IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Al-Zaydi’s three options

Al-Zaydi’s three options

2026-10-12 00:22

Dr. Shwan Zangana
Mr. Ali Al-Zaidi, the Iraqi Prime Minister, revealed the reasons for the decision regarding the contraction of the Iraqi currency, in a session he attended in the Iraqi Parliament. He stated that he was faced with three options, the best of which was bitter: either to extend the time gap for employee salaries to 45 days, instead of the usual period, or to deduct 30% from employee salaries as a mandatory savings, or to borrow externally.

In fact, he is not correct in what he says. The flaw and error in his diagnosis may be Read more…

Exceeding 442 billion dinars… Significant growth in Iraqi customs revenues for the month of September

Exceeding 442 billion dinars… Significant growth in Iraqi customs revenues for the month of September

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi General Authority of Customs announced on Monday that it had achieved a significant increase in its total revenues for September 2026, compared to the same month in 2025.

Financial comparison data showed that total customs revenues for September 2026 amounted to (442,266,831,097) four hundred and forty-two billion, two hundred and sixty-six million, eight hundred and thirty-one thousand and ninety-seven Iraqi dinars, compared to Read more…

Talabani calls on Erbil to change its policy towards Baghdad and take advantage of al-Zaidi’s “golden opportunity”.

Talabani calls on Erbil to change its policy towards Baghdad and take advantage of al-Zaidi’s “golden opportunity”.

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Erbil
On Monday, the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Jalal Talabani, warned of the seriousness of the situation in the Middle East and its security and economic repercussions on the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, describing the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi as a “golden” opportunity that the regional government should take advantage of by changing its policy of dealing with Baghdad.

During a special dialogue session held on the sidelines of the “Miri” forum in Erbil, Talabani said, “The region is Read more…

The dollar reaches 165,000 dinars… a new surge in exchange rates in Baghdad and Erbil.

The dollar reaches 165,000 dinars… a new surge in exchange rates in Baghdad and Erbil.

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Erbil
The exchange rate of the US dollar rose this morning, Monday, in the markets of Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, as morning trading began.

A correspondent for Shafaq News Agency said that the price of the dollar rose in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges in Baghdad to 165,000 dinars for 100 dollars, compared to Read more…

Iraq replaces its ambassador in Riyadh ahead of al-Zaidi’s visit

Iraq replaces its ambassador in Riyadh ahead of al-Zaidi’s visit

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a ministerial order transferring Ambassador Ahmed Nayef Rashid Al-Dulaimi to the Iraqi Embassy in Riyadh, succeeding Ambassador Safia Al-Suhail, ahead of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zubaidi’s anticipated visit to Saudi Arabia, as part of a Gulf tour that also includes Kuwait.

A document obtained by Shafaq News Agency shows the ministerial order issued by the Administrative Department Read more…

Talabani sends a message to the KDP: By uniting our forces in Baghdad, we can govern Iraq and change the Middle East.

Talabani sends a message to the KDP: By uniting our forces in Baghdad, we can govern Iraq and change the Middle East.

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Erbil
On Monday, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Bafel Talabani, addressed an open letter to his rival, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), calling on them to conclude a comprehensive agreement to proceed with forming the new regional government and to unify efforts in the capital, Baghdad, to achieve successful governance throughout Iraq.

Talabani addressed his message at the conclusion of his hosting of the “Miri” forum held in Erbil, in which he said: Read more…

Following the rise of the dollar, Iraqis are postponing maintenance of their cars and household appliances.

Following the rise of the dollar, Iraqis are postponing maintenance of their cars and household appliances.

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The rise in the dollar’s price is no longer only reflected in the prices of imported goods, but its impact has extended to the cost of maintaining cars, electrical appliances, and furniture in Iraq, with the rise in prices of spare parts and raw materials, which has prompted citizens to postpone repairs or resort to less expensive alternatives, while owners of some professions are facing a decline in demand for their products and services.

While citizens are facing rising costs for new appliances and car parts, household breakdowns and damaged vehicles Read more…

With Al-Zaidi’s visit, gasoline queues disappear overnight in Mosul

With Al-Zaidi’s visit, gasoline queues disappear overnight in Mosul

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Nineveh
The sight of empty gas stations in Mosul, devoid of long queues of vehicles, coinciding with the arrival of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Sunday, sparked widespread surprise and ridicule on social media platforms, following a severe crisis that lasted for more than a month and disrupted the city’s daily life.

Activists and drivers shared videos documenting the direct and smooth refueling at the pumps without any waiting, Read more…

Al-Zaydi launches his “One Million Plots of Land” project and a similar number of farms, and calls on companies to invest in Mosul Airport.

Al-Zaydi launches his “One Million Plots of Land” project and a similar number of farms, and calls on companies to invest in Mosul Airport.

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Nineveh
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi announced on Monday that an official invitation has been extended to international companies specializing in airport management and operation to invest in Mosul International Airport and develop its services.

This came during a visit he is making to the city of Mosul to launch the implementation work on the million residential plots project, and to follow up on service and development projects, Read more…

By 2026, Iraq will be among the most digitally connected economies in the world.

By 2026, Iraq will be among the most digitally connected economies in the world.

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraq ranked 99th globally in the 2026 ICT Development Index, scoring 79.4 points, according to data published by Visual Capitalist, a website specializing in economic data and designs.

The ranking is based on the International Telecommunication Union’s index, which measures the level of digital connectivity in 159 economies around the world, relying on indicators that include internet access and use, network coverage, data consumption, and Read more…

The nine-portfolio dispute is nearing resolution… The framework sets a date for the “decisive session” at its next meeting.

The nine-portfolio dispute is nearing resolution… The framework sets a date for the “decisive session” at its next meeting.

10-11-2026

Information/Special…
Member of the Coordination Framework, Uday Abdul-Hadi, confirmed on Sunday that the upcoming meeting of the Framework will finalize the date for the parliamentary session to decide on nine ministerial portfolios still being managed by acting ministers in Ali al-Zidi’s government.
Abdul-Hadi explained to Al-Maalouma that “the upcoming Framework meeting will address the issue of finalizing an agreement on setting a date Read more…

Al-Maliki: Adjusting the exchange rate requires government measures to contain its negative effects

Al-Maliki: Adjusting the exchange rate requires government measures to contain its negative effects

2026-10-11

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Sunday evening, Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, called for the swift announcement of measures to protect citizens’ income and purchasing power, and to maintain the stability of markets and economic activities, in light of the decision to raise the dollar exchange rate.

Al-Maliki said in a statement, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, that those concerned with Iraqi economic affairs are divided between Read more…

Al-Zaydi threatens provinces lagging in allocating residential land: I will take on the task myself.

Al-Zaydi threatens provinces lagging in allocating residential land: I will take on the task myself.

2026-10-11

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi vowed on Sunday to personally take on the task of completing the allocation of residential land if any governorate falters in completing the necessary procedures, stressing the need to lay the foundation stone for the million residential land plots project before the end of this year.

This came during his chairmanship of the sixth regular session of the Higher Read more…

Despite the $37 discount, Iraqi oil achieves a net price of $65 per barrel.

Despite the $37 discount, Iraqi oil achieves a net price of $65 per barrel.

10-11-2026

Iraqi oil revenues are expected to rise this month, as Gulf oil exports, including Iraqi exports, recover more than 80% of their pre-Hurrum Strait closure levels, with expectations that Iraq’s total exports will reach about 3 million barrels per day.

Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi said that the net selling price of a barrel of Iraqi crude oil is currently about $65, despite the price discounts Read more…

The Democratic Party reveals its candidates for ministerial positions and confirms its rejection of the 2027 draft budget.

The Democratic Party reveals its candidates for ministerial positions and confirms its rejection of the 2027 draft budget.

10-11-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Wafa Muhammad Karim, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), confirmed that the Kurdish delegation is continuing its political activity and holding intermittent discussions in Baghdad regarding issues related to the cabinet, ministerial positions, and next year’s budget.
Karim told Al-Maalouma that “the KDP has nominated Reber Ahmed for the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Ribas Hamlan for the position of Read more…

Who will hold the government accountable for the dollar’s rise? A member of parliament speaks about the parliament’s inaction.

Who will hold the government accountable for the dollar’s rise? A member of parliament speaks about the parliament’s inaction.

10-11-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Former MP Yasser Hashem confirmed the inability of parliamentarians to oppose the decision to increase the dollar exchange rate in local markets, given the agreement among political blocs and parties on the new rate.
Hashem told Al-Maalouma, “The agreement among political forces and blocs regarding the new exchange rate means that parliament has become powerless to oppose the decision to devalue the dinar.” Read more…

The dollar exchange crisis is spreading beyond the markets… the citizen is the victim of the government’s war on speculators.

The dollar exchange crisis is spreading beyond the markets… the citizen is the victim of the government’s war on speculators.

10-11-2026

Information/Report…
The child on his way to school may be the most psychologically affected by rising market prices, as he cannot afford sweets with the meager amount of money he carries each day. The new reality forces citizens to reassess their finances after the increased financial burdens resulting from the new decisions of the Al-Zaidi government, which raised the dollar exchange rate by 15 percent. The Prime Minister justified this increase as a means to combat speculators and prevent resorting to borrowing or forced savings. Meanwhile, Read more…

Following the rise in the dollar’s price, Al-Bayati calls for curbing speculation and protecting three sectors from price hikes.

Following the rise in the dollar’s price, Al-Bayati calls for curbing speculation and protecting three sectors from price hikes.

10-11-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Mohammed al-Bayati called on Sunday for the adoption of a strict principle to prevent speculation in the parallel market and to protect three key sectors from price hikes, following the government’s decision to raise the dollar exchange rate.
Al-Bayati explained to Al-Maalouma that “the government has presented several justifications for its decision to raise the dollar exchange rate Read more…

Al-Moussawi reveals the date when the 2027 budget will reach Parliament

Al-Moussawi reveals the date when the 2027 budget will reach Parliament

10-11-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Mukhtar al-Moussawi confirmed on Sunday that the 2027 budget draft will reach the Parliamentary Finance Committee this week for discussion of its articles. He also indicated that there are seven complex issues that the upcoming budget will face.
Al-Moussawi explained to Al-Maalouma that “the 2027 budget draft will arrive this week from the Council of Ministers to the Parliamentary Finance Committee, in preparation for a thorough discussion of its articles.” Read more…

Al-Sharmani: Iraqi investment is held hostage by influential figures and the economic committees of political parties.

Al-Sharmani: Iraqi investment is held hostage by influential figures and the economic committees of political parties.

10-11-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Ahmed Al-Sharmani called on Sunday for a comprehensive administrative and oversight overhaul to liberate the investment sector from the grip of influential figures and economic committees affiliated with certain political parties. He emphasized that the subordination of development projects to narrow interests has become the biggest obstacle to the country’s economic recovery. Read more…