Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Morning 2-4-26
IMN Head: Iraqis Enjoy Democracy And A Competent Judiciary
The head of the Iraq Media Network (IMN), Karim Hammadi, said on Wednesday that Iraqis are living under an active democratic environment and benefit from a competent judiciary, highlighting the country’s political progress since the fall of dictatorship.
Speaking at the Saudi Media Forum, Hammadi noted that Iraqi news channels remain active and influential, playing a central role in shaping public discourse. He emphasized that, unlike the pre-2003 era when state television broadcast long presidential speeches with no public critique, today’s media landscape allows viewers to access multiple channels and social media platforms, fostering greater transparency and competition.
Hammadi pointed out that semi-official Iraqi television faces competition from private broadcasters and social media, while remaining bound by legal, social, and cultural guidelines. “Competition is intense, but we strive to engage audiences through technical, cultural, and sports programming, including exclusive coverage of local festivals and the Iraqi football league,” he said.
He also highlighted the strong public interest in political news, noting that channels such as Iraqiya News, Al Jazeera, and Al Arabiya maintain high viewership due to their rapid coverage and interactive discussions. “News channels in Iraq remain effective and will not be supplanted by social media, which lacks the capacity to deploy fully equipped teams to cover events on the ground,” Hammadi added.
He cited a recent incident in which a social media post accused a military officer of misconduct using AI-manipulated images. A television channel amplified the story before investigations debunked the claims. Hammadi said the network’s verification restored public trust, though the reputational damage to the officer and his family was difficult to reverse.
Hammadi also praised the rapid development in Riyadh, and said Iraqis feel pride in their political system. “After decades of dictatorship, we now have an environment of active democracy, with regular elections every four years to select the president, prime minister, and parliamentary speaker—a remarkable achievement in our region,” he said.
https://ina.iq/en/45253-imn-head-iraqis-enjoy-democracy-and-a-competent-judiciary.html
Interior Ministry: Government Fully Ready To Secure Borders
The Ministry of Interior affirmed on Wednesday that border security constitutes half of Iraq's overall security.
Colonel Miqdad Miri, Director of Media and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Border security is half of Iraq's security, and government support is open and direct, the government is working continuously to secure the borders, and we have not ceased providing support, “He added, "Today, we are at our best in terms of support and readiness to perform our duties."
He added that "the entire Iraqi people support the border forces, the Ministry of Interior and the Iraqi army," noting that "the Popular Mobilization Forces constitute a major support in protecting Iraq."
https://ina.iq/en/45252-interior-ministry-government-fully-ready-to-secure-borders.html
CBI Governor Says Talks With U.S. Officials Were Purely Technical
Baghdad-INA The governor of the Central Bank of Iraq-CBI Ali al-Allaq said on Wednesday that recent talks with U.S. officials focused solely on technical issues.
In a message response to Bloomberg, followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Allaq said the discussions held with the U.S side in Turkey were “purely technical in nature.” He added that the talks did not address any matters of a political or other non-technical dimension.
https://ina.iq/en/45247-cbi-governor-says-talks-with-us-officials-were-purely-technical.html
Dollar Cllimbs In Baghdad And Erbil Markets
2026-02-04 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil The US dollar opened Wednesday’s trading higher in Iraq, crossing the 150,000-dinar mark per 100 dollars.
A Shafaq News market survey showed the dollar trading in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 150,100 dinars per 100 dollars, up from yesterday’s close of 149,000 dinars.
In Baghdad, exchange shops sold the dollar at 150,500 dinars and bought it at 149,500 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices reached 150,150 dinars and buying prices stood at 150,000 dinars
https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-cllimbs-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets
Gold Prices Increase In Baghdad And Erbil Markets
2026-02-04 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil On Wednesday, gold prices increased reaching 1.06 million IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, continuing their upward trend, according to a survey by Shafaq News Agency.
Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 1,073,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 1,069,000 IQD. The same gold had sold for 1,035,000 IQD on Tuesday.
The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 1,043,000 IQD, with a buying price of 1,039,000 IQD.
In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 1,075,000 and 1,085,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 1,045,000 and 1,055,000 IQD.
In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 1,163,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 1,110,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 952,000 IQD. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-increase-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-6
Basrah Crudes Rise With A Global Surge
2026-02-04 Shafaq News– Basrah Basrah crude prices recorded gains of around 0.5% on Wednesday, moving along the broader trend in global oil markets.
Basrah Heavy crude rose by 29 cents, or 0.48%, to $60.78 per barrel, while Basra Medium crude increased by 29 cents, or 0.46%, to settle at $63.23 per barrel.
In international markets, Brent crude futures rose 56 cents, or 0.8%, to $67.89 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) climbed 63 cents, or 1.0%, to $63.84 a barrel.
https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Basrah-crudes-rise-with-a-global-surge-7