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:
September 8, 2026 Mnt Goat News Brief
Guten Tag everyone:
WOW! WOW! WOW! More news today about removing the zeros. I want to point out that the pressure to do something to alleviate the liquidity crisis at the two major state banks. For example, “merchants and residents in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, are increasingly struggling to obtain 250-dinar ($0.19), 500-dinar ($0.38) and 1,000-dinar ($0.76) banknotes, with traders reporting shortages of small denominations and growing difficulties using worn or damaged notes in daily transactions”. But as importantly, according to preliminary data that is currently being audited, the past period witnessed a significant depletion of liquidity and financial resources, including the funds available at government banks, specifically Al-Rafidain and Al-Rasheed banks.
A FIFTH CONFIRMATION OF INTENTION TO REMOVE THE ZEROS!
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.
Let’s all try to chip in!
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1 Peter 4:8
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
STATUS OF THE RV
Okay, so we are quickly advancing into September already. Folks, I have to say the news just keeps getting better and better. So here we go……
When can we expect the CBI to make a decision on their move of removing the zeros? This should happen any day now. One day you will read it on the front cover page of my blog, and this is not too far off.
I was told by my CBI contact that a committee has been set up months ago to study the issue of the feasibility of coming up with a start date and to monitor all the other factors involved. So, they are not just starting on this but months in the making already. But most of you already knew this…didn’t you?
One major factor included meeting with parliament on the necessary laws required to satisfy the GOI. We all know that a draft law was already sent to parliament on this effort to review and pass so they can begin the process. I guess what I am trying to reiterate to you today is that this project to remove the zero is just not at a ‘review’ or ‘considering’ state as in the past, but is moving ahead beyond these past stages to an advanced stage of even determining a date to begin and then announcing it to the public.
As this liquidity crisis worsens, the pressure builds to do something and do it soon. In a recent article titled “SMALL BANKNOTE SHORTAGE CAUSES DAILY DISRUPTION IN KIRKUK MARKETS”
This article is yet more proof of what my CBI contact is telling us is the TRUTH as to what are the majority of the notes horded and the root cause of this liquidity issue. It is almost verbatim of what she told us. WOW! It is these lower denoms namely the 250, 500 and 1000 notes. These are the ones they have to keep re-printing because they are taken out of circulation either due to wear and tear but most importantly hording. The more the CBI prints the more they stash away. Okay, okay, so I am not going to review in detail this issue causing of the liquidity issue again. We are all adults and so let’s try to remember what I said in my other recent Newsletters about this issue. Here is the link to the Mnt Goat Archives. This is getting boring already, is it not? What we want is for them to do something about it. But we all know how slowwwwwwwwww they can work in Iraq. The point I want to stress today is that new explanations of this issue of these three notes is in the news almost daily now. Is it important? So, we get the message but more importantly we get the urgency too. That is what is going to drive this issue to resolution sooner than later.
I want to point out that I told my readers that removing the zeros project is the ONLY way they can collect this monetary mass back into the system. I said this years ago. Remember? They simply must do it.
Again, we know how slow Iraq works and so this urgency should speed things up. But remember conducting this project of removing the zeros also means moving to FOREX soon afterwards and so are they ready for this follow-up move too? We are told the Trump administration and the IMF now want the reinstatement and so it is supporting the next move too. I am guessing that maybe pressure from the US Treasury might put a fire under them to stop all this stagnation and move it ahead.
I quote from the article: “Merchants and residents in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, are increasingly struggling to obtain 250-dinar ($0.19), 500-dinar ($0.38) and 1,000-dinar ($0.76) banknotes, with traders reporting shortages of small denominations and growing difficulties using worn or damaged notes in daily transactions.”
“Abbas Ahmed, a shopkeeper in Kirkuk’s Doctors Street market, told Shafaq News that obtaining the three denominations has become increasingly difficult. “When customers pay with larger notes, some shops ask them to buy another item rather than give them their change.” Some small-denomination notes reaching shops are also torn, dirty or heavily worn, making merchants and customers reluctant to accept them.”
Okay so there is many other recent articles on this topic of the 250, 500 and 1000 note depletion / hording. I will just list them and not go into much explanation of them but to highlight what I feel is most important for us to understand:
“THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SMALL DENOMINATION COINS IS CAUSING “DAILY DISRUPTION” IN IRAQI MARKETS.”
“Local markets in Kirkuk Governorate are experiencing increasing difficulty in obtaining small denomination banknotes of 250, 500 and 1000 dinars, amid complaints from traders and citizens about their scarcity in daily transactions. Shop owners say that what is available is often old, worn out or torn, which makes it more difficult to use in buying and selling operations.”
“At first glance, the problem seems to contradict the available figures on the volume of small banknotes in Iraq, as recent data indicates the existence of hundreds of millions of banknotes of these denominations. However, their presence in the monetary data does not necessarily mean that all of them are actually available for circulation or in good condition, which raises questions about the cash cycle and the mechanisms for withdrawing damaged banknotes, replacing them, and injecting new alternatives into the markets.”
Daily confusion
“Abbas Ahmed, a shop owner in the Doctors Street market in Kirkuk, told Shafaq News Agency, “Obtaining 250, 500, and 1000 dinar notes has become more difficult than before, and the problem becomes clear when a customer pays their bill in large denominations, forcing us to ask the customer to buy another item with the remaining amount.”
“SMALL BANKNOTE SHORTAGE CAUSES DAILY DISRUPTION IN KIRKUK MARKETS”
“Merchants and residents in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, are increasingly struggling to obtain 250-dinar ($0.19), 500-dinar ($0.38) and 1,000-dinar ($0.76) banknotes, with traders reporting shortages of small denominations and growing difficulties using worn or damaged notes in daily transactions.”
“Samer Abdullah, a currency exchanger on Republic Street, noted a sharp increase in demand for small denominations, while supplies remain inconsistent.”
“Describing the shortage as a daily problem, Hamza al-Jubouri, a wholesaler in Kirkuk’s Citadel Market, told Shafaq News that small amounts of change are often needed in wholesale and retail transactions, leaving merchants with limited options when the required denominations are unavailable.”
“Some traders hold on to 250-dinar, 500-dinar, and 1,000-dinar notes rather than spend them, fearing they will be unable to replace them later. This further reduces the number of these notes circulating in the market.”
“IRAQ PROBES STATE BANKS OVER LIQUIDITY DEPLETION”
“On Saturday, informed sources revealed that the Integrity Commission and the relevant regulatory bodies are conducting investigations and audits regarding a number of financial and banking files, most notably the decline in liquidity levels at government banks, the granting of loans and financing of investment projects, as well as the special and exceptional approvals granted by government banks, particularly Al-Rafidain and Al-Rasheed banks, during the previous period.”
“According to preliminary data that is currently being audited, the past period witnessed a significant depletion of liquidity and financial resources, including the funds available at government banks, specifically Al-Rafidain and Al-Rasheed banks.”
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In this next article titled “THE CENTRAL BANK REASSURES BANK DEPOSITORS” let’s dig deeper into it. Why is the CBI telling the public these kinds of statements? We all know why. They are trying to push the public into getting this horded money back into the banks. Well…well I have news for them this tactic did not work and will not work. It is time to get serious and take more drastic measures. Hint…hint…remove the zeros…..
“Affirming its pivotal role in protecting the financial system and ensuring a sound banking sector based on competitiveness and the provision of the best traditional and digital financial services, the Central Bank of Iraq wishes to inform and reassure the public of the following facts:” You can go read the article in full for yourself, it is nothing more than what we already know….bla, bla,bla… 😊
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I find this next recent article ironic almost funny even…lol..lol..lol.. 😊. How stupid can these members of parliament in Iraq be? This guy sounds like a democrat in the US government…lol..lol..lol.. It is titled “MP: THERE ARE NO ECONOMIC SOLUTIONS OTHER THAN HOW TO SECURE EMPLOYEE SALARIES”
“MP Abdul Hamza al-Khafaji asserted on Saturday that the government lacks clear economic solutions to address the financial crises, indicating that its primary focus is on securing employee salaries.” Really? The Finance Committee already told us that the salaries are held up due to the liquidity issue at the banks. Yes, this exact same issue that four (4) articles in the daily news just told us about. So, where is the mind of this MP anyhow. Do you see the problem they are facing in Iraq too – dumb or dumber?
“He stressed the necessity of “adopting economic policies capable of creating job opportunities, stimulating the private sector, and increasing non-oil revenues,” urging the government to “provide sustainable solutions that guarantee the country’s financial and economic stability.” Okay but the reality is that the liquidity issue is real, is happening now and the salaries must be paid now not 10 years down the road. How about the solution for the problem staring you in the nose, right in front of your face?
Yes, al-Khafaji you can always support the draft bill now in parliament to remove the zeros and bring in all this cash back into the banking system. The GOI is most aware of the petro-dollar and it ramifications on a ‘rentier’ economy. The process to diversify the economy is underway. Let’s stop talking about it and do something about it. How many more years are you going to kick this can down the road? Aren’t you a member of parliament? You have part of the power al-Khafaji.
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Okay, so what have heard in the news lately about removing the zeros?
Seems we have yet another confirmation from the Iraqi Finance Committee that tells us the intent to move ahead with the project to remove the zeros. It is titled “PARLIAMENTARY FINANCE COMMITTEE: THERE IS AN INTENTION TO ISSUE BANKNOTES IN DENOMINATIONS SMALLER THAN 250 DINARS.”
This fourth confirmation comes from Jamal Kojar, again yet another a member of the parliamentary finance committee. This news is not rumor or internet hype. So, once again we get a solid confirmation they are going to move ahead with the Project to Delete the Zeros.
Can the CBI do it without legislation thus a new law to do it. In this article we get a sense of confusion as to what the CBI is actually telling us. So, let me clarify it.
I quote from the article – “According to the official newspaper, Jamal Kojar, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, revealed that “during its recent meeting with the governor of the Central Bank, the finance committee raised several questions related to removing zeros, printing currency, banks that have closed, as well as the general financial situation.”
So, this confirms to us the Finance Committee and the CBI have met and discussed what is needed to do it. Finally, a confirmation on this meeting, which my CBI contact also just told me had to happen.
I quote from the article – “But the issue resurfaced strongly last August, with parliamentary talk of including the “Zero Removal Law” within a package of economic measures, and then proposing other options including changing the currency or issuing new denominations.”
Issuing new denominations vs changing the currency:
These are two distinct tasks and I need everyone to understand exactly what they mean by both of them to fully understand this article. What do these last statements mean? What the hell is the difference? After consulting my CBI contact on these statements, I was told the following:
Issuing newer denominations does not mean a redenomination resulting from removing the zeros. And this is the key to understanding. Instead, it means issuing all brand new denominations not used before like the 100 or bringing back the 50 (which was previously taken out of circulation) not part of removing the zeros project. I know, I know many of you are going to think aren’t the newer lower denominations also brand new notes? Yes, they are but they are part of the list for removing the zeros and are not counted as issuing newer denominations but instead a redenomination. Get it?
I quote from the article – “Changing the currency is one of the exclusive powers of the central bank.” Thus it does not need legislation to do it.
Later we also talk about another article where an economist says they will most likely issue a new 100 note and bring back the old 50 note. So, I think this is why this article wants to clarify it to the readers. The CBI can in fact issue these two notes anytime without any legislation.
Changing the Currency: is Removing the zeros and it means for instance, taking the 25,000 notes and swapping them out for 25 notes. This is considered a redenomination. This is NOT considered issuing new currency from this terminology. This is a VERY SPECIFIC project and has been defined as such. These new newer lower denominations are specifically listed and are part of the redenomination project called Deleting the Zeros and not categorized as newer notes because the CBI will be just be bringing back the older type of denominations they once had, get it? The newer 100 is not on the list and never existed before 2003 even. So removing the zeroes is just ‘removing the zeros’ NOT issuing any new currency just back to the old ones they used to have. The removing the zeros project perse, will need legislation while the issuing of the 50 and the new 100 notes (or any other notes they decide later) will not. Get it? I know it gets confusing and this is why I have a contact in the CBI to clarify it for us. I hope this helps.
I quote from the article – “While removing zeros requires legislation from the House of Representatives at the request of the government.”
Kujer concluded by saying that “printing the new currency,” if it happens, will be followed by a period of time to withdraw the old currency from circulation, but this period has not yet been determined as the central bank is still studying the details of the process.
THE ZERO REMOVAL FILE IS BACK IN FULL FORCE. (Their words not mine)
I quote from the article – “The project to remove three zeros dates back after many years, as the Central Bank began studying the idea in 2007, and its former governor, Ali Al-Alaq, said in 2024 that the project “is still in place,” without specifying a date for its implementation.”
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There was one article in particular I need to bring to your attention today. You may again so what is so important about it. Again it is not always about the content but the intent behind it or underlying around it. The article is titled “AN ECONOMIST PREDICTS THE RETURN OF THE 50 AND 100 DINAR DENOMINATIONS WITH THE CURRENCY CHANGE.” This article ties in nicely what I just talked about in the above article.
Yes, the CBI can issue these two notes without any parliament approval, at any time.
If you recall back in 2015 they told us they were going to begin removing the zeros in early 2016 and that they would issue the 100 dinar then. They DID NOT talk about getting any new law to do it then either. However the effort was later cancelled as the ISIS war dragged on. Then in 2017, when did end, they still never did it. So, this process of issuing the 100 notes comes out again in today’s news. This is a VERY GOOD sign to us. It shows this removing of the zeros is going to come very soon. I do know that the 50 notes were once in circulation but the 100 note is a new. Getting back the 50 notes are also a very good sign.
I quote from the article – “Economic expert Mustafa Hantoush suggested on Sunday that the 50 and 100 dinar denominations would return to circulation if the currency change were to proceed, noting the possibility of issuing new currency denominations with stronger security features . Hantoush said in a televised interview followed by Al-Sa’a Network that “the Central Bank may issue a new currency with advanced security features, with the possibility of introducing currency denominations less than 250 dinars, such as 100 fils .”
He added that “the Central Bank may move towards issuing 50 and 100 dinar denominations in the next stage,” indicating that “the return of these denominations may contribute to supporting the currency and strengthening the position of the Central Bank .”
He explained that “the Central Bank has not yet made a final decision regarding this step, while the government is working on forming a committee to study the issue, pending the completion of the procedures related to it within the House of Representatives
I can tell you this committee he is referring to has already been formed now for a couple months and the work is well underway. This is why I am telling you we should expect a declaration from the CBI any day about a date to begin removing the zeros.
I have to say I am jumping up and down at this news since I remember the past and what they planned to do and cancelling it due to ISIS. It is now all coming back. I only wish this disarming of the Iranian militia and factions stuff does not interfere.
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UPDATE: On disarming the militias
Speaking about being a SECURE Iraq what about the militias and factions?
“WASHINGTON’S MESSAGES REACH BAGHDAD… AMERICAN RESERVATIONS HAUNT THE DRAFT LAW ON THE POPULAR MOBILIZATION FORCES.”
“Revealed by the newspaper “An-Nahar” Lebanese the American side reported Baghdad over the past few days, there have been clear reservations about re-entering bill Popular Mobilization Forces in its previous form, while it requested Washington explicit guarantees that all Popular Mobilization Forces formations will be subject to the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and that no parallel structures or authorities will be allowed to exist alongside the security institutions.”
What do you think will happen to this older bill to support the militia as a ‘legal’ security force in Iraq? You got to be kidding me they can even consider such a bill. This only shows you just how crooked the government has become. But remember this bill as it stands is from the past administration and was tabled. Now they are bringing it back to session to vote on it.
This next article says it all. I rest my case….enough said….
“IRAQ “CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE RISKS”… STATE ADMINISTRATION WARNS OF THE REPERCUSSIONS OF US SANCTIONS”
“On Saturday, the State Administration Coalition discussed completing the government formation, the draft oil and gas law, and the country’s financial situation, while stressing the need to spare Iraq the repercussions of the US sanctions imposed on some countries, in light of what it described as the “difficult financial circumstances.”
Yes, here is our Oil and Gas law that we need before they reinstate the dinar. I am so glad this popped up again. I was wonder what the heck happened to it.
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FUTURE THINKING:
I always like it when we hear news of forward thinking for Iraq. In the midst of all the chaos they still continue to work in the background to bring Iraq forward. Like in the US also in Iraq they are constantly moving ahead in the background. Here are two recent developments worth noting. Remember the Development Road Project and so is FORD Motors going to move in and establish warehouses for parts or maybe even limited productions facilities? Trust me on this one, FORD would not do this if assurances of a secure environment was not made.
“AL-ZAYDI DIRECTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW MODERN CITY IN EACH GOVERNORATE”
“Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi directed on Thursday that each governorate be responsible for establishing a new modern city with an area ranging between 10,000 and 15,000 dunams. The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a press release received by the Information Agency that “al-Zaidi emphasized, during his meeting with the heads of investment authorities in all governorates, in the presence of the Minister of Finance, the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Head of the Higher Coordination Committee for Governorates, and the Head of the National Investment Commission, the importance of adopting a new vision for investment and urban development.”
“This vision is based on creating integrated, modern cities in all governorates, which will contribute to expanding investment activity, achieving balanced and sustainable development, and creating new urban environments that can accommodate population and economic growth.”
“FORD OFFICIALLY ENTERS THE IRAQI MARKET ON OCTOBER 1ST.”
“Ford is officially returning to the Iraqi market starting from October 1st, after appointing North Island Automotive Trading and Commercial Agencies Company (SAT) as its exclusive distributor in the country.”
“The appointment was based on a strategic alliance between March Holding Group and Al-Alayan Group, and North Island Company will be responsible for distributing cars, providing original spare parts, and offering after-sales services throughout the country.”
“Ford indicated in a statement received by Kalima News that “North Island Company (SAT) will, under this appointment, be responsible for distributing Ford vehicles, providing original spare parts, and offering after-sales services throughout Iraq.”
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SUMMARY
No, the project to remove the zeros has not yet kicked off. There is no RV yet.
We don’t even have a firm begin date yet to remove the zeros. Some say early 2027 but we all know this is not yet set by the CBI. Right now these economists and MPs are just throwing out ideas and suggestions. It all sound wonderful. I will even take early 2027. Like you, I won’t like it, but at least they would be moving ahead. Yes, many of the ideas are most probable but not yet definite in the CBI policy of the process ahead.
Please do not listen to many of these idiot intel gurus filling your heads with gobbled-goop. They will only confuse you. Please stay on target. Remember that there is no revaluation perse of the ‘official’ CBI rate of 1310 with removing the zeros project. However, if you use your God given commonsense, we clearly see an indirect revaluation to about 0.76 cents per dinar. I explained to everyone many times how I derived this rate in-country. They plan to do this so they can coexist the two sets of notes until they can suck all the three zero notes out of circulation. Remember we have these three zero notes too. They will have to come and get ours too.
Let’s see what will happens in September as we move along. This was all very amazing news over the month of August and it continues. I believe the CBI is going to make an announcement this month to give us a firmer date as to removing the zeros.
Remember to stay focused on the TRUTH. Also, to all my faithful blog followers, please don’t forget what we read in the news from the past, even a decade or more ago. It all has meaning and relevance to today too. It helps to connect the pieces so we can see the larger picture.
Instead of complaining the RV did not yet happen, spend the effort and time reading the ‘RV Status’ and the articles I reference. This will give you a really good idea on the urgency of what the CBI is facing.
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What do you think will happen next? (Leave a comment)
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Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,
Just the FACTS!
These prophecies are an important tool we have to lead us on our path. They are more important now 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. They seem to converge now closer and closer to seeing them come to fulfillment. WOW!
Prophetic Words from the prophets: Julie Green
“Someone Has It All“
Go to the 14:05 mark on the video. Given on Aug 30th. “
Fr. DON BOSCO EXPOSED THE DARK SECRET BEHIND ISLAM
I keep this one out here to view. Everyone should take the time to watch it. It will awaken you about the Muslim so-called religion (or should we call it for it is — a ‘cult‘.)
— 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.
THE PARADIGM IS CHANGING ABOUT HOW TO FUND LOCAL DISTRICTS
Most of you reading this may not live in Texas and so you say it does not apply to you. Oh…. but it does. This is a paradigm shift that is gaining momentum throughout the nation. Property taxes are the worst financial burden on any home owner besides paying a mortgage. Should some have to pay for their property three times over? Think about it.
By the time you pay off your mortgage you would have paid for your house three times over. Really? Yes really- let’s break it down –1. the mortgage principle, 2.the mortgage interest and then 3. the property taxes. Yes, that’s three times over. The ironic part is for seniors your children have probably graduated from the public school system decades ago or worst yet you sent them to a private school not even using the public system. Why are you still paying school tazes at retirement?
So, there are solution to this burden of property taxes and we only need to wake up our preventatives to get creative and find ways to fund the towns without property taxes or a system that if fare and more honest. This is the point of showing you this video today. If Texas and so many other states can do it, so can your state. They just need a ‘push’ from the citizens to do it. If they resist, then replace with in the next elections and find someone who is willing to work to get it done.
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE JOURNALISM SERIOUSLY
Maria Bartiromo OUSTED by Fox News After 12 Years, Erased From Network After Shocking Split. She was getting too close to too many conspiracies and they didn’t like it. In other words she ruffled too many feathers…. Then they oust you for telling the TRUTH!
THE LARGEST SINGLE OIL RESERVE EVER DISCOVERED IN THE UNITED STATES
U.S. AND VENEZUELA SIGN NEW OIL DEAL
IRAN OIL PROVINCE: CAN INSIDE REBELS TAKE THE ISLAMIC REGIME DOWN?
America declared Economic War on Iran with Operation Economic Outcast, sanctioning 60 targets in one day. But the real war is inside Iran. In this episode of Decoded, Nikita Kapoor breaks down Khuzestan, the province that produces 80% of Iran’s oil, houses Bushehr nuclear reactor and Abadan refinery, but lives with 50% unemployment and is the world’s most polluted city on earth.
Ahwazi Arabs, armed groups like Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz, Ahwaz Falcons and Ahwaz Freedom Brigades have declared open rebellion against the IRGC. Can they blow pipelines, block ports and shut refineries to collapse the regime?
WHAT NOW FOR IRAN?
The U.S. imposes strict broad secondary economic sanctions against Iran on August 24th. What will Iran do now? Total Meltdown! Iran President Loses ALL Powers As Hardliners Take Over? Civil War Now?
Iran hard liners threaten to choke anyone who partners with the U.S. in this new embargo. Iran’s president says to end the war now that contradicts the hardliners. Who is really in charge?
PPF: (Peoples Fighter Front) A NEW INSIDE REBEL ARMY UNLEASHES CHAOS ON THE ISLAMIC HARDLINERS
I really luv Nikita Kapoor’s updates of what is really happening in Iran. We are not going to get this TRUTH from any western news channels.
ARMY OF JUSTICE: Has a regime change begun from the inside? All the U.S. has to do is wait out the effects of Operation Economic Outcast secondary sanctions and let the PPF overtake the IRGC forces and round up hardlines and bring the regime to its knees. We simply don’t know how this will al play out, but this regime will fall, just not as easy as the Trump Administration thought.
Iran is planning to evacuate its capital, Tehran, due to a severe water drought, moving its government straight into a war zone. As the regime considers relocating to Makran, a powerful new rebel force, the People’s Fighters Front, is striking from within. In this episode of Decoded, Nikita Kapoor reveals why Iran’s biggest threat isn’t foreign air forces, but an internal army rising inside its own borders.
Timing is everything!
CONGRESS IS PUSHING 5 SOCIAL SECURITY BILLS —
Which One Helps You Most?
REMOVING ZEROS FROM THE DINAR: PARLIAMENTARY FINANCE COMMITTEE SETS CONDITIONS FOR PROCEEDING WITH THIS MATTER.
(Mnt Goat: this article is just Rahim opinion. We already learned what has to be done to begin the project from many other members of the Finance Committee.)
Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Amer Rahim, confirmed on Saturday that voting on a bill to remove zeros from the local currency requires extensive discussions and the enactment of a package of laws within the Parliament. He indicated that raising this issue at the present time is premature.
Rahim told Al-Maalouma, “The step of removing zeros from the currency cannot be decided hastily; rather, it requires a series of lengthy and in-depth discussions within Parliament.” He explained that “the process is closely linked to the economic reality and requires amending and enacting several supporting financial laws and regulations to ensure market stability.”
He added, “Raising the discussion about this topic at this stage is premature, given the financial challenges that require first providing a comprehensive economic and banking environment before embarking on any structural change to the currency.” He pointed out that “any measure of this kind without careful and prior study may negatively impact the purchasing power of citizens.”
(Mnt Goat: did they not conduct this comprehensive economic and banking environment. What the hell does Rahim think the CBI has been doing for the last 4 years?)
Rahim stressed “the need to focus currently on supporting the stability of the national currency and implementing banking reforms, while leaving the issue of removing zeros until economic conditions are more favorable and full legislative support is available within the House of Representatives.”
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THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SMALL DENOMINATION COINS IS CAUSING “DAILY DISRUPTION” IN IRAQI MARKETS.
Local markets in Kirkuk Governorate are experiencing increasing difficulty in obtaining small denomination banknotes of 250, 500 and 1000 dinars, amid complaints from traders and citizens about their scarcity in daily transactions. Shop owners say that what is available is often old, worn out or torn, which makes it more difficult to use in buying and selling operations.
At first glance, the problem seems to contradict the available figures on the volume of small banknotes in Iraq, as recent data indicates the existence of hundreds of millions of banknotes of these denominations. However, their presence in the monetary data does not necessarily mean that all of them are actually available for circulation or in good condition, which raises questions about the cash cycle and the mechanisms for withdrawing damaged banknotes, replacing them, and injecting new alternatives into the markets.
Daily confusion
Abbas Ahmed, a shop owner in the Doctors Street market in Kirkuk, told Shafaq News Agency, “Obtaining 250, 500, and 1000 dinar notes has become more difficult than before, and the problem becomes clear when a customer pays their bill in large denominations, forcing us to ask the customer to buy another item with the remaining amount.”
He points out that some of the small bills that arrive at the shops are in poor condition, as they are torn, dirty, or worn out as a result of frequent handling, which makes it difficult for some merchants and citizens to accept them.
He adds: “The continuation of this creates daily confusion in the markets, especially for shops that deal with large numbers of customers,” stressing that the problem is not related to the value of the small banknote as much as it is related to its role in completing commercial transactions.
For his part, Samir Abdullah, the owner of a currency exchange shop on Al-Jumhuriya Street in Kirkuk, told Shafaq News Agency that the demand for small denominations has increased significantly, while it is difficult to provide them in the quantities needed by the market.
It shows that citizens and merchants resort to exchange shops to obtain small denominations, but the available quantities are not stable, and the problem increases when the papers offered for exchange are in a damaged condition. He adds that small banknotes are passed between large numbers of people in a short period, which makes them more susceptible to damage compared to larger denominations, noting that some of the banknotes that reach the banking system need to be replaced instead of being put back into circulation.
Abdullah believes that the solution is not limited to injecting new banknotes only, but also requires withdrawing damaged banknotes from circulation on a regular basis, because their continued existence reduces the amount of usable cash even if official figures indicate the existence of large numbers of these denominations.
In the Citadel market in Kirkuk, wholesalers face the same problem. Hamza al-Jabari, the owner of a wholesale shop, told Shafaq News Agency that the shortage of small denominations has become part of daily transactions in the market. He adds: “Wholesale and retail sales sometimes require returning small amounts to customers, but the lack of these amounts leaves the merchant with limited options, including rounding the price or adding another item instead of the remaining cash amount.”
He points out that some traders keep the 250, 500 and 1000 dinar notes they receive and do not use them in other transactions except when necessary, for fear that they will not be able to obtain them again, which in turn leads to a reduction in the movement of these denominations within the market.
He points out that “the problem seems simple from a financial standpoint, but its effects expand when it is repeated thousands of times daily, especially in popular markets, food stores, bakeries, transportation, and other activities that depend on direct cash transactions.”
Hundreds of millions of papers
The latest estimates published in 2026 indicate that the volume of small denomination banknotes does not necessarily reflect what the average citizen sees in the market.
According to Shafaq News Agency’s monitoring of cash issuance data, the number of 1000 dinar notes increased from 718 million notes in 2022 to 775 million notes in 2026, while the number of 250 dinar notes increased from 795 million notes to 818 million notes during the same period, while the 500 dinar note decreased slightly from 147 million notes to 145.4 million notes.
Thus, the total number of banknotes of the three categories amounts to approximately 1.738 billion banknotes according to these estimates for 2026, compared to approximately 1.660 billion banknotes in 2022, an increase of approximately 78.4 million banknotes. The figures show that the 1,000 dinar denomination recorded an increase of about 57 million notes, while the 250 dinar denomination increased by about 23 million notes, while the 500 dinar denomination decreased by about 1.6 million notes.
However, these figures do not mean that all 1.738 billion banknotes are in citizens’ pockets or store safes and in good condition for circulation. They reflect the number of banknotes within the monetary issuance data and do not represent a field survey of the actual quantity of banknotes in circulation or the percentage of damaged ones. This is a crucial point when explaining the problem of the shortage of small denominations.
The Central Bank of Iraq still includes the 250, 500 and 1000 dinar denominations among the officially circulating banknotes, confirming when issuing the second edition of banknotes that the previous banknotes will continue to circulate alongside the new issues, without any intention of withdrawing them from circulation.
Damaged problem
Economic expert Ali Khalil told Shafaq News Agency that the problem of small denominations should not be measured only by the number of notes issued by the Central Bank, but by the number of notes that are actually valid for circulation.
He says that small batches are subject to high rates of consumption and damage due to their frequent transfer between individuals, and therefore part of the exported quantity may have gone out of circulation or become in need of replacement.
He adds that “the presence of more than one billion banknotes of the three categories within the monetary data does not necessarily mean that there is a surplus of them in the markets, because a banknote that becomes damaged loses its practical ability to perform its function, even if it remains counted within the number of banknotes that were issued.”
He points out that addressing the problem requires strengthening mechanisms for replacing damaged banknotes, ensuring that new banknotes reach the markets continuously, and monitoring the movement of cash between banks, exchange offices, and merchants.
Khalil confirms that “the shortage of small denominations is reflected in daily pricing, and may lead to inaccurate approximation of prices, which can sometimes burden the consumer with small additional amounts, but it becomes significant when it is repeated continuously.”
Central Bank instructions
Official data indicates that the Central Bank of Iraq already has specific mechanisms for dealing with damaged banknotes, as it has published official standards for their replacement, which include different conditions and procedures depending on the nature of the damage to the banknote.
An official electronic service is also available through the Ur portal for submitting requests to replace damaged banknotes at the Central Bank of Iraq, allowing citizens to submit their requests according to the approved procedures. These procedures indicate that dealing with damaged banknotes is not the responsibility of the citizen alone, but is part of the cash management system that includes banks, the central bank, and mechanisms for withdrawing invalid banknotes and replacing them with banknotes that are negotiable.
In 2020, the Central Bank issued a decision to reinstate the penalty for shortages on small denominations, namely 1000, 500 and 250 dinars, effective from October 1, 2020, in accordance with the instructions on standards for the circulation and exchange of banknotes and counting and sorting mechanisms. This reflects the monetary policy’s interest in providing small denominations in the monetary system, given their widespread use in daily transactions.
Citizens face a “change” crisis
Suhad Ibrahim, an employee, told Shafaq News Agency that citizens are the most affected by the problem because they cannot control the availability of small denominations when they buy their daily needs. She adds that the customer may pay more than the value of the item, but sometimes does not receive the full change, or is forced to buy something else so as not to lose the remaining amount, noting that this problem is repeated in shops, markets and means of transportation.
She explains that providing small change in good condition will make everyday transactions easier, especially for employees and low-income earners who deal with small amounts frequently.
Between numbers and reality
The problem of small change reveals a potential gap between the amount of cash recorded in the monetary issuance data and the cash actually available for daily circulation in good condition. Available figures indicate that there are hundreds of millions of banknotes in denominations of 250, 500 and 1000 dinars, but traders in Kirkuk say they are having difficulty obtaining them, while money changers confirm that part of what they receive is damaged or worn out.
Therefore, the question that arises is not only about the number of notes issued, but also about the volume of notes that are actually valid for circulation, the amount that was withdrawn from the market due to damage, and how quickly it was replaced with new notes. Economists believe that addressing the problem requires more detailed data on the number of damaged banknotes withdrawn annually, the quantities of new banknotes injected into each denomination, and their geographical distribution among the governorates.
With a large segment of Iraqis continuing to rely on cash transactions, small denominations remain an essential part of daily economic life, despite their low nominal value. While available data shows an increase in the number of 250 and 1000 dinar notes since 2022, and a slight decrease in the 500 dinar note, market complaints indicate that the real challenge lies in the availability of these notes in good condition and in the right place and time.
Hence, there seems to be a need to strengthen the cycle of replacing damaged currency, and to ensure that small denominations have access to banks, exchange offices and markets, in order to prevent the problem of “change” from turning into a daily crisis for both the citizen and the merchant.
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SMALL BANKNOTE SHORTAGE CAUSES DAILY DISRUPTION IN KIRKUK MARKETS
(Mnt Goat: yet more proof of what my CBI contact is telling us is the TRUTH as to what are the majority of the notes horded. It is these lower denoms 250, 500 and 1000 notes. These are the ones they have to keep re-printing. The more the CBI has printed the more they stash away. Printing more and more increases the monetary mass and this could cause massive inflation if not controlled.)
Merchants and residents in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, are increasingly struggling to obtain 250-dinar ($0.19), 500-dinar ($0.38) and 1,000-dinar ($0.76) banknotes, with traders reporting shortages of small denominations and growing difficulties using worn or damaged notes in daily transactions.
Abbas Ahmed, a shopkeeper in Kirkuk’s Doctors Street market, told Shafaq News that obtaining the three denominations has become increasingly difficult. “When customers pay with larger notes, some shops ask them to buy another item rather than give them their change.” Some small-denomination notes reaching shops are also torn, dirty or heavily worn, making merchants and customers reluctant to accept them.
Samer Abdullah, a currency exchanger on Republic Street, noted a sharp increase in demand for small denominations, while supplies remain inconsistent. Residents and merchants often turn to exchange shops for smaller notes, but the quantities available fluctuate. Some notes brought in for exchange are already damaged and need to be replaced rather than returned to circulation. Small-denomination notes change hands more frequently than larger ones, making them more vulnerable to wear and tear, Abdullah explained.
Describing the shortage as a daily problem, Hamza al-Jubouri, a wholesaler in Kirkuk’s Citadel Market, told Shafaq News that small amounts of change are often needed in wholesale and retail transactions, leaving merchants with limited options when the required denominations are unavailable.
Some traders hold on to 250-dinar, 500-dinar, and 1,000-dinar notes rather than spend them, fearing they will be unable to replace them later. This further reduces the number of these notes circulating in the market.
Shafaq News’ review of currency issuance data shows that the number of 1,000-dinar notes rose from 718 million in 2022 to 775 million in 2026. The number of 250-dinar notes increased from 795 million to 818 million, while 500-dinar notes fell slightly from 147 million to 145.4 million.
Together, the three denominations accounted for about 1.738 billion notes in 2026, compared with roughly 1.660 billion in 2022, an increase of about 78.4 million notes.
The figures do not indicate how many of those notes are physically available in shops or remain in good enough condition for daily use. They reflect issuance data rather than the number of notes actually circulating or the proportion that has become damaged.
The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) continues to list 250-dinar, 500-dinar and 1,000-dinar notes among the country’s officially circulating denominations. It has also stated that older notes remain legal tender alongside newer issues.
In an interview with Shafaq News, Economist Ali Khalil said the availability of small denominations should be measured not only by the number of notes issued but also by the number that remain fit for circulation.
Frequent handling makes small-denomination notes particularly vulnerable to damage, meaning some of the issued supply may have been removed from circulation or require replacement.
Khalil pointed out that the existence of more than one billion notes across the three denominations does not necessarily indicate a surplus in the market. “Damaged notes may no longer be usable even if they remain part of the official issuance figures.”
He called for stronger mechanisms to replace damaged notes, ensure a steady supply of new notes and monitor the movement of cash through banks, exchange shops and merchants.
The CBI has procedures for handling damaged banknotes, including criteria for their replacement depending on the type and extent of damage. An electronic service is also available through the Ur platform to submit requests for the replacement of damaged banknotes.
In 2020, the central bank reinstated penalties related to shortages of 1,000-dinar, 500-dinar, and 250-dinar notes, effective Oct. 1 of that year, under rules governing the circulation and replacement of banknotes and their counting and sorting.
Office worker Suhad Ibrahim told Shafaq News that consumers are among those most affected because they have little control over the availability of small denominations when making everyday purchases.
Customers who pay more than the price of an item sometimes do not receive their full change or are asked to buy another item to avoid losing the remaining amount.
The shortage is particularly noticeable in shops, markets and public transportation, where small cash payments are common.
Despite their low face value, 250-dinar, 500-dinar and 1,000-dinar notes remain an important part of Iraq’s cash-based economy. While official figures show an increase in the number of 250-dinar and 1,000-dinar notes since 2022 and a slight decline in 500-dinar notes, merchants in Kirkuk continue to report difficulty obtaining small denominations in usable condition.
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PARLIAMENTARY FINANCE COMMITTEE: THERE IS AN INTENTION TO ISSUE BANKNOTES IN DENOMINATIONS SMALLER THAN 250 DINARS.
The parliamentary finance committee revealed that there is an intention to issue smaller denominations of currency than the 250 dinar note.
This measure comes as a result of what has been described as the currency not having changed for a long time and the occurrence of counterfeiting.
The central bank governor distinguished between changing the currency and removing zeros.
According to the official newspaper, Jamal Kojar, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, revealed that “during its recent meeting with the governor of the Central Bank, the finance committee raised several questions related to removing zeros, printing currency, banks that have closed, as well as the general financial situation.”
Changing the currency is one of the exclusive powers of the central bank.
While removing zeros requires legislation from the House of Representatives at the request of the government.”
Changing the currency becomes necessary after a long period of time has passed since the current currency was introduced and counterfeiting operations have occurred.
There is an intention to issue smaller denominations of currency than 250 dinars, and the reason for this trend is that the currency has not changed for a long time and has been counterfeited.
Kujer concluded by saying that “printing the new currency,” if it happens, will be followed by a period of time to withdraw the old currency from circulation, but this period has not yet been determined as the central bank is still studying the details of the process.
THE ZERO REMOVAL FILE IS BACK IN FULL FORCE.
The project to remove three zeros dates back after many years, as the Central Bank began studying the idea in 2007, and its former governor, Ali Al-Alaq, said in 2024 that the project “is still in place,” without specifying a date for its implementation.
But the issue resurfaced strongly last August, with parliamentary talk of including the “Zero Removal Law” within a package of economic measures, and then proposing other options including changing the currency or issuing new denominations.
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THE PLAN IS TO ISSUE NEW BANKNOTES SMALLER THAN 250 DINARS.
Revealed by a member Finance Committee Parliamentary Jamal Kojer the committee held discussions with the Central Bank Governor regarding the removal of zeros from the currency, currency printing, closed banks, and the overall financial situation, confirming a trend towards issuing new currency denominations smallest from the 250 dinar denomination.
Kujer explained that the Central Bank Governor distinguished between “changing the currency” and “removing zeros,” noting that changing the currency falls within the exclusive powers of the Central Bank and is a necessity after a long period of time since the current issue and the emergence of cases of counterfeiting, while removing zeros requires the enactment of a special law in the House of Representatives based on a government request, according to the official newspaper.
Kujer added that printing the new currency, if approved, would be followed by a period of time to withdraw the old versions from circulation, noting that this period has not yet been determined, given that the central bank is still studying the technical details of the process.
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AN ECONOMIST PREDICTS THE RETURN OF THE 50 AND 100 DINAR DENOMINATIONS WITH THE CURRENCY CHANGE.
(Mnt Goat: If you recall back in 2015 they told us they were going to begin removing the zeros in early 2016 and that they would issue the 100 dinar. It was cancelled as the ISIS war dragged on. The in 2017 when it ended they still never did it.)
Economic expert Mustafa Hantoush suggested on Sunday that the 50 and 100 dinar denominations would return to circulation if the currency change were to proceed, noting the possibility of issuing new currency denominations with stronger security features . Hantoush said in a televised interview followed by Al-Sa’a Network that “the Central Bank may issue a new currency with advanced security features, with the possibility of introducing currency denominations less than 250 dinars, such as 100 fils .”
He added that “the Central Bank may move towards issuing 50 and 100 dinar denominations in the next stage,” indicating that “the return of these denominations may contribute to supporting the currency and strengthening the position of the Central Bank .”
He explained that “the Central Bank has not yet made a final decision regarding this step, while the government is working on forming a committee to study the issue, pending the completion of the procedures related to it within the House of Representatives
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IRAQ PROBES STATE BANKS OVER LIQUIDITY DEPLETION
On Saturday, informed sources revealed that the Integrity Commission and the relevant regulatory bodies are conducting investigations and audits regarding a number of financial and banking files, most notably the decline in liquidity levels at government banks, the granting of loans and financing of investment projects, as well as the special and exceptional approvals granted by government banks, particularly Al-Rafidain and Al-Rasheed banks, during the previous period.
One of the sources told Shafaq News Agency that the investigations included the mechanisms for granting facilities and loans with amounts starting from one billion dinars upwards, and the extent of their compliance with approved banking controls and instructions, in addition to auditing the entities, companies and individuals benefiting from those facilities, and the nature of the procedures that accompanied the granting of exceptional approvals.
According to preliminary data that is currently being audited, the past period witnessed a significant depletion of liquidity and financial resources, including the funds available at government banks, specifically Al-Rafidain and Al-Rasheed banks. The source indicated that regulatory authorities are working on reviewing the amount of funds and facilities that were granted, how they were used, and the beneficiaries.
He explained that some of these files date back to the previous stage, including the financial and banking policies and procedures that were followed during the previous government and the management of the Ministry of Finance at that time, stressing that the results of the investigation and audit will determine the extent of responsibilities and any possible violations.
Another source stated that the regulatory measures came in light of the financial challenges facing the state, amid efforts to enhance liquidity management, preserve the financial resources of government institutions, and ensure that they are directed in accordance with the approved legal and economic frameworks.
A third source informed the agency that the competent authorities are continuing to audit the relevant financial and banking files, in preparation for taking the necessary legal and administrative measures in the event that violations or abuses are proven, while stressing the importance of protecting public funds and strengthening oversight of the work of government banks.
An informed source revealed on August 26 that comprehensive administrative assessments were being conducted in a number of government banks and financial institutions linked to the financial and economic sectors, coinciding with the financial crisis and the delay in paying employee salaries. The source indicated that files were opened concerning the waste of public funds, the decline in liquidity, and information and reports that he described as “misleading” submitted by some departments to officials.
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MP: THERE ARE NO ECONOMIC SOLUTIONS OTHER THAN HOW TO SECURE EMPLOYEE SALARIES
MP Abdul Hamza al-Khafaji asserted on Saturday that the government lacks clear economic solutions to address the financial crises, indicating that its primary focus is on securing employee salaries.
Al-Khafaji told the Information Agency that “the government has no economic solutions other than securing employee salaries,” noting that “the Iraqi economy needs a comprehensive vision that goes beyond addressing monthly obligations.”
He added that “relying on oil as the main source of revenue makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations and crises,” calling for “the development of concrete plans to diversify income sources and strengthen productive sectors.”
Al-Khafaji pointed out that “addressing the financial crisis requires economic and administrative reforms, reducing waste and corruption, and improving the management of public resources,” emphasizing that “securing salaries should be part of a comprehensive economic plan, not the sole solution to financial problems.”
He stressed the necessity of “adopting economic policies capable of creating job opportunities, stimulating the private sector, and increasing non-oil revenues,” urging the government to “provide sustainable solutions that guarantee the country’s financial and economic stability.”
(Mnt Goat: Hello…. You can always remove the zeros and bring in all this cash back to the banking system.……)
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THE CENTRAL BANK REASSURES BANK DEPOSITORS
Affirming its pivotal role in protecting the financial system and ensuring a sound banking sector based on competitiveness and the provision of the best traditional and digital financial services, the Central Bank of Iraq wishes to inform and reassure the public of the following facts:
1. The Central Bank of Iraq’s exercise of its powers to appoint supervisory or trusteeship committees to banks licensed directly by the Central Bank does not imply the bank’s bankruptcy, as has been circulated in some media outlets. Rather, it is a legal and precautionary supervisory measure to ensure the bank’s overall soundness and operational stability, and to protect depositors’ rights in particular.
2. The Central Bank of Iraq applies the best international banking standards to the banking sector to ensure its safety, compliance, and the provision of optimal financial services without compromising the rights of its depositors.
3. All licensed banks participate in the Deposit Guarantee Corporation, which is a cornerstone of banking stability, through its function of compensating depositors in the event of a bank’s inability to meet its obligations in accordance with applicable laws.
4. Depositors’ funds are protected under applicable laws, regulations, and instructions. The Central Bank of Iraq pays close attention to monitoring banks’ procedures, particularly those related to ensuring depositors’ access to their funds at any time without delay.
5- The Iraqi banking system has sufficient liquidity to manage its operations efficiently and under any potential pressures; the ratio of liquid assets to short-term liabilities is more than (60%).
Baghdad – Media Office,
September 5, 2026
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MP: THE ANTI-CORRUPTION CRACKDOWN MUST INCLUDE CORRUPT LEADERS AND FIGURES.
(Mnt Goat: The day Nouri al-Maliki is arrested and prosecuted is the day I really celebrate! This is also the day Iraq has a real chance to move ahead.)
MP Mohammed Abu Al-Eis affirmed on Thursday that the anti-corruption campaign must include leaders and figures suspected of corruption, clarifying that combating corruption should not be limited to specific entities or levels.
Abu Al-Eis told the Information Agency, “The anti-corruption campaign must include leaders and figures proven to be involved in corruption,” stressing the necessity of handling all cases within the legal framework.
He added, “Combating corruption requires including all individuals accused of corruption without exception or selectivity,” emphasizing the importance of taking the necessary measures against anyone found responsible.
He pointed out that achieving tangible results in this matter necessitates pursuing corruption cases and exposing those involved, thus strengthening efforts to protect public funds and solidify the principle of accountability.
Earlier, MP Ahmed Kain called on the Prime Minister to launch new anti-corruption campaigns and not be satisfied with the measures taken within what was known as “Operation Dawn.”
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AL-ZAYDI DIRECTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW MODERN CITY IN EACH GOVERNORATE
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi directed on Thursday that each governorate be responsible for establishing a new modern city with an area ranging between 10,000 and 15,000 dunams.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a press release received by the Information Agency that “al-Zaidi emphasized, during his meeting with the heads of investment authorities in all governorates, in the presence of the Minister of Finance, the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Head of the Higher Coordination Committee for Governorates, and the Head of the National Investment Commission, the importance of adopting a new vision for investment and urban development.
This vision is based on creating integrated, modern cities in all governorates, which will contribute to expanding investment activity, achieving balanced and sustainable development, and creating new urban environments that can accommodate population and economic growth.”
The statement added that “al-Zaidi directed that each governorate be responsible for establishing a new modern city with an area ranging between 10,000 and 15,000 dunams, ensuring that its design reflects the governorate’s unique characteristics, history, heritage, and geographical features, and that it bears its name.”
He explained that “Al-Zaydi directed that investment authorities in the governorates be granted investment loans specifically for establishing the infrastructure of the new cities, ensuring the provision of essential services in a comprehensive manner,” emphasizing the necessity for “these cities to become urban development hubs and a qualitative addition to the governorates, providing an attractive environment for residents, investment, and economic and service activities.”
According to the statement, Al-Zaydi also directed “the formation of a specialized committee to study the project urgently and develop appropriate implementation mechanisms, as well as instructing investment authorities in the governorates to submit a comprehensive vision for the project within a week, including plans, proposals, and the necessary requirements to begin implementation.”
He added that “Al-Zaydi directed the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the procedures for sorting and allocating the land needed to establish the new cities, ensuring the swift completion of the project’s requirements and the commencement of implementation.”
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AL-MALIKI ON THE ARMS MONOPOLY: THE LANGUAGE OF THREATS BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE FACTIONS HAS ENDED
On Wednesday evening, Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, explained the mechanism currently being worked on to restrict weapons to the Iraqi state, noting that the process is to “organize and contain” weapons, and that the issue of “disarmament” could affect the other side (armed factions) as a label.
Al-Maliki said in an interview with Al-Sharqiya channel, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency, regarding the issue of restricting weapons and the controversy surrounding it, that “the language that was prevalent of defiance, threats and intimidation has ended, because it has become clear that threats do not lead to results, just as calling for conflict and attacking headquarters or attacking the government does not lead to results.”
He added: “Neither is the government weak enough to be attacked, nor is it in the interest of the factions to be attacked.”
He continued, “These are the first facts that have come to light, which have opened the door and the field for us and others interested in national affairs and the safety of the internal situation to find an opportunity for discussion and dialogue to reach a formula that resolves the crisis without exposing us to a state of confrontation.”
Regarding the mechanism currently being worked on, Al-Maliki explained that “the term (disarmament) is not used because the other party becomes titled (disarmed), and this has a psychological and practical effect. Therefore, it is about organizing and containing weapons in a way that we are still looking for, but it has priorities, and there is a distinction between heavy, medium, and light weapons.”
He pointed out that “distinguishing between weapons is one of the issues raised. Does the operation, whether it is called preservation, containment, withdrawal, or any other name, include all weapons, or only a type of weapon that is considered an internal and external targeting weapon? This will be resolved by the committee formed with the factions.”
On August 26, Maliki stressed the need to address the issue of restricting weapons to the state without escalation or confrontation, warning that turning this issue into a clash between the state and the factions would be extremely dangerous and could threaten the stability of Iraq and open the door to differing political positions.
In a statement issued by his office, Maliki stressed that any internal confrontation would be a “loss for all of Iraq,” not just for a particular party or group, considering that anyone who imagines that any potential conflict would be “Shia-Shia” is mistaken, because its repercussions will affect the state, society and all groups.
He added that the government and the coordinating framework will not allow the country to slide into internal fighting, calling for the development of a clear national and regional vision that prevents Iraq from being exposed to risks and prevents it from becoming an arena for settling conflicts or regional and international disputes of interests, in order to preserve its security, sovereignty and stability.
It is worth noting that the state’s monopoly on weapons does not have the consensus of the Iraqi factions, as the Al-Nujaba Movement, Kataib Hezbollah, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada and other factions announced their refusal to give up their military capabilities on September 30, the date set by the Iraqi government, which coincides with the end of the international coalition’s military presence in Iraq, as these factions link the future of their weapons to the withdrawal of foreign forces.
The State Administration Coalition, which includes the most prominent Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish political forces in Iraq, had warned that any armed activity outside the framework of the state after September 30 would be dealt with according to the anti-terrorism law.
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WASHINGTON’S MESSAGES REACH BAGHDAD… AMERICAN RESERVATIONS HAUNT THE DRAFT LAW ON THE POPULAR MOBILIZATION FORCES.
Revealed by the newspaper “An-Nahar” Lebanese the American side reported Baghdad over the past few days, there have been clear reservations about re-entering bill Popular Mobilization Forces in its previous form, while it requested Washington explicit guarantees that all Popular Mobilization Forces formations will be subject to the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and that no parallel structures or authorities will be allowed to exist alongside the security institutions.
And the law entered Popular Mobilization Forces a new political round in Iraq more than a year after its passage was thwarted in House of Representatives this comes at a time when the attempt to regulate the situation of the Popular Mobilization Forces intersects with a broader governmental approach to restricting weapons to the state and readjusting the relationship between armed formations and official security institutions.
The House of Representatives had completed the first and second readings of the bill during 2025, before the process stalled at the voting stage due to political disagreements, American objections, and reservations from Sunni and Kurdish forces. The American objection at the time focused on articles that it considered…Washington this could grant armed factions greater space within the formal system, and affect the nature of the security partnership with Baghdad
The issue was revived in 2026 after the Speaker of Parliament addressed the government regarding the submission of the draft law, while confirming prime minister Ali Al-Zaidi his government is proceeding with submitting the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law to parliament, based on the premise that the PMF is part of the armed forces.
This coincides with the drafting of a law restricting weapons to the state, placing the government in a complex dilemma. Legally reorganizing the PMF must proceed in parallel with reducing any space for weapons and security decisions outside the official command, especially since the PMF already enjoys legal cover since the enactment of the PMF Law. Popular Mobilization Forces Law No. 40 of 2016 links the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, according to the newspaper.
The newspaper adds that for this reason, the dispute is not so much about the legitimacy of the PMF’s existence as it is about its internal structure, its chain of command, its funding and command mechanisms, and the boundaries of the relationship between the official institution and the factions that maintain their own political, ideological, and organizational identities.
Washington is setting its conditions.
In this context, an Iraqi government source revealed to the newspaper that the American side had informed Baghdad in recent days of clear reservations about reintroducing the draft law in its previous form, considering that any legislation granting the factions additional influence could directly conflict with the process of disarming the militias.
According to the source, Washington requested explicit guarantees that all PMF formations would be subject to the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and that no parallel structures or powers would be allowed to exist alongside the security institutions. American concerns also focus on the articles that might grant some leaders greater independence in decision-making, funding, or command structure, thus reinforcing the separation between the official form of the PMF and the actual reality of some factions within it.
Washington is also sensitive to the timing of the reintroduction of the law, given Baghdad’s ongoing efforts to restrict weapons and end all armed activity outside official institutions. According to the same source, the American message warned that passing a version of the law that contradicts security sector reform could have repercussions on security, military, economic, and financial cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, [the text abruptly ends here ].Iraqi government the review of several articles of the draft law aims to preserve the legal framework of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and the rights of its members, without granting factions additional space outside the official command structure. The source believes that the coming days will determine whether Baghdad can reach a formula that combines establishing the PMF as an official institution with fulfilling its obligations regarding weapons.
The institution is one thing, and the factions are another.
The newspaper indicated that the main obstacle lies in the fact that legalizing the PMF has not practically led to the complete unification of its constituent formations. Since 2016, most factions have retained their names, structures, bases, and political and ideological affiliations, in addition to their presence in different areas of influence.
This reality, according to the newspaper, has left the transition from a multi-factional structure to a unified military institution incomplete, and has transformed issues of leadership, funding, and the chain of command into the core of the debate surrounding any new legislation.
The expert in strategic affairs, Major General Ahmed Al-Dulaimi the essence of the American observations lies precisely in this point: the necessity of subjecting all formations to the decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and to a single military chain of command.
The problem, according to…Al-Dulaimi this becomes apparent when certain factions retain the ability to make unilateral decisions or exert their own influence, placing the state in confrontation with armed power centers that do not always operate within the same official framework.
Hence, the value of the law becomes tied to its ability to regulate powers, leadership, funding, and command mechanisms, and to prevent duplication of decision-making, while clearly distinguishing between the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as an official institution and the factions that may adopt independent positions or decisions.
If legislation fails to address this gap, it may transform from a tool for regulating the institution into a legal cover that legitimizes the existing reality rather than changing it.
Weapons determine the fate of the law, and this equation becomes increasingly weighty as we approach 30 September the date related to the weapons inventory and the completion of the mission international coalition. This makes the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law part of a broader debate about the shape of Iraq’s security state and the future of its relationship with Washington.
The newspaper explained that the law’s success will depend not so much on its passage through parliament, but rather on its ability to effectively unify security decision-making within the institution and prevent the continued existence of independent power centers operating under an official umbrella.
Ultimately, the issue remains tied to the broader question facing Baghdad today: Will the new legislation lead to a more tightly integrated PMF into state institutions, or will it solidify the existing fragmentation within the organization under a more robust legal framework?
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IRAQ “CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE RISKS”… STATE ADMINISTRATION WARNS OF THE REPERCUSSIONS OF US SANCTIONS
On Saturday, the State Administration Coalition discussed completing the government formation, the draft oil and gas law, and the country’s financial situation, while stressing the need to spare Iraq the repercussions of the US sanctions imposed on some countries, in light of what it described as the “difficult financial circumstances.”
The State Administration Coalition is the ruling political umbrella that was formed on September 25, 2022 to end the political deadlock that followed the 2021 elections. At its founding, it included key forces from the Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish components, including the Coordination Framework, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the Sovereignty and Determination Alliance, and the Babylon Movement.
The coalition paved the way for the formation of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government in October 2022, before continuing later as a coordinating framework for the forces participating in running the state and discussing major political, economic, security and legislative issues.
In a statement issued after its thirty-eighth regular meeting at the Government Palace, the coalition said that the meeting discussed economic, political and legislative issues, in addition to developments in the internal situation and regional and international conditions.
Regarding the completion of the government formation, the attendees agreed to begin dialogue with the blocs entitled to it during the coming week, while emphasizing the continuation of coordination between the components of the coalition and supporting state institutions in facing the current challenges.
The meeting also discussed a draft of the oil and gas law in preparation for sending it to the House of Representatives, in addition to emphasizing the importance of supporting the private sector as a partner in the development process.
On the economic front, the meeting addressed the financial and investment situation, new city projects, and the project to distribute one million residential plots. The Prime Minister announced his directive to halt the demolition of encroachments until the residential land is distributed to those entitled.
The Prime Minister also announced the imminent release of a new financial payment to settle outstanding dues to farmers and contractors.
The coalition discussed the government’s measures related to combating corruption, institutional reform, and the draft law for the Federal Internal Oversight Authority, along with a number of laws that the government needs to implement its program.
The participants renewed their support for the anti-corruption campaign and the prosecution of those involved in it in accordance with the law, while stressing the importance of unifying the national position and preserving Iraq’s stability, sovereignty and higher interests.
The coalition stressed the need to spare Iraq the repercussions of the US sanctions imposed on some countries, noting that the country is going through a financial situation that “cannot tolerate taking risks.” The participants also renewed their adoption of the state’s approach to rejecting sectarian rhetoric and promoting national unity and social peace in accordance with the principles of the constitution.
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WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS, ERBIL WILL HOST AN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM THIS MONTH.
The Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced on Tuesday its readiness to host an international economic forum with the participation of traders and investors from Iraq, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The Chamber indicated that the forum aims to strengthen trade and economic relations among the three countries.
Ibrahim Agha Gerdi, a member of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “An agreement was reached to hold an international economic conference in Erbil on September 20th, following our visit to Azerbaijan with the head of the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce, and in coordination with the Iraqi Chambers of Commerce.”
He added that “the conference is expected to see broad participation from economic and commercial entities, with the goal of exploring prospects for economic cooperation and strengthening trade and investment relations.”
He explained that “the forum will include more than 130 participants from the central and southern provinces of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, in addition to approximately 150 traders and business owners from Turkey and Azerbaijan,” noting that “its objective is to develop economic and trade relations among the three countries.”
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A TOUR OF THE PHILATELIC AND NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
Faisal I Dinar for 150 million… Auction of old coins has been ongoing in Baghdad since 1952
Every Saturday morning, seasoned collectors gather at the Iraqi Philatelic and Numismatic Society building to attend an auction where enthusiasts display coins that have not lost their value despite 70 years having passed since their cancellation. Deals are made for rare specimens. Jawad Kazem, the society’s secretary, says that collectors prefer the money of the royal era, whether paper or metal. The price of the 100 dinar note that contains the image of Faisal I reached 150 million Iraqi dinars. One of them reveals in an interview with 964 Network that interest has reached the small denominations, until a 100 fils note issued in 1955 was sold for one million dinars.
Demand for the king’s money
“The idea behind the auction is to serve stamp and coin collectors, where different stamps and coins are displayed and exchanged,” said Jawad Kazem, secretary of the Iraqi Philatelic and Numismatic Society, in an interview with 964 Network . He explained that the auction opens every Saturday morning at the Society’s headquarters in the auction hall.
Regarding the history of the auction, Jawad says, “The auction appeared in 1952, one year after the establishment of the association, and enthusiasts quickly showed interest in conducting exchange and purchase transactions. Since then, the auction has been active, frequented by enthusiasts coming from Baghdad and the provinces.”
Jawad describes the auction as “a cultural and social meeting place for enthusiasts and collectors of stamps and coins, and it has also become a center for buying and selling the rarest coins.”
Regarding the rarest coins on display, Jawad explains that “the royal paper currency is the rarest, followed by the metal currency. The association has displayed rare items for coin collectors and they have been sold.”
100 dinars is equivalent to 150 million.
Ahmed Kamel, a member of the association’s administrative board, speaks of a huge difference in the prices of the royal currency compared to the republic, due to the short lifespan of the royal era, which arouses the curiosity of enthusiasts and drives them to acquire and learn about it.
Kamel says about prices that the price of “the 100 Royal Dinar note, which includes a picture of Faisal I, starts from 150 million dinars and above, and the prices of some currencies increase if they were issued on important dates, such as the currency of Faisal II that was issued in 1949, or such as the quarter dinar note that was also issued by the Central Bank of Iraq during the reign of Faisal II.”
Regarding methods of detecting forgery, Kamel says, “There are several points that can be relied upon to uncover the tricks of forgers, such as checking the watermark and the type of paper, and I believe it is difficult to forge.”
100 fils equals one million dinars
Abu Ramzi speaks at length about the prices of small denominations, especially coins, and says, “A coin of the 100 fils denomination was sold for 200,000 dinars, while the same denomination, but issued in 1955, was sold for about one million Iraqi dinars.”
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FORD OFFICIALLY ENTERS THE IRAQI MARKET ON OCTOBER 1ST.
Ford is officially returning to the Iraqi market starting from October 1st, after appointing North Island Automotive Trading and Commercial Agencies Company (SAT) as its exclusive distributor in the country.
The appointment was based on a strategic alliance between March Holding Group and Al-Alayan Group, and North Island Company will be responsible for distributing cars, providing original spare parts, and offering after-sales services throughout the country.
Ford indicated in a statement received by Kalima News that “North Island Company (SAT) will, under this appointment, be responsible for distributing Ford vehicles, providing original spare parts, and offering after-sales services throughout Iraq.”
The company added that “this embodies the depth of our long-term strategic commitment to the Republic of Iraq, and our keenness to facilitate our customers’ access to modern Ford models, original spare parts and advanced maintenance services,” explaining that “we are working to strengthen our sales and service network, consolidating the strong bridges of trust that customers in Iraq have built with the brand over the past decades.”
Ford Middle East and North Africa President Ravi Ravichandran said: “Iraq is a key focus of Ford’s growth plans in the region, and we always strive to provide the best services to our customers there in the long term. North Island Company (SAT) shares the same vision that puts the customer first, based on quality standards and sustainable growth, and the company’s experience and deep understanding of the local market will contribute to enhancing the Ford customer experience from the purchase decision to after-sales services.”
For his part, North Island CEO Mohammed Aliyan affirmed that “Ford has a long and distinguished history in the Iraqi market, as it has represented a symbol of reliability and quality for several generations,” adding that “our role today is not limited to distributing cars only, but also includes preserving this legacy and enhancing the trust that the brand has built over the decades.”
Aliyan continued, “We established North Island Company (SAT) on a sophisticated infrastructure, qualified human resources, and a full commitment to delivering the integrated Ford experience that customers in Iraq look forward to and deserve.”
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THE FALL OF NOURI AL-MALIKI
US sources: Maliki is days away from the sanctions list if he does not step down from the leadership of the Coordination Framework, and stop playing the role of the godfather of the deep Iraqi state.
The message reached through the new U.S. envoy: These are the last days of the head of the deep state. What is required is not a site modification. What is needed is a final exit from the political process. Washington no longer treats him as a balance player. It treats it as a penalties file suspended on time. Whoever remains in the frame under his shadow will pay the bill with him.
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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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