Why the US Still Controls Iraq’s Dollar Pipeline
Why the US Still Controls Iraq’s Dollar Pipeline
Edu Matrix: 2-20-2026
In a recent Edu Matrix video, Sandy Ingram sheds light on a complex and critical issue that has significant implications for Iraq’s economy and sovereignty.
The United States has maintained control over Iraq’s oil revenue since the 2003 Iraq War, a situation that has far-reaching consequences for the country’s financial independence.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of this arrangement and explore its historical context, implications, and the tensions it has created.
Iraq is a wealthy nation thanks to its vast oil reserves. However, the country’s oil sales are conducted internationally in US dollars, and these funds are not deposited directly into Iraqi banks. Instead, they are held in an account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Although this account belongs to Iraq, it is subject to stringent US oversight and regulatory controls. This arrangement was initially designed to ensure transparency, prevent corruption, and reassure international creditors after Ssdaam Hussein’s regime.
The US control over Iraq’s oil revenue has significant implications for the country’s economy.
The arrangement effectively gives the US leverage over Iraq’s financial flows and economic sovereignty. Iraq cannot freely use its oil revenue without passing through US financial scrutiny, as the US system enforces compliance with sanctions, anti-money laundering, and counterterrorism regulations.
This control has real consequences, affecting Iraq’s ability to conduct dollar transactions and forcing it to tighten its banking and currency auction practices under US pressure.
The US control over Iraq’s oil revenue has also caused tension with neighboring Iran, which views Iraq as lacking full financial independence.
To understand the historical context of this arrangement, we need to look back at Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and subsequent conflicts, which led to international intervention and coalition forces demanding financial safeguards.
The US decision to hold Iraq’s oil revenues in New York was partly to protect Iraq from lawsuits and financial claims by other nations that participated in the coalition.
Despite being controversial, this system remains a cornerstone of Iraq’s economic framework, demonstrating the ongoing influence of the US over Iraq’s financial sovereignty.
The arrangement has been in place for nearly two decades, and its implications continue to be felt today. As Sandy Ingram’s video highlights, this is a complex issue with multiple stakeholders and interests at play.
The US control over Iraq’s oil revenue is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for Iraq’s economy and sovereignty. While the arrangement was initially designed to ensure transparency and prevent corruption, it has effectively given the US leverage over Iraq’s financial flows and economic sovereignty.
As we continue to navigate the intricacies of global politics and economies, it’s essential to understand the historical context and ongoing implications of this arrangement. For further insights and information, watch the full Edu Matrix video featuring Sandy Ingram.
https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/02/20/edu-matrix-why-the-us-still-controls-iraqs-dollar-pipeline/