News, Rumors and Opinions Thursday 6-25-2026

Reset Intelligence: Iraqi Dinar Brief - June 24, 2026: Three Weeks to Washington

6-24-2026

June 24, 2026. Iraq just put a date on it. Parliament is set to sit on July 5 to seat the last 9 cabinet ministers, and the prime minister flies to Washington in the middle of the month. Every other clock in the region now lines up inside the same 3 weeks.

Ali al-Zaidi has nothing to run for. He has ruled out the next election and ruled out building a party, and he is sprinting to hand Washington a clean, finished government before he boards the plane. The price of that meeting was named out loud months ago: progress against corruption.

So Baghdad is digging. The case against a detained deputy oil minister has swelled past 98 billion dinars and $11 million in cash, some of it pulled 4 metres out of the ground. Two convictions landed in a single week. In the same days, Washington widened sanctions on corrupt networks abroad. One capital scrubs its own books while the other reads out the names.

Here is the number under all of it. Iraq's 2026 budget runs a $21 billion hole. More than 90% of what the state earns comes from a single barrel of oil, and now the war is over, the Strait of Hormuz is open, and the crude is flowing again. Then Washington cleared Iran to sell its own oil openly for the first time since 2018, the price slid, and the rescue got gutted on arrival.

Investment slows the bleed. It does not fix the trap. The one lever that changes the arithmetic is the worth of the dinar itself, and no nation reprices its currency without a nod from the people who run the system it is trying to rejoin. Maybe that is what the trip to Washington is really for. Watch the seats fill, and watch which door he walks toward in July.

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https://resetintelligence.com/dinar-brief/?utm_source=dinar-chronicles&utm_medium=affiliate-article&utm_campaign=daily-briefing&utm_content=5day-trial

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

Mnt Goat  I believe we are closer than ever for the dinar to get reinstated. But first things first...certain laws in Iraq must be passed. Certainly, reviving the economy to at least 45%-50% non-oil revenues could make a huge difference for Iraq and the IMF. By now everyone should be fully aware of these events that caused delays in the currency reform process. 

Jeff  The next critical piece we're looking for is to see when they're going to do the cabinet because that's the most important piece of this puzzle right now as far as timing and when everything's going to happen.  We've got to see the cabinet done. 

Reset IntelligenceThe biggest banks are quietly building for a wealth event.  JP Morgan tripled its private client locations and plans 160 plus new centers, Wells Fargo callout it their best recruiting year in a decade, Goldman is growing wealth management faster banking.  In the same 12 month window 89% of high net worth firms made wealth services their number one growth strategy.  They say it is for inheritance ...watch they build, not just the explanation.

Gold Is the Nuclear Option for a $127 Trillion Debt Crisis

Taylor Kenny:  6-23-2026

America’s $127 trillion debt crisis could expose why gold and silver remain the ultimate wealth preservation assets.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Gold Pullback Doesn’t Change the Bigger Picture

00:53 — How a Gold Revaluation Could Work

02:47 — The Hidden $127 Trillion Debt Crisis

04:42 — What $127 Trillion Could Mean for Gold

05:39 — Global Debt Is Surging Out of Control

06:38 — Derivatives: The Risk Layer Built on Debt

09:26 — Why the Dollar Is at the Center of the Crisis

10:53 — Gold, Silver, and Preparing for a Currency Reset

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTKbIMf2MsU

Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Thursday Morning 6-25-26

The Dollar Is Rising Sharply Towards Its Biggest Monthly Gain.

Money and Business Economy News - Follow-up   The dollar has risen sharply and is on track for its biggest monthly gain in a year on Thursday, as traders bet on higher interest rates in the United States.

The dollar broke through the 1.14 level against the euro this week, reaching its strongest level in 13 months at $1.1325 overnight, before settling in Asian trading at around $1.1353.

The dollar index, which measures the performance of the US currency against a basket of six other major currencies, hit a 13-month high of 101.8 overnight and opened the Asian trading session at around 101.6.

The war with Iran and the sharp rise in oil prices have shifted market expectations for a US interest rate cut this year, and the hawkish tone adopted by the new Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh last week has led traders to expect an interest rate hike by last October. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70670

Al-Nassiri: The Rise In The Dollar Exchange Rate In The Parallel Market Is Temporary, And Maintaining The General Price Level Is Under Control.

Money and Business Economy News - Baghdad  Economic and banking advisor Samir Al-Nassiri stated on Thursday that the rise in the exchange rate of the US dollar in the parallel market is temporary and is due to rumors and speculation in the markets, stressing that there is no risk of an increase in the costs of importing basic commodities.

Al-Nassiri explained to “Al-Eqtisad News” that only 5% of the dollars that the Central Bank sells daily to travelers are traded in the black market, and the remainder falls into the hands of speculators who manipulate prices.

He explained that the remaining 95% is secured by the Central Bank at the official rate for traders to import from abroad, and therefore there is no risk of an increase in the prices of imported basic commodities. The overall level of food and basic commodities is under control.

According to Al-Nassiri, "The fluctuation in the dollar exchange rate is due to speculators and economic variables because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the effects of the regional war."

He stressed that this situation is temporary, and the exchange rate will gradually stabilize as conditions in the region calm down, the Strait of Hormuz is opened, and oil exports resume in the planned export quantities.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70678

Gold Plunges To A 7-Month Low, Pressured By The Dollar

Money and Business Economy News - Follow-up   Gold prices continued their decline on Thursday, hitting their lowest level in more than seven months, affected by the strength of the dollar.

By 09:45 Moscow time, gold futures for August had fallen 0.29% to $3,997 an ounce.

Meanwhile, spot contracts for the yellow metal fell by 0.52% to $3,978.59 an ounce, after hitting their lowest level since November 2025 on Wednesday.

The price of gold fell below the key $4,000 per ounce level yesterday under pressure from a rising dollar and expectations that the Federal Reserve (the US central bank) will raise interest rates.

According to the CME FedWatch tool, traders expect three US interest rate hikes this year, and see a roughly 67 percent chance of a hike in September.

The dollar rose for the third consecutive day yesterday to its highest level in 13 months, increasing the cost of gold for buyers holding other currencies.

Investors are awaiting the release of US personal consumption expenditures data, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, due later today, for further clues about monetary policy. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70676

Iraq Activates The "Path Of Civilizations" Initiative To Market Internet Capacity And Receives Its First Payment In Dollars.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   Minister of Communications Mustafa Sand announced the activation of the "Road of Civilizations" project to market cross-border (transit) internet capacities.

The minister said in a statement received by “Al-Eqtisad News”: “Cross-border (transit) internet capacities have been marketed with the Qatari company GBI, through the “Road of Civilizations” project for the land route extending from Al-Faw to Rabia.”

He added: “An agreement was reached according to the long-term right of use (IRU) system to lease fibers from the optical fiber network, and for the first time in the history of Iraq this model is adopted,” adding: “The strategic route: The (Faw-Rabia) route connects data traffic coming from Asia and the Arabian Gulf towards Europe overland via Turkey, which reduces the response time (latency) compared to traditional maritime routes.”

He explained that "this contract comes as a practical step to activate Iraq's geographical position as an international digital corridor, as requests from the Gulf countries have been coming in for about a week, and we have received the first financial payment in hard currency." https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70669

Iraq Signs A Joint Technical Memorandum With Syria To Enhance Cooperation In Water Resources Management.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad    The Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Energy of the Syrian Arab Republic signed a technical protocol on Thursday for joint water resources management and the exchange of technical data.

A statement from the Ministry of Water Resources, received by "Al-Eqtisad News," stated that "the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Energy in the Syrian Arab Republic signed the minutes of the bilateral Iraqi-Syrian technical meeting regarding cooperation in managing shared water resources and exchanging technical data."

The statement added that "the signing of the minutes came at the conclusion of the meeting held at the Ministry's headquarters in Baghdad, chaired by the Technical Undersecretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Hussein Abdul Amir Bakka, and the Assistant Minister of Energy for Water and Electricity Affairs in the Syrian Arab Republic, Osama Khaled Abu Zeid, with the participation of the two specialized technical delegations from both sides."

The statement indicated that "the meeting was held based on the directives of the Minister of Water Resources, Muthanna Al-Tamimi, and in light of the technical paper and work axes prepared by the Planning and Follow-up Department/International Water Studies Section, and in coordination with the relevant formations in the ministry, to discuss prospects for cooperation with the Syrian side in managing shared water resources, and developing mechanisms for coordination and exchange of data and technical information, especially with regard to the Euphrates River and topics of common interest between the two countries."

During the meeting, both sides emphasized "the importance of continuing direct technical dialogue, strengthening communication channels between specialists, and developing bilateral cooperation in the field of managing shared water resources, in order to support the technical and institutional efforts of both countries, exchange experiences, and improve follow-up and coordination mechanisms."

The Ministry of Water Resources explained that "the signing of this protocol is within the framework of the Ministry of Water Resources' keenness to enhance cooperation with neighboring countries on shared water issues, and to consolidate technical coordination channels, in a way that serves Iraq's interests, preserves its water rights, and supports the sustainable management of shared water resources." https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70674‍ ‍

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Morning 6-25-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

DOJ Defends CLARITY Act, Rejects Law Enforcement Criticism as Senate Debate Intensifies

The U.S. Department of Justice is defending the CLARITY Act after several major law enforcement organizations warned the legislation could weaken oversight of digital assets and create opportunities for criminal activity.

Overview

• The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has publicly defended the CLARITY Act, calling recent criticism from law enforcement organizations "factually inaccurate."

• Four national law enforcement associations had urged the White House to reconsider portions of the legislation, arguing that key provisions could reduce regulatory oversight and complicate financial crime investigations.

• The DOJ maintains that the bill preserves existing criminal enforcement powers while providing long-awaited regulatory clarity for the digital asset industry.

Key Developments

1. DOJ Rejects Opposition Letter

On June 24, a DOJ spokesperson responded to a joint letter submitted by several national law enforcement organizations opposing portions of the CLARITY Act.

According to the Department of Justice, the letter "contains factual inaccuracies and mischaracterizes Administration policy," emphasizing that the legislation would not hinder criminal investigations involving digital assets.

2. Law Enforcement Groups Voice Concerns

The opposition letter was signed by leaders of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (NAAUSA), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Sheriffs' Association.

Together representing more than 70,000 law enforcement professionals, the organizations warned that certain provisions—particularly Section 604 of the CLARITY Act—could create regulatory gaps that sophisticated criminal organizations might exploit.

3. Debate Centers on Developer Protections

At the heart of the dispute is the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) language incorporated into the CLARITY Act.

Law enforcement officials argue that broad exemptions for some blockchain developers and decentralized technology participants could reduce accountability and complicate enforcement efforts involving money laundering, ransomware, terrorism financing, fraud, and other financial crimes.

DOJ officials disagree, stating that the legislation does not exempt criminal conduct or prevent investigators from pursuing illegal activity involving digital assets.

4. DOJ Says Enforcement Authority Remains Intact

The Justice Department stressed that law enforcement access to relevant information would remain unchanged under the proposed legislation.

According to the DOJ, investigators would retain full authority to pursue cases involving drug trafficking, human smuggling, terrorism financing, fraud, and other digital asset-related crimes, while the legislation simply clarifies which entities fall under existing regulatory frameworks.

5. Senate Negotiations Continue

The latest exchange highlights the ongoing debate as lawmakers continue refining the CLARITY Act before a potential Senate vote.

Supporters argue the legislation will provide the legal certainty needed to encourage innovation and institutional investment, while critics continue seeking additional safeguards to strengthen anti-money laundering and consumer protection provisions.

Why It Matters

The CLARITY Act remains one of the most consequential digital asset bills currently under consideration in Congress. Its outcome could shape how cryptocurrencies, blockchain developers, exchanges, and decentralized finance platforms are regulated in the United States for years to come, potentially influencing global regulatory standards as well.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For investors watching the evolution of the global financial system, clear digital asset regulation represents another step toward integrating blockchain technology into mainstream finance. Regulatory certainty could accelerate institutional adoption, strengthen digital payment infrastructure, and support broader modernization of cross-border financial markets.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1:  Digital Finance

The continuing debate over the CLARITY Act illustrates how governments are building the regulatory foundation for the next generation of digital financial infrastructure.

• Pillar 2:  Financial Governance

Balancing innovation with transparency, national security, and financial crime prevention remains central as policymakers reshape the future of global financial markets.

This is not just about cryptocurrency—it reflects the broader effort to modernize financial regulation while building the legal framework for tomorrow's digital economy.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• CoinGape – Breaking: US DOJ Slams CLARITY Act Critics, Flags 'Factual Inaccuracies' In Opposition Letter
  ‍ ‍https://coingape.com/us-doj-slams-clarity-act-critics-flags-factual-inaccuracies-in-opposition-letter/

• The Blockchain Association – DOJ statement regarding the CLARITY Act opposition letter
  ‍ ‍https://theblockchainassociation.org/

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VND vs. IQD, Why Both Countries Avoided Currency Adjustments

VND vs. IQD, Why Both Countries Avoided Currency Adjustments

Edu Matrix:6-24-2026

The economic trajectories of nations emerging from significant conflict offer fascinating insights into global finance and development.

A recent Edu Matrix video hosted by Sandy Ingram brilliantly illustrates this through a compelling comparison of the Vietnamese dong (VND) and the Iraqi dinar (IQD).

While both Vietnam and Iraq endured profound conflicts with the United States and their governments maintain tight currency controls, their post-war economic and monetary journeys have unfolded in remarkably different ways, shaping their engagement with the global economy.

Vietnam, under its communist regime, has strategically embraced an export-driven manufacturing economy complemented by substantial foreign investment.

The nation has deliberately managed the Vietnamese dong to remain relatively stable but weak, a key tactic to bolster its export competitiveness on the world stage.

This forward-thinking approach has fueled impressive economic growth, transforming Vietnam into a significant manufacturing hub. Furthermore, the country’s booming tourism industry now contributes a remarkable 8-9% to its Gross Domestic Product, attracting global visitors and expatriates alike, and further showcasing its successful integration into global markets.

 This economic strategy, rooted in reforms initiated around 1986, vividly demonstrates a nation leveraging strategic currency management for long-term prosperity.

In stark contrast, Iraq’s economic landscape remains heavily reliant on its oil revenues. The Iraqi central bank continues to exert strict control over the dinar, a necessity driven by ongoing banking reforms, the imperative for international integration, and a persistent, challenging security environment.

While the Iraqi dinar, like the Vietnamese dong, experiences deliberate suppression by its government, Iraq’s financial environment appears more constrained and fragile. The incomplete nature of its banking reforms and the ongoing security concerns significantly limit the dinar’s international value and broader utility, presenting a more complex picture for foreign investment and global economic interaction.

Sandy Ingram’s analysis in the Edu Matrix video underscores a crucial distinction: despite sharing similar experiences of conflict and governmental currency control, Vietnam’s willingness to engage openly with global markets, attract tourists, and welcome foreign investors has fostered a more robust and open economy. Its currency is managed strategically to promote sustained economic growth and international collaboration.

Conversely, Iraq’s journey, while aiming for stability, faces more entrenched obstacles that temper its potential for dynamic global engagement. The video serves as a powerful testament to how strategic economic choices and openness can dramatically reshape a nation’s post-conflict destiny, inviting invaluable lessons for observers of international monetary policy and economic development.

For a deeper dive into these unique economic narratives and further expert insights, be sure to watch the full video from Edu Matrix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuLdsv88OAE

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Evening 6-24-26

Parliamentary Finance Committee Denies Any Intention To Raise The Exchange Rate

Information/Baghdad...  Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, MP Mudhar al-Karawi, confirmed on Wednesday that there is no current intention to raise the dollar exchange rate.

Al-Karawi told Al-Maalouma, “Until this moment, there are no confirmed indications from the government to proceed with raising the dollar exchange rate.” He pointed out that "the government and its financial arms are committed to stabilizing the exchange rate in institutions to maintain the stability of the financial situation and prevent any price increases that would affect the markets."

He added that "any increase in the exchange rate will be directly reflected in prices, especially food items, which would place an additional burden on the poor and the less fortunate." He explained that "any potential increase in the dollar exchange rate would have clear economic repercussions."

Al-Karawi clarified that "although there are no current indications in this direction, this option may be considered at some point." He stressed "the necessity of providing mechanisms and guarantees to protect the situation of the poor and the less fortunate and prevent price increases for basic commodities in the event of any future decision."

https://almaalomah-me.translate.goog/news/136491/economy/المالية-النيابية-تنفي-وجود-توجه-لرفع-سعر-الصرف?_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Oil Plunges To Four-Month Low On Hormuz Progress

2026-06-24 Shafaq News   Oil prices fell more than 1% on Wednesday, extending this week's losses and trading near four-month lows, on signs that more oil tankers stranded in the Gulf are set to move out of the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures fell 78 cents, or 1.0%, at $76.30 a barrel as of 0350 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate slipped 78 cents, or 1.1%, to $72.43 a barrel.

Both benchmarks settled down around 1% on Tuesday, touching their lowest levels since early March.

"Positive signals from the Persian Gulf are fuelling optimism about oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Vessel ⁠crossings increased in recent days, although they remain well below pre-war levels," ING commodity strategists said in a note on Wednesday.

Prices have also come under pressure this week after Washington granted Tehran a 60-day sanctions waiver following initial peace talks, allowing it to sell oil, and as hostilities in Lebanon eased.

"Crude oil prices were weighed down by hopes of easing U.S.-Iran tensions and a recovery in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz," said Tomomichi Akuta, senior economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting.

"Further progress in nuclear negotiations could push prices back to pre-war levels," he added.

On Tuesday, Oman and Iran agreed to press on with discussions about the future administration of navigation in the Strait. U.S. ⁠Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any Iranian attempt to levy transit fees would violate international law.

Still, uncertainty remains over the durability of the accord. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had agreed to nuclear inspections into "infinity," while Tehran said it had made no such concession in negotiations.

Investors are also watching how quickly Middle Eastern producers can restore exports and whether more ⁠ships will enter the region.

An Iranian military source told Fars news agency that a limited number of vessels are being allowed to pass through the strait each day under coordination with Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy.

Ship-tracking data showed that three stranded supertankers passed through the strait ⁠on Tuesday. The U.N. shipping agency said an evacuation plan to enable hundreds of ships with 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf to sail through the strait is underway after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal.

Meanwhile, crude stocks fell by 765,000 barrels ⁠in the week ended June 19, market sources said, citing data from the American Petroleum Institute released on Tuesday. Nine analysts polled by Reuters estimated, on average, that crude inventories fell by about 4.5 million barrels in the last week.

(REUTERS)   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-plunges-to-four-month-low-on-Hormuz-progress

Basrah Crudes Drop Alongside Global Decline

2026-06-24   Shafaq News- Basrah  Iraq’s Basrah crude plunged more than 4% on Wednesday as major global benchmarks moved lower.

Basrah Heavy crude dropped to $45.78 per barrel, losing 4.09%, while Basrah Medium crude slipped to $47.88 per barrel, down 3.91%.

Brent crude edged down to $76.30 per barrel, shedding 78 cents, or 1%. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude retreated to $72.43 per barrel, down 78 cents, or 1.1%.

Most crude grades across Arab and global benchmarks recorded losses, with Saudi Arabia’s Arab Light crude shedding 2.52% to $78.69 per barrel, while the UAE’s Das crude declined 2.90% to $69.31 and Qatar Marine crude decreased 2.91% to $69.01. OPEC’s basket also fell 1.89% to $81.59 per barrel. Dubai crude eased 1.15% to $80.35.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Basrah-crudes-drop-alongside-global-decline

Iraq Sets Two-Week Timeline For Kirkuk-Ceyhan Trial Pumping

2026-06-24 Shafaq News- Kirkuk   Trial pumping through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil route will begin within two weeks after the state-run North Oil Company finalized all engineering and technical work needed to restart the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline, a senior company source told Shafaq News on Wednesday, paving the way for the resumption of stable exports.

The company has also restored the strategic Kirkuk-Baiji-Haditha-Basra route, allowing crude from southern fields to reach gathering stations in Kirkuk before being pumped to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. Operating the two lines together would provide greater flexibility in managing crude flows, strengthen Iraq's northern export capacity, and improve the efficiency of the country's oil transport network, the source added.

Earlier this month, SOMO chief Ali Nizar told Reuters that Iraq had formally requested a one-year extension of the agreement governing the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, which is due to expire on July 27, to allow more time for negotiations on a new export arrangement. Reuters, citing a senior Turkish official, reported that Ankara opposes extending the current deal under existing conditions.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently discussed exports through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and ways to boost Iraq's oil flows to European markets through existing infrastructure.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-sets-two-week-timeline-for-Kirkuk-Ceyhan-trial-pumping

Hantoush Reveals The Priorities Of The New Central Bank Governor: Implementing "Oliver Wyman" Standards Is Of Utmost Importance

Economy News – Baghdad    Economic expert Mustafa Hantoush revealed on Monday the priorities of the new Central Bank Governor, Nizar Nasser, stressing that the standards of the Oliver Wyman Foundation are imposing a new banking reality in Iraq.

Hantoush explained to "Al-Eqtisad News" that the appointment of Nizar Nasser to this position represents a fundamental step for Iraqi monetary policy, noting that the next phase will focus on two main sectors: achieving monetary stability and restructuring the banking system.

Hantoush explained that "the Iraqi banking system, especially the private sector, has suffered from severe restrictions in the past that led to the freezing of about $10 billion, which poses a real risk to any market."

He added that the central bank has begun a series of important reforms in cooperation with the Oliver Wyman Foundation, which have reached final meetings with the US Treasury with the aim of freeing the banking system from dollar restrictions, something the market has been waiting for for months.

The economist pointed out that "restoring the banking system to operate on sound foundations represents the beginning of a sound monetary policy, as Oliver Wyman's standards impose a new reality in which banks are not only required to make profits, but are also obliged to attract deposits, provide loans, and finance projects."

Hantoush stressed that "pushing towards an integrated banking system in terms of operations and the market value of shares is a priority, as the continuous increase in capital for banks has become undesirable because it leads to a collapse in the share price on the stock exchange, stressing that these files will be at the forefront of the new governor's concerns."

 Added 2026/06/22 - 11:06 AM   https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70547

Al-Aboudi: Al-Zidi Deals With Combating Corruption Far Removed From Any Political Or Electoral Calculations And Works To Save The Country

 latest news   Wednesday,   June 24, 2026   Baghdad - One News - 6/24/2026  Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi confirmed that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is dealing with the anti-corruption file without any political or electoral considerations, noting that his personality and previous experience have made him more capable of making decisions related to running the state and confronting corruption. 

Al-Aboudi said that Al-Zidi is not seeking a second term, will not run in the next elections, and does not have a project to establish a political party, which keeps him away from the pressures and obligations associated with political competition. 

He added that the absence of these considerations gives the Prime Minister more room to deal with state files, citizens’ affairs and combating corruption from the perspective of the public interest, away from any constraints or prior calculations. 

Al-Aboudi pointed out that Al-Zaydi is focused on saving what can be saved and addressing the challenges facing the state, stressing that corruption is one of the most dangerous issues that threaten state institutions and requires taking decisive measures to confront it.https://1news-iq.net/العبودي-الزيدي-يتعامل-مع-مكافحة-الفسا/

July 4 Changes Everything If Gold-Backed Treasury Is Announced | Andy Schectman

July 4 Changes Everything If Gold-Backed Treasury Is Announced | Andy Schectman

Liberty and Finance:  6-23-2026

Andy Schectman discusses a theory that a gold-backed U.S. Treasury instrument could be announced around July 4, potentially marking a major shift in monetary policy and the role of gold in the financial system.

He connects this possibility to comments from economist and former Fed nominee Judy Shelton, as well as growing demand from central banks and gold-backed stablecoin issuers such as Tether.

Schectman explains why these developments could have significant implications for gold prices, the U.S. dollar, and the future of global finance.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

0:00 Intro \

1:30 Gold-backed Treasury July 4th?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6l1sFSxIs8

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Afternoon 6-24-26

Parliamentary Integrity: Important Files Whose Details Will Be Revealed To The Public

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   The Parliamentary Integrity Committee revealed that there are many important files that are being prepared to be opened and their details revealed to the public, especially those related to the waste of public money and the exploitation of official influence.

Shahid said, according to the official newspaper and followed by “Al-Eqtisad News”, that “corruption is no longer just individual cases or limited violations, but has turned into an intertwined system that has directly affected government performance and weakened citizens’ trust in state institutions.”

He added that “taking serious measures to curb the influence of corrupt individuals within state institutions would pave the way for the more efficient implementation of government and service programs, as well as contribute to achieving social justice and equal opportunities among citizens.”

The MP stressed that "the current stage requires a firm political will and practical measures that go beyond slogans and promises," stressing that "there are many important files that are being prepared to be opened and their details revealed to the public, especially those related to the waste of public money and the exploitation of official influence."

He pointed out that "the House of Representatives stands in support of every reform step taken by the government and the Integrity Commission in this direction," stressing that "the oversight role of the Council will be strongly present during the next stage by following up on all integrity files and the results of investigations and judicial procedures related to them."

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70644

Trade: Lower Shipping Costs Will Be Reflected In Commodity Prices

Money and Business      Economy News – Baghdad   The Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday an integrated plan to enhance strategic reserves and combat monopolies, while noting that the decrease in shipping costs will be reflected in commodity prices during the coming period.

Ministry spokesman Mohammed Hanoun said that "the return of maritime traffic to normal through the Strait of Hormuz, and the arrival of ships loaded with food and basic goods, represents an important factor in strengthening the stability of local markets, especially since any disruption in maritime transport routes is directly reflected in shipping and insurance costs and the prices of imported goods."

Hannon added that "the Ministry of Trade is continuously monitoring market movements and price indicators for food and basic commodities, and will assess the impact of reduced transportation and shipping costs after the resumption of normal shipping operations, ensuring that this is reflected in the prices traded in local markets."

He explained that "the improved flow of supplies and the increased volume of goods offered lead to a reduction in the pressures that some goods experienced during the past period."

He stressed that “the ministry has a work plan based on several axes, most notably strengthening the strategic stock of basic materials, monitoring the smooth entry of goods through various ports, as well as coordinating with the competent regulatory authorities to monitor any cases of monopoly or exploitation that may lead to keeping prices at high levels despite the disappearance of the reasons that led to their rise.”

He pointed out that "the ministry is working to provide accurate indicators of market activity and the available quantities of food products, which contributes to achieving a balance between supply and demand and preventing any shortages that may affect price stability."

He added that "the continued flow of goods at normal rates will give the market greater flexibility and enhance competition between importers and traders, which will have a positive impact on the consumer."

He pointed out that "the ministry's goal is to maintain food security and ensure the availability of basic commodities for citizens at fair prices," stressing "the continuation of monitoring procedures and field follow-up during the next phase to ensure that the market and the consumer benefit from any decrease in import, transportation and shipping costs."  

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70662

Japan Plans To Improve The Management Of Reserves Allocated To Support The Yen

Money and Business   Economy News - Follow-up   A draft report on Japan's growth strategy, seen by Reuters on Wednesday, shows the government plans to explore ways to improve the management of its $1.3 trillion foreign exchange reserves, which are considered a "reserve" for future intervention in the yen market.

The plans reflect the Japanese government's desire to boost reserve returns and help refinance its dwindling finances, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledges proactive spending to support the world's fourth-largest economy.

The draft strategy, a key pillar of Takaichi's policy agenda, states: "The government will examine the benefits of improving the management of assets owned by the public sector, including the special account of the foreign exchange fund, and making more effective use of them, taking into account their intended purposes."

Financial markets: Currency yen near 40-year low despite Japanese interest rate hike

Tokyo resumed intensive intervention in late April when the currency fell to over 160 yen to the dollar, through a $73 billion yen purchase, resulting in a record 5.6% drop in reserves in May, highlighting the limits of continued and large-scale intervention.

The draft strategy does not specify particular changes to the allocation of reserve assets, which have accumulated during previous interventions to buy dollars and are believed to be largely invested in U.S. Treasury bonds.

The bulk of the surplus reserves, including proceeds from US Treasury bonds, is transferred to the general account as a source of funding for the state budget.

Takaichi had once stated that foreign reserves were the main beneficiary of the yen's weakness and that they were "performing very well," a remark some government officials interpreted as a sign that she hoped to use the surplus to fund a controversial plan to suspend the consumption tax on food items.

However, government officials said that making a radical change to the reserve portfolio would be unrealistic, given that the reserves are held primarily as a readily available source of funds for intervention in the currency market.

An informed source, who declined to be identified due to the confidentiality of the report, said, "It will be difficult to pursue returns in a way that conflicts with the purpose of the reserves." https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70646

Iraq Reduces Its Imports Of Fish And Seafood To About $25 Million

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad    Data from the International Trade Centre showed that Iraq reduced its imports of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates during 2025 to $24.978 million, compared to $68.413 million in 2024, and $77.362 million in 2023.

According to the data, Iraq was among the world's importers of these products, but the value of imports recorded a sharp decline last year, after the significant increase it witnessed in previous years.

She noted that frozen fish topped the list of imported products within this category with a value of $11.226 million in 2025, compared to $51.777 million in 2024, followed by fresh or chilled fish with a value of $10.022 million, then crustaceans with a value of $1.512 million, and fish fillets and meat with a value of $1.375 million.

Imports of live fish amounted to $442,000, dried, salted and smoked fish to $302,000, while imports of molluscs amounted to $94,000, and other aquatic invertebrates to $3,000.

According to data from the International Trade Centre, Iraq’s imports of these products amounted to $29.422 million in 2021, rising to $48.948 million in 2022, then to $77.362 million in 2023, before declining to $68.413 million in 2024, and continuing to decrease to $24.978 million during 2025. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70653

Iraq: Domestic Debt Rises To 95.7 Trillion Dinars, While External Debt Declines

banks   Economy News – Baghdad   Data from the Central Bank, released on Wednesday, showed that domestic public debt rose to 95.7 trillion dinars by the end of April 2026, while external debt saw a decline on an annual basis.

According to the bank's data, domestic public debt rose to 95.679 trillion dinars by the end of April of this year, compared to 90.515 trillion dinars recorded at the end of 2025, an increase of 5.164 trillion dinars, and about 12.629 trillion dinars compared to 2024, when it reached 83.050 trillion dinars.

According to the data, this increase was driven by the increase in the total liabilities of the Ministry of Finance to the Central Bank of Iraq to 55.699 trillion dinars as of April 2026, compared to 45.699 trillion dinars in 2025.

In contrast, loans decreased to 20.270 trillion dinars, after having been 22.899 trillion dinars, and the value of bonds decreased to 10.868 trillion dinars, compared to 13.075 trillion dinars, while treasury bills remained stable at 8.842 trillion dinars.

Iraq’s external debt reached $54.101 billion in 2025, down from $54.601 billion in 2024 and $56.207 billion in 2023, a total decrease of $2.106 billion over two years, according to data from the Central Bank of Iraq.

The data indicates that domestic debt continued to rise during the first four months of 2026, while external debt continued its downward trend compared to previous years. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70652

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Afternoon 6-24-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

CLARITY Act Approval Odds Drop as White House Faces Law Enforcement Pushback

Major U.S. law enforcement organizations are urging changes to the CLARITY Act, warning that several provisions could weaken anti-money laundering enforcement and create regulatory gaps within the digital asset industry.

Overview

• The probability of the CLARITY Act advancing has declined, with prediction markets dropping approval odds to 41% following new opposition from national law enforcement organizations.

• More than 70,000 law enforcement professionals are represented in a letter sent to the White House expressing concerns over key provisions in the legislation.

• The primary concern centers on the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA), with critics arguing that certain exemptions could make it more difficult to investigate and prosecute financial crimes involving digital assets.

Key Developments

1. White House Receives Joint Law Enforcement Letter

A coalition of leading law enforcement organizations—including the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (NAAUSA), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Sheriffs' Association—submitted a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and White House crypto advisor Patrick Witt.

While supporting the creation of a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, the organizations cautioned that several provisions of the CLARITY Act could unintentionally weaken law enforcement's ability to combat financial crime.

2. BRCA Developer Protections Under Scrutiny

The coalition specifically highlighted Section 604, which incorporates elements of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA).

The groups warned that broad exemptions for certain blockchain participants could create regulatory blind spots, allowing bad actors to exploit gaps in oversight while shielding activities that facilitate the movement of digital assets.

3. Concerns Over AML and Terrorist Financing

The letter argues that portions of the legislation could weaken existing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) safeguards.

Law enforcement officials expressed concern that certain decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, mixers, tumblers, and other market participants could avoid registration, Know Your Customer (KYC), and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements if the current language remains unchanged.

4. Prediction Markets React

• Following publication of the letter, Polymarket's estimated odds of CLARITY Act approval reportedly fell from approximately 55% to 41%, reflecting growing uncertainty over the bill's path through Congress.

• The decline illustrates how political developments continue influencing expectations surrounding major cryptocurrency legislation.

Why It Matters

The CLARITY Act is widely viewed as one of the most significant pieces of U.S. digital asset legislation under consideration. While lawmakers seek regulatory certainty that could encourage innovation and institutional investment, policymakers must also balance those goals with maintaining effective safeguards against financial crime.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those following broader monetary and financial system developments, digital asset regulation represents another important step in the modernization of global financial infrastructure. Clear regulatory frameworks could accelerate institutional adoption of blockchain technology while shaping how future cross-border payment systems interact with both traditional currencies and digital assets.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1:  Digital Finance

The CLARITY Act reflects ongoing efforts to establish the legal framework needed for broader institutional participation in digital assets and blockchain-based financial markets.

• Pillar 2:  Financial Oversight

The debate highlights the growing challenge of balancing technological innovation with regulatory transparency, anti-money laundering enforcement, and national security concerns as the global financial system evolves.

This is not just about cryptocurrency—it reflects the continuing effort to build a modern financial system that balances innovation, market growth, and regulatory accountability for the digital economy.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• CoinGape – CLARITY Act Odds Fall To 41% As White House Receives Letter Opposing Key Provisions

• National District Attorneys Association – NDAA Official Website (Organization representing state and local prosecutors and participant in the joint law enforcement letter.)

~~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Get Ready for “Business Friendly Socialism”

Get Ready for “Business Friendly Socialism”

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black / Sovereign Man) June 22, 2026

On New Year's Day in the year 1829, a 29-year-old young lady from Washington DC named Peggy Timberlake married John Eaton— a powerful senator from Tennessee. Eaton was also close friends with the incoming president Andrew Jackson.

Peggy, on the other hand, was rumored to be somewhat of a harlot. She was openly flirtatious and allegedly promiscuous, and her wedding to Sen. Eaton came only a few months after the mysterious death of her first husband.

The elite “power wives” of Washington DC considered Peggy scandalous and immoral, and so they simply refused to engage with her. They would not attend any event where Peggy would be present. They would not invite her to their parties. They spoke ill of her behind her back.

So when Andrew Jackson made Sen. Eaton his Secretary of War in March of 1829, the snub against Peggy became a federal problem.

President Jackson, whose own late wife had been savaged by similar gossip during the brutal 1828 campaign, took the shunning of Peggy as a personal insult. And he actually demanded that his cabinet bring their wives into line and accept her.

Jackson’s cabinet could not (or would not) demand this of their wives. And for more than two years, the so-called “Petticoat Affair” consumed federal attention.

It finally ended in the spring of 1831 with something America had never seen: Jackson’s entire cabinet resigned except for the Postmaster General. The Secretaries of State, Treasury, etc. all left. Even Eaton as Secretary of War resigned.

In short, a dispute over whether the power wives of Washington were willing to invite another lady to dinner had resulted in the effective dissolution of the executive branch.

Nearly two centuries later, that remains almost unimaginable. High-level resignation is something the American government simply does not do.

In its entire history exactly one president has resigned— Richard Nixon, in 1974, and only to avoid impeachment.

Only two vice presidents have resigned, including Spiro Agnew in 1973 due to pending criminal charges.

American politicians only give up power under extreme duress— likely a family emergency... or the imminent arrival of a criminal indictment. It is a “from-my-cold-dead-hands” political culture. We even treat a President declining to seek reelection as a major event.

In Britain, by contrast, prime ministers resign all the time. When they lose the confidence of their party, they step down... and the machine produces another.

I used to think that was a genuine strength— that American politics might be healthier if resigning were less taboo.

Keir Starmer is the perfect illustration. By this spring his net approval had collapsed to the lowest rating recorded for any prime minister since Ipsos began measuring in 1977.

Failure didn’t bother him. In fact Starmer’s government kept criminalizing criticism— Britain now jails its own citizens for anti-migrant posts while the actual migrant criminals walk free and receive taxpayer assistance.

Even last month, with dozens in his own party urging him to resign, Starmer remained defiant: "The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a cabinet."

What finally forced him out was not voters. Yes, his own party helped push him out after disastrous local elections cost Labour more than a thousand races last month.

But underneath that sat the bond market.

Investors had been dumping British government debt for weeks, and in early May the yield on the 30-year gilt spiked to the highest level in decades.

Bond investors want fiscal restraint. And they had concluded that Starmer would respond to his electoral beating by spending even more money.

So naturally, investors sold their UK government bonds... and the British government’s borrowing costs soared.

This is nothing new; less than four years ago, then Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned after just 44 days because the bond market didn’t like her economic plan. Bond yields surged and the British pound went into free fall.

Calm returned only after Truss resigned in disgrace.

The sad irony is that Starmer's likely successor is worse. Andy Burnham— the longtime mayor of Greater Manchester— campaigns on what he calls "business friendly socialism", which makes as much sense as “vegan wolf”.

He also wants more borrowing, higher taxes, and bringing utilities and "public essentials" back under state control.

Bizarrely, Burnham has complained that Britain is "in hock to the bond markets," as though the people lending to the government should simply hand over their capital with no questions asked.

(Given Mr. Burnham’s penchant for nationalization, he may in fact get his way. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more wealth tax proposals in the UK.)

The actual solution is embarrassingly simple. You are only “in hock to the bond market” if you borrow. Balance the budget, live within your means, and the bond market gets no vote at all.

Yet basic fiscal responsibility is an impossible idea— and it tells you everything about the modern Western politician. This most certainly will not improve under a "business friendly" socialist.

Ultimately, the last institution still imposing any discipline on government is not the voter— it's the creditor. And the United States, with its own debt arithmetic getting worse every year, is approaching that the same line.

One day the bond market will start calling the shots in Washington too, voters' wishes be damned, and it will do it through higher yields and a weaker dollar.

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

P.S. In the US, the bond market is already voting, with higher yields and a weaker dollar. And the bill lands on anyone holding those dollars.

The sensible hedge is to own real assets no government can print.

Real assets are tangible things with intrinsic worth— gold and silver, energy, productive land, and the companies that own them— and because no central bank can conjure them into existence, they hold their purchasing power while paper currencies lose theirs.

That's what Schiff Sovereign's investment research newsletter, Strategic Assets, is built to find: companies trading at low multiples of current free cash flow, carrying little or no debt, with strong earnings and a catalyst the market hasn't priced yet.

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/investing/get-ready-for-business-friendly-socialism-155349/?inf_contact_key=384d51231b9985692eab24513e7e00320085e7fa1073346135092e6be01f4084

Reset Intelligence: The New Quantum Order

Reset Intelligence: The New Quantum Order

6-24-2026

Q Is for Quantum

By Reset Intelligence | @EXIT_FIAT

The White House posted four words and a wink, Q is for quantum, and the same afternoon President Trump signed two executive orders on quantum computing.

Scrap the wink and it is the encryption under the whole money system being rebuilt in the open.

The wink and the orders

The official White House feed and the Department of War’s technology account both posted Q-coded language this week, with more than a million views between them. The same afternoon the President signed two orders: one to build a research-grade quantum computer by 2028, the other to prepare the government for machines that c***k today’s encryption. Commerce is already moving billions to the firms racing to get there first.

Why it matters

A working quantum computer breaks the codes that lock every bank account and every transfer. That threat has been on the record since 1994, when a mathematician named Peter Shor proved it. For 30 years it stayed a lab curiosity. This week it became a national sprint, announced from the podium. You do not rebuild the lock on the money unless you are about to run something across it worth that much trouble.

Baghdad on the same clock

Iraq’s central bank issued its first policy statement under its new anti-fraud governor, clearing its restricted banks for re-entry into the dollar system while flatly denying any change to the exchange rate. Clean the books, get counted, get let back in. Same motion as Washington, different capital.

The wider board

• Quantum orders – 2 executive orders, a research-grade quantum computer targeted by 2028, plus a national push to post-quantum encryption

• Iraq CBI – first policy statement under new governor Nizar Nasser, banks in the final stage of dollar re-entry, any rate change denied

• Iran oil – Treasury 60-day license, Iranian crude back on the world market for the first time since 2018

• London – Keir Starmer resigns as UK Prime Minister, Labour leadership contest opens July 9

• The Fed – projections turn hawkish, Bank of America calls 3 hikes by December, with oil the deciding variable

That is the short version, and the moves are public. The daily connection – what it means for the dinar holder and where it points next – is in the brief.

Read the full daily briefing free for 5 days. Sign up here: resetintelligence.com

Go deeper: Head of the Snake (25% off with code 25XOFF), and the free Resources library.

Watch what gets cleaned, and watch who gets let in. That is the reset, and it is running in plain sight.

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/06/23/reset-intelligence-the-new-quantum-order/

Wed. Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 6-24-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  The Iraqi parliament will resume its work at the beginning of July, with the cabinet reshuffle on the agenda.

 Tuesday, MP Duha al-Sadkhan, from the “National Approach” bloc, revealed the date for the start of the second legislative session of the House of Representatives, confirming that the parliament’s leadership will determine during the month of July a date for the resumption of sessions, including a session to complete the vote on the ministerial cabinet.

Al-Sadkhan said that the House of Representatives' legislative recess will end next week, with the second legislative session beginning on July 1st.

She added that the Speaker of the House of Representatives will set the date for the first session after the start of the new legislative term, noting that the agenda will include reading and discussing a number of draft laws, while other laws need to be voted on within the council.

She indicated that the parliament's leadership will determine, during the second or third week of July, a date for holding a session to complete the vote on the cabinet.

The resumption of the House of Representatives' work comes amid anticipation of discussing and approving a number of important and postponed laws, as Al-Sadkhan had previously confirmed the existence of more than 100 draft laws in the halls of parliament, distributed between laws that need to be read and discussed and others that are waiting for amendment or voting.

According to Al-Sadkhan, the new legislative session is expected to witness the discussion and voting on a number of prominent pieces of legislation, most notably the Oil and Gas Law, the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, the Federal Court Law, the Federal Civil Service Council Law, the Retirement Law, and the Salary Scale Law.

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Adnan Faihan, had previously confirmed that there was parliamentary activity to proceed with the legislation of a number of important and delayed laws, most notably the Oil and Gas Law, the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, and the Federal Civil Service Law.

These laws are among the most prominent legislative files postponed during recent parliamentary sessions, especially the oil and gas law, which is still subject to disputes regarding the management of natural resources and the distribution of revenues between the federal government, the Kurdistan Region, and the oil-producing governorates.  link

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Tishwash:  Iraq enters the era of space communications... and "Starlink" is the latest fruit of the technological openness led by the Al-Zaidi government.

After years of discussing digital infrastructure modernization and attracting global technology companies, Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi's government has achieved a new breakthrough in the telecommunications sector by finalizing the procedures for bringing Starlink service to Iraq.

Experts view this as part of a broader strategy adopted by the government to develop digital infrastructure, promote technological transformation, and open the Iraqi market to global investments in a sector closely linked to economic development and modern services.

American billionaire Elon Musk recently announced the launch of Starlink satellite internet service in Iraq following the official approval of its operating license. This opens the door to a new era of high-speed communication services and reflects the success of the government's efforts to attract global technology companies and modernize the country's digital infrastructure.
Musk stated in a post on the X platform that Iraq had approved the Starlink operating license, paving the way for the launch of satellite internet services within the country. Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi and US Special Envoy to Iraq Tom Barrack welcomed the license approval, indicating the project's importance to Iraq and its international partners.

Following directives from Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, the past period witnessed intensive government meetings and discussions regarding the company's operational mechanisms within Iraq and the requirements for granting a license. This aligns with the government's strategy to attract global technology companies and expand internet service options for citizens.

Starlink's entry represents a strategic development for the Iraqi telecommunications sector, as the service provides internet access to remote, border, and desert areas that have suffered for years from weak traditional infrastructure. Furthermore, it offers higher connection speeds and greater service stability compared to many currently available alternatives.

This development comes after months of government initiatives and technical discussions led by relevant telecommunications sector stakeholders, within a broader approach adopted by al-Zaidi's government to promote digital transformation and attract global technology investments, in parallel with programs to develop electronic infrastructure and expand the scope of government digital services.

Experts believe that the entry of the giant American company represents a new message of confidence in the Iraqi investment environment, especially since Starlink is one of the largest satellite internet projects in the world, and operates in dozens of countries through a wide network of low-orbit satellites.

The project’s benefits are not limited to improving internet services for citizens, but extend to supporting the economic, educational, health and security sectors, by providing more stable communications for government institutions, companies and investment projects, as well as supporting e-government and digital transformation projects that Baghdad seeks to accelerate in the coming years.

Technology expert Nawras Aref said that “Starlink’s entry into Iraq represents an important step towards modernizing the communications sector and raising the efficiency of digital services, especially as the world is rapidly moving towards relying on smart infrastructure and high-speed sustainable connectivity.” 

Aref added to Iraq Observer that “Iraq needs such advanced services because they give users super speeds and internet access in areas that are difficult to cover with traditional terrestrial networks, and they also provide future solutions that support e-learning, digital commerce and smart government services.”

He explained that “the presence of global companies the size of Starlink within the Iraqi market will create a positive competitive environment that will drive the development of local services and raise quality levels, as well as enhance Iraq’s attractiveness to international technology investments.”

In keeping with global trends, experts confirm that the government's success in completing the licensing procedures reflects a clear desire to keep pace with global technological advancements, especially given the growing need for a modern communications infrastructure capable of supporting the demands of the digital economy, foreign investment, artificial intelligence projects, and cloud services.

As the official launch of the service approaches, Iraqis anticipate a new era of internet services, with expectations that Starlink's entry will help bridge the digital divide between cities and remote areas, and open broader horizons for the digital economy and the technological transformation that the government seeks to establish within its development vision for the coming years.  link

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Tishwash:  Will the "programs and performance" budget succeed in converting funds into services?

Specialists and experts have confirmed that the program and performance budget the government is moving towards implementing represents a significant shift in public spending management. However, it faces implementation challenges related to the readiness of ministries, the efficiency of monitoring, and the ability of institutions to translate financial allocations into tangible services for citizens.

The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, told Al-Mada that the government is proceeding with the implementation of the program and performance budget, which links financial allocations to measurable performance indicators and results within state institutions. This aims to improve spending efficiency and direct resources towards the most effective programs.

He explained that the new system enhances transparency and financial governance and raises the level of accountability, which could lead to improved public services. However, he also pointed to challenges related to the varying levels of readiness among ministries, weak institutional and information infrastructure, and the need to develop monitoring systems and build administrative capacity.

For her part, Suad al-Maliki, a former member of the Parliamentary Strategic Planning Committee, warned in an interview with Al-Mada against proceeding with a program-based budget for 2027 without evaluating the results of the current budgets. She emphasized that the success of the experiment hinges on the government's ability to effectively implement the 2025 and 2026 budgets.

She explained that the delays in the 2025 budget schedules and the lack of clarity regarding implementation results raise questions about the readiness for the transition to the new system.

She added that the success of this transformation requires political will and coordination between the executive and legislative branches, along with the adoption of transparent standards and each ministry accurately identifying its needs before auditing by central authorities. She noted that the transitional phase may witness gaps due to administrative changes.

Similarly, economic expert Duraid al-Anzi believes that the success of a program-based budget is not linked to changing its name or form, but rather to the state's ability to implement and monitor it.

Speaking to Al-Mada, he said that the fundamental problem lies not in preparing the budgets, but in converting funds into actual projects and services, warning against the continuation of stalled projects that hinder the achievement of results. He added that weak executive efficiency and the absence of integrated economic planning lead to continued waste and a diminished impact of public spending, stressing that genuine reform begins with improving management before increasing allocations.

Al-Anzi pointed out that building an effective economic planning system requires extensive institutional reform that will extend over several years, potentially up to ten, to achieve comprehensive sustainable development. He believes the greatest challenge lies in implementation, not in the plans themselves.

While the government is banking on program and performance budgeting to reorganize public spending and link it to results, the real test remains the ability of state institutions to translate allocations into tangible services that citizens can actually experience. link

Tishwash:  Al-Zaidi to Washington: A partnership of equals to finance productive projects

 All eyes are on the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi to the United States as a pivotal economic milestone, given the regional and international changes taking place in the region, and the need to reformulate economic relations between Baghdad and Washington on new and viable foundations based on investment, production, and technology transfer, moving beyond just security and oil issues.

Experts believe that the success of the visit scheduled for the middle of next month depends on turning it into a platform for launching strategic projects and feasible economic agreements that contribute to diversifying the Iraqi economy, improving the investment environment, and enhancing Iraq’s position as a regional and international economic partner.

 Comprehensive vision

Amer Al-Jawahiri, an advisor on development and investment, said that the importance of the visit comes after the peace agreements witnessed in the region, and the accompanying comprehensive vision to strengthen economic relations between its countries, which opens the door for the participation of international companies in major reconstruction and development projects, including Iraqi projects.

Al-Jawahiri explained in an interview with Al-Sabah that Iraq faces major challenges, including the delay in implementing steps to diversify the economy and invest its natural resources, in addition to the large size of projects whose implementation requires a long-term government program to which successive governments are committed. He pointed out that addressing the electricity crisis represents one of the most prominent economic tests for the government, in light of the escalating financial obligations and concerns about the inadequacy of oil revenues to cover operational expenses and finance strategic projects.

Visit files

Al-Jawahiri stressed that the current stage requires unifying the economic vision among all concerned parties, calling for the Ministerial Council for the Economy to hold periodic sessions with specialists from outside government institutions and economic advisors to benefit from their expertise in preparing visit files, as well as drawing up the paths of the economic program for Iraq during the next stage.

He pointed out the need for the visit to include presenting specific economic files to the American side, foremost among them addressing the restrictions imposed on a number of Iraqi banks, and increasing flexibility in dealing with the US Federal Reserve, which would positively affect the financial sector and the movement of trade transfers. He stressed the importance of attracting direct American investments or implementing projects in partnership between the Iraqi government and the private sector, according to the model of joint-stock companies with the possibility of offering their shares to finance and operate the projects.

Investment opportunities

He pointed out that Iraq has a number of major investment opportunities, including the Al-Nibras Petrochemical Project, nitrogen fertilizer projects in Basra and Baiji, phosphate fertilizers in Al-Qaim-Akashat, the silica manufacturing project in Anbar, and the extraction and manufacturing of sulfur in Nineveh. He noted that one of the important files is also involving American companies in implementing the Development Road project, which includes railway lines, industrial cities, and production projects aimed at meeting the needs of the local market and boosting exports.

Al-Jawahiri proposed the idea of ​​establishing an Iraqi-American financial investment fund, financed by a portion of Iraqi oil exports to the United States, to be allocated to financing well-studied productive projects that achieve sustainable economic returns. He stressed that the success of this initiative depends on the existence of a clear program and efficient management mechanisms that ensure the actual implementation of the projects.

 He emphasized that the success of any economic understandings requires taking practical steps to improve the business and investment environment through continuous consultation with the Private Sector Development Council, and holding a weekly roundtable that includes specialists and those concerned with the economy and business inside and outside government institutions, in order to give the Iraqi delegation a comprehensive vision that can be presented during its meetings in Washington. He also stressed the importance of stimulating competition among countries and international companies wishing to invest in Iraq, in order to ensure the best offers and the maximum benefit from the available economic potential.

 Comprehensive economic partnership

For his part, financial expert Dr. Nabil Al-Abadi stressed that the visit should not be viewed as a passing diplomatic event, but rather as an economic necessity imposed by the nature of the stage that Iraq is going through, noting that the relationship with the United States has remained for years within the framework of oil and security, while the current stage provides an opportunity to move towards a comprehensive economic partnership.

Al-Abadi told Al-Sabah: “Iraq is not just a source of oil, but it possesses the potential to be a promising market for investments and modern technology, as well as being an important arena for reconstruction and an active partner in supporting the stability of global energy markets.”

He added that the visit represents a practical opportunity to implement the concept of “oil for technology and investment” by attracting major American companies to invest in advanced petrochemical industries, associated gas investment, and renewable energy, which are sectors that would add value to the national economy, support the path of economic diversification, and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

 Financial and banking sector

Al-Abadi pointed out that the most prominent challenge facing the Iraqi economy is the reality of the financial and banking sector, and the challenges it faces related to financial compliance and combating money laundering, which makes it necessary to take advantage of the visit to conduct a direct dialogue with the US Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve with the aim of establishing a safe financial corridor that ensures the smooth flow of financial transfers, enhances the stability of the exchange rate, and raises the level of confidence of international investors in the Iraqi market.

He stressed that Iraq is not looking for aid or grants, but rather for a strategic economic partnership based on common interests, indicating that the success of the visit should be measured by the practical results it achieves, represented in the signing of investment agreements, and the launching of projects in the fields of gas, agriculture, industry and infrastructure, in addition to putting in place clear implementation and follow-up mechanisms that ensure that understandings are transformed into real projects that contribute to building a more diversified and productive Iraqi economy. link