

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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February 10, 2026 Mnt Goat News Brief
Guten Tag everyone:
The RV saga continues with the election cycle. Who will become the next prime minister of Iraq is still undecided? Announced this week Nori Al-Maliki is conceding, will he? Let’s learn the TRUTH together what is about to happen. Meanwhile in the background the CBI is making more moves to curb the parallel market and boost the dinar.
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 $15-$20 dollars a month or whatever you can afford. Do you realize I write up to 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. You do want to get paid for your job, don’t you? What makes my job any different? Tell me….. I am tired of this RV saga just as you are. We are now down to addressing the Iranian militia in Iraq. This is a very good thing and had to happen sooner or later. The RV will not happen as long as Iraq is a proxy state of Iran.
Let’s all try to chip in!

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Luke 6:35:
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without out expecting to get anything back.”
More news….
SOURCE: AL-SUDANI RECEIVED A FRAMEWORK PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE TERM OF HIS GOVERNMENT.
A source within the coordination framework that brings together the ruling Shiite political forces in Iraq revealed on Monday evening that caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received a proposal to break the political deadlock, which includes extending the term of his government for a year with specific powers.
The source told Shafaq News Agency that “one of the influential political figures in the Shiite bloc handed Al-Sudani a paper that included a proposal to break the political deadlock, in a way that preserves the political and parliamentary rights of the various components.”
If you want to read the entire article see this link:
STATUS OF THE RV
There is so much news this period. Let’s get through it to get to it. Late last weekend it had been reported by TNT Tony and some other idiots that the “green light ” has been given across the board and banks are confirming receipt of a pending RV. I can tell you with 1000% assurance that this is NOT true. I am in very close contact with the CBI. Again, I don’t know where they get their lies from but it should stop. You do want to know the TRUTH, don’t you? This every day / every weekend lies have to stop!
Another rumor started by guess who…. Markz and his gang of idiots. It stated that the U.S. envoy to Iraq Mark Savaya might be nominated for prime minister of Iraq. Their reasoning says stupidity all over it. They say since he was Iraq born and lived a time in Iraq he would qualify. Folks, Savaya is a US citizen and does not holds his citizenship in Iraq. Get it? If this should occur (which it can’t), don’t you think the Coordination Framework would appose it as a blatant violation of National Sovereignty? Imagine the U.S. placing their own politician in Iraqi politics.
Folks these rumors are nothing more than speculation. It is hype by a bunch of idiots. They get on their calls and have the nerve to criticize those presenting the FACTS yet they don’t present any relevant facts to back up what they say. Instead only secret sources of three letter agencies and here we go again with bank memos.
So, what is really going on in Iraq as FACTUAL?
As we were told many times already that the reinstatement of the Iraq dinar will not happen until five issues are resolved. I presented these five issues to you in my 9/16 Newsletter. These issues have NOT been taken off the table. As we have been reading the news over the last couple years what have the issues in the news been? Yes, all connected directly or indirectly with one of these five issues. So, let’s explore these issues today and see if any of them have been recently addressed.
Of course, the hottest issue out of the five issues is the expulsion of the Iranian PMF from Iraq and this has led to the mandated expulsion of Iran from Iraqi politics altogether by the US Trump administration. This in simple terms, is the stalemate of this latest pivotal election for Iraq. As information gatherers for the RV event, we can present all we want about the great job that Iraq has done on the banking reforms and the financial sectors. However, at this point in time, this is not going to circumvent these other issues that will block (have blocked) what we are looking for- the RV.
Iraq still faces a deadlock from the Nov 2025 election cycle. It is said that Kurdistan has presented their candidate for president to Parliament for confirmation this week. Also it is said that the confirmation of the prime minister candidate will also be presented this week following the seating of the new president. It is all scheduled for this week. Constitutional deadlines are at stake.
We have not seen the first steps of ACTION by the Trump administration against these Iranian backed politicians just elected into parliament. In the article titled “THE US TREASURY FREEZES THE ASSETS OF HALBOUSI AND TWO OF HIS PARTY LEADERS”.
The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “Jordan and the UAE have frozen the assets of the head of the Progress Alliance, Mohammed al-Halbousi, the current governor of Anbar, Omar Mishaan Dabbous, and Hebat al-Halbousi, the Speaker of Parliament, due to their inclusion in the US Federal Reserve’s decision.”
He added that “the targeted party leaders stole huge sums of money after assuming leadership positions in the central and local governments and transferred them to banks outside Iraq.”
Now we see a panic among member of the Coordination Framework with many suggestions by its members of what to do next.
☹ In the first article titled “AL-ABADI SUGGESTS TO AL-MALIKI THAT HE WITHDRAW AFTER BEING TASKED WITH FORMING A GOVERNMENT, SO AS NOT TO GIVE THE AMERICANS CREDIT” we see a bait and switch approach suggested by former prime minister Abadi. Yeh Abadi! The cats out of the bag, it won’t work….. lol..lol… I quote from the article – “The Victory Coalition, led by Haider al-Abadi, suggested on Sunday to Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, that he proceed with his candidacy for the position of Prime Minister, and withdraw after being assigned by the President of the Republic, in order to preserve sovereignty and not have his withdrawal considered a response to the American side, since the withdrawal will come after the assignment.”
☹Then there is another article titled “A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE: MALIKI MAY WITHDRAW FROM THE NOMINATION FOR THE SAKE OF IRAQ” in it we learn that
“Baghdad/Al-Masalla: On Friday, Abdul Samad Al-Zarkoushi, a member of the Coordination Framework, identified the reason that might prompt Nouri Al-Maliki, the head of the State of Law Coalition, to abandon his candidacy for the next government.”
☹ Then yet another article titled “DOLLARS, POLITICS, AND FACTIONS: PRESSURE POINTS SURROUND THE ANTICIPATED CABINET” we learn that according to sources contacted by Al-Masalla news, “the coordination framework must act today under the pressure of a delicate political equation that seeks to spare Iraq American anger that could quickly turn into economic and political sanctions, in exchange for showing a higher degree of rationality in the process of forming the next government, at a time when unannounced signals are intensifying regarding red lines related to the shape of the cabinet and its balances.”
“In Baghdad, political leaks and diplomatic readings converge to confirm that any government perceived as being close to armed factions will quickly lose international cover. This puts the forces involved in the coordination framework to the test of managing influence without provoking external partners, especially with an economy that depends on oil revenues for more than 85 percent of its income and a financial system that is highly sensitive to sanctions.”
Not to change the subject: Well the good news from this article is that the oil revenue is now only 85 percent of Iraq’s income down from 95% just a couple years ago.
On social media, a political analyst on the X platform said, “The messages are clear to anyone who wants to read them. Washington is not compromising on the form of government this time, and any disregard could bring back the scenario of financial pressure.” Conversely, a political activist wrote on Facebook, “Iraq cannot tolerate a Saddam-era government; pragmatism has become a necessity, not an option.”
We all should know by now that the Coordination Framework is made up of Iranian backed Shiite members from the various blocks in Iraq sucking up vote from other blocks to gain the majority block. It is a majority block that decides the next prime minister. This position of selecting the prime minister goes to the Shiite sec as one of the three main positions of the GOI. This in itself is the problem as Iranian Shiites with close ties to Tehran have infiltrated Iraqi politics. Iraq is in much need of political reforms as it is financial and banking reforms in how it choses its representatives. Let’s put this current situation and past election delays as prime examples of what has manifested in this area since Iraq uses the democratic principles to elect its representatives. But is this process really democratic since the majority of the people did vote for al-Sudani not al-Maliki. Maybe checks and balances on the citizenship and nationality of the politicians and their allegiance to Iraq must be discussed going forward in any sort of election reform. Oh….. aren’t we seeing this same sort of issues in the US election process too? Is this how the dark-side has covertly infiltrated our governments using our own failed election process to do so? Like in the US, Iraq also needs a SAVE Act to save their election process. Enough said…..
Another of our five main issues facing Iraq now in the news again is the issues surrounding the parallel vs official markets for the dollar. So, let’s address this one too as there is lots of news today on this one. Why is this important?
What is now happening with the parallel market is a revelation of some sort. The CBI is finally breaking the parallel market and this time ‘for good’. As we all know the “ASYCUDA” system was implemented in full swing recently. This system forces legitimacy of trade transactions. Remember that under the currency auctions merchants could lie and falsify papers of purchasing fake goods in order to get dollars out of the CBI. With ASYCUDA this just tightened the noose even more on the parallel market to the point where these money changes are going out of business. Funds going to Iran are also drying up.
In the news it’s reported that by the ASYCUDA system the Iraqi government has caused a decrease in trade transactions and a decline in customs revenues in the country. We must ask why there is a decrease in trade transactions? Folks, it because they are weeding out the falsified fake trade transactions thus a decline in revenues since much of this decline never really went towards real trade anyhow? Get it? Let’s get to the TRUTH of what is really happening and how ASYCUDA is benefiting not harming Iraq. In the long-term Iraq can now get a handle on the true trade revenues. So, let the propaganda machine begin in favor of those who simply will not benefit from it.
😊 So, what happens next? Of course, the controversy is expanded and the GOI is made out to be the bad guy. We read in the article titled “IRAQI TRADERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES MARKET CLOSURES IN PROTEST AGAINST CUSTOMS DUTIES”. But what are the trading? Folks these are the money exchangers protesting this move using ASYCUDA. Of course they don’t want it. It is shutting down their illegal dollar operations.
I quote from the article “The Iraqi Traders Association announced on Friday its call for a general closure of all commercial markets throughout Iraq, starting next Sunday and continuing until further notice. The group explained in a statement received by (Al-Mada) that this step comes in protest against the new customs fees, and to demand the immediate removal of the accumulated containers from the port of Umm Qasr.”
😊 Then yet another article on this subject matter titled “STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE ASYCUDA SYSTEM IS HARMING MORE THAN ONE MILLION IRAQI TRADERS, WITH LOSSES AMOUNTING TO BILLIONS”. Here we go again….. “Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi stated on Saturday that the “ASYCUDA” system implemented by the Iraqi government has caused a decrease in trade transactions and a decline in customs revenues in the country, calling for dialogue sessions with chambers of commerce to reach appropriate solutions after the deterioration of the economic situation as a result of the application of the customs tariff.”
So, we see in Iraq as also in the US, there is outcry about customs and tariffs. Customs and tariffs have always been a longstanding traditional source of government revenue streams and effects businesses not the individual and moves the tax burden from the individual to businesses. Customs and Tariffs make trade fair. It equalizes trade if done properly. Yes, change is hard when you never had fair customs and tariffs before. So, there is going to be a natural shock when implemented. This shock will have to be absorbed over time.
I quote from the article “He added that this activity is currently suffering from the repercussions of the ASYCUDA system, and from the application of the customs tariff, which, according to official information, has led to a halving of Iraq’s trade transactions with the outside world, and to significant losses for traders and the government, whose customs revenues also decreased in January by 71 billion dinars compared to the months that preceded it.”
It is fair to say that through the ASYCUDA system, the Iraqi government raised customs duties by percentages ranging between 5% and 30%, distributed across brackets starting from 5%, 10% and 15%, up to the maximum limit of 30%.
These ratios cover the entire customs tariff register consisting of 99 chapters containing approximately 16,400 customs items, which are the items adopted globally in trade.
A few days ago, the General Authority of Customs in the Ministry of Finance issued a directive to adopt a reduction rate of 25% on the average import values recorded in the ASYCUDA system.
😊 Then another article on this subject titled “OFFICIALLY… NEW MECHANISMS FOR CALCULATING THE CUSTOMS VALUE OF IMPORTED GOODS”. I quote from the article – “The General Authority of Customs announced today, Monday (February 9, 2026), the adoption of new mechanisms for calculating the customs value of imported goods, in implementation of the directives of the Prime Minister, and based on the provisions of the Customs Law No. (23) of 1984 amended, and paragraph (9) of Cabinet Resolution No. (569) of 2025, and in accordance with the approved international rules and standards.”
It is worth noting that the Valuation Department in the Authority is responsible for receiving requests to determine or amend the customs value recorded in the records, accompanied by official supporting documents, and they will be decided upon within a period not exceeding three working days, based on the applicable law and the international agreements and rules adopted by the World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization. Opps….did it say WCO and WTO? Do you see how Iraq must conform to these international practices if they are to have full accession to the WTO thus access to global trade? But businesses in Iraq don’t see the bigger picture and only care about their profit sheet. They don’t understand the change that Iraq must go through. I will add that this change is going to be much more painful than it had to be unless they reinstate the Iraq dinar and other middle eastern currencies and level out the playing field. Who the hell wants a 1/6 of a penny currency?
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What else is in the news?
I have to explain these next few articles, one is titled “WIDESPREAD ANGER IN IRAQ OVER LARGE SUMS DEDUCTED FROM THE SALARIES OF EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES”. In it we read that a number of employees and retirees were surprised, after receiving their monthly salaries, to find large amounts deducted, which sparked a state of discontent and concern in the employment and retirement circles.
As investors watching Iraq we all should realize that effort to bring the Irag banking sector into modern times. The new taxation structure was coming. When the CBI forced electronic banking not only did it move all this money into the banks mandating deposits into accounts as the means of payment, only allowing slow cash withdrawals via ATMs. This action was stabilizing the money supply. It was already making way for the reduction in the money supply to meet the future rate jump. Remember if you take money out of the system what remains is worth more.
But it also sets the stage to allow government automatic deduction of payment of certain taxes. Just like employers or government offices do it in the west today. No difference. Why such an outcry then? It is a change….There is another way to view what is happening to Iraq in this regard. Iraq is slowly moving to a private sector run economy, salaries paid by private companies away from the Saddam Hussien era of a socialistic system. Soon these government salaries of billions each month, will also be transferred to the private sector who will pay wages rather than the government. This is all coming and its not too far off. I only hope this current election cycle does not disturb the over all momentum in this direction. Again, change is hard!
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To Kill or not to Kill the parallel market, that is the question?
😊 In a couple more articles in the news we learn of yet another strategy taking hold from the CBI to combat the parallel market. Please take a look at the articles titled
“FROM DOLLAR TO DINAR… EXCHANGE RATE POLICY CONFUSES OIL COMPANIES AND THREATENS THEIR EMPLOYEES!” and
“AL-MARSOUMI WARNS: CENTRAL BANK DECISIONS THREATEN MORE THAN 50,000 WORKERS WITH LOSSES AND MASS LAYOFFS”.
Yes, change is hard!
In this news we learn that The Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to convert payments to contractors working with oil companies from US dollars to Iraqi dinars. This has sparked widespread controversy in economic circles. This comes amid warnings of potential financial and operational repercussions for subcontractors, the labor market, and the stability of the oil sector. Experts believe that continuing with this mechanism could impose additional financial burdens on companies that rely on dollars for their transactions, impacting their operational capacity and business continuity.
When I learned of this news I said WOW! WOW! and WOW!. The CBI finally did it!
Do you know how amazing this news is and what it really means? I see that no other intel gurus out there even address the significance of this move by the CBI. The CBI is essentially creating the change over from the dollar to the dinar in payments now even to outside companies. These dollars have been a pain-in-the-ass for the CBI to control.
This change is going to be hard as sources are all set to receive dollars not dinars. But change is hard! Remember the national currency of Iraq is the dinar not dollars and the dollars have been the problem all along as these dollars get into the parallel market and shift the market to influence the price of the dinar. It is time to switch back to dinars.
How can the CBI ever get control of the official rate of the dinar unless they end these holes to which the dollar was passing through to the black market. So, along with the full implementation of the ASYCUDA system we see two major moves to sew up the parallel market. Yes, these money traders have been warned many times.
So, there will be an initial shock, as usual since this is a big move by the CBI.
Economic expert Nabil al-Marsoumi stated in a tweet that “more than 200 Iraqi companies contracted with oil licensing companies, employing over 50,000 Iraqi workers, are threatened with significant financial losses and layoffs due to the Central Bank’s directive to disburse their payments in dinars at the official rate—even though their contracts and expenses are denominated in dollars.”
Can this also mean that a reinstatement of the dinar is coming soon? Could this be the motive too for the CBI making this move now. Just saying….. if the dinar does go international this problem with the contractors will just go away. All these negative issues by paying in dinar as explained in the articles will simply vanish.
Am I missing something here?
For his part, energy expert Ahmed Sabah said that “converting company dues from dollars to dinars may lead to the gradual exclusion of some foreign companies, while focusing on companies that accept dinar transactions.” He explained that “many Western companies rely on external supply chains that require payment in dollars to secure equipment and services.”
Oh- then will this force banks around the world to accept dinar in order to convert them to dollars, through the proper banking channels and not illegal money launders that drive down the rate of the dinar?
He added that “this measure is not sustainable in the long term, especially given that the current government is a caretaker government, which reduces the chances of implementing decisions with long-term strategic impact.” He predicted that “major foreign companies will refrain from expanding or entering into new contracts if this mechanism continues,” considering that “the decision may be temporary and subject to change if negative effects emerge on the investment climate or the pace of work in the fields.”
Strengthening the Dinar or Market Losses? For his part, economist Dirgham Muhammad Ali believes that “attempts to curb the parallel dollar market have prompted the Central Bank to take measures to bolster confidence in the dinar,” but he noted that these measures “were not fair given the continued gap between the official and parallel exchange rates.”
He pointed out that the losses result from the large difference between the official and parallel exchange rates of the dollar against the dinar, noting that companies’ contracts and operating expenses are done in dollars, which exacerbates the financial burdens and threatens the continuity of their work. But what these comments in the article do not consider is that the CBI does not expect the parallel market to exist in the near future and in fact this change to payment in dinar is part of the efforts to kill the black market.
The Central Bank of Iraq must first be able to control the parallel market if not kill it altogether. This is purely what these move are all about. It will only build confidence in the dinar. Yes, change is hard!
Here is a most interesting article…..
😊 In the article titled “ACKNOWLEDGING THE FINANCIAL CRISIS, MP SAYS CHANGING THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE IS WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE NEXT GOVERNMENT”.
Just so you know this article is NOT about an RV like we would like to see. It is about combating the parallel market so the dinar can rise against the dollar. It might lead to the RV but first things first…… 😊
Former MP Baqir al-Saadi acknowledged on Monday (February 9, 2026) the existence of a financial crisis in Iraq, while indicating that changing (killing) the exchange rate of the dollar in the parallel market will be within the powers of the next government. Oh…. but isn’t the CBI already doing this? I would certainly not call it a “financial crisis” as the CBI has told us many times their strategy is working, just let it take time.
He added that “the past few weeks have seen many opinions put forward to address the salary crisis, including moving the exchange rate upwards, but such a step can only be taken by the next government,” noting that “the new government will form a high economic committee to study the financial and economic situation in the country and develop objective solutions.”
Al-Saadi explained that “Nouri al-Maliki, as the candidate of the Coordination Framework, placed this file among his priorities, and therefore, as soon as the government is formed, there will be important decisions to correct the course of the economic and financial dimensions.”
I will add to this article a note about who stopped the reinstatement of the Iraqi dinar back in 2012-2013. It was Nori al-Maliki the prime minister at the time. He has no financial or economic expertise and as much as he says his policies will help Iraq, if elected, nothing will happen, I assure you. He already has eight years to prove it. I also want to note that the CBI has taken the lead on controlling the parallel market as we can see from today’s news from the recent measures it has taken. There is nothing al-Maliki can do or will do that that CBI is already doing. Why didn’t he help control it in his first eight years? Oh…. but he was too worried about sectarianism and going after the Kurds. The last thing that Iraq needs to see is some bozo like al-Maliki who knows very little, if anything, about running a country, come into power again. Yes, they say he is a great statesman but what good is he if he accomplishes nothing while in office? Yes, nothing but a good bullshitter.
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We pray-
A nice prayer from one of my blog followers. Thank You!
“Be still, wait on the Lord, my modern David will slay the so-called giant of Islam. It will fall they are already begging for mercy, but it will not come as they have sinned so greatly with their blasphemy, disregarded all warnings for the Lord and now HIS WRATH WILL CONSUME ALL WHO CURSE THE CHOSEN!!
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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.
NOTE: These prophecies just keep getting better and better, giving us HOPE of a brighter 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: Julie Green
““A Trump Card Is About To Be Used Against Your Enemies “
Go to mark 12:06 for prophecy. Given on Feb 1st.
“Big Banks Won’t Last Much Longer“
Go to mark 14:10 for prophecy. Given on Jan 25th.
WHAT DOES GOD HAVE IN MIND FOR IRAN?
Very Important today for Iraq and the timing of the RV. WHAT WILL COME OUT OF IT FOR THE MIDDLE EAST? This is another prophetic word from Hank Kenneman. Listen carefully! 😊 Lately I noticed God is using Hank much more these days to relay his messages to us so I will try to bring them to you.
“AYATOLLAH BURIED PROPHECY”
Prophetic words about Iran from Hank Kenemman. Go to the 3:34 mark for prophecy.
Fr. DON BOSCO EXPOSED THE DARK SECRET BEHIND ISLAM
— And the Truth the World Forgot about the so-called Muslim religion. Fr.Don Bosco, also known as John Bosco, was an Italian Catholic priest and educator, born on August 16, 1815. He founded the Salesian Society in 1859 to help disadvantaged youth, particularly boys, through education and community service. His teachings emphasized lovekindness, and the importance of education for young people, making him a beloved figure in Catholicism and a patron saint of youth. Don Bosco was canonized in 1934.

DEBATES OVER THE ‘SAVE’ ACT CONTINUE IN CONGRESS
You would think this would be a no-brainer for all US politicians to preserve the election process. You think! Okay, then why are the democrats fighting it so much? Why are they nit-picking the bill with illogical, stupid reasons to prevent it. Yes, we all know why they don’t want this piece of legislation. We all should call, write or text our representatives to go forward with the SAVE ACT. Why are we even having such stupid discussions over resistance to this bill?
I want to bring your attention to H.R.1 House Democrat Bill To Overhaul Ethics Rules, Expand Voting Rights in 2021 “For The Peoples Act”. The Senate wouldn’t even consider it as it was so controversial. Did it include some provisions for donor restrictions? Yes, and there were some obvious good reforms in it, but basically this was not at the core of what the democrats were trying to do in this bill. These were just concessions to get the bill passed. In fact it made legal most the things that went wrong in many of the past elections that we know allowed the fraud and election rigging, vote tampering in most states that got Joe Biden elected. If we recall these were electronic voting machines, absentee ballots for everyone for all elections, ballot drop off boxes, etc. Just how bad are these democrats as they wanted to legalized corruption in the voting process. Yes, they wanted to use this new law to help stay in power indefinitely.
Now compare the “For the People Act” to the recent “SAVE” Act by the current Congress. Enough said…. simple measures that will give us free and honest elections.
WHY THE CLINTONS REFUSED TO TESTIFY UNDER OATH
To understand what is going on with the Clintons we must realize one point – there was some monkey business going on with them and Epstein. That’s a fact and we know this without even having to question them further. Remember that with Epstein the major role for him was to launder money from politicians and others to offshore accounts and hide it. Thus avoid exposure to the payoffs and also taxation on the money. But what money and who paid them off that is what might come out in their testimony. We already have proof the “Clinton Foundation” was nothing more that “front” organization to try to legitimize as donations money for payoffs and bribes for special favors while they were in office. It was a means to launder money from donors for Clinton favors.
Also, we must realize why the Clintons defied the subpoena to testify in the first place. This was nothing more than a delaying tactic. It would stand to logic that if the penalty to defy a subpoena is less harmful than what would come out of any questions asked in the hearing then why not at least stall as long as you could, hoping to find something, anything that could get you out of this mess. And I have to tell you it is a mess with the Clintons. Contempt of Congress is going to be like a walk in the park.
Their testimony will go much more beyond their own involvement with Epstein as it will chatter the legacy of the Clintons altogether and expose other avenues of corruption that they were either directly or indirectly involved in or just participated in. It all is going to crashing down and they know it. So why not postpone the inevitable as long as you could.
I really like this explanation by attorney Ron Chapman. This news will really open your eyes to the real Clintons.
By the way out of fear of legal actions in avoiding a subpoena, for contempt of Congress only then did the Clintons agree to appear in person for the Epstein hearings on February 26th and 27th.
COULD THE CLINTONS GET INDICTED AFTER CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS
Yes, I guess “no one is above the law”.
THE CLINTON FOUNDATION: A global charity or a money laundering operation?
After watching this video you decide. This is some more Clinton corruption that needs to be addressed. Follow the Money!
THEY ARE ROBING US BLIND
General Flynn REVEALS the Deep State playbook on where our tax dollars go. Why do we even pay income tax anyhow when nearly 50% of it goes to special interest and wealthy millionaires. There are many other means to fund the government, but we have to stop the corruption, fraud and all the free giveaways first.
THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF):
Part 1
What kind of a scam are they playing on us?
Whistleblower Desiree Fixler explains WEF’s climate SCAM agenda and how it is used to gain more power and control over the world’s resources and move the world towards “collectivism” or better said Communist Socialism. It is running our countries using an ideology and not a common-sense approach that works and has worked to grow the economy and bring the wealth to the people. So, we can see it is not about taking care of people, it not about making our lives better but all about serving an ideology. This ideology flows right into their own pockets.
THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF):
Part 2
THE CASE IS BUILDING ON OMAR: IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME.
WILL THE JUSTICE DEPT FINALLY COME TO GET OMAR & HER HUSBAND? I can hardly wait until this trash is out of our country AND our politics!
I only hope we have learned our lessons on vetting more properly on qualifications of who can run for a political office in the U.S. Look at what a mess this immigration from terrorist countries has done to our nation. Look at the mess ICE and the FBI has to clean up.
Is it really such a good idea to mix such adverse cultures together and expect it to all work out? Many of these people don’t think the same as we do but the important part is they are not willing to change their values and morals to blend into our society either and live honest, productive lives.
Yes, they must be productive to the society and the economy and not just leaches off the system that awards them for doing nothing. This wealth drains from those Americans who do work hard. Somebody has to pay for them to live here, get it?
I am sorry but this is a capitalistic country and so stop trying to make it a socialist collective society to change it to make it more comfortable for them to live in. This is not what immigration is all about. Get it? If we learn about a group, class or nationality of people that can’t adapt properly to capitalism then maybe they should be banned from immigrating to the US. As a prime example in these Somalian Muslim communities we already see the corruption.as good examples.
Maybe new immigration rules are needed too such as an immigration fee and proper papers from a future employer offer for work is in order. NO MORE COMING TO AMERICA WITH INTENTIONS OF LEACHING OFF THE SYSTEM! We must ensure this does not happen with future immigrants. Yes, its all sad but true. Sometimes you must deal with reality as it does bite you in the ass. The question is how long before it really hurts? I think this time has arrived. The deception is over!
CAN PRESIDENT TRUMP END PAID PROTESTS?
An honest discussion of all views concerning this issue. It is time we had these discussions and find ways to stop what is really going on. These are your “average concerned citizen” protests.
TIME TO INVESTIGATE AND CLEAN UP THE IMPROPER VOTING PRACTICES IN MANY OF THESE BLUE STATES.
Obviously, the states themselves are not going to expose and clean up their own corruption, especially in Georgia and other states like Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Arizona that have had the alleged voter fraud cases. Just look at how their judicial system came after Trump and anyone else who helped him try to expose the voter fraud. So now the Federal Govt is auditing just what happened in the 2020 election and may even go back to prior elections. Just because Trump won in 2016 does not mean there was not also massive voter fraud to try to stop him then too. The Federal Govt has already made the connections with Venezuela and how they developed algorithms and software used with the SMARTMATIC voting machines in the US. Folks, they have been rigging our elections for decades. Most probably half or more of the congressional and senate representatives, governors and mayors where not really elected bit placed there through the rigged voting machines.

I have created a brand-new “Post RV Workshop” page in the blog. I included my own personal tips on investing post-RV and also organizing and protecting your estate. Here is the LINK. Going forward I will only post new and exciting information and opportunities here on the Latest Newsletter as they come along. Later I will transfer it to the ‘Post RV Workshop’ page in subsequent Newsletters for your future reference.
Just so you know I absolutely DO NOT adhere to high-risk investments where you can lose it all in a flash. Look at it this way – you are going to have all this money. Most of us investors waited decades for this RV to happen and so why would you even think about pissing is all away in some high-risk gamble of an investment. Yes, there are going to be scammers out there but let’s talk about legitimate investment opportunities only. These scammers can suck you dry and there is not a damned thing you can do about it. Go to a legitimate wealth manager associated with your bank. Let the licensed experts advise you. Please, please stay away from idiots like MarkZ, TNT Tony, Bruce on the Big Stupid Call, etc. , etc.
WHAT COMES NEXT IS BIGGER!
We only need to look deeper behind the scenes as to what is actually going on in the financial markets today, spurred by the gold and silver margin adjustments of late January. The dominoes are just beginning to fall.

THE CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR DISCUSSES WITH THE AMERICAN SIDE SUPPORT FOR MONETARY STABILITY.
(Is the US almost ready now to support the reinstatement of the Iraqi dinar? Is this really what this meeting was all about? Of course there is much more to it than this one meeting as the IMF, Treasury and World Bank must also get involved. But is Harris just the messenger to start the process? )
The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Ismail Al-Alaq, received the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, Mr. Josh Harris. They discussed prospects for strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and emphasized the importance of supporting monetary and economic stability, in line with the requirements for political and security stability in Iraq.
For his part, the Governor expressed his gratitude for the continued support provided by the United States, represented by the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve, particularly during the quarterly meetings. He also reviewed the banking reform plan and the notable progress made in stabilizing foreign exchange transactions and regulating dollar sales according to best practices and international standards.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Harris expressed his full readiness to continue supporting the efforts of the Central Bank of Iraq, enabling it to achieve its goals in promoting financial and monetary stability.
Central Bank of Iraq,
Media Office,
February 5, 2026
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FROM DOLLAR TO DINAR… EXCHANGE RATE POLICY CONFUSES OIL COMPANIES AND THREATENS THEIR EMPLOYEES!
The Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to convert payments to contractors working with oil companies from US dollars to Iraqi dinars has sparked widespread controversy in economic circles. This comes amid warnings of potential financial and operational repercussions for subcontractors, the labor market, and the stability of the oil sector.
Experts believe that continuing with this mechanism could impose additional financial burdens on companies that rely on dollars for their transactions, impacting their operational capacity and business continuity.
Economic expert Nabil al-Marsoumi stated in a tweet that “more than 200 Iraqi companies contracted with oil licensing companies, employing over 50,000 Iraqi workers, are threatened with significant financial losses and layoffs due to the Central Bank’s directive to disburse their payments in dinars at the official rate—even though their contracts and expenses are denominated in dollars.”
He explained that “the losses stem from the large difference between the official and parallel exchange rates for the dollar against the dinar,” warning of “the collapse of companies due to the exchange rate policy.
“For his part, Mahmoud Hassan, a representative of an oil company, stated during a demonstration organized by subcontractors working for an international oil company that “Iraqi companies operating in the oil sector have been facing a crisis for over a year without any solutions,” warning of “repercussions that could lead to the collapse of a large number of them.”Hassan explained in a press statement that “the contracting companies, which employ more than 40,000 Iraqi workers, are under financial pressure after receiving their payments at the official rate of 131,000 dinars per $100, while the parallel market rate is around 155,000 dinars.” He emphasized that “the difference is causing direct losses.” He added that “the continuation of this situation will force companies to reduce their operations and lay off workers, and may lead to their complete shutdown,” noting that “a number of them have already begun to be unable to pay salaries.”
Hassan called on the Central Bank to “intervene urgently to find a solution that takes into account the nature of these companies’ work and their obligations,” warning that “the continuation of the crisis will negatively impact the oil sector and the labor market.”
In Iraq, secondary oil companies operate—varying from project to project—and undertake the execution of service, supply, maintenance, construction, and transportation works within contracts with local or international oil companies. Contracts are binding on the contracting parties.In this context, economist Hamza al-Jawahiri stated that “contracts stipulating payment in dollars must be honored,” explaining that “payment in another currency constitutes a clear violation of the contract terms.” He emphasized that “companies can resort to the competent courts, based on the legal principle that contracts are binding on the contracting parties.”
For his part, energy expert Ahmed Sabah said that “converting company dues from dollars to dinars may lead to the gradual exclusion of some foreign companies, while focusing on companies that accept dinar transactions.” He explained that “many Western companies rely on external supply chains that require payment in dollars to secure equipment and services.”
He added that “this measure is not sustainable in the long term, especially given that the current government is a caretaker government, which reduces the chances of implementing decisions with long-term strategic impact.” He predicted that “major foreign companies will refrain from expanding or entering into new contracts if this mechanism continues,” considering that “the decision may be temporary and subject to change if negative effects emerge on the investment climate or the pace of work in the fields.”
Strengthening the Dinar or Market Losses?For his part, economist Dirgham Muhammad Ali believes that “attempts to curb the parallel dollar market have prompted the Central Bank to take measures to bolster confidence in the dinar,” but he noted that these measures “were not fair given the continued gap between the official and parallel exchange rates.” He emphasized that “the policy of forced currency conversion causes losses for traders and deprives the market of a vital channel for the legitimate injection of dollars,” calling for “either the adoption of a fair exchange rate or the creation of a different mechanism for dealing with foreign companies.”Economic circles warn that the collapse of subcontracted oil companies working with international and local firms will disrupt maintenance, logistics, and equipment operations in oil fields, threatening production stability—in addition to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs, given these companies’ reliance on Iraqi labor. This could also weaken supply chains and increase operating costs, prompting some foreign companies to scale back their operations or refrain from new projects, which would negatively impact the oil investment environment and the role of the local private sector.
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AL-MARSOUMI WARNS: CENTRAL BANK DECISIONS THREATEN MORE THAN 50,000 WORKERS WITH LOSSES AND MASS LAYOFFS
Iraqi economic analyst Nabil Al-Marsoumi warned of serious financial repercussions that could affect local companies contracted with oil licensing companies, stressing that more than 200 Iraqi companies employing more than 50,000 workers are now threatened with large losses that could lead to the dismissal of large numbers of their employees.
Al-Marsoumi explained in a tweet he posted on his Facebook page that these risks came as a result of the Central Bank of Iraq’s directive not to disburse dollar transfers to those companies in dollars, and obliging them to convert them to dinars according to the official rate, even though their contracts were concluded in dollars.
He pointed out that the losses result from the large difference between the official and parallel exchange rates of the dollar against the dinar, noting that companies’ contracts and operating expenses are done in dollars, which exacerbates the financial burdens and threatens the continuity of their work.
It is noted that companies transfer their employees’ dues in dollars, while banks disburse them in Iraqi dinars at the official rate of 131,000 dinars, even though the dollar’s price in the market exceeds 145,000 dinars, which has sparked widespread objections from employees regarding this procedure.
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35,000 AMERICAN SOLDIERS SURROUND IRAQ: THEY WILL NOT HESITATE TO “TAKE CONTROL OF BAGHDAD” IF IT TAKES THIS STEP!
With rising tensions between Iran and the United States, and increasing talk of the possibility of the confrontation expanding from a war of mutual strikes to a wider clash, notable warnings emerged from Iraqi military expert Alaa al-Nashou , who warned that any use of long-range missiles by Iraqi factions against American forces or interests could open the door to a “new occupation of Iraq,” in light of a large American military buildup surrounding the region.
These warnings coincide with international press reports about the transfer of Iranian missiles to Iraqi factions, with the monitoring of an unprecedented American naval and air buildup near Iran and Iraq, and with parallel discussions about the possibility of Yemen becoming a new ground operations arena, which puts Iraq at the heart of a complex regional equation in which it could slip back into the forefront of confrontation if the scope of the clash widens.
Iranian long-range missiles on Iraqi soil?
Western newspapers reported intelligence indicating that Iran, for the first time, supplied Iraqi armed factions with long-range surface-to-surface missiles, in a move interpreted as part of an advanced deterrence strategy in case Tehran is subjected to a large-scale American or Israeli strike.
According to these leaks, some of these missiles were stored at sites inside Iraq and possibly in other countries in the region, with the aim of providing a rapid response capability against American and Israeli bases or targets, while reducing the need to launch missiles from Iranian territory itself. This scenario, if accurate, means that any decision to escalate missile attacks will not be isolated from Iraqi territory, but could be implemented from within Iraq or through factions politically and militarily affiliated with it.
The situation became even more complex and dangerous about a week ago when some factions announced the establishment of what they called an “underground missile city” inside Iraq, showcasing missile capabilities buried deep underground that are difficult to detect or target with a single strike. This announcement, regardless of the accuracy of its field details, adds a new layer of anxiety; it reinforces the image of Iraq in the eyes of the United States as a potential missile launchpad in any major confrontation, and simultaneously increases the likelihood of it becoming a direct target should a decision be made to respond to or curtail these capabilities militarily.
From here, Alaa Al-Nashou poses a critical question: If long-range missiles are launched from Iraqi territory towards American targets, will all of Iraq be treated as a “hostile platform” justifying a broader military intervention?
US military buildup encircles Iraq and Iran
The report speaks of a highly complex regional military landscape, including the presence of large US naval groups in the northern Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean, advanced fighters of various types stationed at air bases spread across the countries of the region, and ground forces ready to move.
The military expert adds that “approximately three Marine divisions have been brought in, meaning that about 35,000 American soldiers are now present in American bases surrounding Iraq and surrounding Iran,” as he put it, explaining that this size of deployment is not only aimed at directing air or missile strikes, but also creates the possibility of moving part of these forces to ground operations if the political and military doors are opened for that.
It is true that the public American political discourse focuses more on “deterrence and pressure” than on “full-scale invasion” as happened in 2003, but the reading of the escalation stems from experience with the Iraqi reality: whenever the country turns into a shooting range for Americans, Washington becomes more willing to exploit this reality to justify expanding the military presence and imposing new security realities on the ground.
Warning of a “new occupation” and rules of engagement
In the widely circulated intervention, Alaa Al-Nashou links three key elements:
Arming the factions with long-range missiles, as reported by Western press reports.
-The current US military buildup around Iraq and Iran, including naval and air forces and Marine Corps units.
-American control over the rules of engagement in the region, meaning that most air and sea fire lines today pass through an American decision or are under direct American supervision.
Al-Nashou concludes that “if what has been published is true, and Iraqi factions proceed to use these missiles against the United States, then this will be a recipe for a new occupation of Iraq,” expecting that Washington will use such an attack to justify the introduction of additional ground forces under titles such as “protecting American forces and interests” or “preventing Iraq from becoming an Iranian missile platform.”
In his view, “America today controls the rules of engagement,” and there is virtually “no major front line in the region outside of American will,” meaning that any ill-considered decision from within Iraq could once again plunge it into the heart of a battle whose rules are drawn outside its borders.
Yemen as a parallel front in American calculations
The scenario is not limited to Iraq, but indicates that part of these forces could be used in ground operations in Yemen, following waves of airstrikes targeting sites belonging to the Ansar Allah group, and repeated talk about the need to “secure navigation” in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
According to this interpretation, Yemen may become the first testing ground for broader ground operations, supported by allied local forces, while the possibility of expanding operations to other countries – including Iraq – remains, if the fronts overlap and different Arab territories are used to put pressure on the United States or to target its interests.
Modern US weapons and the “post-Maduro” scenario
In addition, warnings are increasing in military and strategic circles about the qualitative development in the modern American weapons system, especially those that have been tested or brandished in sensitive cases such as Venezuela during the Nicolas Maduro crisis, where Washington sought to establish a new model in conflict management based on a combination of crippling sanctions, naval blockade, intelligence pressure, and the threat of using long-range precision strikes without the need for a full-scale ground invasion.
This pattern of thinking makes the “occupation” in its new form less dependent on tanks entering the capital, and more based on paralyzing command and control centers, targeting vital infrastructure, and supporting loyal local forces on the ground, thus turning the targeted state into an open space for foreign influence without a formal declaration of occupation.
Hence the danger of repeating this scenario in Iraq if its territory turns into a platform for factions’ missiles against the United States; as Washington could find in that an opportunity to employ its technological superiority and its air, naval and electronic weapons to impose new security realities, under the slogan of “protecting forces and interests” or “preventing the repetition of the Maduro model in the Middle East,” while the Iraqis pay the price for a battle whose tools are moved from outside their borders.
Between “full occupation” and “expanding the military presence”
Alaa Al-Nashou’s warnings do not necessarily mean that Washington is heading towards repeating a carbon copy of the 2003 invasion, but they highlight a wider range of options, starting with expanding existing military bases and tightening their procedures, passing through deploying special forces and rapid response forces in larger numbers, imposing closed military zones or “safe corridors” in some provinces, and ending with imposing a kind of “undeclared security tutelage” over the Iraqi decision, through political and economic pressure.
In this case, armed action from within Iraq – especially if long-range missiles are used – becomes a decisive factor in pushing Washington towards more aggressive options, even if it does not reach the level of a full-scale invasion in the traditional sense of the word.
What does all this mean for Iraq today?
Reading the current situation places Iraq at a clear crossroads: either it maintains a reasonable distance from the missiles of a “major war” and prevents its territory from becoming a platform for strategic clashes between America and Iran, or it slips—intentionally or through miscalculation—into the arena once again, with all the risks this entails for its sovereignty, the unity of its institutions, and its economic and security situation.
The essential message in these warnings is that whoever decides to exert missile pressure on the United States may not be the same person who bears the cost of the reaction on the ground. The real cost will be paid by the state, society, economy, and ordinary Iraqis if the door is opened to a broader military presence, under any name.
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DOLLARS, POLITICS, AND FACTIONS: PRESSURE POINTS SURROUND THE ANTICIPATED CABINET.
Baghdad/Al-Masalla: According to sources contacted by Al-Masalla, the coordination framework must act today under the pressure of a delicate political equation that seeks to spare Iraq American anger that could quickly turn into economic and political sanctions, in exchange for showing a higher degree of rationality in the process of forming the next government, at a time when unannounced signals are intensifying regarding red lines related to the shape of the cabinet and its balances.
In Baghdad, political leaks and diplomatic readings converge to confirm that any government perceived as being close to armed factions will quickly lose international cover. This puts the forces involved in the coordination framework to the test of managing influence without provoking external partners, especially with an economy that depends on oil revenues for more than 85 percent of its income and a financial system that is highly sensitive to sanctions.
In parallel, there is growing concern within political circles that any potential American escalation could directly affect the dollar, the exchange rate, and import activity, which opens the door to social unrest that is difficult to contain, at a time when state institutions are still suffering from fragility that has accumulated over the years.
On social media, a political analyst on the X platform said, “The messages are clear to anyone who wants to read them. Washington is not compromising on the form of government this time, and any disregard could bring back the scenario of financial pressure.” Conversely, a political activist wrote on Facebook, “Iraq cannot tolerate a Saddam-era government; pragmatism has become a necessity, not an option.”
Within the coordination framework, unannounced assessments speak of efforts to present a government with a calmer facade, while reducing the political appearance of the factions, in an attempt to buy time and avoid a direct confrontation, amid a growing realization that the phase of gray settlements is nearing its end.
It appears that Iraq is at a pivotal moment, where the form of government becomes a message in itself, either reassuring the outside world and providing relative internal stability, or a costly gamble that could return the country to a cycle of pressure and isolation.
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THE GENERAL BUDGET LAW: CAN IT BE ISSUED IN THE EVENT OF A CONSTITUTIONAL VACUUM?
A financial advisor confirmed that the 2026 budget law can be issued in the event of any constitutional vacuum, after consulting the opinion of the Supreme Federal Court.
The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, explained on Thursday that government spending will continue according to the (1/12) rule until the 2026 budget is approved, while noting that the monthly salaries of employees, retirees and welfare amount to 8 trillion dinars.
(Mnt Goat: how do they get into this situation each year after the election? It is because they do not follow the constitutional deadlines to move the election process along. What caused the delay this time was not the Kurds as it was the proposed nomination of Nori al-Maliki.)
Continuation of fiscal policy
Saleh said : “The fiscal policy has been carrying out its duties since the second month of this year 2026 in accordance with the provisions of the amended Federal Financial Management Law No. (6) of 2019, by spending at a rate of (1/12) of the actual current public expenditures for the year 2025.”
He explained that “public finances benefit from the provisions of paragraph (29) of the aforementioned law, which allows the financial authority to adopt temporary financing mechanisms and liquidity management in the event that spending cannot be carried out according to the legally legislated regular budget.”
He added that “the aforementioned provisions confirm the principle of temporary financing in the event of a delay in the approval of the budget law or a temporary shortage of liquidity necessary for spending. This allows the Ministry of Finance to take transitional financial measures that ensure the continued disbursement of priority expenditures without delay. Foremost among these are salaries, wages, pensions and social welfare allocations, which are estimated at about eight trillion dinars per month.”
The possibility of issuing the general budget law
Regarding the possibility of legislating the budget law in the event of a failure to elect a president, Saleh explained that “this is a rare occurrence, but it may impose itself due to the necessities of the supreme national interest, especially since the House of Representatives is the constitutional body competent to legislate the budget law. In this context, the possibility of issuing the 2026 budget law can be considered after consulting the opinion of the Supreme Federal Court, as it is a constitutional court specializing in resolving the problems of parliamentary sessions, especially in cases of the complete absence of the president.”
He also pointed out that “the President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, and the Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, are still in a position of legal responsibility at the moment, which allows, in principle, the request to prepare a draft of the federal general budget law and submit it to the House of Representatives to begin the legislative process, if the elected legislative authority wishes to do so.”
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THE US TREASURY FREEZES THE ASSETS OF HALBOUSI AND TWO OF HIS PARTY LEADERS
In official source in Anbar province revealed on Wednesday that Jordan and the UAE have frozen the assets of the head of the Progress Party, Mohammed al-Halbousi, and two of his party leaders, due to their inclusion in the US sanctions.
The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “Jordan and the UAE have frozen the assets of the head of the Progress Alliance, Mohammed al-Halbousi, the current governor of Anbar, Omar Mishaan Dabbous, and Hebat al-Halbousi, the Speaker of Parliament, due to their inclusion in the US Federal Reserve’s decision.”
He added that “the targeted party leaders stole huge sums of money after assuming leadership positions in the central and local governments and transferred them to banks outside Iraq.”
He indicated that “Mohammed al-Halbousi and Speaker of Parliament Hebat al-Halbousi failed to convince the acting US ambassador in Baghdad to mediate to lift the freeze on his funds outside Iraq and the rest of the party leaders.”
He explained that “Al-Halbousi owns, undeclared, banks and exchange offices used in currency smuggling operations from Iraq to neighboring countries,” stressing that “Al-Halbousi’s talks with officials at the US Embassy in Baghdad and the Kuwaiti ambassador failed to release frozen assets outside Iraq due to their inclusion in the US sanctions.”
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A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE: MALIKI MAY WITHDRAW FROM THE NOMINATION FOR THE SAKE OF IRAQ.
Baghdad/Al-Masalla: On Friday, Abdul Samad Al-Zarkoushi, a member of the Coordination Framework, identified the reason that might prompt Nouri Al-Maliki, the head of the State of Law Coalition, to abandon his candidacy for the next government.
Al-Zarkoushi said, “Nouri al-Maliki is a statesman who possesses experience, competence, and a personality that no one disagrees with. Therefore, his nomination by the Coordination Framework for the next government presidency is still valid, and there are no changes to this decision.”
He added that “the Coordination Framework, as the largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament, has the legal and constitutional right to nominate whomever it deems worthy of heading the next government.”
He pointed out that “Maliki is a statesman, but if he feels that his nomination may harm Iraq’s interests and cause damage to the people, he will make a decision to step down. This decision comes in accordance with a national vision, and the vision of the framework is what will decide matters.”
Al-Zarkoushi stressed that “it is unacceptable for any country to interfere in Iraq’s affairs to determine one person or another. Iraq is an independent and sovereign country, and the Iraqi political forces are the ones who determine the direction and identity of the next prime minister and the nature of his foreign relations and internal dealings. Al-Maliki is the one who will determine his final choice, and we are confident that this choice will be patriotic in all circumstances.”
(Mnt Goat: Iraq is NOT an independent and sovereign country as long as Iranian influence by non-Iraqi citizens of Iranian decent are in the government who determine the direction of Iraq.)
The State of Law Coalition’s statements come amid continued political controversy over Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination for prime minister, following Trump’s tweet calling for al-Maliki to be removed from power in Iraq and for his past experiences not to be repeated, amid media speculation about the possibility of changing the nominee as a result of external positions and pressures.
The coordinating framework has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to its declared options, stressing that the decision regarding the position of Prime Minister will be made in accordance with internal understandings and constitutional balances between political forces.
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AL-MALIKI MANEUVERS: “AN HONORABLE RETIREMENT” AND RESTORING THE GOLDEN AGE OF “DA’WA”. THROWING THE BALL INTO THE “FRAMEWORK’S” COURT… AND WASHINGTON BRANDISHES THE OIL FILE.
Nouri al-Maliki, the candidate for the next prime minister, has thrown the ball into the court of the “Coordination Framework” regarding the decision to replace him, just hours before a meeting described as crucial to resolving the crisis surrounding the selection of the new prime minister.It appears that Maliki has shifted his candidacy back to the Shiite alliance, at a time when data from the “Framework” indicates that two-thirds of its constituent groups, according to the majority definition within the alliance, still support the leader of the State of Law Coalition. This makes “withdrawal” the easiest way to end his candidacy.
Until recently, Maliki was clinging to the position, which he acquired as a result of what was described as a “sudden development”—one that he said personally surprised him—related to the stance of his political rival, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the outgoing prime minister.At the time of writing, the forces within the “Coordination Framework” were preparing to hold a meeting Wednesday evening, which sources told Al-Mada was expected to be “decisive,” either to proceed with Maliki as a candidate or to move towards removing and replacing him.However, informed political sources believe that Maliki will attempt during this meeting to obtain renewed confirmation that he is the “sole candidate,” given the difficulty of his supporters within the coalition backing down.
Simultaneously, Maliki’s nomination is facing increasing external and internal pressure. Washington is strongly pushing for his replacement, threatening to cut aid to Iraq, while the factions of Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Hikma Movement, and Qais al-Khazali, leader of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, reject Maliki’s appointment as prime minister.In his first media appearance after being nominated, Maliki affirmed that he is “committed to this nomination until the end,” stating that “only the Coordination Framework will decide whether I continue or not, and it will decide on the alternative.”
It is worth noting that the Coordination Framework voted for Maliki for the first time since its establishment nearly five years ago, with a majority, amidst divisions within the coalition, and there have been no indications so far of a change in this majority’s position.Within Shia circles, there is a prevailing opinion that Sudani’s withdrawal from the race in favor of Maliki was a “political entrapment,” given that the State of Law leader is rejected by several internal and external parties.According to former MP Mishaan al-Jubouri, “Sudani withdrew after hearing from Savia, Trump’s envoy to Baghdad, who is the subject of much controversy, that Maliki would not succeed.”Conversely, Maliki, according to political sources, is relying on the position of former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who informed him that he was “acceptable in Washington.”
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AL-ABADI SUGGESTS TO AL-MALIKI THAT HE WITHDRAW AFTER BEING TASKED WITH FORMING A GOVERNMENT, SO AS NOT TO GIVE THE AMERICANS CREDIT.
The Victory Coalition, led by Haider al-Abadi, suggested on Sunday to Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, that he proceed with his candidacy for the position of Prime Minister, and withdraw after being assigned by the President of the Republic, in order to preserve sovereignty and not have his withdrawal considered a response to the American side, since the withdrawal will come after the assignment.
Ibrahim al-Sultani, a member of the Victory Coalition, stated in an interview with Al-Ahd TV, that “when the American position (Trump’s tweet) was issued, I am sure that Mr. Maliki, with his exceptional political mind, has an idea of what will happen if he insists on proceeding with the nomination process.”
He added, “As a citizen, I say that in order to preserve sovereignty, we should proceed with Mr. Maliki by assigning him after he is named President of the Republic, and then Mr. Maliki should influence himself to withdraw, or the coordination framework should begin to reconsider so that matters come out within the framework of preserving sovereignty and also preserving the coordination framework.”
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IRAQI TRADERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES MARKET CLOSURES IN PROTEST AGAINST CUSTOMS DUTIES
The Iraqi Traders Association announced on Friday its call for a general closure of all commercial markets throughout Iraq, starting next Sunday and continuing until further notice.
The group explained in a statement received by (Al-Mada) that this step comes in protest against the new customs fees, and to demand the immediate removal of the accumulated containers from the port of Umm Qasr.
The Iraqi Traders Association called on all merchants and market owners to adhere to the closure, stressing that this step aims to achieve legitimate demands and protect the interests of the commercial sector.
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STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE ASYCUDA SYSTEM IS HARMING MORE THAN ONE MILLION IRAQI TRADERS, WITH LOSSES AMOUNTING TO BILLIONS.
Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi stated on Saturday that the “ASYCUDA” system implemented by the Iraqi government has caused a decrease in trade transactions and a decline in customs revenues in the country, calling for dialogue sessions with chambers of commerce to reach appropriate solutions after the deterioration of the economic situation as a result of the application of the customs tariff.
This comes at a time when calls have been launched to begin a general strike in markets and shops throughout Iraq starting tomorrow, Sunday, in protest against the application of the new customs tariff, and the accumulation of containers of imported goods and commodities in the ports of Basra in the far south of the country.
Al-Marsoumi said in a post today that commercial activity in Iraq is currently of utmost importance, as there are more than 350,000 commercial establishments and more than one million traders dealing in imported and local goods worth tens of billions of dollars, and employing millions of workers.
He added that this activity is currently suffering from the repercussions of the ASYCUDA system, and from the application of the customs tariff, which, according to official information, has led to a halving of Iraq’s trade transactions with the outside world, and to significant losses for traders and the government, whose customs revenues also decreased in January by 71 billion dinars compared to the months that preceded it.
The economist stressed that “there is an urgent need to hold a dialogue session with the chambers of commerce to reach suitable solutions for the government, merchants and the general public.”
The Iraqi government raised customs duties by percentages ranging between 5% and 30%, distributed across brackets starting from 5%, 10% and 15%, up to the maximum limit of 30%.
These ratios cover the entire customs tariff register consisting of 99 chapters containing approximately 16,400 customs items, which are the items adopted globally in trade.
A few days ago, the General Authority of Customs in the Ministry of Finance issued a directive to adopt a reduction rate of 25% on the average import values recorded in the ASYCUDA system.
Over the past month, Iraq has witnessed angry demonstrations in several provinces, protesting the decision to impose new taxes and fees, and to apply customs tariffs to imported goods.
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OFFICIALLY… NEW MECHANISMS FOR CALCULATING THE CUSTOMS VALUE OF IMPORTED GOODS
The General Authority of Customs announced today, Monday (February 9, 2026), the adoption of new mechanisms for calculating the customs value of imported goods, in implementation of the directives of the Prime Minister, and based on the provisions of the Customs Law No. (23) of 1984 amended, and paragraph (9) of Cabinet Resolution No. (569) of 2025, and in accordance with the approved international rules and standards.
The authority said in a statement received by “Baghdad Today” that “the approved mechanisms will be applied in all customs centers,” indicating that in its first aspect it includes “adopting the customs value established in the commercial lists declared in accordance with the prior declaration (bank transfer) when conducting customs clearance.”
She added that “the customs value will be calculated for goods that have not been declared under the prior declaration based on the values recorded in the records of the General Authority of Customs,” noting that “the Valuation Department in the Authority is responsible for receiving requests to determine or amend the customs value recorded in the records, accompanied by official supporting documents, and they will be decided upon within a period not exceeding three working days, based on the applicable law and the international agreements and rules adopted by the World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization, otherwise the competent authority will bear the legal responsibility.”
The commission added that “banks operating in Iraq, under the supervision of the Central Bank of Iraq, will be tasked with verifying the accuracy of the data contained in the commercial statements submitted for the purposes of foreign transfer, including the values recorded therein,” stressing that “the adoption of these mechanisms comes within the framework of enhancing transparency, regulating customs work, protecting public funds, and supporting a stable commercial environment, in line with the government’s directions in financial and economic reform.”
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WIDESPREAD ANGER IN IRAQ OVER LARGE SUMS DEDUCTED FROM THE SALARIES OF EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES
A number of employees and retirees were surprised, after receiving their monthly salaries, to find large amounts deducted, which sparked a state of discontent and concern in the employment and retirement circles.
Retirees and employees, through Shafaq News Agency, called on the House of Representatives and the relevant regulatory bodies to “open an urgent investigation into the matter, and to host officials in the Retirement Authority and the administrations of government banks, especially Al-Rafidain and Al-Rasheed banks, to reveal the reasons for these deductions and other similar cases, and to guarantee the rights of beneficiaries.”
In this context, an informed source told Shafaq News Agency that one of the reasons for the deduction is due to loans and advances granted to employees and retirees, as some government banks have resorted to deducting amounts equivalent to the installment of two months or more in one payment, instead of regular monthly deductions, which has caused a major imbalance in the value of the salaries received.
The source added that this measure caused financial harm to many families, especially in light of the difficult living conditions, calling on the competent authorities to “reconsider the deduction mechanism, adopt transparency in dealing with beneficiaries, investigate this manipulation, and hold negligent officials accountable.”
Employees and retirees hope that the relevant authorities will take swift steps to address this problem and prevent its recurrence in the future, in order to preserve the financial stability of a broad segment of society.
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ACKNOWLEDGING THE FINANCIAL CRISIS, MP SAYS CHANGING THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE IS WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE NEXT GOVERNMENT.
Former MP Baqir al-Saadi acknowledged on Monday (February 9, 2026) the existence of a financial crisis in Iraq, while indicating that changing the exchange rate of the dollar in the parallel market will be within the powers of the next government.
Al-Saadi told Baghdad Today, “There is no disagreement that there is a financial crisis in Iraq, and regardless of its causes, it has begun to cast a clear shadow on the issue of salaries in ministries, agencies and government institutions.”
He added that “the past few weeks have seen many opinions put forward to address the salary crisis, including moving the exchange rate upwards, but such a step can only be taken by the next government,” noting that “the new government will form a high economic committee to study the financial and economic situation in the country and develop objective solutions.”
Al-Saadi explained that “Nouri al-Maliki, as the candidate of the Coordination Framework, placed this file among his priorities, and therefore, as soon as the government is formed, there will be important decisions to correct the course of the economic and financial dimensions.”
He stressed that “raising the exchange rate or maintaining it will be the result of the economic and financial study that will be presented by the relevant committee, and it is not possible at present to confirm or deny this direction,” stressing that “the salaries and entitlements of employees represent a red line for the next government, and the issue of their distribution will be dealt with according to specific timelines and without any delay.”
It is worth noting that the current government’s Council of Ministers approved, on July 2, 2023, the decision of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Iraq to amend the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar, as follows:
– 1300 dinars per dollar for purchases from the Ministry of Finance.
– 1310 dinars per dollar for sales to banks.
– 1320 dinars per dollar for sales by banks and non-bank financial institutions to the end user.
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THE FOREX MARKET IS STEALING THE DREAMS OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
(No, the dumb people who don’t know how to invest in the market are the problem. The market is not the problem. FOREX can’t steal anything if you don’t play.)
The experiences of a number of young Iraqis have shown that the electronic currency trading market (Forex) often turns into a trap for fraud and loss, rather than a source of quick profit.
Saad Karim, 35, lost all his savings after five months of trading when the financial intermediary disappeared, despite the initial profit that had given him the illusion of success. Similarly, Khuloud Nasser, a housewife, lost some of her gold jewelry after encouraging her husband to enter the online trading market, asserting that greed and being deceived by advertisements on social media were the main reasons.
Economic experts believe that the reason for this trend is the ease of entering the market and the ability to trade with small amounts, which makes young people, especially the unemployed, vulnerable. Economist Thamer Al-Haimas considers it a form of escapism from unemployment and rising prices.
In the absence of legal regulation, fraud is rampant through fake platforms and unlicensed intermediaries. Iraqi law indicates that trading outside official channels can lead to money laundering and terrorist financing. Lawyer Ibtisam Riyad stressed the need to regulate the market and protect young people through specific laws and regulations, to ensure the safety of their savings and to reduce chaos and financial exploitation.
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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