Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Late Friday Evening 7-17-26

U.S. Energy Secretary: We Are Working with Iraq to Build a Future Based on Investment and Prosperity  

Iraqi News Ahency (INA)    Friday,  July 17, 2026 / Washington - INA – U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Friday that Iraq has significant opportunities to achieve development and strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States.  

Speaking at a business conference hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and attended by an Iraqi News Agency correspondent, Wright said the Iraqi representatives participating in the event "represent the driving force behind investment and partnerships with Iraq, namely the Iraqi government and companies."  

"There is tremendous potential for progress in Iraq, including increasing oil production, advancing freedom and prosperity, and providing abundant energy for the Iraqi people," he added.  

He said the private sector is the key driver of that progress through capital investment, technology transfer, and bringing skilled talent to Iraq to accelerate development and deepen the strategic partnership with the United States.  

Wright said Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi had recognized Iraq's need for a partnership with the United States and for creating a business environment that would bring peace and prosperity to the Iraqi people.  

"I am delighted to stand here today and witness the signing of agreements and partnerships, along with commitments to major investments in Iraq," he said.  

Wright described the day as "a turning point" in the relationship between Iraq and the United States, saying it marked an important moment in ties between "one of the world's oldest, proudest, and most influential nations in shaping the world as we know it today—Iraq—and the United States of America."  

He added, "I extend my sincere welcome to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, who chose the United States for his first official foreign visit as prime minister. He recognized that Iraq's most important relationship in the coming period will be with the United States."  

Wright also expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Al-Zaidi, praising "his leadership and determination to transform Iraq and achieve stability, peace, and prosperity."    

https://ina.iq/en/politics/50501-us-energy-secretary-we-are-working-with-iraq-to-build-a-future-based-on-investment-and-prosperity.html

World Bank President To Al-Zidi: We Are Ready To Support Iraq In Preparing A Program Budget

Money and Business     Economy News — Baghdad   The President of the World Bank Group/WBG, Ajay Banga, affirmed the readiness to support Iraq in preparing its program budget.

The Prime Minister’s office stated in a statement received by (Al-Rabia) that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met in Washington on Wednesday evening, Baghdad time, with the President of the World Bank Group/WBG, Ajay Banga, and his accompanying delegation, which included the President of the International Finance Corporation/IFC, Mr. Mukhtar Diop, and a number of senior World Bank officials.”

During the meeting, Al-Zaydi stressed that “Iraq is witnessing a high level of stability today, which will positively affect the economic and investment situation,” indicating that “the Iraqi economy will achieve clear growth in light of the policies and reforms that the government has begun to implement.”

He pointed out that "the government is paying special attention to reforming the banking sector and preparing a program budget, in order to ensure that resources are directed efficiently towards achieving development and drawing a new economic identity for Iraq, based on diversification, reform and sustainability," stressing "working to increase oil production to meet the requirements of development, in parallel with developing non-oil sectors and enhancing their contribution to the national economy."

He explained that "the government is proceeding with the establishment of the Development Fund, which will finance investment projects in all governorates, and expand the scope of financing available to qualified Iraqi banks, in addition to supporting and empowering the Iraqi private sector to be a key partner in the development process."

For his part, World Bank President Ajay Banga expressed his admiration for "what Iraq has achieved recently in consolidating stability and peace," stressing that "Iraq has good potential and resources capable of bringing about a broad economic transformation, if they are properly invested."

Banga expressed the World Bank's "readiness to provide technical and advisory support to Iraq in the areas of program budgeting and banking sector restructuring."

He also called for "studying the formation of a large Iraqi banking holding company by merging a number of government banks, which would contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the financial sector and supporting the path of economic reform."

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=71442

Prime Minister Receives Representatives Of Jpmorgan In Washington

Iraqi News Ahency (INA)  Friday, July 17, 2026  Baghdad - INA - 7/17/2026   Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi received representatives of JPMorgan in Washington.  

The Media Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement, received by the Iraqi news agency-INA that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Received representatives of JPMorgan in Washington and agreed on the opening of a Bank Branch in Iraq to Finance Projects Implemented by U.S. Companies.”    

https://ina.iq/en/politics/50507-prime-minister-receives-representatives-of-jpmorgan-in-washington.html

Prime Minister Receives CEO of U.S. Excelerate Energy in Washington

Iraqi News Agency (INA)  Friday, July 17, 2026  Baghdad - INA - 7/17/2026   Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi received the Chief Executive Officer of Excelerate Energy in Washington.  

The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi received today, Friday, in Washington, D.C., the Chief Executive Officer of Excelerate Energy. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to launch the implementation of the floating gas terminal project in Khor Al-Zubair.  

  https://ina.iq/en/politics/50506-prime-minister-receives-ceo-of-us-excelerate-energy-in-washington.html

Prime Minister Receives Starlink CEO in Washington

  Iraqi News Agency (INA)  Friday, July 17, 2026 Baghdad - INA - The Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi met on Friday with the Chief Executive Officer of Starlink in Washington, D.C.  

The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement, received by the Iraqi news agency –INA that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi received today, Friday, at his residence in Washington, D.C., the Chief Executive Officer of Starlink, whose company is preparing to launch operations in Iraq following its licensing by the Communications and Media Commission (CMC)”.  

https://ina.iq/en/politics/50504-prime-minister-receives-starlink-ceo-in-washington.html

Prime Minister Meets with CEOs of US Companies HKN, GE Vernova, and Vantive    in Washington  

Iraqi News Agency (INA)  Friday, July 17, 2026  Baghdad - INA - Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met on Friday with the CEOs of US companies HKN, GE Vernova, and Vantive in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the US Chamber of Commerce conference.  

The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met separately with the CEOs of the US companies HKN, GE Vernova, Vantive, Google, and Commerce PLC, on the sidelines of the US Chamber of Commerce conference in Washington."    

https://ina.iq/en/politics/50498-prime-minister-meets-with-ceos-of-us-companies-hkn-ge-vernova-and-vantive-in-washington.html

US Envoy: Iraq Can Anchor Regional Security, Trade Corridor

2026-07-17 / 10:24 Shafaq News- Washington   US Presidential Envoy to Iraq Tom Barrack said on Friday that Iraq is leading a new regional security and strategic framework by linking the Gulf, the Levant, Turkiye, and Egypt through economic and infrastructure cooperation.

  Speaking at the US-Iraq Business Summit in Washington, Barrack noted that diplomacy, intelligence, and military strategies often follow the private sector, labeling business leaders as the "best diplomats" in advancing energy, electricity, and regional connectivity projects.

"This project will shift dependence away from maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz toward overland routes and integrated logistics networks, reducing the strategic importance of the strait within two years.”

  He also highlighted the importance of the "Middle Corridor," which stretches from Turkiye and Azerbaijan through Central Asia, saying it could transport vast quantities of natural gas to Europe. He described regional trade integration as "the real alternative" to military conflict.

  Barrack criticized previous foreign policies toward the region, saying intervention and efforts to change governments had failed and that the region needs strong leaders with clarity and transparency to achieve prosperity.

  He expressed confidence in Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's leadership and urged American and international businesses to support investment in Iraq, stressing, “such backing could help transform two decades of instability into a lasting security and economic partnership.”

  Read more: Iraq-US investment deals depend on implementation

  https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/US-Envoy-Iraq-can-anchor-regional-security-trade-corridor

FRANK26….7-17-26…..NEXT…CBI GOVERNOR TALKS

KTFA

Friday Night Video

FRANK26….7-17-26…..NEXT…CBI GOVERNOR TALKS

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie and Omar in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giv9u4dGUII

The Economy is on the Brink of Collapse

The Economy is on the Brink of Collapse

WTFinance:  7-16-2026

While the stock market may hit new highs and GDP figures appear positive, the reality inside the average household often tells a different story.

To navigate this paradox, expert Eric Basmajian recently shared his “four economy framework” on the WTFinance YouTube channel, providing a roadmap for understanding how the modern economy truly functions beyond the surface-level headlines.

Basmajian’s framework categorizes economic indicators into four specific layers: leading, cyclical, aggregate, and lagging variables. By observing how these layers interact over the duration of a business cycle, we gain a clearer picture of reality.

Currently, headline metrics like unemployment figures and GDP growth suggest a robust economy. However, these are often “lagging” indicators. When we pivot our focus to “leading” indicators—such as the housing market—we see significant signs of weakness that suggest the broader business cycle is under mounting pressure.

One of the most structural shifts in the current landscape is the influence of government fiscal policy. Massive budget deficits, primarily driven by entitlement spending, are indirectly propping up corporate profit margins.

When the government injects this capital into the system, it fuels household consumption, which in turn flows back to large corporations. Combined with increased market concentration and monopolistic power, companies are maintaining historic profit margins. These inflated margins act as a cushion, allowing large firms to retain staff and avoid the widespread layoffs that typically characterize the beginning of a recession.

The labor market has become increasingly bifurcated, resulting in what many call a “K-shaped” economic outcome. While the top earners remain resilient with solid balance sheets, lower-income households are increasingly reliant on borrowing to sustain their standard of living.

Despite the Federal Reserve’s tightening monetary policy, the labor market remains “frozen.” We are seeing historically low hiring rates and subdued wage growth, yet the lack of mass layoffs keeps the unemployment rate artificially low. This stagnation creates an environment where people aren’t necessarily prospering, but they aren’t losing their jobs in large numbers either.

The modern economy has shown remarkable resilience in the face of global uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions and shifting trade tariffs. Basmajian notes that while these shocks impact short-term market sentiment, they rarely derail the business cycle unless they severely compress corporate profit margins.

 Looking ahead, the Federal Reserve faces the delicate task of steering inflation toward their target without triggering a full-scale recession. The expectation is that we will remain in a range-bound interest rate environment, with little movement in terms of aggressive hikes or cuts in the near term.

The most important takeaway from this analysis is that the stock market is not the economy. Relying on stock prices as a proxy for financial health is a dangerous game that ignores the sequential dynamics of the business cycle.

By paying closer attention to the interplay between monetary policy, corporate margins, and fiscal support, we can better understand the forces shaping our financial future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsqiS00_HvM

RESET Incoming: Gold, Debt, & the Breaking Point

RESET Incoming: Gold, Debt, & the Breaking Point

Taylor Kenny:  7-16-2026

Join Taylor LIVE for a direct conversation and Q&A on interests, the coming Reset, and why physical gold and silver remain critical wealth preservation tools.

In a recent detailed live discussion, Taylor Kenney of ITM Trading provided a comprehensive look at the current state of the markets, focusing on the widening gap between paper assets and physical reality. As investors grapple with fluctuating prices and headline-driven volatility, Kenney offers a strategic perspective on why the fundamental demand for precious metals is reaching a fever pitch, even when the “paper” price suggests otherwise.

One of the most striking points addressed by Kenney is the current disconnect between the spot price of gold and silver—often dictated by paper contracts—and the actual demand for physical bullion.

While Western paper markets may show temporary price dips, the appetite for physical ownership in the East, particularly in China, remains exceptionally high. China is not only aggressively accumulating gold but is also implementing regulatory reforms to streamline the transition toward physical ownership.

This shift suggests that savvy global players are looking past short-term market noise and focusing on the long-term security that only physical assets can provide.

The discussion also delved into the unsustainable trajectory of U.S. national debt and the escalating cost of interest payments.

Kenney warns that these financial pressures are creating a perfect storm for persistent inflation. As the debt-to-GDP ratio continues to climb, the risk to the U.S. dollar’s status as the primary global reserve currency becomes more pronounced.

For many analysts, it is no longer a question of if the system will face a correction, but when. This environment of fiscal instability is precisely what drives central banks around the world to pivot back to gold, signaling a strategic repositioning ahead of a potential new monetary era.

Understanding the “monetary reset” is essential for long-term financial planning. Kenney clarifies that this is rarely a single, overnight event. Instead, it is a complex, multi-stage process that often begins with persistent inflation, transitions into hyperinflation, and culminates in an official reset of the currency system.

By identifying these stages, individuals can better prepare for the inevitable shift in purchasing power. Central banks are already leading the way, diversifying their reserves away from fiat currencies and into “tier one” assets like gold to ensure they have a seat at the table when the new system emerges.

Rather than viewing gold and silver as speculative investments, the conversation emphasizes their role as essential insurance against currency devaluation. In an era where digital currencies and centralized financial controls are on the rise, physical precious metals offer a level of privacy and tangibility that digital assets cannot match.

 Kenney addresses common concerns regarding price volatility and historical fears such as confiscation, explaining why physical ownership remains a cornerstone of wealth preservation. By holding assets outside of the traditional banking system, individuals can protect their labor and legacy from the erosive effects of a devaluing dollar.

The live session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where Kenney tackled the most pressing questions from the audience, ranging from the timing of the reset to the impact of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). The overarching message is one of empowerment through education. While the global financial system faces significant hurdles, those who understand the historical patterns of debt and currency can take proactive steps to safeguard their future.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of these economic shifts and see the full data behind these trends, watching the complete video from ITM Trading on YouTube is highly recommended. By staying informed, you can navigate the coming changes with confidence and clarity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbdQWVAGP7I

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 7-16-26

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 7-16-26 

Transcribed By WiserNow Emailed To Recaps   (INTEL ONLY)

Welcome, everybody. The big call tonight is Thursday, July 16th  and you're listening to the big call.  President Trump is speaking now and should only speak for about 20 minutes or so, but hopefully I've got it recorded. Hopefully you guys are recording it or watching it with the volume down, like I am also. 

But let's go ahead, pray the call in, and then we'll start the call. And if anything is said outrageously, I'll catch it and repeat it during my segment. Okay. Well, that's how we'll do it.

Okay, let's jump into our intel tonight, and I'm going to say that I did not get a chance to really listen to President Trump's 20 – 22  minute or whatever it was speech tonight, because I was too engaged with our own call, but I will go back and revisit it. 

I know he was talking about election fraud and election integrity, And that's where voter ID-we're the only country in the world that does not require voter ID to cast your vote. 

Now, why is that? 

Why do we not require voter ID, proof of citizenship, to make a vote in our country? And why are they  not allowing the Save America Act to go through the Senate. It's passed in the House, but it's being held up in the Senate, and it needs to go through. It needs to pass. 

And  we have, according to polling, 80% of the country is i for voter ID. 80% That's another. nice majority. So that 20% needs to get with the program, and we need for our senators to get with it and pass the Save America Act.   Period. Also, the Clarity Act. 

The Clarity Act is the one that's dealing with cryptocurrencies, XRP, all of those, and for some reason that is still being hung up in the Senate as well. 

So, where does that put us now? To my knowledge, we did not have the emergency broadcast system kicked in during the speech. Even though some networks like NBC and ABC did not air President Trump's 20-some minute speech, Fox did, according to what Bob said, and of course Newsmax and One America News and C-SPAN had it, and hopefully a few of the other news channels.

But the way I see it, what we've heard is we were to be notified either Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Well, we're not getting it yet.  There was a possibility of getting the release of everything or our numbers. Let's call it that after the speech tonight, which to me would mean tomorrow. 

I think tomorrow may be in play, but what I've heard more recently than the last couple of days is something this evening that came in that said, give it another 40-eight to 70-two hours. 

That would put us at the weekend. 

Okay, that would put us at Saturday, Sunday, and we had heard that we would get notified and begin exchanges over the weekend. I can't say that's still going to be the case. It might mean that all we do is get our numbers, which we'll take that. 

We'll take numbers Saturday or Sunday, and we'll be able to set our appointments and start exchanges early in the week, Monday. 

So that is the long and the short of it, right there. 
And we have heard from one of our sources that rates will be on the screens this weekend. 

I don't know if that'll be Saturday or Sunday, but we know that the forex realigns every Sunday evening. 

Generally speaking, we get new rates on Sunday night that show up Monday morning at the redemption centers. Maybe that's going to be the case as well.  But I would say we are very, very much to the end. I don't know. 

You know, we have been bombing Iran six days, six nights in a row now, and I don't know that that needs to be over or not. Some people say that we already, you know, have a deal, and I'm very, very tired of hearing it's all part of the movie because it's not a movie that I enjoy watching. And you've heard that, I've heard it till it's driving me crazy. 

But maybe that's true, and maybe we are just watching a movie and everything's predetermined and preset to move for us, but I want to see numbers coming over the weekend, and then we can see when we're going to start our exchanges. 

We did hear that money was moving to the bondholders into their accounts. It doesn't mean they have it to spend. It means that it's in their accounts, and hopefully they can see it. But when are they going to have access to it? Probably around the same time we get our notifications to  set our appointments for the redemption centers. 

Okay, I you know obviously we could go back and forth and talk about other things, but I really think the crux of what we're doing is to get our numbers, set our appointments, get in the redemption center, and then let them know if we have dire need as a Zim holder, we get priority for the med beds, the medical beds, the holographic medical beds, and I'm learning more and more and more about how they operate. And I really want to bring you guys everything that I know about them, but I've been told not to talk about them. 

So I'm not going to do that. But they are absolutely real, and we have they're all over the country, plenty of them. So it's going to be it's going to be amazing.

Until that time, or meanwhile, that's where we are.

So. So, I want to thank you, Sue, and Bob, and everybody like Jeanie, Pastor Scott, contributors to the call. Thank you, Doug, and GCK, very creative Kendall. Thank you, Kendall, and for your tech help, and. and of course big call universe because without you guys there'd be no call. And we thank you that you're listening and that you have listened to many of you for 15 years now. 

So obviously we're looking forward to this blessing coming through, and our hope is that we will get our numbers this weekend, and then we'll see how soon we can set appointments and go. 

All right. So right now, let's go ahead and pray the call out, and we'll see you guys on Tuesday. 

All right. So let's do that. All right, everybody, have a great weekend, and let's keep an eye open for those emails, and we'll talk to you on Tuesday. God bless all of you 

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 7-16-26   REPLAY LINK    Intel Begins   1:14:00

https://www.freeconferencecallhd.com/wall/recorded_audio?audioRecordingUrl=https%3A%2F%2Frs0002.freeconferencecall.com%2Fstorage%2FsgetHD%2FHsCgW%2FO71u‍ ‍

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 7-7-26   REPLAY LINK     Intel Begins   1:3:15

https://www.freeconferencecallhd.com/wall/recorded_audio?audioRecordingUrl=https%3A%2F%2Frs0002.freeconferencecall.com%2Fstorage%2FsgetHD%2FHsCgW%2FO7eM

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 7-9-26 REPLAY LINK Intel Begins   1:10:20

https://www.freeconferencecallhd.com/wall/recorded_audio?audioRecordingUrl=https%3A%2F%2Frs0002.freeconferencecall.com%2Fstorage%2FsgetHD%2FHsCgW%2FO73F

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 7-7-26  REPLAY LINK     Intel Begins   1:19:00

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Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Thursday Night 7-2-26 REPLAY LINK     Intel Begins   1:14:14

https://www.freeconferencecallhd.com/wall/recorded_audio?audioRecordingUrl=https%3A%2F%2Frs0002.freeconferencecall.com%2Fstorage%2FsgetHD%2FHsCgW%2FO7RA

Bruce’s Big Call Dinar Intel Tuesday Night 6-30-26  REPLAY LINK     Intel Begins   1:13:15

https://www.freeconferencecallhd.com/wall/recorded_audio?audioRecordingUrl=https%3A%2F%2Frs0002.freeconferencecall.com%2Fstorage%2FsgetHD%2FHsCgW%2FO7cP

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Friday Afternoon 7-17-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Hormuz Shipping Slumps as U.S.-Iran Conflict Deepens Despite Ongoing Peace Efforts

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to its lowest level since May as renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran disrupt one of the world's most important energy corridors. Although diplomatic contacts continue, negotiations remain fragile and no final peace agreement has been reached.

Overview

• Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply, increasing concerns over global energy supplies and inflation.

• The United States continues its naval blockade while Iran has threatened additional maritime disruption, keeping global markets on edge.

• Peace talks remain alive, but negotiators have not finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and significant differences remain over sanctions, security, and Iran's nuclear program.

Key Developments

1. Shipping Through Hormuz Falls to Multi-Month Low

Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz declined to its lowest level since May, with only a handful of vessels transiting one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. Shipping companies have delayed voyages, altered routes, and reassessed operational risks as military tensions intensified.

2. Energy Markets Face Renewed Pressure

The Strait of Hormuz normally handles approximately one-fifth of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Reduced tanker traffic, higher insurance costs, and continued security concerns have reinforced fears of tighter energy supplies, contributing to elevated oil prices and increased volatility across commodity markets.

3. Diplomacy Continues, but No Final Agreement Has Been Reached

While back-channel negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, there is no finalized Memorandum of Understanding currently in force. Discussions remain focused on maritime security, sanctions relief, and Iran's nuclear program, but both sides continue to disagree on key issues. Diplomatic channels remain open, yet military activity on both sides underscores the fragile nature of the negotiations.

Why It Matters

The sharp decline in Hormuz shipping demonstrates how quickly geopolitical conflict can disrupt the global economy. Even without a complete closure of the waterway, reduced shipping capacity increases transportation costs, places upward pressure on energy prices, and creates additional uncertainty for businesses and financial markets worldwide.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Energy disruptions often influence inflation, interest rates, currency values, and central bank decisions. Sustained instability in the Gulf could strengthen demand for alternative payment systems, encourage greater diversification of reserve assets, and accelerate long-term efforts to modernize international settlement systems outside traditional financial channels.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 2: Trade

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten one of the world's most important trade corridors, increasing transportation costs and slowing global commerce.

• Pillar 3: Assets

Higher energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence oil markets, commodities, currencies, and safe-haven assets, reinforcing volatility across global financial markets.

• Pillar 5: Energy

Continued instability surrounding Hormuz places global oil and LNG supplies at risk, highlighting the strategic importance of energy security in the evolving world economy.

The situation remains highly fluid. While diplomatic efforts continue, the absence of a final agreement means global markets remain vulnerable to further military escalation and additional disruptions to international trade and energy supplies.

This is not simply about oil—it reflects the broader transformation of the global financial system as energy security, trade flows, and geopolitical power increasingly shape the future of the world economy.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — Shipping, Energy, and Gulf Conflict Coverage (July 17, 2026)

• Modern Diplomacy — Hormuz Shipping Slumps as U.S. and Iran Intensify Gulf Conflict

~~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

The Fed Just Secretly Changed Their 1944 Bretton Woods Rules. And The Dollar System Is Cracking

The Fed Just Secretly Changed Their 1944 Bretton Woods Rules. And The Dollar System Is Cracking

Unfolded Finance:  7-17-2026

On July 22nd, 1944, Keynes walked out of Bretton Woods having lost the argument he was right about. The dollar replaced gold as the global anchor. Every other currency fixed to the dollar.

The IMF managed adjustments. The system was orderly, stable, and built on three specific commitments: dollar-gold convertibility, fixed exchange rates, and capital controls.

All three are gone.

Convertibility ended with Nixon's 1971 Sunday evening address. Fixed rates collapsed by 1973. Capital controls were dismantled through the 1980s and 1990s.

What replaced them was an informal arrangement — the dollar standard — resting on one unwritten assumption: that dollar reserve holdings were sovereign property, safe from the political decisions of the country issuing the currency.

In 2022, the United States froze $300 billion in Russian central bank reserves. Not seized. Frozen. The action was presented as a targeted sanctions measure. It was a rule change. The rule it changed was the one Bretton Woods never needed to write down because it was considered self-evident: that reserve assets cannot be made inaccessible by the issuing country for political reasons.

Central banks bought gold at record levels in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 — five consecutive years. Not because gold pays yield. Because gold cannot be frozen.

The dollar system is not ending. The rules sustaining it are changing. And the cracking is visible in the data.

What You'll Learn:

▸ What the three specific Bretton Woods commitments actually were — and why each one served as a discipline mechanism, not just a policy preference

▸ Why Keynes's bancor proposal was rejected — and why his warning about anchoring to a single nation's currency took exactly seventy-eight years to demonstrate

▸ How the three Bretton Woods pillars were removed — convertibility in 1971, fixed rates by 1973, capital controls through the 1980s

▸ What the informal Bretton Woods II arrangement actually rested on — and which unwritten assumption the 2022 reserve freeze demonstrated as conditional

▸ Why the 2022 Russian reserve freeze was a rule change rather than a sanctions measure — and why the distinction matters for every central bank's reserve calculation

▸ Why five consecutive years of record central bank gold purchases represent a rational response to demonstrated evidence rather than speculative behavior

▸ Why this dollar stress episode is structurally different from 1971, 1980, and 1985 — and what makes the 2022 demonstration irreversible

The Timeline:

July 1944 — Bretton Woods Conference; dollar anchored to gold at $35; three-pillar architecture established

1960s — Vietnam spending and Great Society programs create dollar oversupply; gold drain accelerates

August 15, 1971 — Nixon closes gold window; convertibility pillar removed 1971-1973 — Smithsonian Agreement fails; floating exchange rates adopted; fixed rate pillar removed

1980s-1990s — Financial liberalization dismantles capital controls; third pillar removed

1974 — Petrodollar system established; informal Bretton Woods II begins 2007-2022 — Fed balance sheet grows from $900B to $8.9T; institutional discipline replaces gold discipline

February 2022 — Russia invades Ukraine; Western allies freeze $300B in Russian central bank reserves 2022-2025 — Central banks buy gold at record levels five consecutive years 2024 — Dollar reserve share approximately 58%; mBridge operational; CIPS in 100+ countries

November 2024 — Moody's strips last US Triple A rating; dollar fiscal gap formally measured Keynes warned in 1944 that a system anchored to one nation's currency would eventually import that nation's political decisions into every other economy.

It took seventy-eight years. But it has been demonstrated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG-hceTx0-s

Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Mr. Cottrell. 07/17/2026

Coffee with MarkZ, joined by Mr. Cottrell. 07/17/2026

Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

MZ:  KRG talks HCL, Iranian update and Mr. Cottrell takes questions.

MZ: On the bond side I am getting more reports that Fines and Penalties on Historic bond deals have been paid in fiat.

MZ: I have a number of bond folks who believe bonds will wrap up over the weekend.  

MZ: I am being told they have reached 90% of Indian Nations Sovereigns paid but cannot confirm that yet.

MZ: Expectations from larger groups are that Indian Nations finish this weekend and bonds start over the weekend. We should get a update the first of next week with phenomenal opportunities.

Member: The new currency with President Trump's signature is ready to go. Think rainbow "currency" what's at the end of the Rainbow? Gold!! New money backed by Gold. Follow the signs!

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

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Note from PDK: Please listen to the replay for all the details and entire stream….I do not transcribe political opinions, medical opinions or many guests on this stream……just RV/currency related topics.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING.  HAVE A BLESSED DAY.  SEE YOU IN THE MORNING FOR COFFEE @ 10:00 AM EST ~ UNLESS BREAKING NEWS HAPPENS!   FOR UPDATES ON MARK’S PODCAST GO TO: https://t.me/+b3hYhYlhKM1hYzcx

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezYQAzFop2g

News, Rumors and Opinions Friday 7-17-2026

KTFA:

Clare:  Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office 

 Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Meets with President of the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met in Washington yesterday evening, Wednesday, Baghdad time, with President of the World Bank Group (WBG) Ajay Banga and the accompanying delegation, which included IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop and a number of senior World Bank officials.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi affirmed that Iraq is experiencing a high level of stability, which will have a positive impact on the country’s economic and investment environment. He noted that the Iraqi economy is expected to achieve clear growth in light of the policies and reforms the government has begun implementing.

The Prime Minister stated that the government attaches particular importance to reforming the banking sector and adopting program-based budgeting to ensure the efficient allocation of resources toward achieving development. He also stressed the government’s commitment to shaping a new economic identity for Iraq based on diversification, reform, and sustainability, while increasing oil production to meet development requirements in parallel with developing non-oil sectors and enhancing their contribution to the national economy.

Prime Minister Al-Zaidi explained that the government is moving forward with the establishment of the Development Fund, which will finance investment projects across all governorates and expand the financing available to qualified Iraqi banks, while supporting and empowering Iraq’s private sector to serve as a key partner in the country’s development process.

For his part, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga expressed his admiration for the progress Iraq has made in recent years in consolidating stability and peace. He affirmed that Iraq possesses strong resources and capabilities that can drive broad economic transformation if properly utilized.

Mr. Banga also expressed the World Bank’s readiness to provide Iraq with technical and advisory support in the areas of program-based budgeting and banking sector restructuring. He further proposed studying the establishment of a major Iraqi bank holding company through the merger of several state-owned banks, in a manner that would enhance the efficiency of the financial sector and support the country’s economic reform process.

Media Office of the Prime Minister

July 16, 2026

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Clare:  Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office 

 Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Meets with Representatives of Leading Global Energy Companies in Houston

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met in Houston with representatives of leading global energy companies to discuss prospects for expanding cooperation and investment in the energy sector, as part of his official visit to the United States.

The meetings included representatives of Halliburton, Shell, Honeywell, Weatherford, and Baker Hughes, during which the participants discussed opportunities for cooperation in developing Iraq’s oil and natural gas sectors and benefiting from the advanced expertise and technologies these companies offer.

Prime Minister Al-Zaidi emphasized the importance of building long-term strategic partnerships with leading global energy companies, stressing that the Iraqi government is moving forward with creating an attractive investment environment and is prepared to provide all necessary facilities to ensure the success of companies’ operations and the implementation of their projects in Iraq.

The Prime Minister noted that the government attaches great importance to developing natural gas investment projects, increasing production, and strengthening industries associated with the energy sector, in a manner that supports the national economy.

For their part, the company representatives expressed their interest in expanding their operations in Iraq and their readiness to contribute to the implementation of major energy projects, particularly in the oil and natural gas sectors. They also affirmed their confidence in Iraq’s significant potential and the investment opportunities it offers.

Media Office of the Prime Minister

July 17, 2026

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

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Militia Man  What's happening in Washington right now is not a routine diplomatic trip.  The fact that the meetings are scheduled across a full 7 days already signals seriousness.  Most high-level visits of this type are much shorter.   A 7-day window gives both sides time to go deep into complex files instead of rushing through the surface level discussions...They even programmed a special lunch that wasn't on the plan..

Stephen I have a hard time understanding how people don't see Iraq as a very viable country but also their currency.  Do you think they're going to do all these economical things moving forward [On Trump/Zaidi meeting] with a currency that's worth 1310 per US dollar?  One tenth of a penny?  I have a hard time believing that...Everything happening is positive.  I have nothing negative today.  This is all good, good stuff.  If you are a dinar investor you should be very positive.

Frank26 Since the 10th of July the value of the Iraqi dinar [market rate] has been going up.  It may be moving like an inchworm, a little bit at a time, but it's doing the predictable.  It is doing what it was set up to do, scheduled to do, positioned to do.  The numbers are encouraging.  They should be decreasing to the point where it will reach 1 to 1 so that it can play fair with the American dollar...You're going to enjoy watching it grow..

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

Gold, Silver Await Fed’s Historic Moment…

Arcadia Economics:  7-17-2026

Everything was lining up for Trump to get his way with lower interest rates, until the Iran war sent inflation soaring and made everything a lot more complicated.

That's left the gold and silver prices in a holding pattern as the Fed approaches an historic moment with no easy choices.

But to find out where that leaves us, and what to expect in the second half of 2026, click to watch this precious metals week's update now!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm-5QkceI5A

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Friday Morning 7-17-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Ondo Finance and SBI Bring Japan’s Financial Markets On-Chain with Yen-Backed Stablecoin

Ondo Finance has partnered with Japan's SBI Group to tokenize Japanese financial assets using a regulated yen-backed stablecoin, marking another significant step toward modernizing cross-border capital markets through blockchain technology.

 Overview

• Ondo Finance and SBI Group announced a strategic partnership to tokenize Japanese financial assets.

• SBI's regulated JPYSC stablecoin will be used for settlement and collateral, allowing transactions to occur on blockchain infrastructure.

• The partnership reflects the growing global shift toward tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and regulated digital finance.

Key Developments

1. Japanese Assets Move Toward Tokenization

Under the agreement, Ondo Global Markets will issue tokenized Japanese securities that will be distributed through SBI Group's financial ecosystem, which manages more than $250 billion in assets. Settlement will occur using JPYSC, SBI's yen-backed stablecoin operating under Japan's regulated digital asset framework.

2. Regulated Stablecoins Power Cross-Border Finance

Rather than relying on traditional banking rails, the partnership will use blockchain-based settlement through JPYSC. Tokenized securities can potentially become accessible to international investors more efficiently while remaining within Japan's regulatory structure.

3. Japan Expands Its Leadership in Digital Finance

Japan has become one of the world's most advanced jurisdictions for stablecoin regulation. By combining regulated digital money with tokenized securities, SBI and Ondo are helping build infrastructure that could reshape how financial assets are traded, settled, and held globally.

Why It Matters

This partnership demonstrates that tokenization is moving beyond pilot projects into mainstream financial markets. Large financial institutions are increasingly using regulated blockchain technology to improve settlement speed, reduce transaction costs, and expand investor access across borders. 

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those following the evolution of the international monetary system, this development highlights how regulated stablecoins are beginning to support real financial assets rather than simply cryptocurrency trading. As more nations develop tokenized securities and digital settlement systems, cross-border finance may increasingly rely on blockchain infrastructure alongside traditional banking networks.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 2: Trade

Tokenized assets and blockchain settlement have the potential to make cross-border investment and capital movement faster and more efficient, reducing friction in international financial markets.

• Pillar 3: Assets

The continued growth of real-world asset tokenization represents a significant evolution in how stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments may be owned, traded, and settled in the future.

• Pillar 4: Technology

The partnership combines regulated stablecoins, blockchain infrastructure, and tokenized securities, demonstrating how financial technology is becoming integrated into mainstream capital markets rather than remaining a niche innovation.

As more major financial institutions adopt regulated digital infrastructure, tokenization is evolving from an emerging technology into a practical component of modern capital markets.

This is not simply about cryptocurrency—it reflects the broader transformation of the global financial system as digital assets, regulated stablecoins, and tokenized markets increasingly reshape the future of global finance.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Crypto Briefing — Ondo Finance Partners with SBI Group to Tokenize Japanese Assets Using Yen-Backed Stablecoin

• SBI Holdings — SBI Group Corporate

~~~~~~~~~~ 

🌱 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

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Friday Morning 7-17-26

Iraq Places 88th In Global Economic Development Ranking

2026-07-17 03:29   Shafaq News- Baghdad  Iraq ranked 88th out of 100 countries and 11th among Arab states in the 2026 US News & World Report Best Countries rankings for economic development, placing ahead of Algeria and Jordan.

The report estimated Iraq’s gross domestic product (GDP) at $666 billion, with a purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP per capita of $14,464.

The United Arab Emirates led the Arab rankings, placing 31st worldwide with a GDP of $870.4 billion and a PPP GDP per capita of $79,229. Qatar followed in 43rd ($360.2 billion; PPP GDP per capita: $126,046), ahead of Saudi Arabia in 50th ($2.5 trillion; $71,375).

Egypt came in 62nd ($2.2 trillion; $19,094), followed by Kuwait in 63rd ($256.8 billion; $52,444), Oman in 71st ($220.5 billion; $41,740), Tunisia in 73rd ($178.3 billion; $14,521), Bahrain in 79th ($106.3 billion; $66,941), Morocco in 81st ($402.8 billion; $10,415), and Lebanon in 83rd ($72.6 billion; $12,575).

Algeria followed in 89th with a GDP of $824.9 billion and a PPP GDP per capita of $17,621, while Jordan placed 90th with corresponding figures of $125 billion and $10,821.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-places-88th-in-global-economic-development-ranking‍ ‍

Dollar Steadies As Fed Hopes Offset Middle East Tensions

2026-07-17 02:46   Shafaq News    The dollar held steady on Friday but was poised for a weekly decline as a ​tame U.S. inflation report this week led traders to cut bets on imminent rate hikes from the Federal Reserve, although ‌escalating attacks in the Middle East soured sentiment.

Iran and the United States exchanged intensifying fire in a week-long escalation that has largely unravelled last month's truce, spurring safe haven bids for the dollar and leading oil prices near one-month highs.

In currency markets, the euro was at $1.1437, set for a 0.2% rise in the week. Sterling fetched $1.3476, on course for ​a 0.56% gain in the week, its third straight week of gains on fading concerns over Britain's fiscal outlook.

The Japanese yen was fetching 162.39 ​per U.S. dollar, rooted near the 40-year low of 162.84 it touched at the start of the month. Traders ⁠remained wary of official intervention from Tokyo after Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reiterated the government's readiness to take decisive action.

The dollar index , which measures ​the U.S. currency against six other units, was at 100.72, set for a weekly drop of 0.24%. The index hit a one-month low earlier this ​week on easing chances of a near term rate hike but safe-haven flows have helped support the greenback.

"The USD remains the highest-yielding safe-haven currency in the G10 complex," OCBC strategists said in a note.

"Near-term FX price action is likely to continue reflecting the 'USD smile' framework, under which the greenback tends to outperform when markets price either stronger ​U.S. growth and higher rates or a rise in global risk aversion," they wrote.

Data on Thursday showed U.S. retail sales rose slightly in June as ​lower gasoline prices weighed on receipts at service stations, but online spending surged, prompting economists to upgrade their second-quarter growth estimates.

The economy's resilience was underscored by other data ‌also showing ⁠labour market stability. Economists believe the Federal Reserve would keep interest rates unchanged later this month after data showed consumer price inflation had cooled in June.

Karen Manna, portfolio manager for fixed income at Federated Hermes, said: "It is far too early to conclude that a renewed disinflation trend has taken hold or that inflation concerns have been fully resolved."

Policymakers are also wary of banking too heavily on one month of improvement after months when inflation moved in ​the wrong direction.

Chances for a Fed ​hike in July stood at ⁠11%, versus a 25% implied probability last week, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Traders are pricing in 26 basis points of hikes by December.

"I don’t think July is live for rate hikes," said Tani Fukui, senior director ​of global economic and market strategy for MetLife Investment Management. "We expect neither rate hikes nor cuts in 2026."

In ​other currencies, the ⁠Australian and New Zealand dollars were poised for a third straight week of gains. The Aussie was 0.24% softer on the day at $0.6981 as risk-off sentiment prevailed. The kiwi was at $0.5838.

China's yuan weakened from a one-month high against the dollar, but remained on track for its third straight week of gains.

Markets mostly shrugged ⁠off comments ​from President Donald Trump after he renewed accusations that China meddled in U.S. elections, a move ​that could complicate his fragile truce with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Investor focus next week will be on the policy decision from the European Central Bank where it is expected to hold interest ​rates steady, according to a Reuters poll. But a rate hike next month is increasingly likely, economists say.   (REUTERS)

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-steadies-as-Fed-hopes-offset-Middle-East-tensions

From 13 To 200 Thousand Dollars. Ticket Prices For The 2026 Final Are The Most Expensive In History

Money and business   Economy News — Follow-up  Ticket prices for the final match of the FIFA World Cup between Argentina and Spain on Sunday set record highs of insanity, which cannot be compared to any previous final of the tournament.

As long as watching the World Cup final from the pitch remains a dream for any football fan, although not impossible, the high prices of tickets for the 2026 World Cup final, in the United States, America, Canada and Mexico, which will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has become almost impossible for the majority of those who wish.

The most expensive final ticket in the history of the World Cup

The 2026 final ticket was valued at around $13,000 and $700 on average according to the ticket resale market.

While the prices of some seats in the stadium "Met Life" for the match nearly 200 thousand US dollars.

This amount represents a crazy increase compared to the final of the 2022 Qatar edition between France and Argentina, where the value of the highest ticket was at the time of 1600 US dollars.

As for the 2026 edition, FIFA has set official ticket prices to range from US$2,030 to US$6,730, depending on the seat category.

The alternative market, for those who want to resell the tickets they received, which FIFA allowed in exchange for a percentage of resale, has contributed to raising prices further.

The cheapest tickets currently offered start at around US$8,000, while the prices of the seats closest to the stadium may exceed US$38,000.

How to Buy Tickets for the 2026 World Cup Final

At the official level, the initial stages of the sale are over, including the initial draw and the pre-sale of Visa cardholders, leaving limited opportunities to purchase tickets directly through official channels.

But FIFA still offers a final stage of direct pre-sale, as well as its official ticket resale platform, where fans can buy and sell approved tickets.

In addition, there are also certified secondary markets such as StubHub, Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek for fans who want to attend high-turnout matches, knowing that prices may be much higher than the original ticket price.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=71482‍ ‍

The Dollar Is Heading For A Weekly Loss Due To US Inflation Pressure

Money and business    Economy News — Follow-up  The dollar stabilized on Friday but is heading for a weekly decline, as the U.S. inflation report released this week, which came in less than expected, prompted traders to reduce their bets on the Federal Reserve (the US central bank) to raise interest rates soon, but the escalation of attacks in the Middle East affected morale.

Iran and the United States have been escalatingly striking for a week, significantly undermining last month’s ceasefire deal, spurring demand for the dollar as a safe haven and pushing oil prices closer to their highest levels in a month.

In the currency markets, the euro reached $1.1445, heading for a rise of 0.29% during the week. The pound hit $1.3476 and is heading for a 0.56 percent gain during the week, the third straight week of gains amid fading concerns about Britain’s financial outlook.

The yen hit 162.39 against the dollar, settling near a 40-year low of 162.84 at the start of the month, while traders remained waiting for any official intervention from Tokyo.

The dollar index, which measures the performance of the US currency against six currencies, recorded 100.72, heading for a weekly decline of 0.24 ⁠ percent. The index hit a month-low earlier in the week as the prospect of a near-term rate hike eased, but money flows to safe havens helped support the U.S. currency.

Analysts in O. C.C. B. In a note, the U.S. dollar remains the safe haven currency with the highest yield within the ⁠G10 currencies.

Data released on Thursday showed U.S. retail sales rose slightly in June, but online spending increased significantly, prompting economists to raise their growth forecasts in the second quarter.

Other data showed the stability of the labor market, highlighting the strength of the economy. Economists believe the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged later in the month after data showed consumer price inflation slowing in June.

But Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Philip Jefferson suggested he would be open to raising interest rates if inflation did not improve in the near term. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=71480

Friday AM Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 7-17-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  President Al-Zaidi travels from Washington to Texas: Meeting with the head of Chevron and the president of the US Chamber of Commerce

Journalists accompanying Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on his current visit to the United States reported that he departed today (Thursday) for Andrews Airport in preparation for a visit to Houston, Texas.

They added that upon his arrival in Texas, Prime Minister al-Zaidi will proceed to Chevron headquarters for a meeting with the company's president.

They also indicated that he will meet with the president of the US-Texas Chamber of Commerce and deliver a speech according to the scheduled program.  link

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Tishwash:  US report: Al-Zaidi plans to sign $60 billion worth of trade agreements in Washington

The American newspaper "Semaphore" stated that the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to America reflects a new direction for the Washington administration to reformulate relations with Iraq on the basis of economic and investment partnership, instead of focusing on military presence and security cooperation .

The newspaper explained that "Al-Zaidi will participate, on Friday, in a summit organized by the American Chamber of Commerce alongside US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, where trade and investment agreements worth $60 billion will be announced between American companies, the Iraqi government and the private sector, a figure described by the summit organizers as exceeding expectations ."

During his meeting with al-Zaidi in the Oval Office, Trump praised what he described as the "great harmony" between them, stressing that Iraq possesses enormous economic potential thanks to its oil resources, and that the next phase will witness the conclusion of more economic agreements .

Trump also argued that the United States no longer needed a large military presence in Iraq, and that relations between the two countries should be based on economic and investment cooperation .

Semaphore added that “Al-Zaidi’s visit comes within the framework of a strategy pursued by the Trump administration in the Middle East, based on expanding American influence through economic diplomacy, similar to the visit made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, which witnessed the announcement of huge investments and financial pledges .”

The newspaper quoted Steve Lutes, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for Middle East Affairs, as saying that "the Iraqi government is seeking to reassure American companies that the new prime minister, who comes from the business sector, is placing economic cooperation at the forefront of the relations between Baghdad and Washington, in an unprecedented manner ."

She noted that "the agreements to be announced will focus on the oil and gas sectors, energy infrastructure, and electricity generation, with the participation of major international companies, including (General Electric Vernova), (British Petroleum), (Excelerate Energy), (ExxonMobil), and (Shell )."

She continued: "The agreements also cover the information and communications technology, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture sectors, as part of Iraq's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil ."

According to the summit agenda seen by the newspaper, the events will include the signing of agreements, memoranda of understanding and partnership frameworks in the presence of the US Secretary of Energy, while Al-Zaidi will attend the official announcement ceremony for these agreements .

The newspaper indicated that "Iraq still represents a complex environment for foreign investments, due to the continued political and military influence of Iran within the country, and the presence of armed factions supported by Tehran that have previously targeted US forces and their allies ."

In her commentary, journalist Lauren Watson, the report's author, said that "al-Zaidi pledged to President Trump to work on disarming Iranian-backed armed groups by September, but implementing this pledge will be extremely difficult given the extensive influence these groups wield and their refusal to give up their weapons ."

She argued that "the Trump administration is betting on expanding the American economic presence in Iraq before the security situation is fully stabilized, and without sufficient guarantees to protect American companies and investments  link

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Tishwash:  World Bank President proposes establishing a large banking holding company in Iraq

The Economic Payment Agency is monitoring the latest developments in markets and prices through multiple media sources.

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met Wednesday evening, Baghdad time, with the President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, and his accompanying delegation, which included the President of the International Finance Corporation, Makhtar Diop, and a number of senior World Bank officials.

During the meeting, Al-Zaydi affirmed that Iraq currently enjoys a high level of stability, which will positively impact the economy and investment. He pointed out that the Iraqi economy will witness remarkable growth thanks to the policies and reforms that the government has begun implementing, according to the Prime Minister's Media Office.

Al-Zaydi pointed out that the government gives special importance to reforming the banking sector and preparing a program budget to ensure that resources are directed efficiently towards achieving development, and drawing a new economic identity for Iraq based on diversification, reform and sustainability, stressing the work to increase oil production to meet the requirements of development, in parallel with developing non-oil sectors and enhancing their role in the national economy.

Al-Zaydi explained that the government is continuing to establish the Development Fund, which will finance investment projects in all governorates, and expand the scope of financing available to qualified Iraqi banks, in addition to supporting and empowering the private sector to be a key partner in development.

For his part, the President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, expressed his admiration for what Iraq has recently achieved in the field of stability and peace, stressing that Iraq possesses good potential and resources capable of bringing about a major economic transformation if they are well invested.

Banga expressed the World Bank’s readiness to provide technical and advisory support to Iraq in the areas of program budgeting and banking sector restructuring. He also called for studying the possibility of forming a large Iraqi banking holding company by merging a number of state-owned banks to enhance the efficiency of the financial sector and support economic reform.   link

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Tishwash:  Al-Zaidi announces from Texas, USA, the launch of the "Energy City" project in Al-Faw

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi announced from Houston, Texas, a plan to launch "Energy City" projects on the waterfront of the Faw Peninsula in southern Iraq, during his participation in a joint economic dialogue forum organized by the Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce .

Al-Zaydi affirmed in his speech, which was followed by Al-Sa’a Network: “The government’s determination to remove all obstacles and impediments to attracting investment, and to launch a new era of cooperation with real partners, not contractors, while providing the necessary guarantees for a safe investment environment supported by financial and banking reforms .”

The proposed "Energy City" plan includes the establishment of integrated complexes for refining and processing crude oil, gas production and collection units, and power generation stations, with these facilities to be linked to the strategic oil pipelines and the "Development Road " project route.

The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Oil and Electricity and government advisors, along with a host of representatives of American companies, businessmen, investors and bankers looking for investment opportunities in Iraq

For his part, the president of the bilateral Chamber of Commerce, David Phillips, welcomed the visit of the Iraqi delegation, stressing the desire of the business community and the private sector in the state of Texas and throughout the United States to invest and cooperate with Iraq .

Phillips noted that "major companies are eager to seize the promising opportunities offered by Iraq's long-term plans to increase oil and gas production from invested fields, and to actively contribute to modernizing the infrastructure of Iraq's energy sector   link

FRANK26….7-16-26…..I REALLY LIKE THIS GUY !!!

KTFA

Thursday Night Video

FRANK26….7-16-26…..I REALLY LIKE THIS GUY !!!

Intel starts about minute 14:00

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie and Omar in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK20BNYNEks