May 20, 2025 Mnt Goat Latest Newsletter Appreciation Week

Will this be the case this month?

ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER:

May 20, 2025 Mnt Goat News Brief

Guten Tag everyone:

I have some good news for you today. No lies or speculation, just the FACTS.

GIVE A GIFT TO MNT GOAT

I decided to allow everyone to give a Free-will GIFT to Mnt Goat on PayPal if you so desire. Here is the link below.

Since 2013, I have taken my own time from my gasthaus business to research and document findings about the revaluation and reinstatement of the Iraqi dinar. At this time more than ever I do not need to spend my time doing all this. My time is hard to find, as I have to hold down two formal jobs already due to COVID just to keep the business going. So, I do it out of charity and love for YOU with the understanding that all of us do NOT have the time to go do our own research. We are busy with our jobs, our daily lives and raising our children. I am saying this takes time and is like a third job.

I recommend $10-$15 dollars a month or whatever you can afford. Do you realize I write eight (8) Newsletters every month. I have to investigate the news and try to pull out the FACTS, then pull off the articles from Iraqi news channels, translate them, talk to my contact in Iraq and then write and publish the Newsletter. Do you think perhaps a little gift might show some appreciation for all this hard work? Just asking…. Still only a hand full of readers help out each month. Enough said….. The future of the Newsletter depends upon you.

 Let’s all try to chip in!

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Hebrews 13:16

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased..”

More news….

REGARDING THE NUCLEAR AGREEMENT, THE UNITED STATES SUBMITS A “WRITTEN PROPOSAL” TO IRAN.


The United States presented Iran with a written proposal for a nuclear agreement during the fourth round of negotiations held on Sunday, according to a US official and two other sources familiar with the matter, Axios news website.

The report is in line with what US President Donald Trump said on Thursday during his visit to Doha, when he stated that the United States is “very close to reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran,” noting that Tehran had “somewhat” agreed to the terms.


On Tuesday, Trump said in Saudi Arabia that he had offered the Iranians an “olive branch” indicating the option of peace, but stressed that “this offer will not last forever. It is time for them to choose.”

More news….

TOP IRANIAN OFFICIAL SAYS TEHRAN WOULD FORGO HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM IN NUCLEAR DEAL WITH TRUMP

Richard Engel

Iran is ready to sign a nuclear deal with certain conditions with President Donald Trump in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, a top adviser to Iran’s supreme leader told NBC News on Wednesday.

He said Iran would commit to never making nuclear weapons, getting rid of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium which can be weaponized, agree to only enrich uranium to the lower levels needed for civilian use, and allow international inspectors to supervise the process, in exchange for the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions on Iran.

More news….

DURING A GULF TOUR WHERE HE GARNERED TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN INVESTMENTS, TRUMP HINTED AT A NEAR-TERM NUCLEAR DEAL WITH IRAN.

US President Donald Trump’s hint on Thursday that a deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program was imminent overshadowed his Gulf tour, during which he expected to reap trillions of dollars, the latest of which was $1.4 trillion in investments pledged by Abu Dhabi, the final stop on his visit.

More news….

ROLLS-ROYCE ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST AUTHORIZED DEALER IN IRAQ

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the appointment of Al-Aroush Motor Trading Limited as its official dealer in Iraq. The dealership will open early next year under the name Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Iraq, providing customers with access to the latest models of the world’s most famous and luxurious cars without having to rely on dealerships in neighboring countries or the region.

The Iraqi luxury market is witnessing remarkable development and is expected to show sustainable growth in the coming period.

STATUS OF THE RV

Telling you the TRUTH, you do want to know the TRUTH? The TRUTH is the in-country RV and the Project to Delete the Zeros has not yet happened. The reinstatement back to FOREX has also not yet happened. I am not saying it will not happen but that it has not yet happened. If we look at all the VERY GOOD news today we can see the writing is on the wall. We are getting very near to this event. Please no secret bank stories, bank memos or four-letter agency lies. In other words no TNT, Frank26, Bruce, MarkZ, or any guru bullshit, please. Just the FACTS.

By now most of my readers are very familiar with the 34th Arab Summit held in Baghdad this past Saturday, May 17, 2025. It was a pivotal moment in strengthening Iraq’s regional economic role and consolidating its position as one of the most prominent players in shaping the Arab development map, at a time when it has risen to fourth place in the Arab world in terms of gross domestic product by 2025. This is just yet another ride on the RV choo-choo that Iraq took to strengthen its position even more. If later they are going to present a dinar rate much higher than most, if not all middle eastern countries they batter be able to back it up. In case you missed this past news about the summit and its ramifications, and you want to catch up to the rest of us, you can read all about it in these recent articles in today’s Newsletter in the Articles Section titled as follows:

“IRAQ IS REASSERTING ITS REGIONAL ROLE WITH AN ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AGENDA.”

“ARAB SUMMIT: IRAQ RETURNS TO LEADERSHIP ROLE, BAGHDAD TRANSFORMS INTO INFLUENTIAL REGIONAL PLAYER.”

“ABOUL GHEIT: THE BAGHDAD SUMMIT HAS GREAT HOPES AND ARAB CITIZENS HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FROM IT.”

“BAGHDAD HOSTS THE ARAB SUMMIT: “THE PATH TO DEVELOPMENT” IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE ECONOMIC AGENDA.”

“URGENT | AL-SUDANI: EXPECT SURPRISES AT THE ARAB SUMMIT, AND A SECOND TERM IS A NATURAL RIGHT.”

What? Yet another summit for Iraq?

You can go read the recent article titled “46 IRAQI BUSINESS LEADERS PARTICIPATED IN THE INVESTMENT SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON.” The US Embassy in Baghdad said in a statement: “A delegation of 46 business leaders from Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, arrived in the United States to participate in the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit, which was held in the Washington, D.C., area from May 11 to 14.” So, does the US want to help move Iraq along? Has the U.S. under the Trump administration changed it’s foreign policy to one of strong leadership to help move the reforms ahead in Iraq? It certainly appears that way. The time of the reset is nearing. They must now move this along…..

I have to keep asking just how much longer before the U.S. will sign off on this RV event and allow IRAQ to normalize their currency. We heard a lot of news about the crushing of the parallel market. We suspect to hear shortly that it has matched the “official” CBI rate. This is coming. This will drive a new revalued in-country rate for the dinar. We know the first step to the currency reform of normalization, is the issuing of the newer lower denominations. If you have been following the news lately you know that many of the other middle eastern countries have already redenominated and so when will it be Iraq’s turn? WE should know it is coming and my CBI contact is on the committee to help orchestrate this event, when the committee is told to go ahead. We still wait.

We have heard so many times from the past that Iraq needed SECURITY and STABILITY in order to conduct the Project to Delete the Zeros. So, after listening and reading to all the recent news from Iraq, and there is much more of it today, do you believe they now have these two elements inline? Are they now secure and stable? In today’s news they tell us the Arab Summit was a success and Iraq once again takes a major role in the middle east. But if they are to be a leader than where it their currency? It certainly is not yet a currency of a leading country. These other countries have currency rates far beyond 1/6 of a penny. I am confused….. ☹

I am now really confused, as I know that the Iraqi dinar has been intentionally suppressed for two decades. By now all of my blog followers should know why this was done as it allowed the corruption to take place and money to be funneled to Iran to circumvent the U.S. sanctions on Iran.  

We have heard so many times from the past that Iraq needed SECURITY and STABILITY in order to conduct the Project to Delete the Zeros. So, after listening and reading to all the recent news from Iraq, and there is much more of it today, do you believe they now have these two elements inline? Are they now secure and stable? In today’s news they tell us the Arab Summit was a success and Iraq once again takes a major role in the middle east. But if they are to be a leader than where it their currency? It certainly is not yet a currency of a leading country. These other countries have currency rates far beyond 1/6 of a penny. I am confused….. ☹

I am not really confused, as I know that the Iraqi dinar has been intentionally suppressed for two decades now. By now all of my blog followers should know why this was done as it allowed the corruption to take place and money to be funneled to Iran to circumvent the U.S. sanctions on Iran. This was not just orchestrated by the Iranian puppet politicians inside in the Iraqi government but also the U.S. policy had a part to play too. The U.S. did not take a strong stand in policing this corruption and help Iraq overcome it until these last recent years. Trillions of dollars were stolen. 

So, we must THINK, THINK and THINK some more as to why President Trump in his first term of office 2016-2020 pulled out of the nuclear treaty with Iran and pressed for the hardest sanctions ever. Could this be because he knew something the general public here in the U.S. were not being told? Was the Obama nuclear treaty actually a deception, a joke, a front for laundering money to Iran? Was it allowing uranium enrichment at unprecedented levels needed for offensive use? If we study Iran’s ballistic missile program (a means of deliver a bomb) and connect the dots we can clearly see something was being planned and more than just for energy power plants, as they tell us. So, it is hard to take sides not knowing all the TRUTH. Certainly the U.S. news media is not going to tell you the truth as they will stick to the script. But I will say that the truth always eventually comes out and it is now coming out under the Trump administration.

Let’s connect the dots. We know for certain that Iran has managed to make Iraq one of their puppet states along with Syria and Lebanon. Syria has already been neutralized and so Iraq is next. Iran will have to surrender Iraq in the next elections. Do you believe the U.S. is going to give yet more Iraqi wealth to Iran, thus revalue the currency? Don’t you THINK that Iran’s influence over Iraq will have to be circumvented? Yes, they will always remain trading partners and today we learn that 60% of the trade between Iran and Iraq is conducted in the Kurdistan region.

😊The news is overflowing from Iraq. Let’s first look at the article titled “UN SECRETARY-GENERAL: WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT TAKING PLACE IN IRAQ.” The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his satisfaction on Saturday with the progress made by Iraq. While noting that the time is right to conclude the UNAMI mission in Iraq by the end of this year, which reflects the maturity of the Iraqi political process, he emphasized that the 34th Arab Summit was held at a critical moment for the Middle East.

I want you to also then combine this last article with the article titled “IRAQ: CONCLUDING STATEMENT OF THE 2025 IMF ARTICLE IV MISSION”. I quote from the article A concluding statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of the official staff visit (or ‘mission’) to Iraq. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement.” The article is a very long read and it is not telling us too much that we already don’t know. You can go skim over it as there is some new information too. Basically Iraq has to diversify its economy and by doing so it would be subjected to less economic fluctuations by oil prices. Seems common sense to me if you base 95% of your revenue on oil, right? Nothing new, right? However, to get out of this cycle, if the IMF truly wants to help Iraq, in my terms, they would get Iraq off the petro-dollar and receive any currency of origin of countries buying their oil. By staying on the petro-dollar is basically still controlling Iraq through the forces of its economy connected to the U.S. dollar. When will this end? Remember this was supposed to be originally only to sanction Iraq for the attack into Kuwait in 1990 and so why does the petro-dollar still exist today? Is this really at the heart of the problem still occurring in Iraq?

😊Next in this regard of Iraqi diversification, the next article hits it right on the nose. It is titled “AL-SUDANI: IRAQ IS AN OIL AND INDUSTRIAL COUNTRY THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO EXPORT PRODUCTS TO THE REGION.” Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described Iraq on Wednesday as an “industrial country,” not just an oil country, and that it can meet the needs of the local market and countries in the region.

This came in a speech delivered via video link during the inauguration of the steel plant at the General Company for Iron and Steel in Basra Governorate, with a capacity of 600,000 tons annually. So, we can see that the goal for Iraq of diversification is moving ahead at warp speed and is fully supported and driven by the Al-Sudani government. WOW! I say wow because this is what is going to get Iraq back on FOREX along with the banking and financial reforms. But the question is how quickly? I need everyone to keep in mind that the rate of the dinar is now “artificially” suppressed. By this I mean the real value of the assets of Iraq are NOT currently reflected it the rate of the dinar under the de facto peg to the U.S. dollar. So, even if Iraq did not diversify the economy, the oil revenue alone could sustain a much, much higher rate than 1/6 of a penny.

The main reason why the IMF and U.S. don’t just pop out a smaller rate, but much higher than 1/6 of a penny is that they are using Iraq to shear up and reinforce a coming basket of currencies. They need the dinar to be high and sustain a much higher rate, thus the diversification scheme comes into play. So, I am told that there are four elements to the plan to meet this new Iraqi economy that will enable the IQD to sustain the needed rate: 1.Oil Revenues, 2.Customs and Tariffs, 3.Tourism, 4.Industrialization (Development Road Project, ports, etc). I am told that the revenue from each of these other three areas, besides oil, can individually match the existing oil revenues. Can you remember a time when I used to tell you about just the Customs and Tariffs and how it alone can rival the oil revenues? Well….now imagine adding in these other projected sources of revenue too and each one can rival the oil revenues, that’s almost four times (4 X) as much revenue stream. WOW! WOW! WOW! If Iraq can pull this off, they are going to be filthy rich and I mean filthy rich. Now let’s combine all this with the stability, meaning PEACE in the middle east that the president Trump administration is trying foster, and you can clearly see an explosion of wealth coming from this region of the world. Is this not what the prophets told us decades ago was to come? It is almost scary in a way that these prophecies could be so accurate. Is there really a devine entity over watching us and helping us?  

😊In this regard of increasing Iraqi revenues, let’s take a look at the recent news titled “A QUALITATIVE LEAP IN “FINANCIAL INCENTIVES” AT IRAQI PORTS”. The General Company for Ports of Iraq announced on Wednesday an unprecedented increase in financial incentives allocated to its employees after achieving record operational and revenue results during the first quarter of 2025. Abbas Ali Hussein, the company’s director of internal audit and control, told Shafaq News Agency, “The financial incentive allocated to each employee has witnessed a significant leap compared to 2020,” noting that “the value of one point, which ranged between 6,000 and 7,000 dinars five years ago, has now increased to between 20,000 and 23,000 dinars.” WOW! WOW! WOW!

Can you see now why President Trump is spending so much time with this concept of rebuilding the middle east? He is a wealth builder.  That is where the money is….get it? He is not worried about addressing 5% of the population and they wokeness of the U.S., rather he is making good on his campaign promises of the overall majority and what they truly want for America- wealth. But to satisfy America president Trump does not believe in conquest and war to obtain this wealth (as in past administrations), but rather peaceful trade deals and investments that pay off. He is not turning this over to the idiot CIA policies that set the agenda. Instead he is in charge and uses his constitutional powers. Of course, they are not going to like it and will fight him. We witness it in the  hearings on immigration and these court actions.

These concept of constant war comes from the globalists and the U.S. CIA. They used  these wars as a means to stay in control of worldly events and prosper from the corporate takeover of all aspects of our lives. Why do they do this? It is all orchestrated to keep the U.S. military industrial complex producing war materials while the advancing global politics raping these countries of their wealth and putting in place long-term sustainable corruption. When I hear the term “sustainability” I know exactly what they mean and its nothing like our good-hearted concept of what we believe and desire …trust me.  As a very good example, we only need to look no further than Libya and Iraq and how they ruined these nations all for money. These wrecked countries always bounce back, but at what cost and how long. Iran is also afraid of what may lay ahead for them if it is not careful in how it handles these nuclear negotiations. Regardless of what you may believe about Trump, he is not a war monger. He wants peace because he knows that through peace there is much more wealth to be made. This is real sustainability but it is sustainability through liberty and freedom.

😊In the article titled “EXCLUSIVE – AFTER THE LIFTING OF SANCTIONS, SYRIA PLANS TO REVIVE PRODUCTION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IRAQ.”  A Syrian Ministry of Economy and Industry official announced on Wednesday that the decision to lift US sanctions on Syria will make a “significant difference,” revealing his country’s desire to revive production in partnership with Iraq. There is no reason why Syria can’t benefit from the industrial cities. It is all coming together nicely but we need to have peace and stability to do it. Right now we have it. By the way what ever happened to Assad?

😊Take a peek at the recent article titled “THE 100-DAY PLAN: THE GOVERNMENT PUTS BAGHDAD’S ENTRANCES ON THE PATH TO CHANGE”. Government agencies continue to make tangible progress in rehabilitating and developing the entrances to the capital, Baghdad, which is a top service priority at the current stage. Baghdad’s entrances are vital in enhancing transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and connecting it to neighboring governorates. This accelerated movement follows direct instructions from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who has repeatedly emphasized the need to complete these projects within a specific timeframe not exceeding 100 days, emphasizing the need to remove all obstacles and adopt the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Yes, they are finally removing the last of the elements and signs of occupation. Remember the green zone? There are constructs that need to be removed so any lasting signs of that era are gone. Why 100 days? There is no connection to the RV however it is all very good news the same. It all just another stop on the choo-choo rid to the RV destination.

😊Can you see why the state of Israel is also mopping up terrorists organizations. What will happen to the Gaza strip? I think we all need to pray on this notion and God will send the answer. It is all coming together and the one piece remaining to the puzzle is Iran. Will they join the rest of the middle east in the wealth building opportunity of prosperity via peaceful means or chose to continue supporting these terrorists organizations that just destroy lives? This is what is at stake in the negotiations with Iran. Let’s take a look at the article titled “TOP IRANIAN OFFICIAL SAYS TEHRAN WOULD FORGO HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM IN NUCLEAR DEAL WITH TRUMP” Iran is ready to sign a nuclear deal with certain conditions with President Donald Trump in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, a top adviser to Iran’s supreme leader told NBC News on Wednesday. He said Iran would commit to never making nuclear weapons, getting rid of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium which can be weaponized, agree to only enrich uranium to the lower levels needed for civilian use, and allow international inspectors to supervise the process, in exchange for the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions on Iran. Asked if Iran would agree to sign an agreement today if those conditions were met, Shamkhani said, “Yes.” This could finally end the negotiations and the middle east could possibly see PEACE. Most importantly this opens a window wide open for Iraq and aspects of the RV, as I am told by my CBI contact.

So, when you look at the pieces involved individually you might not think much of them but when you piece it all together, they the full picture of plan begins to evolve. It looks very bright! 😊

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What can we as investors do right now?

  • Pray and pray that nothing will mess this up….
  • Be very patient….
  • Do not sell your dinar….  
  • No more intel guru talk….
  • No more NESARA / GESARA crazy talk
  • Stop listening to all these idiots as they are only confusing you more and more (especially TNT and “The Big Call” idiots.)
  • Don’t over speculate and set unjustified expectations

Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,

                                             Just the FACTS!

These prophecies are more important now more than ever. They give us the strength, perseverance and hope that a better time is coming and that God’s Hand is at work behind the scenes. If you just take a second even to look around you at these past three election cycles, how can you deny that God is at work? Are you sleeping or what?

It is amazing and there is no other way that these events could have happened the way they turned out. But there is more to come, much, much more, I assure you! Now that God has his biblical David re-elected, we need to pay attention to what He does next.

God told us it will be an “hypnotic November” and turbulent until June 2025 and so, isn’t it? Was He lying to us? Remember that these globalists satanic cult have had it too good for too long and are not just going to lay down and let themselves be destroyed. They are going to fight until the very end to maintain control over you. If all else fails, they will get more and more desperate to overcome the good trying to rebuild and free our nation.

NOTE: These prophecies just keep getting better and better, giving us HOPE of a bright future. But the real reason why I listen to them is that we can actually see what God says He will do is taking place right in front of our noses. It is a confirmation to me that God is real and is still with us forever just as in biblical times.

From God to the PROPHET:  Julie Green

The prophetic words seem to be getting more powerful which usually means we are coming to a climatic period and intensity as to when events begin to happen.

“The Jan 6th Lie Is All Is All About To Fall Apart”

Prophecy can be found at the 21:36 mark. From May 15th.

There is also a 2014 Kim Clement’s prophecy about this same subject matter. God told us two supreme court justices will be stepping down and this is now about to be fulfilled. It has been 11 years since he gave this prophecy and I thought this was so far off back then, but now it is at our doorstep. This fits in with the recent prophecy given to Julie Green today, so we are VERY close to this event.

How do these people know these things? Is it God speaking to them of the future?

How is all these prophecies related to the IQD revaluation?

First I need to add that God has given multiple prophecies already about the IQD revaluation and His form of the global reset. In each He specifically talks about Iran, Iraq and Southern Asia (Vietnam).

With the prophecies, unlike the RV saga, we hardly ever get a firm timeline, but we must stay faithful and know that God will be faithful to us and provide what he promises to his prophets and promises to us. Like the clean out of SCOTUS now coming about so will the RV.

Remember that, like us listening to these prophecies, the dark side also listens to them and constructs obstacles in an attempt to overcome them and stop them. This is intentional and we will soon learn of the truths behind why the RV was halted in 2012, besides what we already know. There were some very dark elements involved.

We know the RV of the IQD is unstoppable but it can be delayed and was delayed by these dark elements in 2012. I firmly believe this is what happened in 2012 when the CBI has an “unprecedented opportunity”, according to Dr Shabibi in his 2015 interview before his passing, to get the Iraqi dinar back online in the foreign currency exchanges.

I have been trying to explain to everyone many time already that this is when the criteria all changed under the Obama administration, thus we sit for another 13 years waiting for Iraq to meet this new stringent criterion. They did this in a well-orchestrated, corrupt plan to hold it up, but only after these corrupt U.S. politicians exchanged their dinar and no longer cared about Iraq.

Folks it has been 13 years since! Are we now also approaching the other 2 prophecies by Kim Clement telling of the wealth transfer, the reset and the coming PEACE in the middle east. I have presented these prophecies to you also many times in the past. These are all connected together. All the signs show that this may very well be the time now for Iraq.  

But today the prophecy we are looking at is about SCOTUS and the judges stepping down will also have huge implications on many things. Also, the impact on Federal and district court judges. Let’s just sit back and watch it all play out, knowing that God’s Hand is at work.

 Kim Clement piece from 2014 prophecy

2 Supreme Court Justices will step down. This is going to happen shortly.

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PROPHECIES FULFILLED: How do we engage the prophecies? Are they really a voice from God? So, as we listen and time passes, we step back and analyze what happened and compare to the prophetic words spoken.

This prophecy is also in the prophecies of “no Eyes” in Phoenix Rising by Mary Summer rain. it was first published in 1986. it has now come to pass.

NEW

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HOW DO WE KILL THE GIANTS OF DEBT, SOCIALISM AND SECULARISM?

Please, please listen VERY carefully to this prophecy. I cannot emphasize enough to spend the time to watch this one – “The Big E”. I am not saying its going to take 6-7 years to get the RV, but that the RV is part of the process along the way and will happen in the process of the prophecy fulfillment.

Do you remember these prophecies from 2007? This is our time now to fulfill these prophecies. So, let’s take a step back and rewind to review them. Then watch to see if Trump does orchestrate their fulfillment. I also believe this wiping out the debt is related to the new energy sources that are coming. In the meantime, the US will work at bringing down the cost of energy. But I believe this will only be a temporary measure until these new sources come.

Folks, I know you may be having a hard time seeing this, but all of this goes hand-in-hand with what we are looking for… the RV of the Iraqi dinar.

This prophecy is especially important and coincides with the more recent Feb 9th prophecy from Julie Green. Did you listen to it? WOW!

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Pray, Pray, Pray & Pray some more!

Please try to remember to pray each and every day. In Hebrews 11:6, it underscores this principle of why we pray: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

You don’t have to be Catholic to pray….lol..lol.. As a Christian, praying the rosaries for me is my way to pray and has had a significant impact on my life and focus during this Easter season and throughout the year. I find it is good to remember the Stations of the Cross during lent and what our savior did for us. In know many of you may not be Catholics or even Christians but try to take a different approach this Easter. Try to see what all the fuss is about Christ. Put yourself in Christ shoes (or should I say sandals) as an ordinary person in today’s world. You can quickly see that the nature of man has not changed very much and if Christ were born today, many would probably try to crucify him. Have we not learned anything?

Fr. Mathew teaches how to say the Rosary

We all know something has gone terribly wrong with our nation. A supernatural battle is taking place to determine the fate of America. In just twelve minutes a day you help bring forth a divine intervention to save our country using this book. Let us not forget to fast, meditate and pray for the salvation of America. There is an organization that is taking on this endeavor through helpful prayer guidance. This is what I plan to do. How about you?

Buy a nice pair of Rosary beads for praying here.

Anyone can join the hundreds of thousands already involved in this rapidly-growing prayer

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WHAT IS TRUMP’S ‘ONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL’?

It is already passed Congress and the Senate. It is on its way to the executive for signature. to go into law. These are all campaign promises to the American people to which they voted on and elected the president on.

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LONG-STANDING PLAN: U.S. TROOPS TO BEGIN LEAVING EUROPE AFTER NATO SUMMIT

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ANOTHER SIGN THAT MASSIVE ARRESTS OF CORRUPT OFFICIALS IS NEAR.

Did you listen to the prophecy on this subject matter? Sound almost impossible but God does the impossible. This is a sign of the worry and a precursor of what they know is coming next. As I published this Newsletter on Thursday 5/21, just heard that this congress representative has been arrested on all these counts, over her ICE capades…lol..

New Jersey ICE clash: Dem Rep. McIver charged.

NJ Rep. McIver could face expulsion from congress for ICE tussle. She also could get as much as 16 years in prison for obstructing ICE, if found guilty. This sentence probably will not happen, however expulsion from congress is highly likely. This should set the stage for those using politics for activism movements.

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WHY HASN’T TRUMP MADE SUCH DEALS WITH THE EU AS HE HAD IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

IRAQ: CONCLUDING STATEMENT OF THE 2025 IMF ARTICLE IV MISSION

A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Jean-Guillaume Poulain, met with the Iraqi authorities in Amman and Baghdad during May 4–13 to conduct the 2025 Article IV consultation. The following statement was issued at the end of the mission:

A highly uncertain global environment, falling oil prices, and acute financing pressures, are taking a toll on economic activity and exacerbating Iraq’s existing vulnerabilities, calling for urgent measures to preserve fiscal and external stability. These include containing the fiscal deficit by mobilizing non-oil tax revenues and reining in the public wage bill, completing the restructuring of state-owned banks, and promoting private sector growth, by reforming the labor market, improving the business environment, enhancing governance and fighting corruption. Building on recent progress, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) should continue modernizing the banking system and supporting private banks in expanding their corresponding banking relationships.

Recent Economic Developments, Outlook and Risks

The non-oil sector grew at a slower pace last year and inflation remained subdued. Following a very strong growth of 13.8 percent in 2023, Iraq’s non-oil GDP is expected to have considerably moderated to 2.5 percent in 2024, driven by a slowdown in public investment and in the services sector, as well as a weaker trade balance. The agriculture, manufacturing, and construction sectors remained resilient, benefiting from post-drought recovery, expanded refining capacity, and strong growth in credit to households. The decline in oil production weighed on overall growth, which contracted by 2.3 percent for the year. Inflation dropped to 2.7 percent by end-2024, amid lower food price inflation and liquidity absorption from the CBI.

The fiscal position has deteriorated, along with external balances. The 2024 fiscal deficit is estimated at 4.2 percent of GDP, compared to 1.1 percent in 2023, reflecting rising spending on wages and salaries and energy purchases. Financing constraints have led to reemergence of arrears notably in energy and capital expenditure. On the external front, the current account surplus narrowed sharply from 7.5 percent to 2 percent of GDP, due to a surge in goods imports. Nonetheless, external buffers remain strong, with reserves at US$100.3 billion at end-2024—covering over 12 months of imports.

Non-oil growth is projected to remain subdued in 2025 amid a challenging global environment and financing constraints. Non-oil GDP is projected to slow down to 1 percent this year as the impact of falling oil prices and financing constraints weigh on government spending and consumer sentiment. The current account is expected to weaken considerably in 2025 primarily due to declining oil export revenues. The deterioration in the external position is projected to weigh on foreign reserves.

Policy Priorities

Iraq’s vulnerabilities have increased in recent years due to a large fiscal expansion. Beside weighing on prospects of private sector-led growth, current public employment policies and resulting wage costs are unsustainable given Iraq’s low non-oil tax base. Accordingly, dependence on oil revenues has worsened, and the oil price required to balance the budget increased to around $84 in 2024, up from $54 in 2020.

These challenges have been exacerbated by the sharp decline in oil prices in 2025, requiring an urgent policy response. In the very short-term, the authorities should review current and capital spending plans for 2025 and limit or postpone all non-essential expenditure. At the same time, there may be scope to increase non-oil revenues by revising customs duties as well as introducing or raising excise taxes. The authorities should also explore options to diversify the creditors base for increasing financing availability. Monetary financing of the deficit should be avoided as it could fuel inflation, drain FX reserves, and weaken the CBI’s balance sheet.

More broadly, a sizable fiscal consolidation is needed to mitigate macro-fiscal risks, ensure debt sustainability, and rebuild fiscal buffers. On the revenue side, besides customs duties and excise taxes, there is scope to gradually reform personal income tax by limiting exemptions and increasing rates. Strengthening tax administration—through digitalization, improved enforcement, and better collection—is essential. A more effective tax administration should allow for eventually introducing a general sales tax. On the spending side, curbing current expenditures, particularly via comprehensive wage bill reforms, limiting mandatory hiring, and adopting attrition rule, would yield significant savings. Recent efforts to better target the public distribution system are welcome, but there is scope to further improve targeting and eventually shift to cash-based social safety nets. Finally, it is urgent to reform the public pension system through raising the retirement age and reducing both the accrual and replacement rates is needed to enhance its sustainability.

Implementing these reforms would also create fiscal space to increase capital spending. Expanding non-oil investment, especially in trade and transportation infrastructure should help economic diversification. Substantial investments are also required to modernize the electricity sector and develop natural gas resources, both of which are essential for improving energy security and reducing dependence on gas imports. Improved procurement, public financial management, and corruption control would enhance the effectiveness of any additional public investment.

Further efforts are needed to mop up excess liquidity in order to improve monetary policy transmission. While the CBI has made progress in absorbing excess liquidity, additional adjustments could enhance the effectiveness of the framework. Key measures include increasing the issuance of CB-bills, focusing on the short maturity (14-day) at the policy rate, revising size limits on individual banks’ bids, and improving liquidity forecasting tools and practices. To safeguard its balance sheet and preserve credibility, the CBI should continue to avoid financing the government deficit.

The mission commended the CBI for the successful transition to the new trade finance system. Trade finance is now fully processed by commercial banks through their correspondent banking relationships. This has also supported the recent decline in the spread between the official and parallel market exchange rates. Nonetheless, further efforts are needed to further reduce the spread, including by imposing Iraqi dinar usage for car and real estate transactions, improving customs controls to curb smuggling, and simplifying FX access.

While initial steps to reform state-owned banks are encouraging, broader efforts are needed to strengthen the financial sector. The restructuring plan for state-owned banks should be finalized without delay, encompassing treatment of non-performing loans, and recapitalization needs. In parallel, the mission welcomed progress in digitalization and the authorities’ intention to undertake a comprehensive banking sector overhaul. Reforms should include enhancing corporate governance, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity, while promoting a stronger role for private banks. Efforts to enhance AML/CFT measures by tackling the deficiencies identified in the MENAFATF Mutual Evaluation report should continue.

Chronic power shortages, electricity losses and excessive tariff subsidization continue to weigh on the economy. Addressing inefficiencies in the electricity sector is important for fiscal sustainability and improving productivity. In 2024, distribution losses reached 55 percent, driven by theft and illegal connections, leading to significant financial losses. The authorities are deploying smart meters and have introduced other measures to enhance billing and collection. However, progress should be accelerated. Once collection substantially improves, achieving cost recovery will also require electricity tariff increases, with carefully calibrated subsidies targeted to low-income users. Recent disruptions in electricity imports from Iran further underscore the need for diversified supply and the development of gas projects.

Combating corruption and governance weaknesses is imperative to support economic development. Steps taken in the implementation and upgrade of the national anticorruption strategy and the improvements in corruption perception indices are positive developments. However, corruption remains a significant hurdle for growth. Strengthening accountability frameworks for the operation of state-owned and private enterprises in the oil, electricity and construction sectors is critical, and thorough compliance with Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative standards and the enactment of the law on Transparency and Access to Information should be prioritized. Additionally, aligning anticorruption legal frameworks with international covenants and best practice, and strengthening the independence of the judiciary are essential for effective enforcement and for the protection of economic rights.

A comprehensive structural reform agenda is essential to unlock growth potential. The mission estimates that a comprehensive set of reforms covering the labor market, business regulation, the financial sector and governance could double non-oil potential GDP growth over the medium term. On labor market, priorities include increasing labor force participation, particularly among women, by improving female education and further reducing barriers to their work and mobility, and reforming public sector hiring, which distort labor markets and reduce productivity. Efforts to better align skills with labor market needs should intensify. More generally, simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucratic impediments in e.g. business registration or tax administration should increase participation in the formal economy and help private sector development.

The mission would like to thank the Iraqi authorities and various stakeholders for their excellent hospitality and cooperation and candid discussions during the mission.

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REGARDING THE NUCLEAR AGREEMENT, THE UNITED STATES SUBMITS A “WRITTEN PROPOSAL” TO IRAN.


The United States presented Iran with a written proposal for a nuclear agreement during the fourth round of negotiations held on Sunday, according to a US official and two other sources familiar with the matter, Axios news website.

This is the first time since the talks began in early April that White House envoy Steve Witkoff has presented a written proposal to the Iranians.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi took the proposal back to Tehran for consultations with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other senior officials.

The report is in line with what US President Donald Trump said on Thursday during his visit to Doha, when he stated that the United States is “very close to reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran,” noting that Tehran had “somewhat” agreed to the terms.
On Tuesday, Trump said in Saudi Arabia that he had offered the Iranians an “olive branch” indicating the option of peace, but stressed that “this offer will not last forever. It is time for them to choose.”

During the first round of talks weeks ago, Araghchi presented Witkov with a written document containing several Iranian proposals. A source familiar with the meeting said Witkov told the Iranian foreign minister that “it was still too early for that, and that he wanted to build a good relationship first.”

During the third round of talks in late April, Araghchi presented Witkov with an updated document containing Iranian ideas for a nuclear deal. This time, Witkov agreed to receive the document, and a team of US experts studied it and sent Tehran a list of questions and requests for clarification, according to Axios.

Meanwhile, Witkov and his team prepared a US proposal outlining the Trump administration’s vision for Iran’s “civilian” nuclear program and monitoring and verification requirements, according to the two sources.

Witkov and other officials offered conflicting answers about whether Iran would be able to enrich uranium, and to what extent.
An adviser to Khamenei told NBC News on Wednesday that Iran is prepared to sign a deal that would allow it to enrich only to the minimum levels needed for civilian use and would require it to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, needed for a nuclear weapon, with inspectors verifying compliance, in exchange for the lifting of all sanctions.

Witkoff briefed the UN Security Council days ago on details of the US proposal, which he described as “great and very substantial,” but stressed the “need for further progress in the negotiations,” according to the minutes of the meeting seen by Axios and confirmed by another source familiar with the matter.

Witkoff presented the new proposal to Araghchi in Oman on Sunday, the sources said. A State Department official declined to comment.

The US envoy expressed satisfaction with the results of the fourth round of talks, held a day before Trump began his trip to the Middle East, while a date for the fifth round has not yet been set.

“I hope you can help me deal with the Iranian situation,” Trump told Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during their meeting in Doha on Wednesday. “It’s a dangerous situation, and we want to make the right decision.”
Trump emphasized his desire to avoid war, because “things like this start and get out of control. I’ve seen it time and time again, and we won’t let it happen.”

Senior diplomats from Iran and the European Troika—France, Britain, and Germany—are expected to meet in Istanbul on Friday, the first such meeting in two months.
European diplomats said the three European powers have decided to trigger the “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal if a new agreement is not reached by next August.

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TOP IRANIAN OFFICIAL SAYS TEHRAN WOULD FORGO HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM IN NUCLEAR DEAL WITH TRUMP

Richard Engel

Iran is ready to sign a nuclear deal with certain conditions with President Donald Trump in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, a top adviser to Iran’s supreme leader told NBC News on Wednesday.

Ali Shamkhani, a top political, military and nuclear adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is one of the most senior Iranian officials to speak publicly about the ongoing discussions.

He said Iran would commit to never making nuclear weapons, getting rid of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium which can be weaponized, agree to only enrich uranium to the lower levels needed for civilian use, and allow international inspectors to supervise the process, in exchange for the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions on Iran.

Asked if Iran would agree to sign an agreement today if those conditions were met, Shamkhani said, “Yes.”

His comments appear to be the clearest public statement yet on Iran’s expectations and willingness to reach a deal from the supreme leader’s inner circle. Iran’s supreme leader has the final say on all matters of national security.

“It’s still possible. If the Americans act as they say, for sure we can have better relations,” Shamkhani said, adding, “it can lead to a better situation in the near future.”

Shamkhani sat down with NBC News just hours after Trump offered Iran “an olive branch” that was combined with threats crippling economic sanctions should Iran not accept an agreement to limit the country’s nuclear program.

Shamkhani expressed frustration at Trump’s tone and continued threats.

“He talks about the olive branch, which we have not seen. It’s all barbed wire,” he said.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

While Iran has always denied that it is seeking to do so, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, says that it has enriched enough uranium close to weapons-grade quality to make six nuclear bombs.

The U.S. and Iran have been holding talks over Tehran’s nuclear program for weeks, with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, calling the last round in Muscat, the capital of Oman, “encouraging.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, called the negotiations “difficult but useful.”

“Enrichment is an issue that Iran will not give up, and there is no room for compromise on it,” he said. “However, its dimensions, levels or amounts might change for a period to allow confidence-building.”

In Wednesday’s interview, Shamkhani expressed concern that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, often known by the nickname Bibi, could try to derail the process through backchannel lobbying in Washington.

“If the Americans remove the Bibi effect, they can easily sign the deal,” Shamkhani said.

There are signs, however, that Trump may be distancing himself from Netanyahu. NBC News previously reported that, according to two U.S. officials, two Middle Eastern diplomats and two other people with knowledge of the tensions, the two leaders are increasingly at odds over a strategy for tackling challenges in the region, including Iran.

While Netanyahu has supported military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump has begun to see an opportunity to remove the threat of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon by making a deal with the government, the sources said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

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DOLLAR TRANSFERS FROM IRAQ: JP MORGAN AWARDS TBI

The Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) has been awarded the “STP Excellence in Payments and Transfers” award from JP Morgan, recognizing the bank’s commitment to efficient and sustainable direct payment practices.

According to a statement from TBI, the award highlights its high efficiency in processing financial transactions, particularly in direct financial transfers of US dollars and euros, achieving a 99.68% MT103 success rate.

According to SWIFT, an MT103 is a standard SWIFT message used for single customer credit transfers. It is generated when a customer of one financial institution instructs that institution to transfer funds to a beneficiary at another financial institution. This message type is commonly used for cross-border payments.

Bank spokesperson Ahmed Saad Al-Khazraji noted that this recognition reflects the bank’s ability to handle electronic transactions with minimal manual intervention, reducing errors and operational costs. He said TBI’s success places it among a limited number of global banks achieving this level of excellence.

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46 IRAQI BUSINESS LEADERS PARTICIPATED IN THE INVESTMENT SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON.

The US Embassy in Baghdad said in a statement: “A delegation of 46 business leaders from Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, arrived in the United States to participate in the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit, which was held in the Washington, D.C., area from May 11 to 14.”

It added: “The delegation included a variety of sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, franchising, agriculture, construction, investment, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and oil and gas,” explaining that “the wide variety of opportunities aims to promote cooperation and investment between the United States and Iraq.”

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the largest event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment in the United States.

The summit brings together international investors, representatives from state and local governments, and government officials to facilitate investment in the American economy. The SelectUSA Summit is organized by the Department of Commerce and provides essential information and services to help foreign investors navigate the investment process in the United States. 

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BAGHDAD HOSTS THE ARAB SUMMIT: “THE PATH TO DEVELOPMENT” IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE ECONOMIC AGENDA.

Iraq is counting on the 34th Arab Summit, scheduled to be held in Baghdad on Saturday, May 17, 2025, to be a pivotal moment in strengthening its regional economic role and consolidating its position as one of the most prominent players in shaping the Arab development map, at a time when it has risen to fourth place in the Arab world in terms of gross domestic product by 2025.

The Road to Development”: Iraq’s Gateway to Economic Integration

The “Development Road” initiative is the centerpiece of Iraqi hopes, serving as the cornerstone of Iraq’s vision for long-term Arab-regional economic integration. Through this initiative, Iraq aspires to transform its geographic location into a pivotal link between Asia and Europe, via an advanced transportation network, ports, and infrastructure.

Baghdad Economic Forum member Jassim Al-Aradi told Al-Sabah newspaper that the summit is being held at a crucial time, coinciding with Arab countries’ efforts to stimulate their markets. He noted that the presence of Arab leaders in Baghdad provides political momentum that supports feasible economic projects, most notably the “Development Road” project.

DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY AND REDUCING DEPENDENCE ON OIL:

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Hadhal, Professor of Economics at Al-Mustansiriya University, emphasized that the economic axis constitutes the cornerstone of the summit’s agenda, calling for stimulating mutual Arab investments and reducing reliance on oil, which still accounts for approximately 90% of Iraq’s public revenues.

He added that the Iraqi government is working to encourage investment in local production, renewable energy, and manufacturing industries to narrow the import gap and achieve sustainable economic stability.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND INCREASING REGIONAL COOPERATION:

Economic researcher Adnan Bahiya believes that the “Development Road” project will provide extensive investment opportunities in infrastructure, industry, and agriculture, pointing to the potential to attract Arab and foreign capital to implement vital projects. Researcher Majid Abu Kalal described the summit as a “new bridge for economic cooperation,” anticipating the announcement of initiatives and memoranda of understanding that will support trade and investment integration between Iraq and Arab countries.

BAGHDAD AT THE HEART OF ARAB ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATIONS:

The summit’s convening in Baghdad comes at a time when the Iraqi capital is seeking to restore its historic role as a political and economic decision-making center in the region, building on internal economic transformations and growing regional support. This makes the summit a golden opportunity to consolidate this role on the ground.

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ABOUL GHEIT: THE BAGHDAD SUMMIT HAS GREAT HOPES AND ARAB CITIZENS HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FROM IT.

Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, affirmed that the Arab Summit in Baghdad holds great hopes, and that Arab citizens have high expectations from it.

“We meet today at a time when the region and the world are witnessing great turmoil,” Aboul Gheit said during his speech at the preparatory meeting of foreign ministers for the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad. He noted that “the martyrs of Palestine are our martyrs, and their cause is the cause of the Arab nation. We look forward to a unified message from this summit to immediately halt the war of extermination.”

The Secretary-General warned that “the occupation’s scheme knows no end, not only in Palestine, but also in Syria and Lebanon,” stressing that “our message must be one, and our vision must be shared and unified.”

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URGENT | AL-SUDANI: EXPECT SURPRISES AT THE ARAB SUMMIT, AND A SECOND TERM IS A NATURAL RIGHT.

 

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani spoke on Wednesday about surprises expected at the Arab Summit scheduled to be held in Baghdad next Saturday.

“Any weapons outside the state’s control will be destabilizing,” Al-Sudani said in an interview followed by the Iraq Observer.

He added, “Iraq is a virgin land for all investments, and not a day goes by without companies welcoming investment in Iraq.”

He continued: “We have made great strides in reducing poverty rates in Iraq.”

He pointed out that “corruption is a challenge in Iraq, and we have stopped many cases and stopped the abuse of power.”

He stressed that “the government has started with the concept of recovering funds and wanted persons.”

Al-Sudani spoke about attending the Arab Summit, saying, “There will be surprises.”

When asked about his ambition for a second term, he said: “It is a natural right.

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ARAB SUMMIT: IRAQ RETURNS TO LEADERSHIP ROLE, BAGHDAD TRANSFORMS INTO INFLUENTIAL REGIONAL PLAYER

Political researcher Abbas Ghadir said on Thursday (May 15, 2025) that holding the Arab League meeting in Baghdad will make Iraq an influential regional player.

Ghadir told Baghdad Today, “The Baghdad summit will make Iraq an influential regional player, especially since the summit will issue important decisions regarding the political and security changes and challenges facing the region at various levels. This summit will make Baghdad a major player in confronting crises and challenges and an effective player in finding diplomatic solutions.”

He added, “Holding the Baghdad summit with a large Arab presence confirms that Iraq has been able to regain its leadership and pivotal role in the region, especially after the government worked to distance Iraq from the cycle of war, adopted a policy of balance, and refused to be part of any regional or international axes throughout previous dangerous crises.”

Today, Wednesday (May 14, 2025), Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced the details of the Arab Summit to be held in Baghdad next Saturday.

At a press conference on the Arab Summit in Baghdad, attended by a Baghdad Today correspondent, Hussein said, “The preparatory committee for the Arab Summit in Baghdad has accomplished significant work,” noting that “the participation of leaders and officials in these exceptional circumstances confirms their desire to unify the Arab position.”

He added, “Twenty Arab organizations are participating in this summit, in addition to international organizations, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the guest of honor, the Prime Minister of Spain.”

Hussein continued, “Iraq granted 1,000 entry visas to summit attendees, and there are approximately 300 journalists from Iraqi institutions and 200 from the international press,” noting that “16 meetings of the Arab Summit’s Supreme Administrative Committee were held in Baghdad.”

He stressed that “Iraq is proud to have hosted three summits: the Arab League Council, the fifth session of the Development Summit, and the leaders’ summit between Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan,” emphasizing that “Iraq is now the chair of the 77th Summit and China.”

He explained that “the Arab League Council meeting at the ministerial level will submit its decisions to the summit,” explaining that “on the day of the summit, there will be two morning sessions, one at the summit level and the other the fifth development summit. The two summits will issue the Baghdad Declaration, including an immediate halt to the events in Gaza.”

Hussein pointed out that “the sister Arab countries presented their visions on the items up for discussion during the summit,” adding that “it is hoped that political initiatives will be put forward to establish an Arab center for combating terrorism, organized crime, drugs, and reconstruction.”

Regarding Trump’s decision, Hussein said, “The announcement of lifting sanctions on the Syrian people is an important step, and what is happening in Riyadh and what will happen in Baghdad is an integrative phase.” He emphasized that “there will be decisions regarding the Syrian situation and the situation of Arab countries in general.”

Regarding the PKK’s decision, Hussein explained, “We are pleased with the PKK’s decision to lay down its arms,” ​​indicating that “there will be cooperation between Baghdad and Ankara to address the PKK’s decision.”

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EXCLUSIVE – AFTER THE LIFTING OF SANCTIONS, SYRIA PLANS TO REVIVE PRODUCTION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IRAQ.

 A Syrian Ministry of Economy and Industry official announced on Wednesday that the decision to lift US sanctions on Syria will make a “significant difference,” revealing his country’s desire to revive production in partnership with Iraq.

Hassan al-Ahmad, director of the ministry’s media office, told Shafaq News Agency, “The decision to lift US sanctions on Syria is one of the most significant economic milestones that we believe will make a difference in the country’s near future. It represents the beginning of a new path toward recovery, stability, and Syria’s repositioning in the regional and international economy.”

He added, “From the Ministry of Economy and Industry’s perspective, this decision not only means easing restrictions on financial and commercial transactions, but also represents a restoration of economic sovereignty and an opportunity to relaunch the productive wheel based on well-thought-out principles that are grounded in reality and aim to achieve qualitative development in the structure of the national economy.”

He stressed: ” We are working today to develop a comprehensive plan that focuses on productive sectors, particularly manufacturing industries, the agricultural sector, energy, and the pharmaceutical and food industries.”

He pointed out that ” Syria possesses sufficient resources, competencies, and infrastructure to become an exporting country, not an importing one. This goal is not out of reach if it is invested in scientifically and through genuine partnership with friendly countries, foremost among them our brothers in Iraq, with whom we have strong historical and economic ties.”

He continued, ” The role of the economy will be pivotal in the next phase, not only in improving citizens’ living standards, but also in establishing stability and enhancing confidence in Syria as a country capable of rising again from the rubble.”

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he would work to lift sanctions on Syria after discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .

(Mnt Goat: What ever happened to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad? 

Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, has stepped down and fled to Russia, marking the end of his 24-year rule1The Syrian government has fallen following a lightning offensive by Islamist rebels2After more than 13 years of war, the president’s whereabouts remain unknown.)

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THE 100-DAY PLAN: THE GOVERNMENT PUTS BAGHDAD’S ENTRANCES ON THE PATH TO CHANGE

Government agencies continue to make tangible progress in rehabilitating and developing the entrances to the capital, Baghdad, which is a top service priority at the current stage.

Baghdad’s entrances are vital in enhancing transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and connecting it to neighboring governorates.

This accelerated movement follows direct instructions from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who has repeatedly emphasized the need to complete these projects within a specific timeframe not exceeding 100 days, emphasizing the need to remove all obstacles and adopt the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Earlier, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced an end to the delays in Baghdad entrance projects, issuing several directives, including extending working hours and removing all conflicts impeding these projects.

In this regard, the Ministry of Construction and Housing revealed the latest progress rates at the entrances to the capital, Baghdad, that fall under its responsibility.

Ministry spokesman Nabil Al-Saffar said that the completion rate of projects at Baghdad’s entrances has reached more than 94%.

He added that the two completed entrances are: the Baghdad-Bismaya entrance, with a total length of 28 kilometers, and the Baghdad-Diyala entrance, with a length of approximately 40 kilometers, noting that these projects have contributed to improving traffic flow and regional connectivity in Baghdad.

Regarding the Baghdad-Abu Ghraib entrance, he explained that work is currently underway to rehabilitate and maintain the connecting highway, one of the capital’s vital entrances. The road extends 30 kilometers in length for both outbound and return lanes, with each lane being 15.5 meters wide.

Speaking to Al-Eqtisad News, Al-Saffar added that the work includes scraping and removing the damaged surface layer, 5 cm thick, treating cracks, and resurfacing with an improved asphalt layer using polymer, in addition to road planning and furnishing.

“The project also includes the construction of four new pedestrian bridges,” Al-Saffar continued. “The project also includes a comprehensive rehabilitation of the overpasses, and the replacement of the old protective fence with New Jersey concrete barriers, after trimming the median strip and side slopes to ensure the highest levels of traffic safety.”

The Ministry of Construction spokesperson confirmed that work is progressing at a rapid pace, with the asphalt paving of the 15 km ascending path towards Baghdad completed, while scraping work continues on the path towards Ramadi. Work has also begun on pedestrian bridges, cleaning and trimming the shoulders and islands, as well as maintaining expansion joints on the bridges crossing the intersections of White Gold Village, the Tunnel, and the Olive Bridge, and installing and operating lighting poles.

Baghdad’s entrances are distributed among several government agencies, including the Ministry of Construction and Housing, the Baghdad Governorate, and the Baghdad Municipality. Each agency is responsible for implementing and completing one of the capital’s entrances. After the Ministry of Construction’s latest work is identified, the role shifts to the Baghdad Municipality.

The Baghdad-Mosul Entrance Rehabilitation and Development Project is a strategic and important project that represents a vital artery linking the capital, Baghdad, to the northern and western governorates. 

The project consists of two main sections, the first supervised by the Baghdad Municipality, and the second managed by the Baghdad Governorate. It includes bridges for vehicles and pedestrians, lighting, traffic signs, and modern safety features.

The project had previously been delayed for various reasons. However, the current government, headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has prioritized it, citing its importance in facilitating citizen movement and strengthening Baghdad’s connectivity with other governorates, as well as in reducing traffic accidents and achieving sustainability and quality standards.

It’s worth noting that the project is currently being implemented at an accelerated pace, following directives from the Prime Minister to complete it within 100 days and remove all technical and administrative obstacles that could delay its implementation.

In turn, Baghdad Municipality spokesman Uday al-Jandil confirmed that significant efforts are being made to find solutions or a vision to develop the capital’s entrances.

Al-Jundil stated that work is ongoing to develop the entrances to Baghdad-Babylon, Baghdad-Mosul, and Baghdad-Kirkuk. He explained that all of this work has reached advanced stages, as there is more than one shift working at these entrances, to complete them as quickly as possible. This is an integrated vision and comprehensive development work for the streets at the entrances to Baghdad.

He pointed out that the project will include road expansion works, so that each side will have more than four lanes, along with the implementation of a service road. In addition, there will be pedestrian bridges and wheel bridges at the Baghdad-Mosul entrance and the Baghdad-Kirkuk entrance, as well as the construction of pedestrian bridges at the Baghdad-Babylon entrance.

He pointed out that there are agricultural works, decorative panels, and signposts, and citizens will see them in a new look befitting the capital. Some of these works will be completed soon.

At the end of last year, the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers approved an increase in the financial costs of the project to rehabilitate Baghdad’s four entrances from 310.5 billion dinars to more than 682 billion dinars. This increase represents 83.3% of the total revised cost and 248.05% of the total approved cost, which amounted to 195.9 billion dinars. The Baghdad Governorate is also tasking the Ministry of Construction and Housing with supervising and monitoring the project, while the financial and contractual aspects remain under the responsibility of the Baghdad Governorate.

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IRAQ IS REASSERTING ITS REGIONAL ROLE WITH AN ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AGENDA.

Iraq is preparing to host the 34th Arab League Summit, amidst great momentum and widespread aspirations to restore its historic role on the regional stage. Baghdad, which for decades served as a focal point for Arab decision-making before being sidelined by wars and conflicts, is returning today with a new outlook based on stability and development and economic ambitions.

The summit, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, is the first hosted by Baghdad since 2012. It represents a true test of Iraq’s ability to lead Arab dialogue, not only politically, but also economically and developmentally, at a time when the region is facing unprecedented challenges, most notably the water crisis, desertification, energy crises, and economic integration.

Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Salih, the Prime Minister’s financial advisor, believes the summit represents a “strategic turning point” in Iraq’s contemporary history, demonstrating that the country now possesses the political, security, and logistical capacity to bring together Arab leaders on its soil. In a statement to Al-Sabah, he said that the summit has two main dimensions: the first is political and symbolic, representing Iraq’s return to its natural position within the Arab regional system, and the second is economic, represented by the government’s efforts to strengthen regional development partnerships, thus enhancing Iraq’s geographical position as a major logistics hub between Asia and Europe.

Saleh points out that the “Development Road” will feature prominently on the summit’s agenda, as a strategic project that could achieve integration between the countries of the Levant and the Maghreb by linking the Iraqi ports in Basra to the Turkish border, reaching Europe. He explains that the project is not limited to transportation, but includes the establishment of industrial and commercial zones along the route, providing major investment opportunities.

Economist Dhurgham Mohammed Ali believes the summit represents an important platform for revitalizing Arab initiatives on vital economic issues, stressing that the positive political climate surrounding the summit gives it additional momentum. Speaking to Al-Sabah, he added that among the most prominent issues on the table are desertification and food security, as Iraq and neighboring countries suffer from worsening environmental threats that can be addressed through joint Arab coordination in the areas of water, smart agriculture, and land reclamation.

Ali continues that the summit also offers Iraq the opportunity to renegotiate electricity and gas interconnection projects with the Gulf states, Jordan, and Egypt. These issues are witnessing rapid developments in bilateral agreements, but collective coordination within the framework of the Arab League could give them a deeper dimension.

He stressed the need to leverage the presence of Arab leaders to promote investment opportunities within Iraq, particularly in the renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure sectors, noting that the Iraqi government has demonstrated a clear willingness to provide genuine facilitations to Arab investors.

Economist Diaa Al-Mohsen believes the summit carries a political dimension no less important than its economic aspect, especially as it is being held in a turbulent regional context witnessing a struggle for roles and influence between regional and international powers. Al-Mohsen told Al-Sabah: “The mere fact that the summit is being held in Baghdad is a political and diplomatic victory for Iraq, and a message that the country has regained its health and is capable of serving as an arena for dialogue, not a battleground.”

Al-Mohsen asserts that the government has made significant efforts to improve the capital’s infrastructure and create security and logistical conditions for the summit’s success, which will positively impact Iraq’s image regionally and internationally. He also noted that the political and diplomatic momentum accompanying the summit could help attract Arab capital, especially given the desire among Gulf investment funds to engage in strategic projects within Iraq.

Legal and economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Shaikhli believes the summit also represents an opportunity to rebuild trust between Iraq and its Arab neighbors after decades of estrangement and tension. Speaking to Al-Sabah, he explained that Iraq has suffered from political isolation for years, resulting from internal conflicts and foreign interventions, but the summit represents an indication of a gradual shift toward a stable political environment that will enable regional reintegration.

Al-Shaikhli adds that Iraq has already begun implementing broad economic reforms in line with the requirements of a free economy, which qualifies it to be part of Arab economic integration projects. He points out that the summit could serve as a platform for developing unified Arab financing mechanisms that support small and medium-sized enterprises and achieve development goals. He concludes by saying that if Iraq succeeds in formulating a unified Arab position on environmental and economic issues during the summit, it will have achieved a strategic gain that transcends the confines of politics, establishing itself as a regional player capable of initiative and influence.

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AL-SUDANI’S ADVISOR REVEALS IRAQ’S DEBTS AND THEIR GLOBAL CLASSIFICATION.

The financial advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, revealed on Friday that the ratio of external and domestic public debt does not exceed 33% of the gross domestic product, an indicator that places Iraq within a comfortable and low-risk global credit rating.

“Iraq legally and customarily extinguished, in the Paris Club agreement of 2004, about $100 billion of the external debt accumulated by the former regime due to conflicts and wars. It was called pre-1990 debt and had a claims ceiling of about $38.9 billion. The remainder was rescheduled for about 20 years after the immediate cancellation of $100 billion, noting that many countries had cancelled 100% or close to that at the time of signing the agreement, which reduced the remaining reschedulable debt,” Saleh said in a press statement followed by Al-Mada.

He added, “It is also assumed that the Paris Club debts (both sovereign and foreign sector) will be fully extinguished in 2028, with the final foreign private sector debt remaining after the latter’s rescheduling into European bonds called ‘Iraq 2028’. The debt is valued at approximately $2.7 billion and is currently traded in global secondary capital markets.”

He continued, “We also borrowed approximately $12 billion to finance the budget during the war on ISIS, most of which was repaid, specifically with the International Monetary Fund.”

Regarding foreign debt, Saleh points out that “the foreign debts due over the next four years are approximately $9 billion, and there are foreign debts of a similar amount extending over longer years, related to long-term loans from international funds, mostly for the reconstruction of liberated areas.”

Accordingly, “the ratio of external debt to GDP is within a very safe range, not exceeding 8% of GDP, which has placed Iraq within a comfortable and low-risk global credit rating,” according to Saleh.

The government advisor explained that “the general budget annually allocates appropriate allocations for debt repayment and servicing as a top priority, which has strengthened Iraq’s creditworthiness.”

As for the domestic public debt, according to Saleh, it “amounts to 85 trillion dinars, half of which is invested in the Central Bank of Iraq’s investment portfolio, and the remainder is held mostly by government banks and the public in the form of bonds and transfers. It has accumulated due to the three oil asset cycles.”

He reveals that “domestic public debt constitutes 25% of GDP. If the value of the remaining external public debt is added to the domestic public debt, their combined ratio to GDP does not exceed 33%, indicating that our country is within the safe classification criteria for acceptable debt, which amounts to 60% of GDP.”

He notes, “But without forgetting that there are approximately $40 billion that have not been settled practically since the Paris Club agreement in 2004, which (should be written off by 80% or more) under the agreement, if that debt is true, and which belong to eight countries related to financing the Iran-Iraq war. These are odious debts, as they are called in economic literature, and they are pending without settlement.”

The government advisor concluded his remarks by saying, “There is careful planning between fiscal and monetary policies to extinguish the domestic debt held by the (government banking system) within a genuine financial settlement that provides public finances with ample scope for financial sustainability.”

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A QUALITATIVE LEAP IN “FINANCIAL INCENTIVES” AT IRAQI PORTS

The General Company for Ports of Iraq announced on Wednesday an unprecedented increase in financial incentives allocated to its employees after achieving record operational and revenue results during the first quarter of 2025.

Abbas Ali Hussein, the company’s director of internal audit and control, told Shafaq News Agency, “The financial incentive allocated to each employee has witnessed a significant leap compared to 2020,” noting that “the value of one point, which ranged between 6,000 and 7,000 dinars five years ago, has now increased to between 20,000 and 23,000 dinars.”

He explained that “this development is a direct result of the significant growth in revenues and reflects senior management’s appreciation for the efforts made by employees across the company’s various departments.” He noted that “the new incentive system is based on linking individual performance with corporate returns, which motivates improvements to the work environment, fosters a culture of achievement, and enhances productivity.”

Hussein added, “Iraqi ports are moving steadily toward modernization and development by implementing infrastructure projects and upgrading electronic systems and logistics services in line with international standards adopted in the maritime transport sector.”

The General Company for Iraqi Ports announced last Monday that the Khor al-Zubair oil port will receive 207 oil tankers during the first quarter of 2025.

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AL-SUDANI: IRAQ IS AN OIL AND INDUSTRIAL COUNTRY THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO EXPORT PRODUCTS TO THE REGION.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described Iraq on Wednesday as an “industrial country,” not just an oil country, and that it can meet the needs of the local market and countries in the region.

This came in a speech delivered via video link during the inauguration of the steel plant at the General Company for Iron and Steel in Basra Governorate, with a capacity of 600,000 tons annually. He also launched the implementation work for the industrial city in Al-Zubair District, and the Basra Chlorine and Caustic Soda Production Plant Project.

Al-Sudani said in his speech, “Iraq, in addition to being an oil-producing country, is an industrial country that possesses all the ingredients for the emergence of a national industry that meets the needs of the local market. We have qualified to become a country that exports products to the rest of the countries in the region.”

Shafaq.com

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THE EMIR OF KUWAIT TO TRUMP: WE WILL NOT FORGET YOUR STANCE WITH US IN RESPONDING TO THE IRAQI AGGRESSION.

On Wednesday, the Emir of Kuwait, Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, praised the US support for his country during the Iraqi invasion in 1990, addressing Trump, saying, “We will not forget your position.”

During a speech he delivered at the Gulf-US summit held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, Al-Sabah affirmed his country’s support for international efforts to ensure the security and protection of Syria. He also called for an end to foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

Al-Sabah also proposed “establishing a Gulf-American forum for cultural and educational dialogue with the aim of supporting academic exchange programs between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries,” praising US President Donald Trump’s decision to “lift sanctions on Syria.”

He expressed his hope that this summit would be the beginning of an end to the region’s concerns, also stressing “the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state based on the Arab Peace Initiative.”

Al-Sabah addressed Trump, saying, “We will never forget your support in responding to the brutal Iraqi aggression in 1990,” praising the American support provided to his country over the decades.

On Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman opened the Gulf-US summit in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, which discussed key regional issues.

The summit opened following a virtual quadrilateral meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, his US counterpart Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Shafaq.com

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UN SECRETARY-GENERAL: WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT TAKING PLACE IN IRAQ.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his satisfaction on Saturday with the progress made by Iraq. While noting that the time is right to conclude the UNAMI mission in Iraq by the end of this year, which reflects the maturity of the Iraqi political process, he emphasized that the 34th Arab Summit is being held at a critical moment for the Middle East.

“I am pleased to be in Baghdad again to participate in the Arab League summit, at a crucial moment for the Middle East,” Guterres said at a press conference on the sidelines of the Arab Summit in Baghdad, as monitored by Al-Eqtisad News. He explained that “the ground is shifting beneath our feet, but these radical transformations are not natural forces, but rather the results of specific choices, and the solutions are in the hands of decision-makers.”

He added that “these solutions must focus, first and foremost, on making the most of the region’s enormous potential,” adding: “We all know that the peoples of the Arab world aspire to a better future, and that there are demands for justice, dignity, and rights.”

He pointed out that “in Lebanon, the ceasefire, territorial integrity, and adherence to international resolutions must be respected. As for Syria, the Syrian people yearn for a comprehensive political transition that heals national wounds and strengthens Syria’s integration into the international community and economy, while also ensuring that the imposed sanctions are lifted.”
He continued, “The situation in Gaza is beyond description. There is a blockade, starvation, and a violation of international law, and it must stop.” He explained, “The collective punishment imposed on the Palestinian people cannot be justified.”

He explained, “We need a permanent ceasefire and to ensure the free flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

Regarding the situation in Sudan, Guterres stressed, “Yesterday we held an important meeting with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and representatives of the African Union to continue coordinating peace initiatives in Sudan. We have unofficial representatives in Addis Ababa to facilitate coordination between the three mechanisms working towards a peaceful solution.”

Regarding the Iraqi file, Guterres said, “I am pleased with the progress made by Iraq,” stressing that “at the end of this year, the United Nations mission in Iraq will officially conclude, reflecting the maturity of the Iraqi political process.”

He explained that “UN agencies will continue to work in Iraq to support development, organize elections, and provide technical support to the Iraqi government.”

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Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,

                                             Just the FACTS!

Disclaimer: All information in this newsletter is not intended for investment decisions / purposes. Mnt Goat is not a financial analyst, planner, banker, attorney or associated in any role with giving out professional investment advice.

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Mnt Goat