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.
ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER:
August 21, 2025 Mnt Goat News Brief
Guten Tag everyone:
I have some news for you today. Let’s buckle down and enjoy all the news.
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. Please show your appreciation for all the hard work I do.
I recommend $10-$15 dollars a month or whatever you can afford. Do you realize I write eight (8) Newsletters every month. This is like a second job to me. The only way I know that people are reading and appreciating all the FACTUAL news I bring is through their appreciation. If I do not receive equal appreciation for all the hard work I do, I will simply end the Newsletter and save myself endless hours at the computer. I am tired of this RV saga just as you are. We are now down to the wire and the end is very near. I feel this would be a lousy time to end the Newsletter but that is all up to you. As I suggested I will probably have a LIVE conference call once the reinstate happens to help clarify issues in the exchange process. It is all up to you if you want me to help.
Let’s all try to chip in!
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Matthew 10:8
“Freely you have received; freely give”.
More news….
DOES THE “HASTY” WITHDRAWAL OF US FORCES REMOVE PROTECTION FROM IRAQ?
The withdrawal of international coalition forces from Ain al-Asad base in Anbar towards the Kurdistan Region, in preparation for a complete evacuation from Iraq , has raised a key question: is this part of the previous agreement between the two countries, or is it a cessation of American protection for the country from any external attacks?
Iraqi media revealed on Monday that the first phase of the withdrawal of US forces—part of the international coalition—from the country towards the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has begun, ahead of the scheduled date of September 25.
In early September, Washington and Baghdad reached an understanding on a plan for the withdrawal of US-led international coalition forces from Iraq. The agreement stipulates the departure of hundreds of coalition forces by September 25, 2025, and the remainder by the end of the following year.
GOVERNMENT CONFUSION
While Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed his country’s desire for US forces to remain to protect the country from the flames of regional wars, the spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces considered the withdrawal an achievement for the government.
(This is a very long article but good and you can read it fully at this link )
More news….
A MEETING BETWEEN BAGHDAD AND ERBIL TO DISCUSS CONTENTIOUS ISSUES
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Mohammed Ali Tamim, held an expanded joint meeting on Tuesday between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to discuss salaries and oil.
The Iraqi Ministry of Planning stated in a press release that “the meeting reviewed the progress made on the outstanding issues between the two parties, which included oil production and exports, non-oil revenues, and the localization of salaries for the region’s employees, based on the Federal Court’s decision in this regard.”
According to the statement, the participants indicated that significant progress has been achieved, particularly in the oil production and export file from the region, as all conditions and requirements necessary to commence production and export through the National Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) have been met, and discussions are continuing to complete the remaining requirements related to other files.
STATUS OF THE RV
Today’s Newsletter Status is longer than usual but there are many points that my readers need to realize as to why we are still waiting for the reinstatement. Remember it is the reinstate that will allow us to go exchange as the banks, not the in-country revaluation, which we are being told is planned between Sept-Dec with a very strong possibility of the reinstatement in January 2026. But again, I have to say this with conditions I was told made by the US to Iraq. These conditions I listed out in my Newsletter dated 8/12. It is found in the Mnt Goat Archives. Did you take the time to read it? The dinar must be back on the currency exchanges for the banks to touch it. Plus, we also want a rate that we can realize a sizable gain,,,,right? So, get a nice cup of coffee or tea and sit comfortably and read through this Newsletter today. Let’s is all learn.
Today there is cause to celebrate but also to caution us investors. We must remember that there are political motives behind the scenes working within Iraq but also at the same time, the Central Bank keeps moving ahead with the financial reforms and its goals of financial freedom for Iraq. It is a growth process for Iraq both politically and economically. To hit the world stage again is an uphill battle but I am confident that Iraq is meeting the challenge and will soon emerge as a financial giant.
Many of you may ask what do I mean by “financial freedom”. This is a term I am not using lightly and to describe the time when Iraq will finally cut the apron-strings that were intentionally created as part of the sanctioned period of time. These restrictions were put on the Iraqi economy but now they no longer serve their purpose. In fact there is strong evidence they are actually hindering Iraq and suppressing it from its real destiny. But from what we have witnessed in the last twenty year is this a surprise to you? Are these changes being forced upon Iraq to save Iraq or to build Iraq in the image of what the powers behind the scenes desire it to become. We must remember that from the very same instituted sanctions that created the problem in the first place, are now keeping it back. Think about it?
So, “financial freedom” is only defined by the entities that control Iraq not Iraq itself. To what level of changes does Iraq actually have to make in order to receive back their financial freedom thus true identity as a sovereign nation? Yes, just how far must they go? I know I have asked this question many times to my CBI contact and I am never fully satisfied with the answers I have gotten. Do you know why?
The reason why I am not satisfied is that I can keep looking back to the Dr Shabibi says and I know, because he told us in a 2015 interview, that the plan was to reinstate the dinar way back in 2013. In the summer of 2012 he announced the issuing of the new coinage and the beginning of the Project to Delete the Zeros. However, this never occurred, again because of corruption. Did he know something we don’t? Did he know that the dinar must get off the sole peg to the dollar in order to facilitate the kind of growth necessary. That the reinstatement must happen first then this would facilitate the growth needed to move ahead even more. But in order to do this, other issues dealing with the sanctions must be removed not just physically but also in the minds of investors. So, the Dr Shabibi reinstatement plan was spoiled and so today Iraq is still working in many aspects as if still in UN sanctions, but we all know these have been lifted since 20222. So, what is happening then? We must ask what comes first the chicken or the egg? In other words could Iraq have progressed must factor if the dinar was reinstated, even at a minimal rate years ago. Then let their growth drive the market upwards? Why would the IMF not push this? Are there “political” reasons then why not? Is there another plan in motion that many don’t know about?
These are all questions that many are asking, and I have to say I too am asking the same questions. But I do know something and I have been told that the IQD will be pivotal in its role to play in a currency reset and used to reconstruct and support many other currencies in a new basket peg they are planning to roll out. So, there is a grander plan than just us investors getting paid. In other words this RV is not all about us.
I have decided to put these questions in my mind as if Iraq is now like a seed that has been planted. Yes, I mean in between when the seed is planted (financial reforms completed) and the enormous serge of growth that follows.
In today’s news the articles reinforce many aspects of what I have said above in my commentary. It tells us that they must keep the inflation rate low, at all means possible and this keeps the purchasing power of the dinar high. This is one of the main goals of the Central Bank. It also gives us a lesson on raising the value of the dinar, as remember that keeping the sole peg to the dollar is actually a counter-mechanism working against the raising of the value of the dinar. It hurts the dinar not help it. Get it? It is like a sore thorn in their ass that they can’t remove until they get off the de facto peg to the dollar. And they won’t do this until they get off the petro-dollar. I hope this is all very much clearer to all of you readers.
So, is today’s news bad or good? Should we rejoice or be sad?
In my eyes the news today is all still VERY GOOD news. There are no revelations or WOW! news. We just must keep in mind what I am telling you today. Don’t forget! There is no easy way out of this RV process for Iraq. There are no secret bank stories or three letter agencies, rumors of every weekend RVs that are going to make any difference in getting the RV, get it? I know we all want hope and so go ahead and listen to this nonsense, but that is really all it is. But if it all makes you happy then I guess its hope and so be happy. However, when you do believe this nonsense, don’t come running to me to support it because I know much better. I will refuse to be sucked into this stupid nonsense of hype based on rumors not FACTS. I base my intel on FACTS and only FACTS. What is my slogan? I build me reputation on FACTS not someone elses rumors or opinions. This is called pure speculation without sound reasoning. I consider myself a smart, educated person not some idiot. Yes, these rumors can be interesting and as I said hopeful, but don’t count on them.
Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,
Just the FACTS!
This first article today titled “THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPROVING THE CLASSIFICATION OF IRAQ’S SOVEREIGNTY” to me displays much of what I just said about Iraq having to dig itself out of the sanctions mode and progress to a global entity. It shows they uphill battle that Iraq must face. I will quote from the article – “The ministry presented the financial documents, which resembled the Iraqi currency,” he added It combines clear and measurable goals, with raising distance plans to specialist areas, and direct coordination with major global trust classification agencies, including Fitch, S&P, Moody’s) Aims to improve Iraq’s sovereign credit rating, as the Seoul team pays special attention to strengthening government efforts, financial risk management, and environmental development. Our actions are in line with the government’s economic reform plan,” the statement said the comprehensive national strategy aims to improve the classification of Iraq’s sovereignty, which will contribute to enhancing international confidence in the national economy, and opening up vast opportunities of foreign investment, direct and indirect,”. Can it get any clearer?
What else is in the news?
The next set of articles talk about the progress in the areas I have previously brought to your attention as needed on my list of the five main issues in the RV Status. You do remember these five (5) main categories? You can go to my Archives and revisit them if you wish. Here is the LINK to the Newsletter dated 8/12. Please keep referencing this list as it will be a good guide for you to understand what is going on and what issues are the impact. It is up to you whether you consider this news good news or sobering news. Remember the glass can be half empty or half full…..
😊In the article titled “CENTRAL BANK: FOREIGN TRANSFERS ARE PROCEEDING SMOOTHLY AND SEAMLESSLY. The Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq confirmed on Wednesday that nearly all major currencies are covered, noting that the central bank is conducting foreign exchange transactions in all currencies smoothly and with high fluidity. So, we learned that the correspondent bank transfer process started last year is working. Remember this was a huge move for the CBI in paying for imports. Unfortunately they are still paying using mostly the US dollar.
😊The next two articles directly affect the Oil and Gas Law, a long-standing constitutional requirement that must be implemented. The articles are titled “UNAMI MISSION IS OPTIMISTIC THAT ERBIL AND BAGHDAD WILL REACH A “GOOD” UNDERSTANDING ON RESOLVING OUTSTANDING DISPUTES. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Mohammed Hassan, expressed optimism on Tuesday about the possibility of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government reaching an understanding that would resolve the outstanding issues and differences between the two sides. And also article titled “BAGHDAD AND ERBIL ON THE VERGE OF A HISTORIC AGREEMENT: OIL, SALARIES, AND NON-OIL REVENUES ARE CLOSE TO BEING RESOLVED. The Ministry of Planning spokesperson Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi revealed details of the meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with resolving financial obligations between Baghdad and Erbil, stressing that the meeting witnessed a significant convergence of views and a preliminary agreement on mechanisms for resolving outstanding issues.
😊This next news is not new as we already talked about this issue with the PMF before. So far a decision has not been made but I will add that if the party now in power decides to go against the US and vote and implement their new PMF policy into law, there will be severe repercussions by the US. Read my lips – THE US WILL NOT LET IRAN TAKE OVER IRAQ AS ANOTHER ONE OF THEIR PUPPET STATES. The US is in the process of dismantling Iran’s powers in the middle east and with world. They are not about to let them take Iraq. The article is a good read and is titled “TRUMP ADVISOR: US SANCTIONS ON IRAQ ‘SEVERE’ IF PMF LAW PASSED”. I quote from the article
“Gabriel Soma, a member of US President Donald Trump’s advisory council, warned on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, of “harsh” US sanctions awaiting Iraq if the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law is passed” “Some components of the Popular Mobilization Forces receive support from Iran, and Iraq does not need the Popular Mobilization Forces with the army,” Soma said in a televised interview followed by Al-Jabal. He added, “Former US President Joe Biden turned a blind eye to Iranian influence in Iraq, but Trump disagrees,” noting that “a large portion of the Popular Mobilization Forces take their orders from Iran.” You may think that this is a bad thing for our investment and will delay the RV. You right it will if the law passed. If it does not pass the US still must find a way to deal with these militia as they are going one way or another, even if it means by force. But think about it. At least now they are challenging these militia and their presence. This had to be done sooner or later and done prior to the RV. Get it? Remember its not all about the RV.
☹The next articles affect the value of the dinar and the ongoing saga with the US dollar. Please take time to read the article titled “CAUGHT BETWEEN THE GRIP OF THE LAW AND THE LURE OF QUICK PROFITS, A SUDANESE ADVISOR EXPLAINS THE DOLLAR’S RESURGENCE.” In the article Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, explained on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) and I quote “that the return of the dollar’s exchange rate to high levels in local markets is due to the activity of speculators and cross-border traders who balance the risks of compliance with laws and the cost of official procedures with the speed of parallel financing and the ease of generating profits.” In the article they mention some solutions to preventing these surges in the dollar but these are the only said solutions but these solutions will NEVER work and the traders will always find loopholes and take advantage of them. My point is to get off the sole peg to the dollar and make it less valuable. Then they need a multi-currency peg to replace the sole peg. This would stop all this corruption with the dollar and there would be a really good chance for the dinar to rise quickly and stable.
☹There is also a few other articles hitting this same of the recent rise in the dollar topic titled “AN ECONOMIST PREDICTS THE NEXT GOVERNMENT WILL CHANGE THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE, AND EXPLAINS THE REASONS.” In the articleseconomists expect the next government to resort to an official devaluation of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar as a potential solution to address mounting financial burdens, most notably the massive government payroll. This is why the US is requiring Iraq to diversify its economy and get off the sole revenue source of oil. Oil fluctuates so much. This is why Iraq must get off the petro-dollar. Let’s be real and look at the real source of the problem. The real source is the petro-dollar and sole peg of the dollar to the dinar. They know it and we know it. That is the real solution. But what do they then peg the dinar to if not the dollar? The IMF already has a basket of currencies for the new peg. But this peg coincides with a reinstatement, it can’t be done unless the currency is traded globally.
😊The second article is titled “AN EXPERT WARNS AGAINST ADJUSTING THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE AND OUTLINES A SOLUTION TO ADDRESS THE DECLINE IN OIL PRICES.” In it economic expert Salah Nouri confirmed on Wednesday that adjusting the dollar exchange rate falls within the purview of the Central Bank of Iraq, noting that this measure is a monetary policy tool aimed at achieving economic stability and combating inflation or deflation. Yes, I agree with this first statement whole-heartedly. He goes to tell confirm to us that monetary policy is not just by the CBI alone but also by the finance committee, part of Al-Sudani’s cabinet. I quote “Nouri stressed to Al Furat News Agency “the need to achieve harmony between the monetary policy managed by the Central Bank and the fiscal policy undertaken by the Ministry of Finance through the general budget.”
This tells us, if you are listening, that the CBI will not and can not just RV/Reinstate without both having consent of the CBI and the Finance Committee on the change. Get it? Many of these intel gurus tell you the CBI can reinstate anytime they want. Really? Such foolishness and this article is proof..
The economic expert goes on to say “he explained that raising the dollar exchange rate—i.e., devaluing the dinar—increases the amount of Iraqi dinars the Ministry of Finance receives from the Central Bank to cover budget expenditures. However, he warned that this measure leads to a decline in the purchasing power of citizens, especially those with limited income.”
In other words, a devaluation would cause INFLATION. He just said a devaluation of the dinar “leads to a decline in purchasing power”. Now let’s get this clear. We all know by now that inflation does just the opposite. Isn’t inflation the main driving force of the CBI – to stop inflation and keep it low? Keep prices low. Inflation now is only at about 1-2%. Why would the CBI want more inflation? Do these economists really know or care about the Central Bank policies and IMF policies. If they do, they certainly don’t show it in these articles.
I do not believe the CBI will devalue the dinar. They have already told us there is plenty of money in the reserves, if needed. I don’t see any crisis in Iraq do you? Devaluations are a LAST RESORT like they had to do in 2020. Again there is NO CRISIS in Iraq! 😊
Remember too that in the recent prophecies God is telling us that this chaos we are witnessing is coming to an end soon. What does soon mean? I do not know but I can feel an end to it when the US indictments come out and they are coming out in the coming months.
One thing God does keep telling us is that – what was stolen from us will be returned 7 X.
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Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,
Just the FACTS!
PRAYING WITH SINCERITY
Many may ask why their prayers are not being answered. Our new Shepard in Rome Pope Leo XIV has given us some direction.
You can purchase a nice pair of Rosary Beads here to pray:
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? June has been amazing too as promised. Was He lying to us? Here comes the indictments.
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.
Prophetic Words from prophet Barry Wunsch:
“The Glory Of The Lord Is Coming To The Nations!“
You can click on the picture to listen to the prophecy. From early Aug 2025.
I listened to this one on Elijah Streams on Aug 19 and it blew me away the level of hidden corruption from the deep state. Canada too also seems to be in a mess with the globalist agenda taking over that great country. But God does tell us He will overcome this corruption and things will change, even for the Canadians.
Click on picture to listen to prophecy
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.
Prophetic Words from prophet Julie Green:
“NOTHING WILL STOP WHAT IS ABOUT TO HIT YOUR ENEMIES FINANCIAL SYSTEM
You can go to mark 6:57 on the video to start prophecy. From Aug 12.
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DC FEDERAL TAKEOVER CONTINUES WITH NEW ARRESTS, CHECKPOINTS AND CONCERNS FOR THE HOMELESS
BONDI PUTS SANCTUARY CITIES ON NOTICE WITH STRICT DEADLINE
THE SCIENCE THEY WON’T TELL YOU: CO2’S WARMING LIMIT
Do you know why they won’t tell you all the facts about climate change? It’s because most of the FACTS are “inconvenient truths” and will spoil their scare tactics and fear mongering related to their narrative. We have already witnessed the multiple bills passed in congress for the wasteful money spent on this narrative. Also remember that there is evidence that a lot of this money earmarked for “climate change” went into slush funds used for nefarious projects or simply just disappeared. Yes, just like USAID funds with good intentions it turns dirty.
CLAPPER IS ABOUT TO BE “CLAPPED” (IN IRONS).
Let’s see how he tries to lie his way out of this one…..
AS DIRTY AS THEY COME!
LEAVITT ADDRESSES ADAM shifty-SCHIFF WHISTLEBLOWER REVELATIONS
THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPROVING THE CLASSIFICATION OF IRAQ’S SOVEREIGNTY
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, on Wednesday (August 20, 2025), in the form of a joint national brigade, to improve the classification Iraq’s sovereign trust, which plays a role in enhancing international confidence in the national economy, and opening up vast horizons for foreign investment.
The Cabinet said in a statement that it “agrees with the objectives of the Ramiya government to enhance Iraq’s financial and economic position on the international stage, the Sudanese side in the form of a national delegation Jointly, towards the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, and two branches of the Ministries (Finance, Oil, Planning) and Economic and Financial Institutions, to the President’s Office.
The ministry presented the financial documents, which resembled the Iraqi currency,” he added It combines clear and measurable goals, with raising distance plans to specialist areas, and direct coordination with major global trust classification agencies, including Fitch, S&P, Moody’s) Aims to improve Iraq’s sovereign credit rating, as the Seoul team pays special attention to strengthening government efforts, financial risk management, and environmental development Our actions are in line with the government’s economic reform plan,” the statement said the comprehensive national strategy aims to improve the classification of Iraq’s sovereignty, which will contribute to enhancing international confidence in the national economy, and opening up vast opportunities Foreign investment, direct and indirect,”.
The government said in a statement, adding that this letter represents a clear commitment to the reform policy and its protection achieving economic stability, supporting the stability of the financial system, and creating an attractive investment environment to participate in diversifying revenue sources and reducing reliance on oil Wahid”.
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CENTRAL BANK: FOREIGN TRANSFERS ARE PROCEEDING SMOOTHLY AND SEAMLESSLY.
Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq confirmed on Wednesday that nearly all major currencies are covered, noting that the central bank is conducting foreign exchange transactions in all currencies smoothly and with high fluidity.
Al-Alaq said in a statement to the official agency, followed by ( IQ ): “The foreign transfer process has witnessed significant development during the last two years, whether in terms of style, method, and organization, or through direct communication and direct transfer between Iraqi banks and approved correspondent banks.”
He added, “This expansion is not only in the number of correspondent or transfer banks, but also in the number of currencies,” noting that “the Central Bank covers almost all the currencies used by Iraq for large-scale trade.” He stressed that “the Central Bank is currently conducting transfers in almost all major currencies, and they are proceeding smoothly and with high fluidity.
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UNAMI MISSION IS OPTIMISTIC THAT ERBIL AND BAGHDAD WILL REACH A “GOOD” UNDERSTANDING ON RESOLVING OUTSTANDING DISPUTES.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Mohammed Hassan, expressed optimism on Tuesday about the possibility of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government reaching an understanding that would resolve the outstanding issues and differences between the two sides.
In a statement to reporters following his participation in a memorial service for the victims of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, he said, “There is good cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad,” stressing that he has good relations with the Iraqi presidency and the region.
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US INSTITUTE: IRAQ 2025 IS NOT IRAQ 2003, AND TRUMP IS INVITED TO VISIT IT
The American Middle East Forum Institute called on the US administration to avoid igniting a new war with Iraq, and instead suggested dispatching Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, to visit Baghdad and view it from the perspective of 2025, rather than through the “outdated” lens of 2003.
The institute stated in its independently translated report that the Iraqi capital has witnessed radical transformations over the past two years, including active traffic through the former Green Zone, the opening of modern highways and bridges, and major construction projects overlooking the Tigris River. It noted that the US Embassy, once a prominent symbol on the riverbank, now appears “insignificant” next to the towering residential towers, while major hotel projects such as the Mövenpick and Rixos are nearing completion, preparing to receive hundreds of businessmen daily.
The report added that much of the investment financed in Iraq comes from Iraqi funds, despite Baghdad’s efforts to attract international partners. It noted that nearly half of the country’s population was born after the 2003 war, creating a new youthful energy that is pushing for change.
He noted that Iraq is also witnessing a generational shift in politics, with post-war leaders aging or in deteriorating health, while younger politicians such as Muqtada al-Sadr and Qais al-Khazali are trying to redefine their roles. He also noted that Iraqi armed factions, with limited exceptions, have refrained from engaging in the war between Iran and Israel, and that Shiite leaders have written to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to protest the Revolutionary Guard’s interventions.
The report described the current climate in Baghdad as resembling Dubai in 1995, with business activity booming and politicians keen to protect this trend from any disruption. It considered Trump’s policy of prioritizing business over military or diplomatic interventions to be consistent with sending Witkoff to Baghdad, but this has not yet happened, which the institute considered a “serious oversight.”
The report also recalled that former President George Bush envisioned a democratic, economically prosperous Iraq, and that his miscalculation was in estimating the timeframe needed to achieve this. It urged Trump to realize that the absence of American companies from Iraq leaves the door open to competitors from Egypt, the UAE, Turkey, and China.
The institute concluded that investing in Iraq’s thriving economy could be an effective tool to distance it from Iranian influence, arguing that “the greatest gift Trump could offer the marginalized Iraqi opposition as the elections approach would be economic, not military, action.”
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THE LAST US SOLDIER WILL LEAVE AIN AL-ASAD BASE IN MID-SEPTEMBER.
An Iraqi security source revealed on Tuesday that the last US soldier will leave Ain al-Asad base in Anbar province, western Iraq, in mid-September, after which the international coalition headquarters at the base will be permanently closed.
The source told Shafaq News Agency that the Ain al-Assad base is scheduled to be permanently closed on September 15, explaining that US forces stationed in western Iraq will move to bases inside Syrian territory, while those in the capital, Baghdad, will move to alternative bases in Erbil in the Kurdistan Region.
The source added that a limited number of American personnel and leaders will remain within the joint forces in Baghdad as needed.
On Monday, the first phase of the withdrawal of US forces from the country to Syrian territory began.
An Iraqi security source told Shafaq News Agency that a US convoy, including trucks carrying military vehicles, had begun moving out of Ain al-Assad base.
Ain al-Asad Air Base is the second largest air base in Iraq after Balad Air Base. It is the headquarters of the US Army’s 7th Division and is located 10 kilometers from the Baghdadiyah district in Anbar Governorate.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Baghdad revealed that a “civilian” partnership between the international coalition and Iraq was close to being signed, coinciding with the planned “military” withdrawal by next September.
The spokesman said in a statement to the agency that the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (Operation Inherent Resolve) will transition from its military mission in Iraq to a more traditional bilateral security partnership, stressing the continuation of the coalition’s civilian-led efforts at the global level.
He emphasized that this shift does not mean the end of the international coalition’s work to defeat ISIS, but rather comes as part of a transition plan to enhance stability in Iraq through security partnerships and ongoing civilian cooperation.
A government source told Shafaq News Agency that Iraq has agreed with the international coalition countries, primarily the United States, on a timetable for ending the coalition’s mission. The timetable stipulates ending its presence with the central government in September 2025, leading to a full withdrawal in September 2026, with the number of its forces gradually reduced to less than 500 personnel, whose presence will be limited to Erbil, while the rest will be transferred to Kuwait.
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WASHINGTON GRANTS BANKS A “RESCUE PERIOD.” GRADUAL REFORMS THROUGH 2028 WILL HELP THEM BREAK FREE FROM THE DOLLAR’S CONSTRAINTS.
The Iraqi banking sector was on the verge of entering the US red zone, with the deadline for private banks to submit a pledge to implement the Oliver Wyman plan approaching at the end of this month. However, it appears that the Central Bank’s efforts to “mediate” between the American consulting company and Iraqi banks have yielded a number of facilitations in implementing Washington’s requirements. Financial and banking expert Mahmoud Dagher revealed that the deadline for submitting pledges has been extended to September 30, taking into account “flexibility” in implementing the banking reform plan, with the possibility of expanding the time limits for gradually increasing capital in four stages, by 50 billion dinars annually until 2028. Dagher added that the conditions for the percentage of family ownership may increase from 10% to 40% of the bank’s portfolio, which gives private banks greater opportunities to engage in the reform plan and escape the restrictions on dealing in dollars imposed by the US Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department, at the beginning of 2029. He pointed out that banks that will not be able to join Under the reform process, they will be allowed to operate exclusively in Iraqi dinars, without their licenses being revoked.
Mahmoud Dagher, in an interview:
The deadline, which ends on August 31, is the final deadline for banks to submit their pledge to pursue the banking reform process. This includes three tracks: the first is the individual track, whereby the bank continues to operate under its current license while complying with the conditions; the second track is merging with another bank; and the third is liquidation.
The comprehensive banking reform plan includes three milestones: the first in mid-2025, the second in mid-2026, and the third in 2027. Banks that successfully implement the reform measures will be able to exit US restrictions next year. This reform program includes both deprived and non-deprived banks, and the deadline for submitting a pledge to commit to the reform process has been extended to September 30.
We met with 30 banks the first time, and with 40 banks the second time, in Erbil. We held extensive discussions with Oliver Wyman employees. The majority of the banks expressed a desire to pursue reform and implement international standards, but there are some difficulties in implementing them. The Central Bank, for its part, expressed its flexibility in this regard.
Some banks are accustomed to a certain way of working and are finding it difficult to implement reform standards. Failure to participate in the banking reform plan will not result in the revocation of their licenses, but their operations will not improve and they will continue to operate in local currency.
The Central Bank may propose a gradual capital increase, adding 50 billion dinars each year until the reform plan’s final cap of 2027. As for the requirement to limit family ownership to just 10% of the bank’s capital, it may allow families and relatives to own 40%. Even a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office a while ago emphasized that the plan aims for empowerment, not exclusion, and must take into account the unique circumstances of the Iraqi environment.
The reform plan includes a requirement that board members be banking professionals, with retraining for heads of administrative units in categories A and B. Even banks that pledge to implement the conditions will remain under scrutiny, and warnings may be issued to them if they fail to implement the required standards. If the warnings are repeated, they may be advised to pursue the merger option. However, if they fail to pursue the merger option, they will be removed from the reform plan.
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BAGHDAD AND ERBIL ON THE VERGE OF A HISTORIC AGREEMENT: OIL, SALARIES, AND NON-OIL REVENUES ARE CLOSE TO BEING RESOLVED.
Ministry of Planning spokesperson Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi revealed details of the meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with resolving financial obligations between Baghdad and Erbil, stressing that the meeting witnessed a significant convergence of views and a preliminary agreement on mechanisms for resolving outstanding issues.
The meeting, chaired by Minister of Planning Mohammed Tamim and attended by federal ministers and officials from the regional government, focused on three key issues: oil production and exports through SOMO, non-oil revenues, and the localization of salaries for the region’s employees. Al-Hindawi explained that the oil file has made significant progress and is close to completion, while the two parties agreed that non-oil revenues should be subject to applicable laws, in addition to discussing practical steps to localize salaries.
He noted that upcoming meetings will witness the participation of legal and technical experts from both sides to finalize the agreement before submitting recommendations to the Council of Ministers for binding decisions. He emphasized Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s direct interest in concluding these issues, given their direct impact on the lives of citizens in the region and the national economy.
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TRUMP ADVISOR: US SANCTIONS ON IRAQ ‘SEVERE’ IF PMF LAW PASSED
Gabriel Soma, a member of US President Donald Trump’s advisory council, warned on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, of “harsh” US sanctions awaiting Iraq if the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law is passed.
“Some components of the Popular Mobilization Forces receive support from Iran, and Iraq does not need the Popular Mobilization Forces with the army,” Soma said in a televised interview followed by Al-Jabal.
He added, “Former US President Joe Biden turned a blind eye to Iranian influence in Iraq, but Trump disagrees,” noting that “a large portion of the Popular Mobilization Forces take their orders from Iran.”
He continued, “The Peshmerga forces are loyal to Iraq, even though they receive aid from America,” noting that “Washington has invested heavily in strengthening its partnership with Iraq and views the Peshmerga as an extension of Iranian influence in Iraq.”
Soma explained, “The relationship between Iraq and the United States is historic, and we are the guarantors of Iraq’s wealth. Washington guarantees and protects oil money for the benefit of the Iraqi people.”
Soma described US President Donald Trump as a “man of peace,” saying he “spent his first term without war.”
He pointed out that “Washington will not allow the Popular Mobilization Law to pass, and this is what the US Secretary of State said,” stressing that “Trump will impose harsh sanctions on Iraq if the Popular Mobilization Law is passed.”
On August 10, US State Department Arabic spokesperson Michael Mitchell stated that US economic sanctions on Iraq are likely to be imposed if the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law is passed, as part of the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. He noted that “US President Donald Trump will not hesitate to take a tougher stance regarding economic sanctions against any entity or state that engages in illegal relations with Iran.”
Mitchell told Al-Jibel Platform, “The US State Department is deeply concerned about the legislation of the Popular Mobilization Forces law in Iraq,” noting, “We are witnessing a shift in the regional balance and Iran has become relatively weak, but enacting the law will diminish Iraq’s sovereignty and will not lead to any positive outcomes for the Iraqi people.”
The US official pointed out that “there are terrorist groups within the Popular Mobilization Forces that have contributed to attacks on the US military and on American and international companies, and this law will have negative repercussions for Iraq, especially within US President Donald Trump’s campaign (maximum pressure against Iran),” stressing that “Trump will not hesitate to take a tougher stance regarding economic sanctions against any entity or state that has illegal relations with Iran, and we can expect something like this.”
“The most important thing for us is Iraq’s sovereignty. The law undermines Iraq’s sovereignty, and the United States is against this idea,” he added, regarding sanctions on Iraq. “There is a great possibility of this happening, but I cannot predict what will happen in the future. Any decision in this regard will come directly from the White House. Iraq’s future is a matter that concerns the Iraqi people, and the United States, especially in the second Trump administration, is urging Iraq to be able to exercise control over all its territories without Iranian influence, as well as combating ISIS and preventing its return, while preventing the emergence of any other terrorist organization, because Iraq needs economic growth, and extremist terrorist militias will negatively impact economic growth in Iraq.”
Mitchell noted that “the United States has its own opinion on this matter, and the decision ultimately lies with the Iraqi people. However, that does not mean this decision will not have political or economic repercussions. There are likely repercussions if this law is agreed upon, and this is what is causing Washington’s concern today.”
He emphasized that the primary reason the United States opposes the legislation of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law is that “the US government believes this law will further expand Iran’s malign influence, and the United States does not support this idea.”
He said, “Regardless of the military presence in Iraq, the United States will remain capable of defending its interests and those of its regional and international partners (a simple but important fact),” pointing to the priorities the Trump administration is committed to in Iraq, most notably: “supporting the partnership with the Iraqi government, combating the resurgence of ISIS with force, and combating the spread of Iranian influence in the region.”
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A 150% JUMP IN ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS IN IRAQ… WILL CASH DISAPPEAR?
The Baghdad Digital Transformation Council announced an unprecedented 150% increase in the volume of electronic payment transactions in Iraq compared to last year, amid widespread debate among economists and citizens about the future of traditional cash in the country.
Council advisor Khaled Al-Jabri told Al-Sabah newspaper, which was monitored by Al-Mustaqilla, that the volume of electronic payment transactions reached 2.8 trillion dinars in July. He noted that this growth was a result of the integration of the customs and commodity system into an integrated electronic system linking importers to banks and financial transfers, in addition to the adoption of digital payment systems by approximately 700 government administrative units.
While the government sector is witnessing a significant expansion in the use of electronic payments, the private sector remains slow to adopt these systems. This raises questions about the Iraqi economy’s ability to fully transition to a digital economy, given the absence of extensive awareness programs and the revision of some outdated laws.
Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Mustafa Al-Karawi, commented, emphasizing that Iraq needs to restore citizens’ confidence in the banking sector before any comprehensive digital expansion. He emphasized that the government is working to promote the adoption of electronic payments as part of financial and banking reform plans. He explained that enhancing confidence includes imposing electronic transactions on all government and private sectors, expanding point-of-sale (POS) services, and creating incentive programs such as discounts on goods or gifts with purchases of a specific value to attract citizens away from traditional cash.
This leap in electronic transactions has sparked controversy both locally and internationally, with supporters viewing it as a step toward modernization and stimulating the formal economy, and opponents warning of threats to privacy and excessive reliance on technology, especially in light of the challenges of trust in banks and electronic financial fraud.
In light of these changes, the biggest question arises: Is Iraq on the cusp of a cashless economy, or will these transformations collide with the country’s social and economic reality?
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I CAUTION EVERYONE IN READING THESE NEXT TWO ARTICLES. REMEMBER THESE ARE ONLY OPINIONS OF ECONOMISTS AND NOT OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT POLICY. I HAVE PUT MY COMMENTS IN WHEN NECESSARY. THEIR OPINIONS DO NOT TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE POLICIES OF THE CBI OR THE IMF. THE CBI IS WORKING TO REVALUE THE CURRENCY AND NOT DEVALUE IT. IF THE CBI DID TAKE SUCH A COURSE AS A DEVALUATION IT WOULD BE A VERY DRASTIC MOVE AND OUT OF DESPERATION. SO READ THESE ARTICLE CAREFULLY AND DON’T GO OFF HALF-COCKED.
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AN ECONOMIST PREDICTS THE NEXT GOVERNMENT WILL CHANGE THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE, AND EXPLAINS THE REASONS.
Economists expect the next government to resort to an official devaluation of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar as a potential solution to address mounting financial burdens, most notably the massive government payroll.
Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi told Al Furat News Agency that “the salary bill accounts for the largest portion of oil revenues, leaving little for upgrading infrastructure or basic services.”
(Mnt Goat:This is why the US is requiring Iraq to diversify its economy and get off the sole revenue source of oil. Oil fluctuates so much. This is why Iraq must get off the petro dollar. Let’s be real and look at the real source of the problem. The real source is the petro dollar and sole peg of the dollar to the dinar. They know it and we know it. That is the real solution. But what do they then peg the dinar to if not the dollar? The IMF already has a basket of currencies for the new peg. But this peg coincides with a reinstatement, it can’t be done unless the currency is traded globally.)
Al-Marsoumi believes that devaluing the currency will provide greater financial revenues in dinars, which will help the government cover salary expenses.
He added that this option may be one of the necessary measures that the new government may take, especially in light of the current oil prices that threaten to close the country’s economic development prospects.
Experts emphasize that sustainable solutions lie in diversifying sources of public revenue and not relying entirely on oil, in order to ensure the stability of the Iraqi economy in the long term.
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AN EXPERT WARNS AGAINST ADJUSTING THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE AND OUTLINES A SOLUTION TO ADDRESS THE DECLINE IN OIL PRICES.
Economic expert Salah Nouri confirmed on Wednesday that adjusting the dollar exchange rate falls within the purview of the Central Bank of Iraq, noting that this measure is a monetary policy tool aimed at achieving economic stability and combating inflation or deflation.
Nouri stressed to Al Furat News Agency “the need to achieve harmony between the monetary policy managed by the Central Bank and the fiscal policy undertaken by the Ministry of Finance through the general budget.”
The economic expert explained that raising the dollar exchange rate—i.e., devaluing the dinar—increases the amount of Iraqi dinars the Ministry of Finance receives from the Central Bank to cover budget expenditures. However, he warned that this measure leads to a decline in the purchasing power of citizens, especially those with limited income.
(Mnt Goat: In other words a devaluation would cause INFLATION. Now isn’t inflation the main driving force of the CBI – to stop inflation and keep it low? Inflation now is only at about 1-2%. Why would the CBI want more inflation? You see that economist play with economic adjustment knowhow, however they do not know or care about the Central Bank policies and IMF policies. If they do the certainly don’t show it in these articles.)
In contrast, Nouri explained that depreciating the dollar—i.e., increasing the purchasing power of the dinar—reduces the amount of dinars the Ministry of Finance receives, creating difficulties in implementing the general budget, particularly the operational portion. He pointed out that the decline in global oil prices further complicates this problem, as it impacts the state revenues needed to finance the budget.
(Mnt Goat – I don’t know if this is an error in the translator but by devaluing the dinar would DECREASE not INCREASE the purchasing power.)
The economic expert noted that many governments around the world are adopting austerity measures in public spending, particularly regarding unnecessary benefits, to ensure the sustainability of the general budget and meet only basic needs. Nouri concluded his statement by emphasizing that such measures are a necessary solution to support the budget in light of the current economic challenges.
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THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ REVEALED ON THURSDAY A DECLINE IN THE COUNTRY’S CURRENCY EXPORTS AND INFLATION FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2025.
The bank stated in a report that “the currency issued by the bank recorded a 3.8% decline in the average rate in the second half of 2025, reaching 98.4 trillion dinars, compared to its value of 102.3 trillion dinars in the second quarter of 2024.”
He added, “The decline in the issued currency has contributed to a decline in the inflation rate, which maintains the stability of the general price level.”
The bank’s report also indicated that “the inflation rate decreased by 76% in the second half of 2025, reaching 0.8%, compared to the second quarter of 2024, which reached 3.3%.”
He stressed that “the decline in the inflation rate indicates a decline in the general price level and leads to an improvement in the purchasing power of individuals and institutions.”
Issued currency is defined as: the currency issued by the Central Bank of Iraq into circulation (i.e., printed), excluding the currency in the vaults of the CentralBank.
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THE REASONS FOR THE APPRECIATION OF THE DOLLAR
(Mnt Goat: After reading this article today if you can’t see that having the dinar pegged solely to the US dollar is the problem, then I can’t help you. It is time to get off the petro dollar. Will the US allow Iraq its true freedom and sovereignty? When will this happen?)
The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar has increased, a spokesman for the currency market in Sulaimani said.
Jabar Goran, spokesman of the Sulaimani currency market, told the official website of the Kurdistan National Union (PUKMEDIA): It was the result of a series of corruption and improper trade between Iraqi banks and some businessmen, who sent more money abroad in various ways and then imported the money back into Iraq and sold it in the market The Iraqi dinar had depreciated in the market.
“Another reason for the appreciation of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar is that Iraq buys gas from Iran in dinars, and Iran exchanges the Iraqi dinar for dollars inside Iraq,” he said The supply of the dinar will increase and the demand for the dollar will increase in the market.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the dollar market said banks that have previously conducted such transactions may be punished and some of them have been taken legal action against them, which is another reason for the appreciation of the dollar and the depreciation of the dinar.
The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi Dinar was 140,500/100 US Dollars in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi Dinar was 142,100/100 US Dollars.
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CAUGHT BETWEEN THE GRIP OF THE LAW AND THE LURE OF QUICK PROFITS, A SUDANESE ADVISOR EXPLAINS THE DOLLAR’S RESURGENCE.
The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, explained on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) that the return of the dollar’s exchange rate to high levels in local markets is due to the activity of speculators and cross-border traders who balance the risks of compliance with laws and the cost of official procedures with the speed of parallel financing and the ease of generating profits.
In an interview with Baghdad Today, Saleh said, “Small commercial activity, which constitutes more than half of Iraq’s foreign trade volume, tends toward the parallel market whenever the cost of banking and customs compliance increases, while the cost of informal financing decreases.” He pointed out that this behavior directly impacts the exchange rate.
He added, “Despite the regular availability of dollars through the formal banking system, some traders prefer parallel financing due to the trade-off between rapid profitability and legal risks, particularly in small-scale cross-border trade.”
(Mnt Goat: Here are the only solutions but these solutions will NEVER work and they traders will always find loopholes and take advantage of them. My point is to get off the sole peg to the dollar and make it less valuable. Then need a multi-currency peg. This would stop all this corruption.)
He noted that the solution lies in “strengthening regulatory oversight, tightening anti-money laundering enforcement, and activating customs tracking systems and digital monitoring of imported goods.”
Saleh continued, “Strict and extensive control of border crossings over unofficial imports will contribute to stabilizing the parallel market and decreasing the value of the dollar against the dinar.” (Mnt Goat: This is what they supposedly were already have done, but did it work? The answer is NO, unless they didn’t actually implement and enforce the measures they told us about. A small hiccup in the market and dollar rises again. ☹ Don’t believe me? Read the next couple paragraphs. The RV saga continues….)
Last year, the Central Bank of Iraq launched a reform package that included an electronic platform for remittances and the implementation of advanced customs and banking audit systems. However, small traders and speculators are turning to the parallel market because of the ease and speed of financing compared to official procedures.
Economists believe that exchange rate stability requires implementing strict control systems at border crossings, curbing smuggling and parallel trade, and achieving a balance between supply and demand for foreign currency within the country.
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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.
Auf Wiedersehen
Much love to ya all,
Mnt Goat
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