy security, inflation fears, and rising geopolitical rivalry are placing new pressure on the global financial system

The escalating Iran conflict and growing instability around the Strait of Hormuz are increasingly influencing monetary policy, trade flows, and global economic expectations

Overview (Key Points)

U.S. President Donald Trump departed for China on Wednesday ahead of a highly anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the ongoing Iran conflict continues disrupting global energy markets and increasing geopolitical tensions.

The visit comes during a period of:

• Elevated oil prices

• Rising inflation pressures

• Maritime security concerns

• Growing uncertainty surrounding global trade and monetary stability

Financial analysts increasingly warn that prolonged instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz could accelerate broader structural shifts already developing within the global financial system.

Key Developments

1. Trump Travels to China Amid Intensifying Global Tensions

President Trump arrived in China for high-level talks with President Xi Jinping while attempting to balance diplomatic engagement with growing military and economic pressures tied to the Iran conflict.

Trump publicly stated that the United States does not require China’s assistance to address Iran, signaling a continued emphasis on unilateral strategic objectives.

However, the timing of the summit highlights how closely interconnected:

• U.S.–China relations

• Energy security

• Global trade

• Middle East stability

have become.

2. Strait of Hormuz Crisis Continues Disrupting Energy Markets

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of global market concerns as military tensions continue threatening one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors.

Roughly 20% of global oil supplies normally pass through the waterway, making any prolonged disruption a major risk to the international economy.

According to the International Energy Agency, ongoing instability is already tightening global supply conditions and contributing to elevated oil prices.

Brent crude remained volatile today as traders weighed the risks of further escalation.

3. Inflation Pressures Continue Building Worldwide

Higher energy prices are once again feeding directly into global inflation concerns.

The rise in fuel costs is contributing to:

• Higher transportation expenses

• Increased manufacturing costs

• Food price inflation

• Broader consumer price pressure

Recent U.S. inflation data showed continued increases in living costs, reinforcing fears that central banks may be forced to maintain restrictive monetary policies longer than expected.

The combination of war-driven energy inflation and slowing economic growth is creating renewed fears of stagflation across several major economies.

4. China’s Role in Global Energy and Trade Expands

Although Trump minimized China’s role in resolving the Iran crisis, Beijing remains one of Iran’s largest economic partners and energy buyers.

China’s dependence on Middle Eastern energy imports means that prolonged disruption in the Gulf directly affects:

• Chinese industrial production

• Trade flows

• Supply chains

• Commodity markets

Analysts believe the summit could include behind-the-scenes discussions related to:

• Oil market stability

• Maritime security

• Trade coordination

• Broader economic risks tied to the conflict

5. Geopolitical Instability Continues Reshaping Global Finance

Markets are increasingly reacting not only to economic indicators, but also to geopolitical developments involving:

• Military escalation

• Shipping routes

• Sanctions

• Strategic alliances

The Iran conflict demonstrates how quickly regional wars can transmit economic shocks throughout the global financial system.

Bond markets, currencies, commodities, and central bank expectations are all becoming more sensitive to geopolitical risk.

Why It Matters

Today’s developments reinforce how deeply interconnected global finance has become with geopolitical stability and energy security.

The combination of:

• Rising oil prices

• Inflation pressure

• Strategic rivalry

• Supply chain disruptions

is creating an increasingly fragile environment for the global economy.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Periods of prolonged geopolitical instability often increase:

• Currency volatility

• Inflationary pressure

• Commodity price swings

• Demand for reserve diversification

Energy-importing nations remain especially vulnerable if oil disruptions continue.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Energy Security Is Becoming Central to Financial Stability

Oil flows through strategic maritime chokepoints now directly influence inflation, interest rates, and monetary policy worldwide.

• Pillar 2: Geopolitical Rivalries Are Accelerating Economic Fragmentation

The growing intersection of military conflict, trade competition, and monetary policy continues reshaping the global financial landscape.

Conclusion

Trump’s visit to China comes at a pivotal moment as the Iran conflict increasingly impacts global markets, inflation expectations, and energy security.

The ongoing instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz highlights how vulnerable the modern financial system remains to geopolitical disruptions tied to strategic energy corridors.

As tensions between major powers continue intersecting with economic and monetary pressures, the world economy is entering a period where geopolitics and finance are becoming inseparable forces shaping the future global order.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "Trump Heads to China as Iran War and Strait of Hormuz Crisis Escalate"

• Reuters — "Global oil markets and geopolitical developments coverage"

~~~~~~~~~~ 

 🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.

You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:   • No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:

• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence

• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.    Verify everything.

Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™

~~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

MilitiaMan & CREW IRAQ DINAR UPDATE-Central Bank of Iraq: Proceeding with Banking Reforms-Complex Oil & Gas

MilitiaMan & CREW IRAQ DINAR UPDATE-Central Bank of Iraq: Proceeding with Banking Reforms-Complex Oil & Gas

5-12-2026

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

No drama. No intrigue. No songs and dances. Just straight, factual news that I read and interpret to the best of my ability after being an avid Dinar investor and insanely obsessed Dinarian for over 15 years.

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df_-IBlvwR4

$100,000 Income is Now "Lower-Middle Class"

$100,000 Income is Now "Lower-Middle Class"

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black/Sovereign Man) May 12, 2026

Henry VIII probably thought he was being extremely clever when he started debasing his currency in 1544... and assumed that, if he reduced the silver content slowly and gradually enough, perhaps no one would notice.

But the King was hilariously wrong.

Despite centuries of warfare, invasions, and plagues, English rulers prior to Henry had been remarkably disciplined in maintaining 92.5% silver in their coins. 

In fact, England’s kings were so serious about their coinage that, at one point in the 1100s, one of Henry VIII’s forebears rounded up every private minter who skimped on the silver content in their coins— and had the man’s testicles removed.

But Henry VIII did not share his ancestors resolve. So, drowning in debt, divorce, and too much war, he started to reduce the silver content and replace it with copper.

His new coins still looked vaguely similar to the original ones because they were given a cheap, silver wash. But the wash wore off quickly— especially on the side where Henry’s profile was carved.

Londoners soon began to notice that the king’s nose would turn orange once the silver sheen wore off, giving rise to the nickname “Old Coppernose”.

And yet the debasement continued— and this was Henry’s ‘clever’ idea.

There wasn’t a single shock or dramatic crash. Henry’s ‘Great Debasement’ was a years-long operation of slowly robbing prosperity from his subjects. Each year their coins would buy less. Prices would rise. Their cost of living increased. And overall they were worse off.

This is the same story of our own time.

Gallup reported last week that 55% of Americans believe their personal finances are getting worse; that’s the absolute rock bottom reading in 25 years of the survey.

It is worse than 2008, when the financial system was actually breaking. It is worse than the pandemic, when the economy was shut off.

And that 55% statistic is in a year when headline employment numbers and stock indices are supposed to be telling everyone they're doing fine.

Perhaps even more alarming is a recent analysis by a group called MoneyLion, which looked at Census data and found that, in 12 states in the US, a $100,000 income is now considered LOWER middle class.

For those who remember what life was like 25 years ago, making six figures was solid “made it” territory.

Not anymore. In Massachusetts, the lower-middle ceiling has crept up to $116,476. In New Jersey, $115,882. In California, $111,277.

Of course, it isn't hard to see what those states have in common. They tax heavily, regulate aggressively, and treat business and wealth as plump dairy cows to milk.

This isn’t magically going away if the Strait of Hormuz opens, or Congress passes a ban on corporations buying homes to rent.

The federal government runs trillion-dollar deficits every year, the Treasury borrows the difference, and the Federal Reserve accommodates the whole arrangement by expanding the money supply by trillions.

Long term inflation doesn't slow down until Washington decides to be fiscally responsible— and there is little evidence that's about to happen.

If you bought a house in 2010, or even 2021, the same forces hollowing out the dollar have been inflating the value of your assets; your house cannot be printed by the Federal Reserve, so as the money supply increases, your house costs more in nominal dollars.

That's why the people who feel worst about this economy are young people.

A recent Generation Lab survey found that more than 8 in 10 Americans aged 18-29 — the cohort least likely to own a home or hold meaningful investments — now describe the economy as bad or terrible. Only 2 percent of them call it "excellent."

This is why real assets matter. The Fed can manufacture as many dollars as it wants, but it cannot manufacture the things that actually have value: precious metals, energy, critical resources like uranium or copper, a profitable business producing something the world cannot function without.

Because every single time governments are given the choice between inflation and discipline, they pick inflation.

And just like Henry VIII, they think no one is going to notice.

To your freedom,   James Hickman  Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

PS — Schiff Sovereign's investment research newsletter, Strategic Assets, exists for exactly this reason: to identify real assets and real businesses that not only protect wealth from debasement, but actually give you tremendous upside as Americans prioritize essential spending over luxuries.

We’ve seen some major winner in precious metals, fertilizer, industrial metals, shipping— and there is reason to believe we are still early.

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/investing/100000-income-is-now-lower-middle-class-155142/?inf_contact_key=ceaaa4fd9fd3681634374a8327b5abe19042a6429cc6d781f779b0d187b52794

Economic Collapse is Not Possible Now

Economic Collapse is Not Possible Now

Heresy Financial:  5-12-2026

Everywhere you look, financial headlines scream about impending doom. Talk of a looming recession, a credit crunch, or even another Great Financial Crisis often dominates the narrative. It’s easy to get swept up in the wave of bearish sentiment and assume the worst is just around the corner.

But what if the widespread fear of another 2008-style economic collapse is largely unfounded? What if, contrary to popular belief, the fundamental financial health of American households is far more robust than many pundits suggest?

A recent analysis from Heresy Financial offers a remarkably optimistic counter-narrative, suggesting that a severe economic downturn or financial crisis on the scale of 2008 is actually quite improbable. Their insights, based on a deep dive into current household debt and asset data, provide a refreshing perspective amidst the gloom.

The core argument is elegantly simple: significant economic busts are almost always precipitated by excessive leverage accumulated during boom periods. Think back to 2008 – a housing bubble fueled by subprime mortgages and over-borrowing by both consumers and financial institutions.

The surprising truth, according to Heresy Financial, is that this kind of dangerous overleveraging simply isn’t prevalent in the typical American household today.

You might be thinking, “But household debt has gone up!” And you’d be right. Total household debt did see an uptick, particularly between 2020 and 2022, largely influenced by historically low interest rates. However, this increase alone doesn’t paint the whole picture.

In essence, while the absolute number for total debt might seem large, the ability of households to manage that debt, relative to their assets and income, is significantly better than it was leading into the Great Recession.

Why this resilience? The analysis points to a profound shift in consumer behavior, directly influenced by the trauma of the 2008 Great Recession. Most US households remain cautious about debt, actively avoiding the kind of overleveraging that proved so devastating just over a decade ago. The memory of foreclosures, job losses, and economic instability lingers, fostering a more conservative approach to borrowing.

This isn’t to say every single household is thriving; some certainly struggle. However, the typical American household is in remarkably good financial shape. Many carry little to no credit card balances, and their overall debt levels are modest when compared to their growing asset base.

The video cautions that while a mild recession is always a possibility in the natural ebb and flow of economic cycles, a large-scale economic collapse similar to 2008 is highly improbable at this time. The fundamental resilience built into the US household financial system, born from lessons learned and prudent management, acts as a powerful buffer against catastrophic failure.

So, next time you hear dire predictions about an impending financial apocalypse, take a moment to consider the underlying data. The optimistic analysis from Heresy Financial encourages us to reconsider overly bearish narratives and recognize the often-overlooked strength in the foundation of the US economy: its households.

TIMECODES

00:00 The Crash Everyone Is Waiting For Might Be Impossible

00:20 If This Upsets You, Check Why

 00:46 U.S. Household Debt Just Keeps Climbing

 01:53 Breaking Down America's Non-Housing Debt

02:42 The Question Nobody Asks: Compared to What?

03:40 Zoom Out on Delinquencies and the Panic Disappears

04:58 The Median Household's Credit Card Balance Is Zero

 06:53 Debt to Asset Ratio Is at a 50-Year Low

07:43 Busts Come From Booms. We Haven't Had a Boom.

09:31 Why Permabears Secretly Want a Crash

10:19 The Generation That Watched Their Parents Lose Everything

11:00 Real Median Income Is Rising Faster Than Debt

13:32 The Government Is Overleveraged. You're Not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8I9iIyZdbs

The Big Reset is Happening: Willem Middelkoop

The Big Reset is Happening

VRIC Media:  5-12-2026

Step into the intellectual arena of the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC), where host Darrell Thomas recently engaged in a profound discussion with Willem Middelkoop, an expert whose insights span metals, mining, geopolitics, and emerging financial technologies.

Middelkoop delivered a sweeping analysis of our evolving financial and geopolitical landscape, charting a course from escalating global conflicts and the rise of the BRICS nations to the revolutionary impact of blockchain and the enduring appeal of precious metals.

This wasn’t just another market update; it was a deep dive into the forces reshaping our world.

Middelkoop wasted no time diving into the intricate dance of geopolitics, particularly the evolving U.S.-China relationship amidst ongoing global conflicts. He highlighted the recent ceasefire related to “Operation Epic Fury” and the potential for a broader peace deal between the two economic giants, underscoring their immense implications for commodity and metals markets.

Crucially, Middelkoop emphasized the broader significance of geopolitical shifts led by the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). These countries are increasingly challenging the U.S.-led financial order, signaling a fundamental realignment of global power dynamics that will inevitably ripple through every facet of the global economy.

Amidst this geopolitical backdrop, Middelkoop paints a compelling picture for commodity markets. Despite recent corrections, he asserts that the fundamentals remain exceptionally strong. The growing importance of inflation and persistent supply constraints are set to be primary drivers for future price increases across the board.

His forecast? A multi-decade bull market in commodities, fueled by these very forces: geopolitics, structural inflation, and enduring supply shortages. For investors looking to capitalize on this trend, Middelkoop underscored the attractiveness of royalty and streaming companies.

 Their inflation-resistant business models offer a compelling way to gain exposure to future price increases while managing risk. His fund’s strategy, he explained, focuses on significant mineral discoveries and established producers to balance growth potential with robust risk management.

The conversation took a fascinating turn towards the revolutionary impact of blockchain and tokenization on financial markets. Middelkoop elaborated on how these technologies are enabling 24/7 trading, fostering the integration of crypto and traditional equities markets, and even influencing demand for U.S. Treasuries through stablecoins. The future of finance, he argues, is undoubtedly decentralized and always-on.

Yet, even with these digital advancements, the timeless allure of precious metals remains undiminished. Middelkoop provided a sharp analysis of the shifting gold and silver markets:

Gold: He noted the significant physical gold flow from West to East, reflecting a global shift in wealth and a growing recognition of gold’s monetary role in a world grappling with currency debasement. He also critically touched on the opaque nature of U.S. gold reserves and the existing financial system’s resistance to physical metals investment.

Silver: Middelkoop highlighted silver’s dual appeal, emphasizing its scarcity and crucial industrial importance, alongside its traditional monetary role.

Middelkoop’s overarching message is clear: we are entering a transformative period where traditional financial paradigms are being re-written. The confluence of geopolitical shifts, persistent inflation, and supply chain vulnerabilities is setting the stage for a dramatic repricing of core assets, particularly commodities. This isn’t just a market correction; it’s a fundamental recalibration.

He encourages investors to follow smart money trends and stay informed through his online platforms, recognizing that knowledge and agility will be key in navigating these turbulent, yet opportunity-rich, waters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmR1IZYuPrA

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Tuesday Afternoon 5-12-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Oil Shock, Inflation Fears, and BRICS Coordination Intensify Global Financial Reset Concerns

Rising energy prices, bond market stress, and shifting monetary expectations are increasing pressure on the global economic system

Today’s developments show how energy disruptions, inflation, and geopolitical instability are rapidly reshaping global finance and central bank policy

 Overview (Key Points)

Global markets faced renewed instability today as oil prices remained elevated near $108 per barrel, fueling inflation fears and increasing pressure on central banks worldwide.

At the same time, BRICS finance ministers are preparing emergency discussions surrounding the economic fallout tied to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, while several major economies are already experiencing rising borrowing costs and bond market volatility.

The developments highlight growing concerns that the world economy may be entering a prolonged period of:

• Persistent inflation

• Higher interest rates

• Currency instability

• Energy-driven financial stress

Together, these pressures are accelerating discussions surrounding long-term changes to the global financial system.

Key Developments

1. Oil Prices Continue Fueling Inflation Fears Worldwide

Brent crude remained near $108 per barrel today after renewed concerns surrounding the Iran conflict and disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters reported that markets are increasingly worried the ceasefire situation is “on life support,” keeping energy markets highly volatile.

Higher oil prices are now feeding directly into:

• Transportation costs

• Manufacturing expenses

• Consumer inflation

• Global supply chain pressure

Analysts warn that sustained energy inflation could delay central bank rate cuts across multiple economies.

2. Bond Markets Signal Growing Financial Stress

Government bond yields climbed sharply in Europe today, especially in the United Kingdom, where long-term borrowing costs briefly reached their highest levels in decades.

Markets are becoming increasingly sensitive to:

• Inflation risks

• Political instability

• Rising sovereign debt burdens

• Slower economic growth

The combination of high oil prices and elevated borrowing costs is creating fears of broader financial instability across debt markets.

3. Central Banks Face Renewed Pressure to Tighten Policy

Inflation expectations are rapidly changing global monetary policy outlooks.

The Bank of Japan signaled a more hawkish stance today as rising oil prices forced policymakers to reconsider earlier expectations for loose monetary policy.

Meanwhile, China’s central bank warned of “imported inflation” caused by surging commodity and energy prices while still attempting to support economic growth.

This reflects a growing global dilemma:

• Fight inflation with higher rates

• Or protect slowing economies from recession risks

4. BRICS Nations Increase Focus on Alternative Financial Structures

BRICS finance ministers are reportedly preparing discussions on the economic fallout from Hormuz disruptions and rising global instability.

According to reports, the Moscow discussions are expected to focus heavily on:

• Energy shocks

• Food inflation

• Shipping disruptions

• Alternative financial coordination

The bloc continues exploring ways to reduce exposure to Western-controlled financial systems amid rising geopolitical fragmentation.

5. The Global Economy Faces Growing Energy Security Risks

The International Energy Agency warned today that the world may be facing one of the largest energy crises in modern history if Middle East instability continues.

The Strait of Hormuz normally handles roughly 20% of global oil and gas flows, making prolonged disruption a direct threat to the global economy.

Energy security is increasingly becoming one of the central drivers of:

• Inflation

• Currency stability

• Trade policy

• Monetary strategy

Why It Matters

The world economy is becoming increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical shocks involving energy, trade, and shipping routes.

Today’s developments show that inflation is no longer driven only by domestic economic conditions. It is increasingly shaped by:

• War

• Commodity disruptions

• Strategic rivalry

• Global supply chain instability

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Periods of prolonged inflation and energy instability often trigger:

• Currency volatility

• Pressure on import-dependent economies

• Reserve diversification efforts

• Increased movement into alternative assets

Countries heavily dependent on imported energy remain especially vulnerable if oil prices stay elevated.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Energy Markets Are Reshaping Monetary Policy

Oil prices are once again becoming one of the primary forces influencing inflation, interest rates, and global financial stability.

• Pillar 2: Geopolitical Fragmentation Is Accelerating Financial Diversification

BRICS coordination and growing concern over Western debt systems continue pushing discussions surrounding alternative trade and payment structures.

Conclusion

Today’s market developments reinforce a growing global reality: energy security, inflation, and monetary policy are now deeply interconnected.

As oil shocks spread through bond markets, currencies, and central bank decisions, the international financial system is facing mounting structural pressure from multiple directions simultaneously.

The result is an increasingly unstable environment where geopolitics and finance are becoming nearly impossible to separate.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — "Morning Bid: Ceasefire on life support"

• World Economic Forum — "World facing ‘biggest-ever’ energy crisis"

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Tuesday Afternoon 5-12-26

Iran Sets Five Conditions For Entering The Second Round Of Negotiations With America

Arabic and international Iran has set five conditions as guarantees for entering a second round of negotiations with the United States, the Fars News Agency reported on Tuesday.

The agency quoted an informed source as saying, "Iran has set five conditions that represent the minimum guarantees for building trust before any negotiations with the United States can begin." 

The report added that "Iran stipulates an end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, the lifting of sanctions, and the release of its frozen assets." It further explained that "Iran's conditions include compensation for war damages and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz." 

The report continued, stating that "Iran informed Pakistan that the continued US naval blockade has reinforced distrust in negotiations with Washington." 

It noted that "Tehran believes that without the fulfillment of its five conditions, there will be no possibility of entering into new negotiations," clarifying that "the American proposals were formulated entirely unilaterally and in a manner that serves Washington's interests."https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69014

China Affirms Its Companies' Keenness To Expand Their Activities And Investments In The Iraqi Market.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad    The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Iraq, Cui Wei, affirmed on Tuesday the keenness of Chinese companies to expand their activities and investments in the Iraqi market.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement received by “Al-Eqtisad News” that “Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein received, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Iraq, on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic duties in Baghdad.”

She added that "during the meeting, the course of bilateral relations between Iraq and China was reviewed, as well as ways to enhance joint cooperation in various political, economic and investment fields, in a manner that serves the interests of the two friendly countries. The two sides also discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest, stressing the importance of supporting stability efforts and strengthening international cooperation."

The minister praised the role played by the Chinese ambassador during his time in Iraq and his contribution to developing bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of economy, energy and infrastructure, wishing him success in his future endeavors.

For his part, the Chinese ambassador expressed his country's appreciation for the level of cooperation with Iraq, stressing the continued support of the People's Republic of China for the path of development and stability in Iraq, and the keenness of Chinese companies to expand their activities and investments in the Iraqi market.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=68996

A Review Of The Book Entitled (Iraq's Finances... From The Trap Of Deficit To Sustainable Reform)

Once again, the esteemed Professor and dear brother, His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Ismail Al-Alaq, presents us with a scientific and applied study analyzing the trends of public finance in Iraq, from the trap of financial deficit to paths of sustainable reform, in terms of causes and results.

This is the first study supported by the experience and practice of a specialized official in the government who worked for twenty years in the economic field and in the financial and monetary system.

Therefore, his analyses, visions, and ideas presented in the study are profound and consistent with the economic reality of Iraq over more than two decades, reaching the problems of the current situation, starting from a holistic view, not a partial view of a specific circle of activity, but rather studying the subject as a whole and its repercussions at the macroeconomic level.

Drawing on the realities of the structural and systemic flaws in the economy, the challenges facing the financial and monetary systems, and the negative impacts of unclear fiscal and other economic policies, this study examines the failure to achieve fiscal sustainability, leading to a cycle of budget deficits from which the government cannot escape.

On the contrary, the deficit continues to increase year after year, relying on monetary policy intervention to finance it. This has deprived successive governments of the ability to achieve investment and development.

A key and unique aspect of this study is that it was written in the spirit of scientific research, enriched by the scientific, financial, and monetary expertise of Professor Ali Al-Alaq.

This expertise stems from his direct experience with the challenges and causes that have trapped the economy in the fiscal deficit of the state's general budget, the instrument for managing public resources and achieving stability and economic growth.

This deficit has become a significant pressure on fiscal sustainability, a major problem plaguing the Iraqi economy. A growing problem that has been accumulating year after year and has turned into major problems in public finances, the reliance on oil as a single resource for the general budget, the failure to activate the real economy, and the continuation of other non-oil resources at the same rates, not exceeding 5% of total resources for 23 years.

This impacted the balance of payments and restricted the state's ability to achieve development and economic stability.

The study, through its scientific and applied analysis, as outlined by the author with the spirit of a scientific researcher and responsible expert, highlights the challenges facing the Iraqi economy.

The study focuses on the budget deficit, its extent and trends, and potential solutions. It also addresses the questions that must be answered to overcome this predicament, presenting the study's hypotheses based on a scientific and realistic perspective informed by practical experience (from 2004 to 2024).

The author, through his diagnostic vision, was able to clarify, in five chapters and through analytical and scientific observation, the problems of the Iraqi economy and the role of Iraqi finance in achieving the transition from the deficit trap to sustainable reform paths, according to the following:

Chapter One – The conceptual and methodological framework of the general budget and the fiscal deficit, explaining the concept of the general budget and its importance in macroeconomics, the best ways to prepare it, the concept of the fiscal deficit and its economic effects, the risks of changing the exchange rate, and the relationship between the deficit and monetary policy.

Chapter Two: Diagnosing the fiscal deficit in Iraq and its economic repercussions, deficit financing, internal debt and their risks in the case of the Iraqi economy, the fiscal sustainability gap in Iraq, the current financial reality and the challenges facing fiscal sustainability.

Chapter Three – Public Expenditures and Achieving Fiscal Discipline. He emphasized his vision regarding fiscal recklessness, fiscal discipline, and fiscal reform strategies aimed at avoiding negative public reactions. He also discussed reforming public expenditures as a cornerstone of fiscal sustainability, clearly indicating the contribution of government subsidies to external budget expenditures, the challenges facing government subsidies, and pathways for sustainable reform.

Chapter Four – Public Revenues and Maximizing Non-Oil Resources. He explained his strategic vision for the future and outlined the roadmap for sustainable reform.

Chapter Five – Restructuring the Public Budget within a Macroeconomic Framework. This chapter focuses on program-based rather than line-item budgeting, participatory budgeting, corporate governance, and risk assessment. It also examines the role of the central bank in achieving fiscal stability and economic stimulus.

Chapter Six – Diversifying the Iraqi Economy as an Approach to Financial Sustainability and Wealth Creation: The author presents his vision for economic diversification as a strategic option for maximizing revenues, achieving financial sustainability, and supporting innovation and the private sector.

He concludes his study with conclusions, recommendations, and proposed solutions that focus primarily on policies and solutions for escaping the deficit trap and achieving sustainable reform.

Although I haven't given the study presented by the esteemed Professor and colleague Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq the analysis it deserves due to the depth of its insightful visions and ideas, I am now fully convinced that this study is undoubtedly suitable as a doctoral dissertation for Iraqi universities and as a curriculum for postgraduate students in finance, accounting, and banking.   

It is scientifically, academically, and research-wise sound.

 I urge the Dean of the Higher Institute for Accounting and Financial Studies at the University of Baghdad and the administration of the Al-Nahrain Center for Strategic Studies to invite His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank to present and discuss the study and to evaluate the scientific and intellectual effort invested in addressing a chronic economic problem plaguing our national economy.

 I wish His Excellency continued success, good health, and well-being, and pray that God protects him and enables him to continue his fruitful contributions to serving Iraq and its economy. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=68931