Lottery Winners Who Lost It All: How Jackpot Dreams Turned Into Nightmares

Lottery Winners Who Lost It All: How Jackpot Dreams Turned Into Nightmares

By Mark Abadi, Lauren Frias, Kelsey Vlamis, Erin Snodgrass, Katie Balevic, Hannah Getahun, and Katherine Li

FINANCE  Business Inside

While it may be tempting, buying a lottery ticket is almost certainly not worth it.

And even if it does pan out, winning the lottery does not solve all of life's problems.

There are many examples of winners whose lives took a turn for the worse after hitting the jackpot.

Even if you beat the colossal odds of winning the lottery, it might not work out the way you expect.

There are plenty of examples of lottery winners — including some who won tens of millions of dollars — ending up exactly where they started, or worse.

Two of the biggest lotteries in the United States are Powerball and Mega Millions. The odds of winning Powerball are about one in 292 million, while the odds of winning Mega Millions are about one in 290 million.

The largest-ever lottery jackpot was $2.04 billion in the 2022 Powerball drawing. The winner was later identified as Edwin Castro, who bought his winning ticket in Altadena, California.

The second-largest was pulled this year on September 6, when two tickets, one sold in Missouri and the other in Texas, had the winning numbers for a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot. Powerball said if the winners opted for cash payouts, they would receive about $410 million each before taxes.

The drawing marked the sixth time in Powerball's 33-year history that the prize climbed past $1 billion.

For these previous lottery winners, snagging the jackpot didn't change their lives for the better.

Lara and Roger Griffiths bought their dream home — and then life fell apart.

Before they won a $2.76 million lottery jackpot in 2005, Lara and Roger Griffiths, of England, reportedly never argued.

Then they won and bought a million-dollar barn-converted house and a Porsche, not to mention luxurious trips to Dubai, Monaco, and New York City.

Media stories say their fortune ended in 2010 when a freak fire gutted their house, which was underinsured, forcing them to shell out for repairs and seven months of temporary accommodations.

Shortly after, there were claims that Roger drove away in the Porsche after Lara confronted him over emails suggesting that he was interested in another woman. That ended their 14-year marriage.

Bud Post lost $16.2 million, and his own brother put out a hit on him, his obituary said.

William "Bud" Post won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery in 1988, but he was $1 million in debt within a year.

"I wish it never happened," Post said. "It was totally a nightmare."

A former girlfriend successfully sued him for a third of his winnings, and his brother was arrested and later convicted, according to Post's obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, for hiring a hit man to kill him and his then-wife in the hopes he'd inherit a share of the winnings.

After sinking money into family businesses, Post sank into debt and spent time in jail for firing a gun over the head of a bill collector.

"I was much happier when I was broke," he said, The Washington Post reported.

Bud lived quietly on $450 a month and food stamps until his death in 2006.

Martyn and Kay Tott won a $5 million jackpot but lost the ticket.

Martyn Tott, 33, and his 24-year-old wife Kay, from the UK, missed out on what would have been $5 million lottery fortune after losing their ticket.

A seven-week investigation by Camelot Group, the company that runs the UK's national lottery, convinced officials that their claim to the winning ticket was legitimate. But since there is a 30-day time limit on reporting lost tickets, the company was not required to pay up, and the jackpot became the largest unclaimed amount since the lottery began in 1994.

"Thinking you're going to have all that money is really liberating. Having it taken away has the opposite effect," Kay Tott told The Daily Mail. "It drains the life from you and puts a terrible strain on your marriage. It was the cruelest torture imaginable."

The couple's marriage eventually fell apart.

Sharon Tirabassi won $10 million Canadian but eventually returned to her old life.

In 2004, Sharon Tirabassi, a single mother who had been on welfare, cashed a check from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. for more than $10 million Canadian.

She spent her winnings on a "big house, fancy cars, designer clothes, lavish parties, exotic trips, handouts to family, loans to friends," and in less than a decade she was back "riding the bus, working part-time, and living in a rented house."

"All of that other stuff was fun in the beginning, now it's like, back to life," she told The Hamilton Spectator.

Luckily, Tirabassi put some of her windfall in trusts for her six children, who would be able to claim the money when they turned 26.

To Continue To Read More: https://www.businessinsider.com/lottery-winners-lost-everything-2017-8

Why Silver Could Be the Most Mispriced Asset on Earth

Why Silver Could Be the Most Mispriced Asset on Earth

Miles Franklin Media:  3-8-2026

Michelle Makori, President & Editor-in-Chief of Miles Franklin Media, breaks down why silver may be the most undervalued asset in the world right now – despite surging demand across energy, technology, defense, and finance.

Silver is essential to modern civilization. It powers solar panels, electric vehicles, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, medical technology, aerospace systems, and advanced military equipment.

Yet even after a major rally, silver still trades far below its inflation-adjusted highs and may be dramatically mispriced relative to its strategic importance.

At the same time, global inventories are shrinking, industrial demand is accelerating, and physical silver is migrating from Western vaults to Eastern manufacturing economies. Meanwhile, the paper derivatives market continues to dominate price discovery, creating a widening gap between physical supply and financial claims.

Is silver becoming one of the most strategically important metals in the world?

In this special Real Story episode, Michelle Makori examines the powerful forces converging in the silver market and why some analysts believe the metal could be dramatically undervalued.

In this episode of The Real Story with Michelle Makori:

The global silver supply crunch

Industrial demand from AI, EVs, and solar

Why silver is critical to national security

COMEX and LBMA inventory declines

Paper silver vs physical silver markets

Silver’s role as a monetary metal

The inflation-adjusted price of silver

Why some believe silver is historically undervalued

00:00 Silver Market Shock

01:28 Silver Dual Role

02:17 Industrial Demand Surge

02:57 Recycling Supply Drain

03:22 Military Silver Hunger

06:04 Critical Mineral Status

06:41 Mining Supply Limits

 07:45 Inventories Shift East

08:42 Paper Market Cracks

10:16 Silver as Money Again

11:43 Inflation Adjusted Upside

12:40 This Is the Real Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=822BUedTDRo

Iran and the Acceleration of the Financial Reset

Iran and the Acceleration of the Financial Reset

Miles Harris:   3-9-2026

The escalating conflict around Iran is not just a geopolitical flashpoint; it’s a catalyst for a profound transformation in the global financial system.

As tensions rise, a fundamental rewiring of financial infrastructure is underway, driven by the limitations of traditional finance under physical constraints and sanctions.

At the heart of this revolution is the tokenization of oil and commodities, a process that’s accelerating the shift towards a more efficient, transparent, and decentralized financial architecture.

The global financial system is bifurcating into two parallel digital financial rails, aligned with geopolitical blocs.

The Western system is emphasizing transparency, compliance, and programmable settlement, while the BRICS plus nations are focusing on de-dollarization and sanctions bypass through alternative digital commodity settlement.

This divergence is not just a reaction to geopolitical tensions but a response to the inherent inefficiencies of traditional finance.

Tokenization is the process of creating “digital twins” for physical commodities such as oil, where each token represents an allocated, verified physical barrel or unit.

This system allows for programmable settlement, real-time tracking, automated compliance, and secure provenance verification, reducing counterparty risk and inefficiency inherent in paper-based contracts.

Trade finance platforms like VACT and Comgo are already leveraging tokenization to enable digital passports for oil shipments, ensuring legitimacy and compliance within respective economic zones.

The conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, is speeding up the adoption of blockchain-enabled smart contracts and digital verification systems.

 As shipping risks, insurance costs, and uncertainty in traditional systems increase, the need for a more robust and resilient financial infrastructure becomes more pressing.

 Tokenization provides a critical mechanism for sanctioned states to maintain sovereign trade outside the US-dominated dollar clearing system, facilitating bilateral commodity settlements using alternative currencies like the Chinese yuan.

Initiatives like MBridge, a BIS-backed cross-border CBDC settlement prototype, have laid the groundwork for sovereign digital settlement networks outside the Western dollar system.

Although BIS’s withdrawal from MBridge reflects the geopolitical complexities of these shifts, the idea of alternative digital settlement networks continues to gain traction.

The tokenization of commodities is enabling the creation of new financial rails that are more efficient, transparent, and decentralized.

The global financial system is moving towards atomic, programmable finance that merges physical commodities with digital verification across competing but parallel ledgers.

 The Iran conflict is accelerating this historic transition, driven by the need for a more robust and resilient financial infrastructure.

Tokenized commodity markets are already operating continuously and more transparently than legacy markets, as exemplified by the surge in the United States Oil Tokenized Fund over a weekend when traditional markets were closed.

The conflict around Iran is not just a geopolitical crisis; it’s a catalyst for a profound transformation in the global financial system.

As the world navigates this new financial era, it’s essential to recognize the increasing importance of physical assets amid growing volatility and structural change in energy markets.

The tokenization of oil and commodities is revolutionizing global finance, enabling the creation of new financial rails that are more efficient, transparent, and decentralized. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s crucial to understand the implications of this shift and its potential to reshape the global financial landscape.

For further insights and information, watch the full video from Miles Harris, which provides a detailed analysis of the tokenization of oil and commodities and its impact on the global financial system.

https://youtu.be/UBYAZsqM89k

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Afternoon 3-9-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

China–Taiwan–Japan Tensions Flare Over Rare Taiwanese Leadership Visit

Beijing’s sharp response underscores the geopolitical sensitivity surrounding Taiwan’s international presence

Overview 

Tensions in East Asia escalated after Taiwan’s premier, Cho Jung-tai, made a rare visit to Japan, prompting a strong diplomatic protest from China, which accused the trip of advancing pro-independence goals.

Although the visit was described as private and centered on attending the World Baseball Classic, Beijing condemned the move as a provocation that undermines its “One China” policy.

Officials in Japan quickly downplayed the trip’s political significance, emphasizing that no official meetings took place between Cho and Japanese government leaders.

Still, the episode highlights the extreme geopolitical sensitivity surrounding Taiwan’s global engagement, particularly at a time when tensions between major powers are rising across the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Developments

1. China Condemns Taiwan Premier’s Visit

China reacted strongly to the visit by Cho Jung-tai, accusing him of advancing Taiwanese independence under the cover of a private trip.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry warned that Japan could “pay a price” for allowing the visit to take place.

For China, any international travel by Taiwanese leaders carries symbolic weight because Beijing views Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory.

Even informal or unofficial interactions with foreign governments are often interpreted as efforts to legitimize Taiwan’s political autonomy on the world stage.

2. Japan Moves Quickly to Defuse Diplomatic Fallout

The government of Japan responded by emphasizing that the trip was purely private and not connected to official diplomatic activities.

Japanese officials stated clearly that:

• No meetings occurred between Cho and government officials

• The visit had no political agenda

• Tokyo remains committed to its longstanding diplomatic framework with Beijing

Japan maintains no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, following the normalization of relations with China in 1972.

However, the country continues to maintain strong economic, cultural, and unofficial political ties with Taiwan.

3. Taiwan Defends Its Right to International Engagement

Officials in Taiwan rejected Beijing’s criticism, arguing that Taiwanese leaders have the right to travel internationally and interact with foreign societies.

Cho himself stated that his visit focused on supporting Taiwan’s national team at the World Baseball Classic, emphasizing the personal nature of the trip.

Still, the visit carries historic significance.

Taiwanese media noted that this may be the first time a sitting Taiwanese premier has traveled to Japan since diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Taipei were severed in 1972.

4. Historical Ties Between Taiwan and Japan Add Complexity

The relationship between Taiwan and Japan has deep historical roots.

Japan governed Taiwan from 1895 until the end of World War II in 1945, leaving behind lasting cultural, economic, and social connections.

Even without formal diplomatic recognition, the two sides maintain:

• Extensive trade relationships

• Cultural exchanges

• Unofficial political dialogue

In 2022, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, then vice president, traveled to Japan to attend memorial events following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, another visit that drew strong criticism from Beijing.

5. Taiwan’s Strategic Role in Indo-Pacific Security

The incident also highlights Taiwan’s growing strategic importance in regional security discussions.

Japan and the United States have increasingly emphasized that stability in the Taiwan Strait is critical to regional security.

Beijing views these statements as external interference in what it considers a domestic matter, intensifying geopolitical friction.

As a result, even symbolic events—such as attending an international sporting competition—can trigger major diplomatic responses.

Why It Matters

The controversy surrounding Cho Jung-tai’s trip reflects how sensitive Taiwan’s international status remains in global geopolitics.

Three major dynamics are shaping the situation:

1. China is aggressively defending its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.
2. Regional powers are strengthening unofficial ties with Taiwan while avoiding formal recognition.
3. The Indo-Pacific region is becoming a central arena for great-power competition.

These tensions continue to influence military strategy, trade flows, and diplomatic alliances across the region.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For observers of global economic and financial stability, geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan carry significant implications.

The Taiwan Strait sits at the center of some of the world’s most important supply chains, including:

• Semiconductors

• Electronics manufacturing

• Shipping routes connecting Asia to global markets

Any escalation in tensions could trigger:

• Market volatility

• Supply chain disruptions

• Currency instability in Asian economies

As geopolitical risk rises, investors often shift capital toward safe-haven assets and currencies.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Strategic Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific

The triangle between China, Taiwan, and Japan represents one of the most important geopolitical flashpoints in the global economy.

Even small diplomatic incidents can signal deeper strategic shifts, influencing military planning, trade policy, and regional alliances.

• Pillar 2: Supply Chains and Financial Systems

Taiwan plays a central role in global semiconductor production and advanced technology supply chains.

Rising geopolitical tensions around the island therefore have direct implications for global manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and financial markets.

As nations seek to reduce vulnerability to geopolitical shocks, supply chains and trade networks are gradually being restructured across the global economy.

Conclusion

The dispute surrounding Cho Jung-tai’s visit to Japan demonstrates how even symbolic gestures can carry enormous geopolitical weight in the Taiwan question.

For Beijing, Taiwan’s international engagement challenges its sovereignty claims.

For Japan and other regional partners, maintaining ties with Taiwan requires careful diplomatic balancing to avoid direct confrontation with China.

And for the global economy, the episode serves as another reminder that East Asia remains one of the most strategically sensitive regions in the world.

In today’s geopolitical environment, even a sporting event can become a stage for international power politics.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "China Slams Taiwan Premier’s Japan Trip as ‘Provocation’"

• Reuters — "China Condemns Taiwan Premier Visit to Japan Amid Rising Tensions"

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Afternoon 3-9-26

Iraq Retrieves $9M Frozen In Italian Bank

2026-03-09  Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq has recovered more than $9 million in frozen government funds from Italy, the Iraq Funds Recovery Fund announced on Monday, describing the transfer as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate state assets held abroad since before 2003.

 Fund Chairman Mohammad Ali Al-Lami said the money had been held in accounts at UniCredit bank in Rome and was linked to contracts signed by Iraqi ministries with Italian companies prior to 2003. He added that additional funds belonging to Rafidain and Rasheed banks are still under legal procedures, as authorities work to complete the documentation required for their recovery.

 The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has previously said funds frozen in Italy since the pre-2003 Saddam Hussein era could total about $700 million. Other estimates suggest Iraq may have lost $250 billion to $450 billion over the past two decades through mismanaged or stolen funds.

 Major scandals include the so-called “Theft of the Century,” involving roughly $2.5 billion siphoned from tax deposits, and separate losses estimated at $18 billion in railway assets. While the government has referred several ministers for prosecution and signed agreements to trace stolen assets abroad, the United Nations and Iraqi oversight bodies warn that political interference and weak judicial enforcement continue to hinder anti-corruption efforts.

 Read more: Iraq's corrupt maze: Oil, bribes, and broken trust  

https://shafaq.com/en/society/Iraq-retrieves-9M-frozen-in-Italian-bank

Iraq Upholds Security Treaty Regarding Iranian Opposition Groups

2026-03-09   Shafaq News- Baghdad  Iraq reaffirmed on Monday its commitment to the security agreement with Tehran on Iranian opposition groups, noting that Baghdad and Erbil are coordinating to prevent any activity by these groups, according to a statement.

 During a meeting with European Union Ambassador to Iraq Clemens Zimtner, National Security Adviser Qassim al-Araji said that Iraq is working diplomatically with friendly and neighboring countries to halt the war and prevent it from escalating, stressing the need for “the voice of peace” and a return to dialogue and understanding.

 Zimtner reassured that the EU is not involved in the conflict but is working with partners to stop hostilities and prevent further escalation, urging all sides to respect international law and settle disputes through dialogue and negotiation.

          قاسم الاعرجي 

Soponterdsh15cgt1g4mm45c2i4uih65g6f85997a1g6u8332mh677i760gt ·

 National Security Adviser Mr. Qasim Al-Arji receives EU Ambassador to Iraq

National Security Adviser, Mr. Qasim Al-Arji, received today Monday, the Ambassador of the European Union to Iraq, Mr. Clemence Zimtner.

The meeting reviewed the cooperation relations between Iraq and the European Union countries, and the developments that the region is experiencing and their consequences on the regional and international level were researched.

Mr. Al-Arji emphasized that the region is living in a state of anxiety as a result of the ongoing war, pointing out that the Iraqi government is neglecting its responsibility to protect diplomatic missions and embassies operating in Iraq, as well as working diplomatically with friendly and sister countries, in order to stop the war and prevent its spread.

Mr. Al-Ragy emphasized the necessity for peace to rise and return to the table of dialogue and understanding, indicating that the European Union countries represent an important party in the international community and adopt the language of dialogue and cooperation in order to establish peace away from the language of war, signaling that the stability of the region is the basis for creating an economic environment and sustainable development.

As Mr. Al-Arji pointed out Iraq's commitment to the security agreement between the Republic of Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran, regarding the Iranian opposition, indicating that the federal government is working in coordination with the government of the Kurdistan Region, to prevent any activity or business of these groups, according to the Iraqi constitution, which prohibits the use of Iraqi lands to carry out any hostile activity against the countries the other one.

Mr. Al-Ragy renewed the call for the international community to receive state sponsorship from prisoners recently delivered to Iraq.

On his part, Mr. Zimtenz stressed, that the European Union is not a party to this war, and that it is working with its partners to stop it and prevent its spread, calling for all parties to adhere to international law in resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation away from military escalation, stressing the necessity to end military operations in the region and avoid any Additional acceleration, emphasizing the importance of approving diplomatic means for crisis handling.

Media Office of the National Security Adviser

9-March-2026   Last week, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein warned that Iraq would not become part of the regional conflict and that its territory would not be used for attacks on neighboring countries as tensions rise between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

 The escalation traces back to February 28, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on targets inside Iran, including Tehran. The attacks inflicted heavy damage, caused civilian casualties, and killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior commanders of the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran responded with strikes that affected multiple countries in the region, including Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

 Read more: Iraqi–Iranian Security MoU rekindles a decade of border deals—and old controversies

 https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-upholds-security-treaty-regarding-Iranian-opposition-groups

Iraq’s Oil Lifeline Under Pressure: US-Iran War Reshapes Baghdad’s Economic Calculus

2026-03-09 Shafaq News    The intensifying confrontation between the United States and Iran is rapidly transforming from a military showdown into a strategic economic test for Iraq, whose oil-dependent economy sits directly in the path of the region’s energy disruptions.

 Ten days after hostilities erupted between Washington and Tel Aviv on one side and Tehran on the other, Baghdad is attempting to remain officially outside the battlefield. Yet the war is already reverberating through Iraq’s economic arteries.

Turbulence in global energy markets, rising insurance costs for shipping, and disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz threaten the country’s ability to sustain the oil exports that generate more than 90 percent of state revenues.

 For Iraq, the stakes go beyond market volatility. The country exports the majority of its crude through Gulf routes tied to Hormuz —one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, nearly 20 percent of global supply, pass through the strait’s narrow 21-mile navigable channel, making any disruption there an immediate risk to Iraq’s fiscal stability.

 Baghdad has so far pursued a cautious political posture, avoiding direct involvement in the war while attempting to shield its economy from the fallout. But the structure of Iraq’s energy sector leaves little room for insulation.

 Read more: Iraq braces for financial meltdown amid Hormuz closing threats

Political science professor Issam Al-Feyli of Al-Mustansiriya University told Shafaq News that the trajectory of the conflict points toward deeper escalation, arguing that hardened positions in Washington and Tehran leave limited room for a quick diplomatic exit.

 According to Al-Feyli, Iran has rejected conditions proposed by the United States to halt the war, while Washington appears determined to continue military pressure until it achieves strategic objectives inside Iran —either weakening the current political system or reshaping the country’s political landscape in line with US interests.

 Such a trajectory raises the possibility that regional actors could be drawn into the confrontation. Armed factions in Iraq and Lebanon’s Hezbollah could intensify their involvement, he warned, “widening the conflict and complicating efforts to contain it.”

For Baghdad, the risk is security escalation but also economic paralysis if the Gulf energy corridor becomes unstable. Early signs of disruption have already emerged inside Iraq’s oil industry.

 Field reports indicate that several foreign oil companies have begun evacuating staff from oil fields in Basra toward Kuwait, citing security concerns. Iraqi officials also reported that production has effectively halted at the giant Rumaila field and several fields in the Kurdistan Region, leading to daily losses estimated at 1.6 million barrels of oil.

 The shutdown reflects growing uncertainty about the safety of export routes and the operational risks facing international companies working in southern Iraq.

 The Eco Iraq Observatory estimates that the halt in production at Rumaila and fields in the Kurdistan Region is already costing the country around $128 million per day, placing additional strain on public finances that rely overwhelmingly on oil revenues.

 These disruptions are unfolding as global energy markets enter a period of extreme volatility.

 Economist and energy researcher Ahmed Eid said the war has pushed oil markets into a phase of “volatility and uncertainty,” driven largely by fears surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

 Threats to navigation in the Gulf have increased shipping costs and maritime insurance premiums, creating bottlenecks in energy flows and unsettling international markets.

Market data suggest that just one week of disruptions in Hormuz could withhold around 140 million barrels of oil from global markets, tightening supply and accelerating price increases.

 As a result, oil prices climbed around 25%, the highest since mid-2022. Brent crude surpassed $119 per barrel. Regional energy companies —including Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and QatarEnergy — have declared force majeure, signaling the severity of logistical disruptions.

 Some Iranian parliamentary projections suggest that if the crisis persists, oil prices could surge to between $150 and $200 per barrel, levels that could reshape global energy markets and dramatically alter the fiscal outlook for oil-producing states.

 For Iraq, higher prices offer both opportunity and risk.

 Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister’s financial and economic adviser Mudhhir Mohammed Salih outlined the government’s calculations as it navigates the unfolding crisis.

 Salih told Shafaq News that Iraq may need to implement precautionary shutdowns at certain oil fields if exports through the Strait of Hormuz become impossible.

 Such a scenario could reduce Iraq’s production capacity by 50 to 60 percent, equivalent to roughly 1.5 to 2 million barrels per day.

 However, the surge in global oil prices could offset part of those losses through what economists describe as the “opportunity cost” effect, where reduced output is compensated by significantly higher prices.

 “The full financial impact of a prolonged closure of the Strait may only become clear after about 60 days,” Salih explained.

 The government is therefore exploring alternative export routes to maintain oil flows if Gulf shipping routes deteriorate.

 One option involves expanding shipments through the Iraq–Turkiye pipeline linking northern fields to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, which can transport approximately one million barrels per day. Additional volumes could be moved via tanker trucks or alternative logistical arrangements if maritime routes become unsafe.

 Another factor shaping Iraq’s calculations is the role of China, the largest importer of Iraqi crude.

 Read more: Without oil: Iraq's economic future hanging in the balance

 Salih noted that Beijing’s extensive maritime fleet and long-term energy contracts with Baghdad could help maintain a portion of Iraq’s exports even if security conditions in the Gulf worsen.

 China already accounts for a substantial share of Iraq’s oil purchases, making the stability of those trade channels a key variable in Baghdad’s economic resilience during regional crises.

 Maintaining those flows could cushion Iraq’s fiscal position even if broader energy markets remain unstable.

 Beyond the immediate impact on oil exports, economists warn that a prolonged war between Washington and Tehran could unleash wider economic shocks across the Middle East.

 Disruptions to trade routes could raise shipping costs, food prices, and insurance premiums, amplifying inflation across the region. Oil-dependent economies such as Iraq would face the dual challenge of managing revenue volatility while maintaining domestic spending commitments.

 For Baghdad, the crisis underscores a long-standing structural vulnerability: the country’s overwhelming dependence on oil.

More than 90 percent of Iraq’s state revenues come from crude exports, leaving government finances highly sensitive to external shocks in global energy markets.

 If the confrontation escalates further, Iraq may find itself navigating a difficult balance —benefiting from rising oil prices while simultaneously confronting the possibility of export disruptions and economic instability.

The widening US-Iran confrontation has once again placed Iraq at the intersection of regional power struggles and global energy markets.

Baghdad’s attempt to remain politically neutral may keep the country outside the direct battlefield, but its economic lifeline remains tightly connected to the very routes and markets now under threat.

 Whether the crisis evolves into a prolonged regional war or gradually stabilizes through diplomatic channels will determine how severe the economic shock becomes.

For Iraq, the conflict has already delivered a clear warning: the country’s future economic security remains inseparable from the stability of the region that surrounds it.

 Written and edited by Shafaq News staff.

 https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Iraq-s-oil-lifeline-under-pressure-US-Iran-war-reshapes-Baghdad-s-economic-calculus

“Tidbits From TNT” Monday 3-9-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  The Ministry of Interior announces the seizure of 61 unlicensed exchange offices and the arrest of 120 individuals accused of illegally dealing in dollars and money laundering.

 The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced the closure of 61 unlicensed currency exchange offices and the arrest of 120 individuals accused of illegal dollar transactions and money laundering.

In a statement, the ministry said that specialized agencies conducted inspections and surveillance operations that resulted in the closure of dozens of unlicensed exchange offices and the arrest of individuals accused of involvement in the illegal buying and selling of foreign currency, as well as suspected money laundering.

The ministry affirmed that these measures are part of the government's efforts to regulate the currency market and prevent illegal dollar speculation, emphasizing that security campaigns will continue to pursue violators and take legal action against them.  link

Tishwash:  Most of Baghdad's streets are paralyzed

The capital witnessed Baghdad On Sunday afternoon, traffic jams paralyzed traffic in many vital areas, amid widespread discontent among citizens.

Traffic congestion affected almost all of the capital's streets, with thousands of vehicles at a standstill at intersections.

Long queues of cars stretched for considerable distances, with movement proceeding at a snail's pace for unknown reasons.

A number of citizens called for radical solutions to the traffic jams, including adjusting the working hours of government offices and colleges, as well as implementing a vehicle scrapping program where one car is deregistered for another, arguing that this would reduce the number of cars on the roads.   link

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

Tishwash:  Urgent US security alert regarding the situation in Iraq

 The US Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent security alert regarding the situation in Iraq.

The embassy affirmed that the safety and security of American citizens is a top priority for President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the U.S. Department of State.

The embassy stated that it will share any new departure options with American citizens wishing to leave Iraq, noting that the Department of State can be contacted at +1-202-501-4444 for information and assistance regarding departures.

The embassy emphasized that Iran and its affiliated groups continue to pose a significant threat to public safety, pointing to calls for attacks targeting American citizens and interests within Iraq. It also noted that hotels frequented by foreigners and other facilities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have been attacked, in addition to attacks on critical civilian infrastructure in various parts of the country.

The embassy stressed that Americans who choose to remain in Iraq should be in safe locations with sufficient supplies of food, water, medicine, and other essential items.

The embassy indicated that commercial flights are currently not operating from Iraq, while land routes for departure are available to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. It noted that most border crossings are open but may close suddenly without prior notice.
The embassy urged American citizens to seriously consider departing by land if possible, given the potential for airspace closures in some neighboring countries or changes in entry and exit requirements.

The embassy also advised Americans to remain indoors as much as possible, avoid windows, and stay away from protests and demonstrations, particularly in Baghdad, including the vicinity of Tahrir Square and areas near the July 14 Bridge, where anti-American protests have taken place.
It added that the threat of missiles and drones remains in Iraqi airspace, noting that Iraqi authorities have closed the International Zone in Baghdad with limited exceptions.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil have suspended all routine consular services until further notice. link

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

Tishwash: Fearing they will be targeted by bombing, Kuwaiti banks are closing their branches in high-rise towers.

Several Kuwaiti banks and companies announced on Sunday the temporary closure of their headquarters located in high-rise towers, following a fire that broke out on the upper floors of the Public Institution for Social Security tower as a result of it being targeted by an Iranian drone, according to what was reported by media outlets and official platforms.

The National Bank of Kuwait said in a statement published on its X platform page that it has decided to close its headquarters starting from Sunday, March 8, until further notice, in light of current developments and in order to ensure the safety of employees and the continuity of business.

For its part, Kuwait Finance House announced the suspension of work on Sunday in the two main buildings (1 and 2) and their affiliated departments in the “KFH” tower, as a precautionary measure related to the current developments.

Boubyan Bank also announced, in a post on the “X” platform, the temporary suspension of work at its headquarters and branches for Sunday, March 8, in light of the security developments.

For its part, the telecommunications company “Ooredoo Kuwait” announced the closure of its main building branch starting today until further notice, as a precautionary measure.

These measures come at a time of escalating tension in the region, amid fears of attacks targeting high-rise or vital facilities in several Gulf states.  link

Mot: Picard and Riker

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Morning 3-9-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Trump–Xi Summit Signals Strategic Pause in the World’s Largest Economic Rivalry

Global markets watch closely as Washington and Beijing prioritize stability over transformation

Overview 

The upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is shaping up to be a summit focused on stabilizing tensions rather than restructuring the global economic relationship.

Expectations for a sweeping economic breakthrough have steadily diminished, with officials on both sides signaling that the primary objective is preventing escalation between the world’s two largest economies.

The meeting, expected March 31–April 2 in Beijing, follows months of trade friction, supply chain competition, and geopolitical rivalry. Instead of a dramatic reset, leaders appear focused on maintaining fragile economic stability.

For global markets and currency watchers, the summit highlights how geopolitical rivalry is now being managed rather than resolved—a key dynamic influencing the future architecture of global finance.

Key Developments

1. Summit Expectations Shift from “Reset” to Risk Management

Early hopes that the summit might reopen broad economic cooperation have faded. Analysts now describe the meeting as a scaled-down diplomatic engagement focused on preventing deterioration in relations.

According to policy experts, the visit increasingly resembles a strategic “maintenance meeting” designed to stabilize ties rather than transform them.

This reflects a deeper reality: economic relations between the U.S. and China are no longer driven purely by trade but by national security, technology competition, and supply chain control.

2. Trade Disputes and Tariffs Still Cast a Long Shadow

Several unresolved issues continue to weigh on relations.

Among them:

• U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods

• Chinese restrictions on rare-earth exports

• Technology export controls

• Investment restrictions between both nations

A new complication emerged after the Supreme Court of the United States invalidated a 10% tariff tied to fentanyl enforcement, forcing Washington to consider alternative legal paths if it wishes to reimpose similar measures.

These lingering disputes illustrate how economic friction between the two powers has become structural rather than temporary.

3. Boeing Aircraft Deal Could Be the Summit’s Biggest Outcome

One major economic deliverable under discussion is a large aircraft purchase by China.

Negotiators are reportedly exploring a deal for around 500 narrow-body aircraft from Boeing, which could become one of the largest commercial aviation orders in years.

However, Beijing is seeking long-term guarantees for aircraft parts and maintenance supply chains, highlighting the growing importance of industrial security and supply continuity in international trade negotiations.

Even if completed, the deal would likely be symbolic rather than transformational, serving as a stabilizing economic gesture between both countries.

4. Investment Tensions and Technology Rivalry Remain Unresolved

Another major issue involves Chinese investment in U.S. markets.

China has expressed concern over increasing scrutiny following the forced restructuring of **ByteDance’s ownership of the video platform TikTok in the United States.

Beijing is seeking clearer assurances that Chinese companies will not face sudden divestment requirements or national security blocks.

Meanwhile, Washington continues tightening rules around technology transfers, semiconductor exports, and AI development, areas increasingly viewed as strategic national security assets rather than traditional trade sectors.

Why It Matters

The Trump–Xi summit reflects a fundamental shift in global economic diplomacy.

Instead of pursuing deeper globalization, major powers are now managing strategic rivalry while attempting to prevent systemic disruption.

This shift has several implications:

• Global supply chains are becoming geopolitically aligned

• Trade policy is increasingly tied to national security

• Large economic agreements are becoming harder to achieve

• Economic stability between superpowers is now treated as a strategic objective

In other words, the goal is no longer economic integration—but controlled competition.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those watching the global monetary system, this summit highlights the structural tension shaping the next phase of international finance.

Key implications include:

1. The global economy is fragmenting into competing economic blocs.

2. Trade friction continues pushing countries to diversify currency systems and payment rails.

3. Strategic industries such as aviation, technology, and rare-earth minerals are becoming geopolitical leverage points.

These trends are closely tied to emerging discussions about alternative payment systems, trade settlement mechanisms, and evolving reserve currency dynamics.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Strategic Rivalry Reshaping Global Trade

The U.S.–China relationship remains the central axis of the global economy. When tensions rise, markets experience volatility in commodities, currencies, and supply chains.

Even maintaining stability between these powers prevents systemic shocks that could ripple across global markets.

• Pillar 2: Fragmentation Driving New Financial Architecture

As trust between economic blocs declines, nations are increasingly exploring:

• Alternative trade settlement systems

• New commodity supply networks

• Regional economic alliances

• Non-dollar payment infrastructure

While the summit may not produce a breakthrough, the underlying rivalry continues pushing the world toward a more multipolar financial system.

Conclusion

The upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi is less about rewriting the rules of global trade and more about preventing those rules from breaking altogether.

In today’s geopolitical environment, maintaining stability between the world’s two largest economies has become a strategic victory in itself.

And as economic rivalry increasingly shapes trade, technology, and investment flows, the ripple effects will continue influencing the structure of the global financial system for years to come.

This is not just diplomacy — it is the management of the world’s most important economic rivalry.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "Trump-Xi Summit Aims for Stability, Not a Reset"

• Reuters — "U.S. and China Prepare for Trump–Xi Summit Amid Trade Tensions"

~~~~~~~~~~

Hormuz Crisis Shakes India’s Energy Lifeline and BRICS Leadership Role

Rising Gulf tensions disrupt oil flows, remittances, and trade corridors at a critical geopolitical moment

Overview 

Escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf are creating a multi-layered economic shock for India, threatening energy security, trade stability, remittance flows, and its diplomatic position as the current BRICS chair.

A dramatic slowdown in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the most critical oil chokepoints in the world — has sharply reduced energy shipments to Asia.

With 40–50% of India’s oil imports normally traveling through this corridor, the disruption is forcing urgent shifts in energy sourcing while raising global crude prices above $80 per barrel.

For global markets, the situation highlights how geopolitical instability in key shipping lanes can ripple across trade systems, energy markets, and international alliances.

Key Developments

1. Oil Shipments Through Hormuz Collapse

The **Strait of Hormuz typically carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most strategically vital maritime routes on the planet.

However, shipping activity has dropped dramatically:

• Only three tankers carrying roughly 2.8 million barrels crossed on March 1

• Normal traffic earlier in 2026 averaged nearly 20 million barrels per day

• More than 700 oil tankers are currently backed up near the strait

For India, which relies heavily on Gulf energy imports, this slowdown creates an immediate supply and price shock.

India currently holds around 100 million barrels in strategic and commercial reserves, enough to cover roughly 40–45 days of Hormuz-dependent supply—a cushion, but not a long-term solution.

2. LNG Supply Shock Adds to the Crisis

The crisis deepened after QatarEnergy declared force majeure following a drone strike that damaged facilities at Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar’s largest LNG export hub.

The consequences for India are significant:

• Qatar supplied roughly 39% of India’s LNG imports in 2024

• More than half of India’s LNG supply chain is Gulf-linked

• LNG contracts are indexed to Brent crude prices

This creates a dual energy shock—higher physical supply risk and rising contract prices simultaneously.

3. Russia Oil Imports Rebound Despite Political Pressure

The crisis is also reshaping India’s oil sourcing strategy.

Earlier this year, India had reduced imports of Russian crude following pressure tied to trade negotiations with the United States.

Imports had dropped from:

• 1.85 million barrels per day in November 2025

• To about 1.06 million barrels per day by February 2026

However, new shipping data shows tankers carrying Russian oil are already being redirected to Indian ports, suggesting that energy security is taking priority over political commitments.

This highlights a recurring reality in global energy markets: when supply shocks hit, geopolitical alliances often yield to economic necessity.

4. Remittances and Overseas Workers Add Another Layer of Risk

The crisis extends beyond energy markets.

Between 9 and 10 million Indian workers live across Gulf nations, sending home billions in remittances every year.

These transfers account for:

• 38% of India’s total remittance inflows

• Approximately $49–$52 billion annually

Regions including Kerala, Punjab, and Bihar depend heavily on these funds. Any disruption in Gulf employment could therefore create direct economic pressure inside India’s domestic economy.

5. BRICS Leadership Faces Unexpected Diplomatic Stress

The crisis is arriving at a sensitive moment for **BRICS.

India currently serves as chair of the economic bloc, preparing to host the next BRICS summit later this year.

Complicating matters:

• Iran is a BRICS member

• Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are also members

With tensions escalating between these states, India’s diplomatic balancing act is becoming increasingly difficult.

Meanwhile, several regional economic initiatives have stalled, including the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, a major infrastructure and trade initiative designed to connect Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Why It Matters

The current Gulf tensions illustrate how quickly geopolitical crises can disrupt global supply chains and energy markets.

Key implications include:

• Oil price volatility across global markets

• Supply disruptions to major energy importers

• Pressure on shipping routes and maritime insurance costs

• Increased reliance on alternative energy suppliers

For emerging economies like India, these disruptions expose structural vulnerabilities in energy dependence and trade routes.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For observers of the global monetary and financial system, the situation reveals deeper structural shifts.

Energy disruptions of this scale can:

• Drive inflation across global economies

• Accelerate diversification of energy trade currencies

• Increase geopolitical leverage for energy-producing nations

• Push countries toward alternative payment and settlement systems

Energy supply security has increasingly become a central pillar of currency stability and sovereign financial policy.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Energy Supply Disruptions Reshape Global Trade

The Hormuz slowdown demonstrates how a single maritime chokepoint can destabilize energy markets worldwide.

When oil flows are interrupted:

• Currencies weaken

• Inflation spikes

• Central banks face new monetary policy pressures

Energy security therefore remains one of the most powerful drivers of global financial change.

• Pillar 2: Geopolitics Accelerating Multipolar Finance

The crisis also reveals how emerging economic blocs like BRICS are increasingly entangled in geopolitical rivalries.

As tensions rise between member states and Western powers, nations are increasingly exploring:

• alternative trade corridors

• new settlement currencies

• regional financial systems

These shifts are gradually contributing to a more fragmented and multipolar global economic structure.

Conclusion

The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is not just an energy story—it is a geopolitical stress test for global trade networks.

For India, the crisis touches energy security, foreign labor income, diplomatic alliances, and its leadership role in BRICS all at once.

And for the global economy, it serves as a reminder that maritime chokepoints, geopolitical rivalries, and energy dependence remain some of the most powerful forces shaping the future of international finance.

When energy flows slow, the entire global financial system feels the shockwaves.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Watcher Guru — "Prolonged Gulf Tensions Test India’s Trade, Energy, and BRICS Role"

• Reuters — "Strait of Hormuz Disruption Raises Concerns for Global Energy Markets"

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱 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

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Monday Coffee with MarkZ joined by MM and Crew. 03/09/2026

Monday Coffee with MarkZ joined by MM and Crew. 03/09/2026

Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

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

Member: Good Monday Morning…….As sands through the hourglass….so pass the days of our lives.

Member: GM Mark, MM, Mods and all…..hope someone has some good news today

Member: Any news from bond folks?

MZ: Lots of chatter in the Iraqi press over Sudani and what his second term could look like. Almost feels like they are putting the stamp of approval on that.

MZ: I have a goose egg on bonds today. zilch, nada, nothing.

Member: Re: The Tier 3 Bond People, Silence Is Golden Due To The N. D. A. 's IMO

Member: We have been told for years, it would be chaotic when the RV happens. Is this Chaotic enough yet?

Member:  Probably safe to say this RV won't be happening until Iran officially throws the towel in.

Member: In Iraq-Just announced Feb salaries are going out. Iraq also recovering $5Billion in frozen assets in Italy!!

Member: (From Dinar Guru) Mnt Goat  I encourage you not to give up. Iraq will reinstate the dinar and Trump will move ahead with his plan to revitalize the middle east and Iraq is a huge part of the plan. The Iraqi dinar is going to be a hinge-pin of a new basket of currencies. This new basket will support many currencies... 

Member: Kuwait Saudi Arabia have high Dinar rates, why not Iraq? They used to be $3.22

MZ: “ Hormuz is suffocating Iraq. Oil exports below 800,00 per day”  they are behind by millions of barrels .

MZ: “ Hats off to the Central Bank of Iraq” By a economist in Iraq. Saleh is pointing out they have all the prep they need …lots of cash in in reserves

Member: I know we are all looking at what is going on in Iraq as the hold up but what about Vietnam and or Venezuela?

Member: I asked the guy at my bank..if the bank was staying open. He look at me very pointedly..and Saud he didn't know. I asked if he had been trained for currency exchange. he said.yes. Commerce Bank

Member: its obvious there is a lot going on along with a lot of chaos and misdirection. Just stay positive and pray this is almost over.

Member: Have a great day. We could get a “Suddenly almost any time…..

MilitiaMan joins the stream today. Please listen to the replay for his information and opinions

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

https://rumble.com/user/theoriginalmarkz

Kick:  https://kick.com/theoriginalmarkz

FOLLOW MARKZ : TWITTER . https://twitter.com/originalmarkz?s=21. TRUTH SOCIAL . https://truthsocial.com/@theoriginalm...

Mod:  MarkZ "Back To Basics" Pre-Recorded Call" for Newbies 10-19-2022 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37oILmAlptM

MARKZ DAILY LINKS: https://theoriginalmarkz.com/home/

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

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

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpLUKt4ZK1E

News, Rumors and Opinions Monday 3-9-2026

KTFA:

Clare: Agreement within the coordinating framework to support a second term for the Sudanese 

3/8/2026

Journalist Amin Nasser revealed via his Facebook account that there is an agreement between Ammar al-Hakim, Qais al-Khazali and Hadi al-Amiri regarding assigning Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for a second term.

Nasser indicated that he believes most of the forces within the coordination framework will proceed with this consensus, with the exception of Nouri al-Maliki, who may not support this approach.

This proposal comes amid ongoing discussions within the framework forces regarding the shape of the next government and the most likely candidate to lead it in the next phase. LINK

Frank26: "TO PROTECT MONETARY & FINANCIAL STABILITY"........F26

Central Bank of Iraq: Reserves cover 12 months of imports

3/8/2026

 The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed on Sunday that its reserves cover 12 months of imports, while indicating that it possesses "financial buffers".

In a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, the bank said, “Within the framework of its constitutional and legal responsibilities to protect monetary and financial stability and maintain the strength and integrity of the banking system in Iraq, the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Iraq held an extraordinary session to follow up on current economic and financial developments, review the most prominent macroeconomic indicators, and assess future expectations in light of local and international developments and the challenges or opportunities they may present to the national economy.”

He added that "during the meeting, the council conducted a comprehensive assessment of the monetary and financial market conditions, including an analysis of liquidity levels in the   banking system, developments in the money supply, as well as a review of the central bank's foreign currency needs." 

He explained: “The Council also reviewed financial stability indicators and the performance of the banking sector, in addition to monitoring foreign trade and payment flows, while assessing potential risks associated with regional and international economic variables and their potential repercussions on the Iraqi economy.”

 He added, “The Council also discussed a number of potential economic and financial scenarios for the next stage, focusing on how to enhance the flexibility of monetary policy and the sustainability of financial stability, and ensure the banking system’s ability to respond efficiently to the requirements of economic activity.”

He continued: In this context, it is necessary to clarify that the Central Bank’s reserves cover about 12 months of imports, and the Council affirms that the bank has full readiness and effective tools to deal with various developments, especially with its comfortable reserve balance, and that it is prepared to take action. 

He pointed out that “appropriate measures at the right time to ensure the stability of monetary and financial markets and enhance confidence in the banking sector.

Based on this comprehensive assessment, the Council concluded the following: The strength of foreign reserves and financial buffers: The Central Bank of Iraq enjoys a strong level of financial buffers and comfortable foreign reserves at safe levels, which provides an important margin of flexibility in managing monetary policy and confronting any potential economic shocks or fluctuations, and contributes to enhancing monetary stability and maintaining the strength of the financial system in the country.”

He added: “Securing salaries and basic expenses: The Council discussed a number of alternatives to ensure the securing of salaries and basic expenses during the coming months, in a way that guarantees the regular implementation of the state’s financial obligations, and contributes to supporting the economic and living stability of citizens, as well as enhancing confidence in the state’s financial and monetary policies, and the continuation of economic activity in a normal manner.”

He pointed to “strengthening the liquidity of the banking system: The Council affirms the importance of the Central Bank continuing to support the liquidity of banks in order to ensure the stability of daily banking operations and the smooth flow of financial services provided to the public. This aims to enable banks to meet the needs of citizens and the private sector efficiently and regularly. The Central Bank seeks to enhance the role of the banking sector in supporting economic activity and financing various productive and service sectors.”

He concluded by saying, “Ensuring the smooth flow of external transfers: The Council stressed the importance of the continued smooth flow of external financial transfers to cover import operations and other international payments, thereby ensuring the stability of foreign trade and the availability of goods and services in the local market. This comes within the framework of supporting the private sector’s ability to meet market needs and maintain stable supply levels in local markets.” LINK

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

Militia Man   Real effective exchange rate as a simple adjustment can...be simple and electronic.  The digital infrastructure ...allows instant nationwide propagation.  There will be no need for massive physical note exchanges...The CBI can adjust the rate with minimal friction.  The system is already tested for large-scale electronic transactions...

Jeff    We all want to know when the rate is going to change.  Let's talk about not only when the rate is going to change...but what's really happening...Are they even having sessions of parliament?  Is the government doing anything?  Absolutely not.  Zero in Iraq.  They're not doing anything right now...The formation of Iraq's government is the lynch pin to the rate change...The formation o Iraq's government gets them back on the world stage.  It's a critical level of stability needed...

Mnt Goat  I encourage you not to give up. Iraq will reinstate the dinar and Trump will move ahead with his plan to revitalize the middle east and Iraq is a huge part of the plan. The Iraqi dinar is going to be a hinge-pin of a new basket of currencies. This new basket will support many currencies... 

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

Oil Prices Are Surging… Is That Good for the Iraq Dinar?

Dinar For Dummies: 3-8-2026

In this video I cover why higher oil prices is positive for the dinar.

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

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Morning 3-9-26

War Shock: Oil Nears $120 Mark

2026-03-09   Shafaq News   Oil prices surged around 25% on Monday to their highest since mid-2022, with Brent on track for a record one-day gain, while gold fell 2% as an escalating Iran war squeezed world energy supplies, boosted the dollar and dampened hopes of interest-rate cuts.

Agriculture markets, led by edible oils, rose as they took their cue from oil prices due to the extensive use of vegetable oils in making biofuels. Aluminium firmed on supply worries even as other metals faced headwinds from a stronger dollar.

"The violent reaction stems from the markets seeing no obvious offramp in the escalating ⁠Middle East conflict, now a high-stakes standoff where neither side appears willing to blink first," Tony Sycamore, IG market analyst, said in a note.

"The risk of more lasting economic damage continues to build by the day."

Iran on Monday named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader, signalling that hardliners remain firmly in charge in Tehran a week into its conflict with the United States and Israel.

Soaring Oil Lifts Vegoils, Grains

Brent was on track for its biggest one-day gain ever in both percentage and absolute terms as the expanding U.S.-Israeli war with Iran led some major Middle Eastern oil producers to cut supplies and on fears of prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint.

Brent crude futures climbed to a high of $119.50 per barrel and U.S. ⁠West Texas Intermediate (WTI) to $119.48 a barrel.

"...the situation appears to be deteriorating further," ING analysts said in a note. "In addition, upstream oil production has started to shut in, with producers facing storage constraints. Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE began reducing oil production."

In agricultural markets, Malaysian palm oil rose 9% and Chicago soybean oil climbed to its highest since late 2022, buoyed by the crude oil rally. Wheat rose to its highest ⁠since June 2024 and corn prices hit a 10-month high.

Gold fell more than 2% as a stronger dollar weighed on greenback-priced bullion, while higher energy costs fuelled inflation concerns and further dimmed the prospects for near‑term reductions in interest rates.

The dollar hovered near a three-month high hit last ⁠week, making bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Oil-driven inflation fears and delayed rate-cut expectations likely strengthened U.S. yields and the dollar, outweighing safe-haven demand and pushing gold down.

Aluminium Jumps on Supply Disruptions

Aluminium soared to its highest in four years as ⁠supply concerns due to the Middle East war intensified.

Benchmark three-month aluminium on the London Metal Exchange hit its highest since March 2022 at $3,544 per ton.

Qatari smelter Qatalum and Aluminium Bahrain have already declared force majeure on shipments amid rising tensions in the Middle East.   Other base metals were weighed down by a firmer dollar.

(Reuters)   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/War-shock-Oil-nears-120-mark

 Iraq Ranks Lowest In Gulf Oil Storage Capacity

2026-03-09 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq has one of the lowest oil storage capacities among Gulf countries, with reserves sufficient for only about six days, according to data released by JPMorgan.

The data, released on Monday, showed that Saudi Arabia leads Gulf states in oil storage capacity, with reserves sufficient for about 65 days if exports are redirected and 36 days without redirection. Qatar ranks second with a storage capacity of about 20 days, followed by the United Arab Emirates, which can store oil for 19 days if exports are redirected and 16 days without redirection. Kuwait comes next with a storage capacity estimated at around 14 days.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-ranks-lowest-in-Gulf-oil-storage-capacity

Iraq Central Bank Dollar Sales Exceed $80B In 2025

2026-03-09   Shafaq News- Baghdad   The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) sold $80.363 billion in foreign currency in 2025, marking a 3.88% increase from $77.652 billion recorded in 2024, according to official statistics released by the bank on Monday.

According to the data, external transfers accounted for the largest share of the bank’s dollar sales at $73.943 billion, followed by international settlements totaling $3.649 billion, while cash sales reached $2.771 billion.

The CBI also reported that its purchases of foreign currency from Iraq’s Ministry of Finance totaled $63.731 billion during 2025.    https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-Central-Bank-dollar-sales-exceed-80B-in-2025

Dollar Stabilizes In Baghdad, Slips In Erbil

2026-03-09 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar opened Monday’s trading mixed in Iraq, hovering around 156,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to a Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 155,750 dinars per 100 dollars, unchanged from the previous session.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 156,250 dinars and bought it at 155,250 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 155,200 dinars and buying prices at 155,150 dinars.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-stabilizes-in-Baghdad-slips-in-Erbil

Liquidity Crisis Hits Iraq’s Major State Banks

2026-03-09   Shafaq News- Baghdad   Government banks in Iraq, including Rafidain and Rasheed, are facing a severe liquidity shortage, with cash becoming increasingly scarce, an economic source told Shafaq News on Monday.

Citing security concerns, particularly the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, depositors have increasingly withdrawn funds from government banks, potentially threatening Iraq’s financial security and economic stability.

“At some Rafidain and Rasheed branches, customers are asked to wait or return later to access their full funds, while others provide only partial amounts, postponing the remainder,” the source explained, adding that these practices have affected service quality and weakened public confidence in the government banking sector.

The banks also continue to face administrative and legal challenges. Over the past years, modernization efforts have remained limited, with many relying heavily on paper-based processes instead of electronic systems and modern banking technology.

On February 28, the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on targets inside Iran, including Tehran. The attacks caused significant damage and civilian casualties and killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders. Iran responded with retaliatory actions affecting multiple countries in the region, including Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Liquidity-crisis-hits-Iraq-s-major-state-banks

Gold prices fall in Baghdad and Erbil markets

2026-03-09    Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   On Monday, gold prices hovered around 1.11 million IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, according to a survey by Shafaq News Agency.

Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 1,110,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 1,106,000 IQD. The same gold had sold for 1,124,000 IQD on Sunday.

The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 1,080,000 IQD, with a buying price of 1,076,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 1,110,000 and 1,120,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 1,080,000 and 1,090,000 IQD.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 1,157,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 1,106,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 947,000 IQD.   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-fall-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-2

Bitcoin Rebounds From Its Lowest Level In A Week

Money and Business   Economy News - Follow-up  Bitcoin prices rebounded after declines earlier on Monday, during which they hit a one-week low.

Bitcoin rose 2% after being down more than 2% this morning.

Bitcoin is trading at $67,300 by 07:00 GMT, according to CoinMarketCap.

Bitcoin managed to break through the $73,000 level earlier last week, but failed to maintain those gains.

Despite Bitcoin's decline, Ericsenz Capital noted that the drop was relatively limited compared to the decline in stock indices such as the Nasdaq or KOSPI, reflecting a decrease in the volume of leveraged long positions in the market.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=66533

FRANK26….3-8-26….WE FORM GOVERNMENT

KTFA

Sunday Night Video

FRANK26….3-8-26….WE FORM GOVERNMENT

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

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

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

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