News, Rumors and Opinions Monday 8-24-2026

Majeed KSA: RV Summary as of 23rd August 2026

RV summary:

– The name of the last two nominees left to fill up the cabinet, were sent to the Prime Minister’s office last night.

– US treasury squeezed Iran by the balls… the economy is so bad in Iran, Iran started crawling for any way to get money through any neighboring country especially Iraq and keep kissing Iraq’s a*s in order to get something… but the Prime Minister keep giving them the middle finger.

– US treasury promises hell on Iran this week… it will be a historical collapse to this regime.

– CBI implemented advanced mechanism to control liquidity also to strengthen the currency value and increased trust in banks.

– Prime Minister of Iraq, insist that Iraq is moving forward with the neighing country and ignoring any obstacle…

– This week, council of minister will approve ASYCUDA agreement that was reached between Kurdistan and Iraq.

Iraq stopped selling more dinar to the international market and instead they’re asking the international market to return stolen funds that is held in an offshore accounts.

Many Websites that sells Iraqi dinar have officially stopped, and many currency exchange places putting people on waitlist to get dinar because it’s hard to get a hold of it.

Except on banknote world website they are still selling you whatever you want. Because that’s an old website and maybe they have big inventory.

The New Region:Iraq has formed a special committee to contact authorities in other countries where stolen funds are suspected to be held, with Lebanon sticking out as the main destination in question, an official said Sunday. https://thenewregion.com/posts/6309

Bingo.

Prime Minister’s Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji: “Al-Zeidi will not be nominated for a second term and is the man of the current stage”

– One week ago, the minister of communication in Iraq exposed the decision to delete three zeros.

– Today I gave “RV summary” read it.

– In a few hours US treasury will launch a historical hell on Iran.

Convince me we’re not close, I dare you… i’m waiting.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/majeed66224499/status/2091614270567887266

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/23/majeed-ksa-rv-summary-as-of-23rd-august-2026/

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

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

Militia ManThe plan is too far along to reverse at this stage.  Big business is not waiting for perfect political optics.  The systems track, the banking, payments, customs, gas capture, standardization, performance, budgeting, all those things are still advancing at the same time.  The so-called experts are not telling you this...They don't mention it when they talk about redenomination...If I ever believed it was going to be a 'reverse split' I wouldn't here...

Jeff  The amount of dinar right now presently around the world is 136 trillion....Is the dinar outside [Iraq] usable for anything?  Hell no it's not.  So, does the central bank give two shits about it?  Absolutely not...Why?  It's not usable, can't be used for anything outside of Iraq...The United States has about half of Iraq's money supply.  Can the US do anything with it? Nope...The Central Bank only cares about how much dinar is physically within the country of Iraq.  It's roughly 20 to 40 trillion.  [Post 1 of 2....stay tuned]

Jeff When they delete the zeros the money supply changes...to 20 to 40 billion which is a perfect amount.  Now, What are all these countries going to do with unusable, unrecognizable currency? They're using it to asset back.  It's called Basil III compliance to asset back or strengthen their own country's physical currency because Basil III says countries can strengthen the value of their country's currencies with both precious metals and physical currency notes...The central bank doesn't care about the dinar outside of Iraq.  They only care about the dinar that remains in-country. [Post 2 of 2]

THE SYSTEM IS FAILING: Take Back Control Before It’s Too Late | Robert W. Malone, M.D., M.S.

Liberty and Finance:  8-22-2026

Robert W. Malone, M.D., M.S. believes greater self-reliance - from growing your own food to understanding the monetary system - can help individuals regain personal sovereignty.

 The conversation explores inflation, fiat currency, central banking, financial manipulation, and the potential consequences when the current monetary system reaches its limits.

Malone also examines psychological warfare, information manipulation, centralized power, and how these forces can shape what people believe and how they behave.

His central message is urgent but ultimately positive: don’t become a victim - take responsibility, build community, and become more self-sufficient and autonomous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f34hz5pD4Wc

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Morning 8-24-26

Iraqi Hopes For Removing Zeros From The Dinar To Combat Corruption

Baghdad   Ahmed Eid   The proposal to remove zeros from the Iraqi dinar has brought back to the forefront a wide debate about the reality of the project, the possibility of its implementation, and the results that it can achieve, especially with its connection to returning hoarded funds to the banking system and revealing some of the funds resulting from corruption, in addition to questions about its impact on inflation, the value of the dinar, and purchasing power.

The debate gains even greater importance with the sheer volume of currency in circulation in Iraq, as the value of the currency issued by the Central Bank exceeds 101 trillion dinars (about 77 billion US dollars), of which more than 94 trillion are in circulation among the public, compared to about 7.3 trillion dinars held by banks.

The debate centers on the extent to which removing zeros and replacing the currency will encourage those with large sums to pass their money through banking channels and subject it to verification of its sources, which may help in uncovering corruption funds, versus questions about the economic feasibility of the project, its cost and risks, and whether it is actually able to address inflation and enhance the value of the dinar.

Days after Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad declared that the decision to remove zeros and change the currency had been finalized, linking it to the release of hoarded funds and the handling of approximately eight trillion dinars he claimed were looted, the government denied the existence of any official decision in this regard. Ministry spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi stated that the Cabinet had not made a decision to remove zeros, nor had the Central Bank made a similar decision, emphasizing that the matter requires legislation from Parliament.

To date, the Central Bank has not announced an implementation plan or a timeline for initiating the process, leaving the project still under discussion and not yet a binding decision.

In this context, Ahmed Rashid, a member of the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives, said that the project to remove zeros, if it proceeds, should be seen as part of a broader path to reform the financial and banking system, to contribute to returning some of the funds hoarded outside banks to official channels, especially if the currency replacement process is accompanied by clear banking and regulatory controls.

Rashid added, in an interview with Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, that replacing large amounts of cash will require huge sums to pass through banks and authorized entities, which could provide an opportunity to verify the sources of large sums in accordance with the laws in force to combat money laundering and corruption, and help regulatory bodies to monitor transactions and funds whose sources are suspected.

He stressed that removing zeros does not automatically mean recovering looted funds without legal procedures and investigations, noting that a project of this size needs a suitable economic environment and an in-depth study involving the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, the Financial Control Bureau and the Parliamentary Finance Committee, before it is formulated into a draft law and presented to the House of Representatives.

Rashid explained that the project is still under discussion and has not yet reached Parliament in a legislative form, indicating that removing zeros should not be presented as a standalone solution to economic problems or a means to increase purchasing power, as its results remain linked to the accompanying fiscal and monetary policies.

For his part, banking expert Abdul Rahman Al-Sheikhli believes that removing three zeros from the dinar is technically possible, but its success depends on the availability of a stable economic and monetary environment, foremost among which is the stability of the exchange rate and reducing the gap between the official and parallel rates. He stressed that removing zeros does not in itself mean an increase in the real value of the dinar or an increase in the purchasing power of the citizen.

 Al-Sheikhli explained to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that changing the currency does not change the size of the wealth or real income, as the prices of goods, salaries, deposits and debts will change in parallel.

Therefore, betting on removing zeros to raise the value of the dinar may give an unrealistic impression of the results of the process, in addition to the financial cost resulting from printing the new denominations, withdrawing the old currency and updating banking and accounting systems.

He stressed that removing zeros does not represent a cure for inflation, because controlling rising prices is linked to managing liquidity, public spending, monetary policy, and levels of production and imports.

Therefore, the success of the experiment requires addressing these factors before implementing the process, and not relying on removing zeros to address them.

Al-Sheikhli warned that choosing an inappropriate time could disrupt pricing, contracts, and bank accounts, and increase demand for the dollar out of anxiety or speculation.

 He pointed out that the true feasibility of the project should be measured by what it achieves in facilitating transactions and reducing the cost of handling and managing a huge amount of cash, and not by the number of zeros that disappear from banknotes. 

For his part, economist Ziad Al-Hashemi believes that removing zeros, if coupled with currency replacement within a sound monetary plan, could give the central bank greater ability to control the money supply and bring back some of the money circulating outside official channels into the banking system, thus reducing the scope of illicit money movement within the economy.

Al-Hashemi explained to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the success of this mechanism depends on the state’s ability to prevent those who have acquired funds from corruption from converting them during the transitional period into other assets, such as real estate, dollars, or gold.

He pointed out that subjecting large purchase and transfer operations to scrutiny of the sources of funds can narrow the avenues for recycling that liquidity, but it does not eliminate it entirely.

Al-Hashemi pointed out that the success of the operation in curbing illicit funds is not related to the removal of zeros in itself, but rather to the design of the exchange period and the restrictions imposed on the movement of funds during it, warning that announcing early, ill-considered procedures may give owners of illicit liquidity an opportunity to convert it into dollars, gold, or real estate before the exchange begins.  August 22, 2026 | Last updated: 03:03 (Jerusalem time)

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/economy/تعويل-عراقي-على-حذف-أصفار-الدينار-لملاحقة-الفساد

Al-Shiqr: Eliminating Zeros From The Currency Is A Worthless Step Unless The Iraqi Dinar Is Pegged To The Dollar

Iraq Al-Hadath Satellite Channel   @iraqlhadath

  Translated from Arabic

Al-Shiqr: Eliminating zeros from the currency is a worthless step unless the Iraqi dinar is pegged to the dollar.

#Iraq_Events_For_Every_Event #Wherever_You_Are_We_Are ,

Follow us via frequency H10891 / 27500

https://x.com/iraqlhadath/status/2091259646019330355

 Video Translation below:4m

Greetings to you and to our dear colleagues, and greetings to brother Mustafa Sanad as well.

Yes.

He explained a matter—strictly speaking, it falls outside the scope of the Communications sector, but in Iraq, he is a member of the Council of Ministers, so he has the right to discuss any topic.

Yes.

So, I don't believe he spoke outside the scope of his duties.

Right.

However, what he revealed is that there is indeed a committee carefully studying the concept of—what is called—"dropping the zeros"; I actually dislike that term.

Dividing by 1,000.

25,000 becomes 25 dinars.

Right.

So, 1,000 dinars becomes 1 dinar.

A dinar.

And 500 dinars becomes, say, 500 fils, and so on.

Yes.

I think it’s a good idea. For the record—as the Secretary-General of the Najah Center—where is the camera here?

It’s clear, Doctor.

We first raised this issue back in 2018. The key point we proposed was issuing a new Iraqi dinar backed by gold, or pegging the dinar to a basket of foreign currencies.

That was the key point.

The dollar and the pound...

The dollar, the pound, and the euro—exactly. That was the main point: what is the benefit if 1,000 dinars simply becomes 1 dinar, yet the market value of the dinar remains the same?

We want to strengthen the economy.

Strengthening the economy depends on...

All economists know this: pegging the local currency's exchange rate to the dollar.

Right.

So, I did something that might have an impact.

Before that, Doctor—who would allow Iraq to just go ahead and drop the zeros?

Dropping three zeros to leave just one dinar?

What is the benefit?

If you haven't coordinated with the US Federal Reserve or the US Treasury, what is the benefit? There’s no real benefit.

I mean, what’s the point of getting 25?
If you set it at 25 dinars, and tomorrow it hits 60, then there’s no difference at all.

Well, the point is that once you peg the dinar’s rate, you’ll see the difference relative to the US dollar.

I can actually give you a copy of this—here you go, if you’re interested.

I.

It shows three neighboring Arab countries.

Right, let’s move on to the policy aspect.

Sure.

So, the red line represents the Jordanian currency.

This covers the period from 1975 to 2005—that’s 50 years.

It’s clear.

Regarding that red line: they had currency issues—fluctuations—but in 1990, they decided to peg it to the dollar.

Throughout that entire period, it was a straight line—no changes whatsoever.

From 1990 to the present—exactly.

The Jordanian dinar itself.

What is the blue line? The UAE?

The year 1980.

They pegged the currency; it became a straight line—no fluctuations.

From 1980 to the present; and Saudi Arabia did the same, up until around 1990.

They pegged it, and it became a straight line.

This is the goal of the Central Bank of Iraq.

Iraq: we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

My dear...

https://x.com/iraqlhadath/status/2091259646019330355

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Morning 8-24-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

When High U.S. Yields Stop Supporting the Dollar: Debt, Treasury Policy and a New Currency Warning

The traditional relationship between higher U.S. interest rates and a stronger dollar is being tested as investors increasingly focus on the size of U.S. debt, Treasury intervention and the long-term credibility of the fiscal position.

Overview

• The U.S. dollar is near multi-month lows even as long-term Treasury yields remain historically elevated, challenging the assumption that higher yields automatically attract stronger demand for dollars.

• The Treasury has doubled planned long-duration bond buybacks to at least $4 billion per operation, signaling increased sensitivity to elevated borrowing costs and stressed long-end Treasury markets.

• Gold and the Chinese yuan are gaining attention as investors reassess currency and sovereign-debt risk, creating a potentially important new phase in global financial diversification.

Key Developments

1. Higher Treasury yields are no longer translating cleanly into a stronger dollar

For years, one of the basic relationships in global finance has been relatively straightforward:

Higher U.S. yields → greater demand for Treasury assets → greater demand for dollars.

That relationship is now becoming less reliable.

The dollar began this week near multi-month lows, even while long-term U.S. borrowing costs remain elevated. Reuters reports that investors are increasingly concerned about the combination of ballooning U.S. debt, fiscal deficits and Treasury intervention in the bond market.

That does not mean investors have lost confidence in the dollar.

It means the market is beginning to weigh the reason yields are high.

If yields rise because the U.S. economy is strong and the Federal Reserve is tightening policy, that can support the dollar.

If yields rise because investors demand greater compensation for inflation, fiscal risk and enormous government borrowing, the currency response can be very different.

That distinction is becoming increasingly important.

2. Treasury intervention is sending a powerful signal

The Treasury recently announced that it would double the size of certain long-term Treasury buybacks from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also indicated that the size could eventually be increased further.

The stated objective is to improve liquidity in the long-end of the Treasury market.

But the market is also interpreting the move as evidence that Washington is increasingly concerned about elevated long-term borrowing costs.

The problem is scale.

The U.S. Treasury market is approximately $32 trillion, making a $4 billion operation relatively small compared with the overall market. Reuters reports that investors nevertheless viewed the announcement as significant because of the signal it sends about Treasury policy.

The question is therefore not simply whether the buybacks can move yields.

It is whether markets begin to believe that Treasury policy is increasingly being used to manage financial conditions.

3. The $40 trillion debt problem remains underneath the market

The deeper issue cannot be solved through a bond buyback.

U.S. government debt has now moved above $40 trillion, while persistent fiscal deficits continue to require enormous amounts of new Treasury issuance. Reuters notes that the structural imbalance remains a major reason long-term borrowing costs are under pressure.

That creates a difficult feedback loop:

More debt → more Treasury issuance → higher interest expense → greater borrowing requirements → more debt.

At some point, investors begin paying closer attention not just to the yield they receive, but to why the yield is necessary.

That is where the dollar becomes part of the story.

4. The dollar is becoming the release valve

This may be the most important development for global financial-reset watchers.

Reuters reported Monday that analysts see Treasury efforts to support long-duration bond prices as potentially shifting pressure toward the dollar. The dollar has already weakened against gold and bitcoin, while the yuan is approaching a 3½-year high.

In other words, if Washington succeeds in containing long-term Treasury yields without addressing the underlying fiscal pressures, investors may increasingly ask:

Where does the pressure go instead?

One possible answer is the currency.

A weaker dollar can make U.S. financial conditions somewhat easier by reducing the real burden of dollar-denominated debt, but it also makes imports more expensive and can increase inflationary pressure.

That creates a difficult policy balancing act.

5. Gold and the yuan are becoming part of the conversation

The significance of gold's strength is not that it is replacing the dollar.

Rather, gold provides an asset outside the liability structure of any single government.

That becomes more attractive when investors are uncertain about inflation, debt sustainability or currency policy.

The Chinese yuan presents a different challenge.

Reuters reports that the yuan has recorded eight consecutive weekly gains and is trading near its strongest level in approximately 3½ years.

China is not replacing the dollar as the world's reserve currency.

But if the dollar becomes less dominant at the margin while the yuan becomes more widely used in trade and settlement, the global monetary system can become more diversified without undergoing a sudden currency replacement.

That is a much more realistic way to think about a potential financial reset.

Why This Matters

The important development is not simply that the dollar is weak today.  It is that the traditional relationship between Treasury yields and the dollar is becoming more complicated.

Markets are increasingly distinguishing between:

Higher yields caused by strong economic growth

and

Higher yields caused by rising fiscal, inflation and debt risk.

That distinction could become increasingly important as governments around the world carry historically large debt loads.

The United States is not alone.

Reuters notes that long-term borrowing costs have also risen substantially in Japan and Europe, as governments face increased borrowing needs for defense, social spending and economic investment.

This makes the issue global rather than uniquely American.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign-currency holders, this is one of the most important relationships to watch.

A global financial reset does not necessarily require the dollar to collapse or another currency to suddenly replace it.

Instead, the transition could occur through gradual diversification:

• More trade settled in regional currencies

• Greater central-bank gold holdings

• Increased use of the yuan in international commerce

• Reduced reliance on any single reserve asset

• Greater sensitivity to government debt levels

• More competition between sovereign currencies

If markets increasingly separate high yields from dollar strength, currency valuations could become more dependent on fiscal credibility, trade balances, commodity flows and geopolitical relationships.

Implications for the Global Financial Reset

• The bond market and currency market are becoming more tightly connected.

The Treasury market is no longer simply about interest rates. Debt sustainability is increasingly influencing currency expectations.

• Treasury intervention could become an important new policy tool.

If buybacks expand beyond the current $4 billion level, markets will be watching whether Washington is beginning a more active approach to managing long-term borrowing costs.

• The dollar may face pressure even without a traditional financial crisis.

A gradual weakening caused by fiscal concerns would look very different from a sudden dollar collapse—but could still encourage diversification.

• Alternative stores of value become more important.

Gold's role becomes more significant when investors are questioning both inflation and sovereign debt.

• A more multipolar monetary system becomes easier to envision.

The dollar can remain dominant while the global financial system becomes less dollar-exclusive.

What to Watch Next

1. The dollar's reaction to continued elevated Treasury yields.

2. Whether Treasury expands its long-duration buybacks beyond the current $4 billion level.

3. The 30-year Treasury yield, which remains around historically elevated levels.

4. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's comments at the Jackson Hole symposium.

5. Whether gold continues gaining against the dollar.

6. Whether the yuan's recent strength continues.

7. Whether foreign investors reduce or increase their demand for long-term U.S. debt.

8. Any evidence that Treasury policy is moving from liquidity management toward broader yield management.

Bottom Line

The most important signal today is not that the dollar is weak.

It is that the dollar is weakening while U.S. long-term yields remain unusually high.

That breaks the simple assumption that higher Treasury yields automatically produce a stronger currency.

The underlying issue is the market's growing focus on what those yields are telling us about U.S. debt, inflation and fiscal policy.

Treasury buybacks may provide short-term liquidity and help calm the bond market, but they do not eliminate the underlying fiscal imbalance.

For the global financial system, that creates a potentially important new phase:

The question may no longer be simply how high U.S. yields can go. It may be whether the United States can maintain high yields, massive borrowing and a strong dollar at the same time.

And if those three pillars begin moving in different directions, global investors may accelerate the search for alternative stores of value, currencies and settlement systems.

That is where today's Treasury story becomes much larger than the bond market.

It becomes a story about how the world's financial system prices U.S. debt—and ultimately, the dollar itself.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News 

Sources

• Reuters — Dollar trading near multi-month lows, restrained by debt nerves

• Reuters — Bonds bounce on U.S. buybacks, but relief may be brief

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱 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 Late Sunday Evening 8-23-26

Al-Abadi On The Anniversary Of The Founding Of Iraq: Sovereignty, Institutions, And Justice Are The Criteria Of A True State

Baghdad - One News - 8/23/2026   On the anniversary of the founding of the modern Iraqi state, Haider al-Abadi, head of the Victory Coalition, affirmed that building a state is not completed by the date of its declaration or by the passage of time since its establishment, but rather by its ability to protect its sovereignty, preserve its institutions, and achieve justice for its citizens.  

He stressed that the desired Iraq is a state strong in its institutions, independent in its decisions, and balanced in its relations.  

Al-Abadi said in a post on the “X” platform that the anniversary of the founding of the modern Iraqi state brings to mind the fact that Iraq “was never just borders drawn by geography,” but rather an ancient state that carried the legacy of civilizations that contributed to the making of history.  

He added that building a state is not completed merely by recalling its founding date, but rather by its ability to protect its sovereignty, preserve its institutions, and achieve justice for its citizens, which makes the strength of the state linked to the effectiveness of its institutions and the independence of its decision.  

Al-Abadi pointed out that the Iraq that should be worked for is “a strong state with its institutions, independent in its decisions, balanced in its relations, and confident in its people and its future.”  

The head of the Victory Coalition concluded his statement by emphasizing the priority of Iraq and the state, saying: “Iraq comes first, and the state is above all.”   https://1news-iq.net/العبادي-في-ذكرى-تأسيس-العراق-السيادة-و/

Iraq Loses Over $30 Billion In Reserves Amid Regional Tensions: Cbi

The remarks came during a meeting Nasser held with the parliament’s finance committee, where he said that Iraq’s dollar reserves had fallen from $109 billion to $77.5 billion.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) Governor Nizar Nasser on Sunday said that the country’s reserves have fallen by around $31.5 billion, as the Iraqi economy struggles amid regional tensions. 

The remarks came during a meeting Nasser held with the parliament’s finance committee, where he said that Iraq’s dollar reserves had fallen from $109 billion to $77.5 billion.  

He noted that the funds had mostly been used to pay civil servant salaries, a participant in the meeting told The New Region

Iraq has been facing a worsening financial crisis since the start of the US-Iran war, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz massively cutting off Iraq’s main source of income: oil exports.  

The continuation of the war has sparked fears that the current measures the Iraqi government has implemented to make up for the decreased income cannot be seen as viable long-term solutions and that Baghdad will face difficulties paying civil servant salaries over the next few months.  

Nasser also touched on his monetary policy for the coming years, the preservation of financial stability, and cash management. 

In mid-July, the Iraqi parliament’s finance committee said it has completed a draft for a domestic and foreign borrowing bill to curb the economic crisis.  

In a televised interview in June, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said that Baghdad has resorted to printing cash 25 percent more than its actual financial capacity amid a drop in revenues due to the Iran war, warning that a financial catastrophe awaits Iraq if the conflict continues until the end of the year.  

The CBI has reportedly pumped around 43 trillion dinars (~$32.8 billion) into the market by printing more banknotes, reaching into its reserves, and recovering embezzled funds.

https://thenewregion.com/posts/6307

  Iraq Sets $50–$60 Oil Price For 2027 Budget

At a Glance

•   Oil benchmark is set below market prices

•   Salaries and pensions remain protected

•   The Strait of Hormuz risks are complicating budget planning

•   A supplementary budget is possible if revenues rise

Iraq’s 2027 draft budget is being prepared with a conservative oil price benchmark as the government seeks to shield public finances from energy market volatility and regional geopolitical risks.

Key Statements and Focus Area

•   Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister: The price per barrel in the 2027 draft budget is expected to range between $50 and $60.

•   Saleh on complications: tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have complicated budget planning.

Saleh stated that the government has set the benchmark below current market prices as a precaution against potential declines in global oil prices.

The measure is intended to provide greater protection against energy market volatility and unexpected changes in Iraq’s oil revenues.

Public sector salaries, wages, allowances, and pensions have been designated as key priorities in the draft budget.

Social protection funds are also included among the government’s protected financial commitments.

The government has said it will not compromise on payments to wage earners and low-income groups under the 2027 budget.

About the risks of the Strait of Hormuz, Saleh said that the waterway is particularly important for Iraq because disruptions to maritime trade can directly affect the country’s ability to export crude oil and generate revenue.

Budget projections indicate that Iraq could resume exports of more than 3 million barrels per day once the Strait of Hormuz crisis is resolved.
The government is also preparing for the possibility of stronger-than-expected revenues during 2027.

If revenues increase substantially by the middle of the year, authorities will prepare a supplementary budget to finance additional expenditures.

Saleh described the 2027 budget as one of the most complex draft bills in Iraq’s history, citing the current regional conditions and associated economic risks.

FYI

Iraq relies on crude oil exports for roughly 90% of its total state revenue, making its entire economy and public sector payroll highly vulnerable to market fluctuations and transit bottlenecks.

According to the IMF and World Bank, Iraq's actual fiscal breakeven oil price, the selling price per barrel needed to balance the national budget without incurring a deficit, typically sits much higher, often between $80 and $90 per barrel.

Setting a low baseline price of $50–$60 per barrel in the budget is a standard risk-mitigation strategy to avoid structural spending shocks; however, if real-world prices or export volumes drop significantly below budget forecasts, Iraq historically relies on central bank reserves, domestic borrowing, or freezing public investment projects to plug the funding gap.

https://channel8.com/english/news/64323

Iraq Finance Committee And CBI Discuss Crisis Resolution Strategies 

Daban Mohammed

At a Glance

•   Iraqi Parliamentary committee hosted CBI officials over the financial crisis.

•  Discussions focused on optimizing deficit-financing strategies and engineering proactive economic crisis solutions.

•  Agenda items included addressing public sector payroll delays, inflation metrics, and foreign exchange reserves.

The Iraqi Parliamentary Finance Committee hosted Central Bank officials on Sunday to discuss strengthening monetary policy, financing the budget deficit, and implementing reforms to resolve the financial crisis.

Key Statement and Focus Area

•  Lawmaker Uday Awad Kadhim stressed “the importance of establishing advanced mechanisms to strengthen monetary policy, support financial and monetary stability, and work on maximizing revenues to help boost the country's financial economy.”

•  The CBI Governor provided a detailed explanation regarding the bank’s direction in monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal years.

Uday Awad Kadhim chaired a meeting of the Finance Committee, during which the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser Hussein, the Deputy Governor, Shaimaa Abbas, and the senior staff were in attendance.

The high-level session focused on evaluating monetary frameworks, optimizing deficit-financing strategies, and engineering proactive fiscal solutions to navigate the ongoing economic crisis.

The committee reviewed inflation metrics, foreign exchange reserves, and the underlying factors causing public sector payroll delays.

The lawmakers evaluated the Central Bank’s revenue-generation strategy, foreign currency auction data, local exchange rates, and subsidized dollar distribution channels for travelers.

Additionally, the committee examined mechanisms for financing the budget deficit, including the possibility of lending to the government or discounting treasury bills to finance the deficit, along with its impact on the monetary system and the national economy.

The committee also examined deficit-financing options like government lending and treasury bill discounting to assess their impact on the national economy.

During the meeting, the CBI Governor detailed the bank’s monetary policy direction for upcoming fiscal years, outlining “mechanisms to maintain monetary stability, manage liquidity, and enhance the role of the policy interest rate, explaining the impact of monetary policy on economic activity and the importance of a gradual transition to support the real economy.”

Discussions examined banking sector development and structural economic reforms to bolster financial stability.

The panel further analyzed the Central Bank’s 2025 fiscal records to verify reserve sustainability and strengthen economic resilience.

FYI

Iraq is experiencing a severe fiscal crisis, shifting from a budget surplus to a 21.24 trillion IQD deficit in the first half of 2026. 

This shortfall stems from regional disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have bottlenecked southern crude oil exports. Consequently, falling revenues have caused lengthy public sector salary delays and widespread market stagnation. 

While some officials are pushing for emergency measures like printing money, experts warn this could destabilize the country's current inflation rate. 

Earlier, Lawmaker Dilan Ghafoor told Channel8 that the Iraqi Council of Representatives will conduct the reading of the Borrowing and Grants Bill of 2026, which defines the borrowing authorities of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance.

The Iraqi government is also reportedly seeking to pass a bill to delete zeros from the currency, aiming to restore liquidity to banks and activate the electronic system for financial transactions in the country.

https://channel8.com/english/news/64323

Rob Cunningham: Liberty at Machine Scale and the Stairway to Abundance

Rob Cunningham: Liberty at Machine Scale and the Stairway to Abundance

8-23-2026

What Does Liberty at Machine Scale Mean to Humanity?

We can’t begin to process the scope and scale of abundance humanity is soon to enjoy.

Imagine that today you own: $10 million of land.

The land may make you wealthy on paper, but you cannot send 0.003% of it across the planet at 2:14 AM, place it into an automated liquidity pool, use it for a three-hour secured financing transaction, retrieve it, pledge it elsewhere, or exchange part of its economic exposure against another asset.

Tokenization of all RWA changes the representation and mobility of that value.

Now expand this concept to: land + real estate + private equity + infrastructure + mineral rights + commodities + precious metals + intellectual property + receivables + equipment + financial securities + other legally recognized property rights.

This economic transformation can be summarized by one equation: Static Wealth → Programmable Productive Capital

That is much more consequential than merely digitizing ownership records.

Humanity may discover that what we historically perceived as a shortage of capital was partly a shortage of capital mobility.

We already possessed the land.

We already possessed the minerals.

We already possessed the buildings.

We already possessed the businesses.

We already possessed the inventions.

We already possessed the productive capability.

We frequently lacked a universal mechanism for turning those things into verifiable, divisible, interoperable, continuously mobile economic claims.

Tokenization doesn’t create the mountain.

It builds roads to the mountain.

We can’t begin to process the scope and scale of abundance all humanity is soon to enjoy.

STAIRWAY TO ABUNDANCE

There’s a world we inherited, sleeping in stone,
With a fortune beneath every road.
In the fields, in the mountains, the stories we own,
There is value that never could flow.

We counted our money,
But not what was real.
We measured the river
While damming its wheel.

Then somebody opened the gate.

And the earth became liquid,
The silent could speak.
A mountain found markets,
An acre found wings.

A fraction could travel
While ownership stayed,
And wealth that stood motionless
Entered the trade.

What if abundance was always here—
Waiting for a way to move?

Gold in the ground.
Homes on the street.
Ideas in a notebook.
Harvests of wheat.

Factories. Patents.
Businesses. Land.
The work of a lifetime
Held in human hands.

Not manufactured wealth.

Discovered wealth.

Not money from nothing.

Value made mobile.

And suddenly midnight
Was no longer “closed.”
No border could tell human value
Where value could go.

The markets kept breathing.
The engines stayed awake.
Machines searched for pathways
Humans couldn’t calculate.

Value met value.

Buyer met seller.

Collateral found capital.

And capital found creation.

Then something remarkable happened:

The question stopped being—

“Where will we find enough?”

And became—

“What will humanity build
when what we already have
can finally flow?”

Let the land become liquid
without selling the land.

Let the builder find capital
without losing his hands.

Let the inventor find markets.
Let the farmer find choice.

Let a billion forgotten assets
finally discover a voice.

Because wealth isn’t paper.

And wealth isn’t debt.

Wealth is creation
the ledger hasn’t recognized yet.

It’s sunlight and labor,
Copper and grain,
Human imagination
turning knowledge to gain.

It’s everything useful.
Everything true.
Everything humanity
can dream, make and do.

And when static wealth
becomes productive capital,

When trapped value
becomes programmable,

When ownership becomes divisible,

When markets become continuous,

When settlement approaches instantaneous,

When the whole world
can finally trade value
for value—

We may discover something
our age of scarcity
never permitted us to imagine:

We weren’t standing
at the end of prosperity.

We were standing
at its beginning.

So open the gates.

Let value flow.

Let humanity discover
the wealth it already owns.

And somewhere beyond
the old walls of scarcity,

A generation will look backward
and wonder why we ever believed Abundance was impossible.

– – the end – –

Godspeed to us all!

Watch on X:   https://twitter.com/i/status/2091182811818397790

Source(s):
• https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2091161501541319093
• https://x.com/KuwlShow/status/2091182811818397790

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/08/22/rob-cunningham-liberty-at-machine-scale-and-the-stairway-to-abundance/

We NEED A Gold Standard To Survive | Alasdair Macleod

We NEED A Gold Standard To Survive | Alasdair Macleod

Money Markets and more by Dominic Frisby:  8-23-2026

In this latest Money Markets and More, I sit down with monetary analyst Alasdair Macleod to discuss gold, fiat currency and why he believes we are rapidly approaching a point at which the monetary system as we know it can no longer survive without a return to gold.

Alasdair has spent decades studying financial markets, monetary history and the role of gold, and his argument is uncompromising: gold is money; pounds, dollars and euros are credit.

He believes confidence in fiat currencies is approaching breaking point and goes as far as to predict that the present system could be dead within the next 18 months.

 In his view, any currency that hopes to survive what comes next will ultimately have to become a credible substitute for gold through a proper gold standard.

From there, our conversation ranges from sterling, government debt and the fragility of bond markets to Japan, China and what a 21st-century gold standard might actually look like.

We discuss why Alasdair believes gold should be treated as the unit of account rather than something whose value is measured in depreciating currencies, why government debt eventually threatens the currencies supporting it, and why, if I gave him £100,000 today, his answer would simply be: gold.

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Sunday Afternoon 8-23-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

China's Yuan and the Emerging Shift in Global Trade Settlement

China is continuing to build the infrastructure for a larger international role for the yuan, and today's Sinopec results provide an important energy-market connection. The shift is not a sudden replacement of the dollar—but the combination of China's energy position, yuan settlement and expanding cross-border payment infrastructure is creating another pathway for global trade outside traditional dollar channels.

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

Overview

• China's yuan is gaining a larger role in cross-border settlement, with China's CIPS payment system experiencing a sharp increase in activity following the outbreak of the Middle East war.

• Sinopec's first-half profit rose 19.3%, despite the Iran war, lower domestic fuel demand and a $2.3 billion-equivalent inventory write-down, highlighting China's ability to adapt to the energy shock.

• The emerging story is not that the yuan is replacing the dollar, but that energy, trade and payment systems are increasingly providing alternatives to dollar-only settlement.

Key Developments

1. China's payment infrastructure is becoming more important

The most significant part of this story may not be the yuan itself.

It is the infrastructure being built around it.

China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) has become an increasingly important mechanism for settling international transactions in renminbi.

The European Central Bank reported that CIPS settlement activity increased by approximately one-third in March 2026 compared with the average of the previous 12 months following the outbreak of the Middle East war. The ECB also reported that customer-related cross-border renminbi payments through Chinese banks reached approximately $1.4 trillion in March, about 30% higher than the previous month.

That does not mean all of this represents permanent movement away from the dollar.

But it demonstrates something strategically important:

China already has an operating payment infrastructure capable of handling substantially more international commerce.

2. The Iran war is accelerating the energy-settlement question

Energy is where the yuan story becomes particularly important for global financial markets.

The Middle East conflict has disrupted traditional energy flows and highlighted the vulnerability created when international oil trade depends heavily on a single financial and payment architecture.

The ECB specifically noted that the war could become a catalyst for a greater role for the renminbi in global oil markets.

Reports cited by the ECB indicated that some vessels used renminbi through CIPS—or other payment mechanisms—to make payments associated with passage through the Strait of Hormuz during March and April.

This is an important distinction.

The question isn't whether the entire global oil market will suddenly switch from dollars to yuan.

The more consequential development is that oil transactions are increasingly demonstrating that alternatives can be used when geopolitical circumstances make traditional settlement channels more difficult.

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

3. Sinopec provides today's important energy connection

Today's new Sinopec results add another dimension to the story.

China's largest oil refiner reported first-half net profit of 25.63 billion yuan, up 19.3% from the same period last year, despite the Middle East conflict and declining domestic fuel demand.

The result is particularly notable because Sinopec also had to record an approximately 16 billion yuan inventory write-down as oil prices experienced extreme volatility.

Crude processing declined 5.6%, yet refining margins increased by 44.1%.

Sinopec attributed its resilience to factors including diversifying crude sources, optimizing purchasing and adjusting its product mix.

For the global financial-reset story, the significance isn't simply that Sinopec made more money.

It is that China's largest energy companies are adapting to a geopolitical environment in which traditional energy flows and financial relationships are being disrupted.

That increases the strategic value of China's own currency and payment infrastructure.

4. China is connecting trade, energy and payments

This is where several seemingly separate developments begin to connect.

China is simultaneously:

Expanding yuan internationalization → developing CIPS → increasing energy relationships → diversifying commodity suppliers → encouraging more cross-border yuan settlement.

The pieces do not constitute a replacement monetary system.

But together they provide another financial channel for international commerce.

That distinction matters.

A global monetary system does not have to be replaced overnight to become more multipolar.

It can become multipolar gradually as businesses, governments and financial institutions acquire more choices about which currency and payment system they use.

5. The dollar still dominates—but diversification is the story

There is no evidence that the yuan is about to displace the dollar as the world's primary reserve currency.

The dollar continues to dominate international finance, global reserves and major commodity markets.

China also faces significant limitations in making the yuan fully comparable with the dollar, including capital-account restrictions and the relative depth and openness of Chinese financial markets.

The Carnegie Endowment has specifically noted that the Hormuz crisis has highlighted the potential for greater renminbi use in energy markets while also exposing the limits of China's financial system and its continuing dependence on dollar-linked channels.

That makes the more defensible conclusion:

The world is diversifying its settlement options rather than abandoning the dollar.

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

Why This Matters

For decades, the global financial system benefited from a relatively simple structure:

Dollar → international trade → commodities → banking → reserves.

Now another layer is developing:

Yuan → CIPS → Chinese trade → energy → commodities → cross-border settlement.

The two systems can coexist.

In fact, that may be exactly what is happening.

The significance is that countries conducting business with China increasingly have the ability to settle at least some transactions without converting everything through the dollar system first.

That reduces dependence without requiring an outright rejection of the dollar.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign-currency holders, this is an important distinction.

The global financial reset is often described as if one currency will suddenly replace another.

The actual transition may be considerably more gradual.

If international trade becomes increasingly divided among dollars, euros, yuan and regional currencies, exchange rates could become more closely connected to trade relationships, energy flows and geopolitical alliances.

That could increase the importance of understanding why a currency is being used, not simply how much it is worth against the dollar.

For currencies connected to commodity-producing nations, this could become particularly important if more energy and commodity transactions are settled outside traditional dollar channels.

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

Implications for the Global Financial Reset

• Settlement diversification is becoming tangible.

The important development is not a declaration that the dollar is finished. It is the growing availability of alternative settlement infrastructure.

• Energy may be the catalyst.

Oil and natural gas are among the most strategically important internationally traded commodities. If more energy transactions can be settled in yuan or other currencies, the financial implications could extend well beyond the energy sector.

• CIPS 8is becoming strategically significant.

China's payment infrastructure gives Beijing an additional tool for expanding international use of its currency.

• The yuan's internationalization is increasingly connected to real trade.

A currency becomes more useful internationally when companies have practical reasons to hold and spend it. China's enormous role in manufacturing, commodities and energy consumption provides that underlying trade base.

• The emerging system is likely to be multipolar rather than immediately post-dollar.

The most credible interpretation is diversification—more currencies, more payment systems and more regional settlement arrangements operating alongside the existing dollar system.

What to Watch Next

1. Whether CIPS activity remains elevated after the Middle East energy crisis stabilizes.

2. Whether China expands yuan settlement for oil and other commodities.

3. Whether additional countries begin holding yuan for trade rather than simply converting it immediately into dollars.

4. Whether Chinese banks expand cross-border yuan services.

5. Whether BRICS members increase local-currency settlement in bilateral trade.

6. Whether the United States responds with measures designed to preserve the dollar's role in global trade and finance.

7. Whether the Iran conflict creates additional demand for non-dollar energy settlement.

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

Bottom Line

Today's Sinopec report provides an interesting piece of a much larger puzzle.

China's largest oil refiner was able to increase profits 19.3% despite the Iran war, falling domestic fuel demand and significant oil-price volatility. At the same time, China's cross-border payment infrastructure has experienced a substantial increase in activity during the Middle East crisis.

These developments do not prove that the yuan is replacing the dollar.

They demonstrate something more subtle—and potentially more important over time:

The global financial system is developing additional channels through which trade, energy and payments can move.

That is the kind of structural change worth watching.

The next phase of the global financial reset may not be about one currency replacing another—it may be about countries gaining the ability to choose among several currencies and payment systems when conducting international trade.

And as energy becomes increasingly intertwined with geopolitics, the yuan's role in global trade settlement could become one of the most important indicators of how quickly that diversification develops.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — Sinopec's half-year profit grew 19.3% despite Iran war and falling demand

• European Central Bank — The international role of the euro, June 2026

~~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Sunday Afternoon 8-23-26

US Imports 6K Bpd Of Iraqi Crude After Seven-Week Gap

2026-08-23   Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Washington  US crude oil imports from Iraq resumed at 6,000 barrels per day (bpd) after seven consecutive weeks at zero, according to the latest US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data.  The week ending August 14 marked the first Iraqi crude shipments to the United States since late June, well below the 71,000 bpd recorded in the week ending June 19.

Canada led US crude suppliers at 3.806 million bpd, followed by Venezuela at 730,000, Brazil at 336,000, Mexico at 295,000, and Ecuador at 200,000. Libya supplied 26,000 bpd, Saudi Arabia 9,000, and Iraq 6,000, placing Baghdad eighth among countries with nonzero shipments.

The seven-week halt coincided with severe disruption to Iraq’s oil exports following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which most of the country’s southern crude had previously been shipped.

Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer, averaged 179,000 bpd in US-bound shipments in 2025. The halt reflects disruption to Iraq's export routes since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, 2026, through which Iraq previously routed roughly 90% of its crude. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/US-imports-6K-bpd-of-Iraqi-crude-after-seven-week-gap

Dollar Falls Against Dinar In Baghdad And Erbil

2026-08-23  Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar fell against the Iraqi dinar on Sunday, hovering around 154,000 dinars per $100 in Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

At the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges in Baghdad, the dollar traded at 154,100 dinars per $100, down from 154,300 dinars on Saturday, according to a Shafaq News market survey.

In Baghdad's local exchange shops, the selling price reached 154,500 dinars per $100, while the buying price stood at 153,500 dinars.

Rates eased in Erbil as well, where the dollar sold at 153,900 dinars per $100 and was bought at 153,850 dinars.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-falls-against-dinar-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-6

Gold Prices Stabilize In Baghdad, Decline In Erbil

2026-08-23   Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   On Sunday, gold prices hovered around 1 million IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, according to Shafaq News Agency market survey.

Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 1,006,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 1,002,000 IQD. The same gold had sold for 1,006,000 IQD on Saturday.

The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 976,000 IQD, with a buying price of 972,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 1,005,000 and 1,015,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 975,000 and 985,000 IQD.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 1,035,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 988,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 847,000 IQD. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-stabilize-in-Baghdad-decline-in-Erbil-9

Dollar Approaches 200,000 Tomans In Iran

2026-08-23 Shafaq News- Tehran   The US dollar neared 200,000 tomans in Iran's free market on Sunday, setting a new record as strong demand for foreign currency and concerns over fresh US sanctions pushed the Iranian rial to another low.

The dollar traded at around 198,000 tomans, according to Iran's gold and currency information network, TGJU. Other free-market listings put the selling price close to 197,950 tomans, compared with roughly 195,950 tomans for buying. The dollar started the week at around 189,700 tomans, rising about 4.4% in less than seven days.

The dollar had fallen to around 153,000 tomans on June 17 after Tehran and Washington reached a preliminary understanding to end nearly six months of war. It has since recovered much of that decline, surpassing 191,000 tomans in July.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched a new push to isolate Iran economically, describing it as the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country.”

One toman = 10 Iranian rials. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-touches-200-000-tomans-in-Iran

French Exports To Iraq Reach $105M+ In Q2 2026

2026-08-23   Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Paris  French exports to Iraq rose 35.9% in the second quarter of 2026 to $106 million, according to data from the International Trade Centre’s Trade Map.

Exports increased by $28 million from $78 million in the first quarter, with pharmaceuticals recording the largest gain among major product categories. French pharmaceutical exports reached $27 million in the April-June period, compared with $2.9 million in the first quarter, an increase of $24.1 million.

Exports of essential oils, resinoids, perfumes, cosmetics and personal care products also climbed to $14 million, from $6.3 million in the previous quarter. Shipments of preparations made from cereals, flour, starch or milk, including pastry products, totaled $12 million during the second quarter.

Exports of electrical machinery, equipment and parts, however, fell to $9.9 million from $14 million in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, exports of machinery and mechanical appliances advanced to $9.8 million, compared with $6.5 million in the previous quarter. Exports of optical, medical and measuring instruments also jumped to $9.4 million, from $2.6 million in the first quarter.

Other French exports to Iraq included $4 million worth of dairy products, eggs, honey and other food products of animal origin. Exports of beverages, spirits and vinegar amounted to $3.4 million, while vehicles, parts and accessories accounted for $3.1 million.

Miscellaneous chemical products contributed a further $1.8 million to French exports to Iraq during the second quarter, the data showed. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/French-exports-to-Iraq-reach-105M-in-Q2-2026

Oil Ministry To Represent Iraq At Gastech 2026
2026-08-23 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq will participate in the Gastech 2026 exhibition in Bangkok next month, with Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs Ezat Saber Esmaeel attending at the invitation of US energy technology company Baker Hughes, a source from the ministry told Shafaq News on Sunday.

The source said the event, “the world’s largest exhibition for natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG)”, is expected to draw more than 50,000 energy industry participants and over 1,000 exhibiting companies from 150 countries.

The ministry views such events as an opportunity to adopt the latest gas production technologies, reduce emissions, advance digital transformation in the energy sector, and keep pace with changes in the global gas market, according to the source.

Iraq remains one of the world’s largest gas-flaring countries. A World Bank report released in June 2026 ranked Iraq alongside Russia and Iran among the biggest contributors to global gas flaring in 2025. The data showed that the three countries collectively flared about 84 billion cubic meters of gas, accounting for nearly half of the global total.

Read more: Iraq's gas flaring paradox: a wealth of resources, a nation in need

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-Ministry-to-represent-Iraq-at-Gastech-2026

2026 GDP Ranking Places Iraq 76th Globally

2026-08-22 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq ranked 76th among the world’s poorest countries in 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita based on purchasing power parity (PPP) at $15,359.6, according to Global Finance magazine.

Burundi ranked as the world’s poorest country, with GDP-PPP per capita of $994.23, followed by the Central African Republic at $1,437.72 and South Sudan at $1,467.19.

At the other end of the ranking, Singapore recorded the highest GDP-PPP per capita at $164,317.89, followed by Luxembourg at $152,966.48 and Ireland at $152,632.06.

In April, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranked Iraq fifth among Arab economies in 2026, with GDP at PPP of $739.1 billion. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/2026-GDP-ranking-places-Iraq-76th-globally

Taboola the same on the Bottom of Posts

Venezuela Abandoning The Bolivar And Adopting The U.S. Dollar Would Be The Biggest Currency Switch Since The Advent Of The Euro

Venezuela Abandoning The Bolivar And Adopting The U.S. Dollar Would Be The Biggest Currency Switch Since The Advent Of The Euro, Hanke Says

Jason Ma, Shawn Tully  Updated Sat, August 22, 2026  Fortune

Steve Hanke earned the moniker "Money Doctor" after advising governments across the globe on how to use currencies to get inflation under control. The professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University is now helping Venezuela and has been named a special advisor to a leading member of the country's National Assembly.

He told Fortune's Shawn Tully that his solution for Venezuela's 400% inflation is full adoption of the U.S. dollar, meaning bolivars and the central bank would be abandoned. The idea is to remove the risk of a central bank printing money to help the government pay its bills, stoking higher prices.

"Taming inflation is the key to restoring stability in Venezuela, and all the other progress flows from that," Hanke explained. "Stability isn't everything, but without stability, which means stable prices, you have nothing. And there's no better case study showing that's true than Venezuela." 

He should know. The Money Doctor persuaded Montenegro in 1999 to dump theYugoslav dinar for the Deutschemark. He also oversaw Ecuador's switch from the sucre to the U.S. dollar in 2000, marking the first dollarization in Latin America since Panama a century earlier.

Then in 2009, Hanke became an informal advisor to the prime minister of Zimbabwe, which dollarized and reined in inflation. But a new government ditched the dollar in 2013, and hyperinflation returned.

Hanke is now on his second attempt in Venezuela, after his plan for a currency board in the mid-1990s failed to win a majority in the National Assembly. This time, he sees 50%-80% odds that dollarization will be approved.

"It would be the biggest switch from domestic currencies to an alternative since the introduction of the euro in 1999," he told Fortune's Tully.

Despite the ambitious plans, the U.S. dollar is already in integral part of the Venezuelan economy. Due to the collapsing bolivar, which has tanked 78% against the greenback over the past year alone, most consumers buy virtually everything with dollars.

In fact, almost everyone not working for the government or receiving aid and pensions from the government uses dollars. Hanke said this "spontaneous dollarization" raises the chances of an official currency switch.

But the prospect of losing the central bank, which acts as a lender of last resort, and essentially handing over monetary policy to the Federal Reserve are still daunting obstacles.

Even Argentine President Javier Milei, who campaigned on dollarization, backed off the idea after he took office. While he helped cool inflation sharply by slashing subsidies and the budget deficit, the annual rate is still high.

Argentina must also continue defending the peso, which is pegged to the dollar. Regional elections last year that crushed Milei's party sent the peso into a tailspin, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent came to the rescue with a currency swap line.

Still, Hanke sees dollarization as the key to unlocking Venezuela's economy, which is highly dependent on oil exports. A currency switch would induce a big surge of foreign investment into the oil sector, he predicted.

Then there's the $250 billion in Venezuelan debt, which is equivalent to about 150% of GDP. Hanke said increased production would provide the dollars needed to pay the principal and interest.

The end of hyperinflation would also lower interest rates, encouraging a wave of borrowing by consumers and businesses. That would in turn ignite the housing market and drive domestic investment, he added.

"If it happens soon, Venezuela would take off from negative growth this year to positive growth next year," Hanke said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

Argentina must also continue defending the peso, which is pegged to the dollar. Regional elections last year that crushed Milei's party sent the peso into a tailspin, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent came to the rescue with a currency swap line.

Still, Hanke sees dollarization as the key to unlocking Venezuela's economy, which is highly dependent on oil exports. A currency switch would induce a big surge of foreign investment into the oil sector, he predicted.

Then there's the $250 billion in Venezuelan debt, which is equivalent to about 150% of GDP. Hanke said increased production would provide the dollars needed to pay the principal and interest.

The end of hyperinflation would also lower interest rates, encouraging a wave of borrowing by consumers and businesses. That would in turn ignite the housing market and drive domestic investment, he added.

"If it happens soon, Venezuela would take off from negative growth this year to positive growth next year," Hanke said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/markets/currencies/articles/venezuela-abandoning-bolivar-adopting-u-231110931.html

Jon Dowling: Where Iraq Stands Now for the Rest of the Year and Wealth Transfer Updates

Jon Dowling: Where Iraq Stands Now for the Rest of the Year and Wealth Transfer Updates, August 2026

8-22-2026

In a recent eye-opening podcast episode hosted by Jon Dowling, guest Sandy Miarecki breaks down the mechanics of an impending financial reset.

From the quiet recall of billions in physical U.S. dollar pallets overseas to the introduction of asset-backed Treasury notes, Miarecki outlines a transition away from the Federal Reserve system.

 Furthermore, the discussion dives into how states like Florida are preparing to decouple from federal control, and how everyday people can prepare for a historic market correction.

For years, alternative financial analysts have warned that the Federal Reserve note (the fiat U.S. dollar) is unsustainable. According to Sandy Miarecki, we are now witnessing the physical dismantling of this debt-based system.

One of the most startling revelations in the podcast is the ongoing recall of billions of dollars in cash pallets held globally. Historically, the U.S. has exported physical fiat currency to stabilize foreign markets or fund offshore operations. Recalling these pallets signifies a systematic winding down of the Federal Reserve note system.

What replaces the dying fiat dollar? Miarecki explains that the financial system is transitioning toward constitutional money:

The Return of Tangible Value: New Treasury notes, backed by physical assets like gold and silver, are being prepared to restore true purchasing power.

The Role of USDTS: The transition will bridge the physical and digital worlds. A new digital Treasury system (DTS/USDTS) backed by tangible assets is set to realign global finance with constitutional principles, ensuring currency cannot be printed out of thin air by private central banks.

As the federal government faces systemic insolvency, individual states are beginning to assert their constitutional sovereignty. A prime example discussed by Miarecki is Florida’s new Clarity Act.

The Clarity Act is more than just state-level legislation—it is a testbed for states looking to decouple from federal corporate control.

Affirming Sovereignty: The act reasserts the state’s independence from unconstitutional federal mandates.

Tax Reform: By implementing localized tax structures and financial protections, Florida is building a firewall against federal overreach.

A Model for the Nation: Due to Florida’s prominence and its ties to key political figures, the state is uniquely positioned to draft the blueprint for how other states can reclaim their independence as sovereign republics rather than administrative corporate subsidiaries of Washington, D.C.

We are not just in a standard economic downturn; according to Miarecki, both the U.S. residential real estate market and the stock market are trapped in unprecedented, artificially inflated “super hyperbubbles.”

For years, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates artificially manipulated and pumped trillions of dollars into the banking sector. This has resulted in:

Historic Real Estate Inflation: Housing prices have detached entirely from median household incomes.

Extreme Margin Debt: Stock market investors have borrowed record amounts of capital to buy equities, creating a highly leveraged house of cards.

Miarecki warns that a sharp correction of over 50% is looming in both real estate and stocks. While a systemic collapse of this scale poses immense risk to the unprepared, it also presents a historic opportunity.

As the paper-based, manipulated markets dissolve, wealth will not disappear—it will transfer. Those who position themselves in tangible, physical assets (such as gold, silver, and real property) stand to benefit from a massive realignment of global wealth.

Beyond the numbers, the podcast touches on the geopolitical undercurrents driving this reset. Miarecki and Dowling discuss potential, highly anticipated indictments and arrests of key figures linked to globalist cartels and the “cabal.”

The dismantling of the Federal Reserve is not merely an economic event; it is a political extraction of corrupt entities that have controlled global wealth for over a century. The economic adjustments we are seeing are directly correlated with these behind-the-scenes legal and political maneuvers.

The insights shared by Sandy Miarecki paint a picture of a world in transition. While the main stream media focuses on daily political theater, the true shifts are happening in the plumbing of the global financial system and state-level sovereignty acts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4phC6mMOFA

Sunday Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 8-23-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  Exclusive: Parliament hosts Finance Minister to discuss the financial crisis and solutions

The First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Adnan Faihan, revealed on Saturday that the Minister of Finance, Faleh Al-Sari, is expected to be hosted in Parliament to discuss the details of the financial crisis facing Iraq.

Faihan told Shafaq News Agency that "the Minister of Finance has requested to attend the House of Representatives, and the request to host him will be included on the agenda of one of the upcoming sessions, with the date of the hosting to be determined in the coming days," indicating that "the Minister wants to explain the details of the financial crisis and the expected solutions to address it."

He added that "the borrowing law will be included on the agenda of one of the upcoming sessions for its first reading."

Finance Minister Faleh al-Sari confirmed the existence of a real financial deficit that is hindering the completion of salary payments for employees, retirees and social welfare beneficiaries, noting that the total monthly obligations for salaries amount to about 7 trillion and 800 billion dinars.

For his part, Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi confirmed that Iraq is facing "severe" financial challenges, noting that the government needs about 10.8 trillion dinars monthly to cover employee salaries and public expenditures, while the country's oil revenues do not exceed 2.5 trillion dinars.

It is worth noting that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi reassured employees and retirees on Friday that monthly salaries and government payments would be fully secured, while emphasizing that Iraq is going through "difficult and challenging" circumstances due to regional developments and the disruption of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.  link

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Tishwash:  Muzhir Muhammad Salih: The 2027 budget is based on an oil price between $50 and $60.

 The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, described the 2027 budget as one of the most complex budgets in terms of planning, given the geopolitical challenges surrounding Iraq, suggesting the adoption of a hypothetical oil price ranging between $50 and $60 per barrel.

Saleh said in a press statement that the upcoming budget will place salaries, wages, grants, pensions and the social welfare network at the top of its priorities, stressing that these items represent a “red line” that cannot be crossed.

He added that operational spending will focus on key sectors, including the maintenance of electricity networks, national security, and the provision of medicines and food baskets, which he described as “a safety valve for the Iraqi people.”

On the investment side, Saleh stressed that the electricity sector will be given top priority, noting that “electricity today is a matter of life or death for the economy and society,” and that the government program attaches great importance to the reconstruction and maintenance of power networks and addressing the electricity crisis that has been ongoing for years.

Regarding oil revenues, he explained that adopting a price between $50 and $60 per barrel comes as a precautionary measure to counter the fluctuations in global oil markets and the risks to trade routes, especially developments related to the Strait of Hormuz and its potential impact on Iraqi exports.

Saleh predicted that Iraq would return to exporting more than 3 million barrels per day after the end of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, suggesting the possibility of preparing a supplementary budget in the middle of 2027 if financial revenues improve.

Regarding the preparation of the budget, he indicated that the draft budget law will be transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the Cabinet in the coming days, and will then be referred to the House of Representatives to complete the procedures and legislative readings.

He pointed out that the state is moving towards implementing program and performance budgeting in a partial and gradual manner, with the aim of enhancing spending efficiency and linking government spending to the results achieved, instead of being satisfied with traditional oversight of spending.

Finance Minister Faleh Sari had previously announced the formation of five ministerial committees to prepare the draft general budget law for 2027, in cooperation with the World Bank  link

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Tishwash:  The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament told NINA: The Minister of Finance and the proposed loan law will soon be presented to Parliament.

Baghdad / NINA / First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Adnan Faihan confirmed that Parliament is awaiting the discussion of the proposed loan law and the hosting of the Minister of Finance in upcoming sessions.

Faihan stated to the National Iraqi News Agency ( NINA ): "The Minister of Finance has officially requested to appear before Parliament to explain the financial crisis and the possible solutions proposed for implementation."

He clarified: "The date for this meeting will be included on the agenda of one of the upcoming sessions."

He added: "The proposed loan and grant law will soon arrive from the government and will be placed on the agenda of Parliament sessions to proceed through the legislative and legal process and be put to a vote."

Regarding the delay in completing the cabinet, Fayhan affirmed that "there is a general trend among the political blocs, the government, and parliament to finalize the cabinet formation, which we expect to reach the House of Representatives soon for a vote." He pointed out that the delay in voting on the remaining ministerial candidates is linked to several factors, including entitlements, such as the Ministry of Interior portfolio, for which a candidate has not yet been decided, as well as a Kurdish disagreement over who will occupy the position of Deputy Prime Minister and who will hold the ministerial portfolio.   link

Tishwash:  Iraq Warns Against Illegal Forex and Crypto Trading

At a Glance

Forex and crypto trading prohibited

Illegal market continues to expand

Citizens face significant financial losses

Authorities warn of financial crimes

Information obtained by Channel8 indicates that illegal Forex and cryptocurrency trading continues to expand in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region despite official restrictions, with unregulated platforms exposing users to significant financial and legal risks.

Key Statements and Focus Area

Central Bank of Iraq: Forex and cryptocurrency trading through unauthorized platforms is prohibited.

Kurdistan Region Ministry of Interior: No company or mobile application has been officially licensed to conduct this type of business.

Financial regulators: Restrictions are aimed at preventing money laundering, fraud, illicit financing, and the unauthorized movement of cash outside the country.

Despite the official restrictions, an expanding underground market allows people in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to trade foreign currencies and cryptocurrencies through unregulated platforms and brokers.

Information obtained by Channel8 indicates that millions of dollars are being exchanged daily through anonymous applications, social media brokers, and informal financial networks.

One of the most common methods is peer-to-peer trading through international cryptocurrency platforms, including Binance and OKX.

Users can also arrange transactions through brokers operating on Telegram and other social media platforms, exchanging physical cash for digital currencies such as USDT.

Some traders use privately issued MasterCards and Visa cards to fund digital wallets. Such transactions can result in bank accounts being suspended.

Unlicensed currency exchange offices also reportedly operate as intermediaries, accepting cash and transferring digital assets to customers.

Iraq currently has no comprehensive legal framework regulating or protecting cryptocurrency trading. Authorities have therefore warned that users engaging with unauthorized platforms have limited legal protection if their funds are lost or stolen.

The restrictions are also intended to combat money laundering, prevent the financing of prohibited organizations, protect citizens from fraud, and limit the movement of physical cash outside the country.

Global data cited in the report indicates that ordinary retail traders face particularly high failure rates.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority and the European Securities and Markets Authority have reported that between 70% and 89% of retail users lose money in certain high-risk trading markets.

The information also indicates that inexperienced traders can lose their capital within a short period, with many accounts reportedly lasting less than 90 days before being depleted.

Professional and institutional traders generally operate with structured risk-management systems and longer-term strategies.

By contrast, ordinary retail users are more likely to rely on short-term speculation, limited financial information, and panic-driven decisions.

Estimates cited in the report place the success rate of ordinary retail traders at around 10% to 15%, compared with 75% to 85% for institutional and professional traders.

FYI

Foreign exchange (Forex) and cryptocurrency trading platforms operate within a decentralized global network that relies entirely on digital matching systems rather than centralized physical exchanges. Because these markets lack a fixed physical location, retail users interact directly with international brokers via electronic applications or peer-to-peer (P2P) networks to trade high-risk assets.

Unlike traditional banking, the rapid fluctuations in digital currency values mean that missing capital can vanish instantly into the digital space without any physical collateral or assets left behind. Due to these structural vulnerabilities, major regulatory bodies like the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) enforce strict transparency rules worldwide to warn the public about high retail loss rates.

Locally, because Iraq lacks any formal legislative framework to monitor or tax these transactions, the Central Bank of Iraq maintains a total prohibition on digital trading to prevent unregulated cash outflows and protect citizens from international fraudulent schemes.  link