“Tidbits From TNT” Sunday 2-8-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  International forum to support investment companies

 On the sidelines of the Baghdad International Fair, the capital, Baghdad, witnessed the launch of the International Business Forum, with the participation of representatives of government agencies, the banking sector and international institutions, along with leaders of the private sector, to discuss investment opportunities and facilities provided to foreign companies in Iraq. 

During the opening session, the head of the National Investment Commission, Haider Mohammed Makkiya, announced that the total volume of investments in Iraq had risen to $104 billion, distributed as $67 billion in foreign investments and $37 billion in local investments, an increase of $2 billion during the past four months, in an indicator that reflects the growing confidence of investors and the transition of the investment landscape to a more stable and mature stage.

Iraq's investment environment

Regarding the forum, the Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Dr. Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, said that the investment environment in Iraq still suffers from the existence of inactive and stagnant laws within the structure of the economy, indicating that they constitute a deterrent factor to investment and limit opportunities to attract foreign companies.

Saleh added, in an interview with Al-Sabah, that international organizations had previously presented their visions to address these problems according to clear legislative frameworks, noting that activating or amending just one law within the House of Representatives could make a real difference in the reality of economic performance.

He stressed that reforming these laws would transform Iraq into an attractive market for international companies possessing technology and capital, emphasizing the importance of the legislative role of the House of Representatives in creating a stable and stimulating environment. For investment and economic development.

Efforts behind success

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American-Arab Chamber of Commerce, David Hamoud, praised the great and concerted efforts that stood behind the success achieved by the Baghdad Fair, expressing his pride in being present at this economic event that is being held on land that carries a deep historical and cultural significance.

Hammoud explained to Al-Sabah that the Chamber's representation of the American private sector stems from the conviction that capital always seeks safe opportunities, stressing that security and the rule of law constitute The foundation of any successful investment.

He added that this participation contributes to conveying a new and positive image of Iraq after the transformations it has witnessed in the past period, noting that the United States includes states specializing in different economic fields.

He stressed that a growing number of American businessmen are showing a genuine desire to work within the Iraqi market, noting that the Chamber is working to connect these opportunities and achieve partnerships that serve the interests of both sides.

International standards

Meanwhile, the representative of the International Trade Centre, Devka Rajiv, saw that the reform process in Iraq is moving towards conformity with international standards in various economic sectors and joints, explaining that this trend forms an important basis for improving the business and investment environment.

Rajiv explained to Al-Sabah that Iraq has made significant and important progress towards joining the World Trade Organization, reflecting the seriousness of government institutions in modernizing economic and trade systems and aligning them with international requirements. She pointed out that the Investment Authority plays an active role in encouraging investment by reviewing existing laws and legislation and intervening to develop them in line with the needs of international companies and contributing to creating an attractive and stable environment for foreign investments.

Customs work automation

The Director General of the Iraqi General Authority of Customs, Dr. Thamer Qasim Dawood, pointed out that the adoption of automation in customs work has greatly contributed to serving investment companies operating in Iraq, by facilitating procedures and speeding up the completion of transactions, stressing that all border crossings have become fully automated, with the adoption of electronic systems in recording customs work.

Daoud told Al-Sabah: “The customs clearance and payment processes are carried out electronically according to modern systems, most notably the ASYCUDA system, which ensures transparency and accuracy. He stressed that the authority prevents any illegal exemptions in cooperation with the competent authorities.”

He added that approvals are issued within moments upon completion of the requirements, indicating that Iraqi law is among the best laws supporting the investment sector.

outskirts of major cities

In a related context, Dr. Mohamed Hassan El-Sayed, representative of the Ministry of Planning, said: The ministry is currently moving towards the outskirts of major cities to prepare areas designated for investments, indicating that this is a step aimed at attracting investors and relieving pressure on city centers.

In an interview with Al-Sabah, Mr. Al-Sayed pointed out that this approach comes within an integrated plan to create a suitable investment climate that achieves optimal use of available resources, explaining that the ministry encourages investment in the governorates by establishing economic and industrial cities in areas outside the cities, due to their role in supporting future economic projects.

He added that these cities will contribute to development and re-export, stressing that the main goal is to achieve integration between the public and private sectors.

International data

Meanwhile, the head of the International Chamber of Commerce branch in Iraq, Mohsen Al-Humaid, stated that the Chamber is working to encourage foreign companies to enter the Iraqi market, relying on three international factors that contribute to creating a safe and attractive investment environment. He explained that one of the most prominent of these factors is the International Arbitration Center, which guarantees the preservation of the rights of all working parties and enhances confidence in commercial and investment transactions. 

Al-Humaid told Al-Sabah: “The Chamber has a special platform for direct communication with international companies, which aims to facilitate partnerships and build effective cooperation channels between the Iraqi private sector and its international counterpart, in order to support investment and enhance the presence of foreign companies in Iraq.”

Banking development

In addition, the representative of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ahmed Dawar Salman, pointed out that the bank has achieved an important financial accomplishment by strengthening its relations with a number of international institutions and bodies, stressing that this has contributed to the development of banking work and raising the level of international confidence in the Iraqi financial sector.

Salman added to Al-Sabah that the procedures for financial transfers are witnessing greater smoothness in terms of safety and accuracy of transfer operations, which has encouraged global banks and international banks to express their desire to be present and work inside Iraq. He added that cases of delay in transfers are mostly due to a lack of some auditing requirements, as the Central Bank is keen to adhere to international standards to ensure transparency and financial stability.

Open visions

Meanwhile, economist Khalid al-Jabri considered the conference an opportunity for a meeting between official Iraqi economic and commercial channels (the Customs Authority, the Tax Authority, the Registrar of Companies, the Central Bank, and some banks) with the aim of highlighting the strength of the improvements made over the past three years in economic activity.

 Al-Jabri continued, in an interview with Al-Sabah, that the improvements are generally good, but added that there is still a long way to go to continue the necessary reforms.

He pointed out that the Iraqi economy suffers from a fragile structure and needs a set of legislations and amendments, explaining that the country changed its political system after 2003, but its administrative system did not change, which caused a clash between the democratic political system and the multiplicity of decision-making authorities from parliament to judiciary to central bank to monetary policy.

He added that open visions are incompatible with the totalitarian vision with which the administrative and economic laws were written before 2003, which left a fundamental distortion and negatively affected the economic movement and created a continuous clash between the Iraqi private sector, which operates with the market economy and its methodology, and the laws that operate with the central totalitarian system.

Openness to the world

Nidal Sharaan, representative of the Saudi pavilion, confirmed that the impression formed by the delegation confirms that Iraq has a genuine desire to open up to the world.

 He indicated that this approach could constitute a real starting point towards achieving sustainable economic development. 

He stated that participation in the Baghdad International Fair provided important opportunities for direct communication with relevant parties, revealing that several understandings were discussed with representatives of the Iraqi private sector, paving the way for future cooperation and building partnerships. It serves common interests.  link

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Tishwash:  Government advisor: All salaries and pensions are fully secured and the financial situation is stable.

The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed on Friday that all salaries are secured and the financial situation is stable, while explaining that the delay in salaries is due to temporary procedures for disbursement mechanisms and financial timings.

According to the official agency, Saleh said that “any limited delay that may occur in the disbursement of salaries is not in itself a financial crisis, nor does it reflect a shortage of resources or a breach of obligations, but rather it is due to temporary organizational and procedural considerations related to disbursement mechanisms and the management of financial timings.”

He affirmed that “salaries, pensions, and social welfare allowances are fully secured within the approved financial framework,” noting that “regular disbursement is the general rule, with the possibility of limited time differences in some exceptional cases, without this affecting financial stability or the ability to meet entitlements.”

Saleh stressed that "the financial situation is stable, and liquidity management will continue in a way that ensures the sustainability of public spending and protects the incomes of employees, retirees and social welfare beneficiaries, while working to reduce any delays to the lowest possible level, within the priorities of spending in public finance."  link

Mot: Ya Gots to Love da INternet -- Gives Ya the Best Marital Thingies!!! 

Mot: . Celebrating little acts of love!!!!

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Sunday Morning 2-8-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Central Banks Ramp Up Gold Reserves as Strategic Hedging Intensifies

Central banks around the world, including major BRICS members, have significantly increased their official gold holdings in recent years — a trend that reflects diversification of reserves, risk hedging against geopolitical and currency uncertainty, and a strategic shift in how national treasuries manage foreign assets. Verified data from central bank reports and the World Gold Council shows that gold accumulation remains strong even amid changing global economic conditions.

Global Central Bank Gold Accumulation

Central bank gold purchases have continued at elevated levels in 2025, with official data showing that many institutions added significant tonnage to their reserves over the course of the year. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), official sector net purchases reached more than 250 tonnes of gold by October 2025, making it one of the strongest years for central bank buying in recent history. Poland, Kazakhstan and Brazil were among key buyers, while institutions in China, Turkey and other emerging markets also added to their holdings.

The accumulation was broad-based, with many countries reporting net additions month after month and year-to-date totals that far exceed historical averages. Overall, central banks have purchased gold consistently as a store of value and hedge against inflation, geopolitical risk, and currency volatility.

BRICS Gold Holdings and Role in Central Bank Buying

BRICS nations — including Russia, China, India and Brazil — now collectively hold a substantial share of global official gold reserves. Combined BRICS gold reserves exceed 6,000 tonnes, representing around 20–21% of total global central bank gold holdings. Russia alone accounts for more than 2,300 tonnes, with China close behind and India holding nearly 900 tonnes.

These holdings place BRICS members among the largest official holders of gold worldwide, alongside countries like the United States, which remains the largest reserve holder overall. The strategic accumulation by BRICS central banks supports broader reserve diversification and risk management objectives, particularly in the context of ongoing global economic uncertainty.

Why It Matters

Gold serves as a long-term store of value that typically performs well during periods of financial stress and currency volatility. Unlike fiat currencies, gold cannot be devalued by monetary policy decisions, making it an attractive hedge for central banks that seek to protect against inflation or geopolitical risk. As global economic conditions have fluctuated — amid inflationary pressures, shifting monetary policies, and geopolitical tensions — gold has regained prominence as an official reserve asset.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Gold’s increasing share in central bank portfolios suggests a reduction in the relative dominance of traditional reserve currencies, including the U.S. dollar. As central banks diversify away from heavy concentrations in any single currency, the global reserve landscape becomes less concentrated and more multipolar, potentially reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar as the primary reserve asset.

Reserve diversification weakens single-currency dominance and encourages broader reserve classes that include substantial allocations to real assets like gold.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1 – Reserve Currency Rebalancing:
Growing allocations to gold by central banks reflect broader structural shifts in the international monetary system, where diversification away from single-currency dominance supports resilience against systemic shocks.

Pillar 2 – Strategic Hedging and Risk Management:
Increased gold holdings indicate a priority among national policymakers to hedge against economic uncertainty, inflation risk, and geopolitical instability — a hallmark of evolving global reserve strategy in a more interconnected and volatile world.

Placing gold at the core of reserve strategies signals that sovereign treasuries value stability and diversification over dependence on any one currency’s prospects.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

World Gold Council — “Central banks bought a net 53 tonnes of gold in October 2025, strongest monthly total so far”

World Gold Council / Gold Eagle — “Gold and Silver in 2026 – central bank demand remains strong”

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Iran — A U.S. Demurral Isn’t Necessarily a De-escalation

A pause in planned military action reflects tactical restraint, not a shift in strategic objectives

Overview

Reports from multiple outlets and diplomatic sources indicate that the anticipated U.S. military strike on Iran in early February 2026 did not occur, despite ready forces and public pressure. Instead, Washington opted for a recalibration of pressure and diplomacy, influenced by alliance concerns, regionwide instability risks, and ongoing mediation efforts. This pause—while widely interpreted as restraint—may reflect strategic risk management rather than true de-escalation.

Key Developments

• Anticipated U.S. military action against Iran did not take place in early February 2026 after forces were reportedly poised to strike.

• Gulf partners — including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and others — urged Washington to allow diplomatic channels to proceed before any strike.

• Indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials resumed in Muscat, Oman, representing the first engagement since mid-2025 nuclear tensions escalated. Both sides called the discussions a “good start” but significant points of disagreement remain, especially on enrichment and missiles.

• Iranian leadership has indicated that while nuclear negotiations have begun, talks are limited in scope and contain unresolved impasses, including Iran’s refusal to halt uranium enrichment.

• Russian officials continue to push for diplomatic solutions and formally oppose renewed U.S. military threats, warning they could destabilize broader regional security.

Why It Matters

The current U.S.–Iran dynamic illustrates that a lack of immediate military action does not signal an end to strategic pressure. Instead, Washington appears to be managing escalation risk — balancing military readiness, alliance concerns, and geopolitical calculations in a region where a conflict could quickly expand. Continued confrontation, even with intermittent talks, complicates energy markets, regional stability, and global security frameworks.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

With heightened geopolitical risk in the Middle East, currency markets and risk assets often respond strongly to uncertainty. Escalation—or even the threat of escalation—typically boosts demand for safe-haven assets like the U.S. dollar and gold, while pressuring emerging-market and commodity-linked currencies.
Reserve diversification weakens single-currency dominance, as sustained geopolitical risk and policy uncertainty encourage central banks and investors to hedge beyond traditional reserve assets.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1 – Strategic Risk Containment:
Pause in direct military action highlights how major powers may prefer calibrated coercion and managed diplomacy over outright conflict, a characteristic feature of a world moving away from unipolar military doctrines.

Pillar 2 – Multipolar Mediation Architecture:
Regional and global actors — including Gulf states, Russia, and Oman — are increasingly influential in shaping outcomes, indicating that emerging multipolar diplomacy is a central part of contemporary conflict management.

Diplomacy should not be mistaken for peace; it may simply be an extended negotiation of leverage in a high-stakes strategic standoff.

Sources

Al Jazeera News — “Updates: U.S. and Iranian officials head towards Oman ahead of critical talks”

Reuters — “If US attacks, Iran says it will strike US bases in the region”

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Trump Predicts Dow 100,000 by 2029 After Historic 50,000 Breakout

Market optimism collides with valuation reality

Overview

President Donald Trump has officially predicted that the Dow Jones Industrial Average will reach 100,000 before the end of his second term in January 2029, following the index’s historic close above 50,000 for the first time. The prediction was made via a Truth Social post on February 6, 2026, where Trump credited his administration’s tariff and trade policies for driving economic growth, market confidence, and national security.

Key Developments

1. Historic Milestone Reached
The Dow closed above 50,000 on February 6, 2026, marking a symbolic psychological milestone for U.S. equity markets after rebounding from tariff-related volatility in early 2025.

2. Trump Sets 100,000 Target
Trump stated that the Dow could double again to 100,000 by January 2029, claiming the 50,000 milestone was reached “three years ahead of schedule.”

3. Policy Attribution
The former president explicitly credited his administration’s tariff strategy, asserting that protectionist trade policies strengthened domestic industry, boosted investor confidence, and supported national economic security.

4. Market Math Raises Questions
Analysts note that reaching 100,000 by 2029 would require roughly a 26% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) — far above the Dow’s long-term historical average of approximately 10% annually.

Why It Matters

Trump’s prediction underscores how financial markets are increasingly central to political narratives, with equity indices framed as indicators of policy success. Whether achievable or not, the statement reflects growing expectations that markets will continue to expand despite elevated valuations, high debt levels, and global economic uncertainty.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Rapid equity appreciation driven by fiscal stimulus, tariffs, or debt expansion can weaken confidence in fiat stability over time.
Reserve diversification weakens single-currency dominance, encouraging investors and central banks to hedge against volatility through alternative assets, commodities, and non-dollar exposures.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1 – Financial Asset Inflation

Rising equity targets highlight the growing reliance on asset inflation to sustain economic confidence, reinforcing imbalances between financial markets and the real economy.

Pillar 2 – Confidence-Driven Valuation Systems

Markets increasingly price narratives, policy signals, and political expectations rather than fundamentals alone — a key feature of late-stage monetary systems.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

When markets become policy proof, valuation becomes belief.

Sources

MSN / MarketWatch — “Trump predicts the Dow will hit 100,000 by end of his term”

Bloomingbit — “Trump: Dow tops 50,000 for first time, predicts 100,000 during term”

Seeking Alpha — “Trump predicts Dow will hit 100,000 by end of his term”

Yahoo Finance — “Stock market sends warning signals despite record highs”

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Sunday Morning 2-8-26

Artificial Intelligence Causes Investors To Lose $400 Billion In A Week

Money and Business    Economy News — Follow-up   According to Axios, investors lost more than $400 billion after realizing that entire industries were on the verge of being replaced.

The website stated that the sell-off in the software industry sparked by the latest release from Anthropic (an American artificial intelligence startup) is ultimately just a small step in a larger transformation that could reshape the way we all live and work.

It is also the first concrete judgment on what will happen when artificial intelligence begins to devour entire categories of work, long before the long-anticipated bloodbath begins in the ranks of white-collar workers (employees who perform office work and work that requires mental and creative skills, do not need to work in places that require physical effort, and are paid average or high wages compared to other workers).

Anthropic recently released a suite of software-killing tools, prompting investors to reconsider the value of software companies, with the sector falling 25% last week.

One such tool, "Cloud Code," writes code on behalf of users, essentially creating custom programs.

The other, "Cowork," offers add-ons designed to help AI agents work as full-time colleagues.

The impact of artificial intelligence is not limited to the evaluation of software companies, but it is changing the way these companies operate from the inside out.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he felt "helpless" and "sad" about using his artificial intelligence in programming.

The Death Of A Society At The Hands Of A Human Substitute

American journalist Peter Coy points out that software engineers who use this technology are talking to each other less than ever before, indicating a "death of community".

As of this week, investors are seriously considering artificial intelligence not just as a productivity booster for software companies, but as an alternative.

The impact of artificial intelligence will not be limited to work, but will also affect profits, Shelby McFadden, portfolio manager of a $2.6 billion fund, told Axios.

McFadden added: "Expect the market to price in the broader impact of AI on the labor market across many industries within a year or so."

On the other hand, some investors remain optimistic about software stocks, especially now that they are available at a discount.

Turning Humans Into Pawns On The Chessboard Of Artificial Intelligence

It will also be difficult to replace existing software companies, "with AI the code may become cheap but context is expensive... you can't go beyond 10 years of customer data using machine learning," data provider PitchBook noted in its report.

PitchBook explains that growth for software companies has already slowed, and this is a metric to watch for other industries that could be affected by artificial intelligence.

David Featherstonehow, executive vice president at Vista Shares, told Axios that customer retention will indicate whether people will become pawns on the AI ​​chessboard.

What's Next?

According to Axios, investors' concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on software companies may spread and drive them to innovate in other industries that will revolutionize emerging technology.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65447

Minister Of Trade: There Will Be No Price Increases And We Will Not Allow Them.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad  Minister of Trade, Atheer Al-Ghurairi, confirmed on Sunday that there has been no increase in prices, noting that the Ministry of Trade will not allow this, while pointing out that goods are available and imports are continuing.

Al-Ghurairi said, “The government’s decisions are in the interest of the citizen. Today we visited the shopping center in the Al-Bayaa area to confirm the directives to provide all materials, which are available at a subsidized rate of less than 20 percent of the market price.” He explained that “the Ministry of Trade and government centers, in cooperation with the private sector, are the fulcrum or the point of balance to prevent any exploitation by some unscrupulous individuals who might try to increase prices through rumors.”

He added, "Under this government, through continuous measures that included all aspects of the economy, the implementation of the ASYCUDA system means controlling the borders, preserving the currency, preventing smuggling, and preventing the depletion of the currency," noting that "the customs tariff is set according to the law, as is the case in countries around the world."

He stated, "Through our monitoring of prices, there is no increase in them, but rather within the profit margin that exists between wholesale and retail," noting that "the goods are available, imports are ongoing, the tariff is simple, even symbolic, and there is no increase in prices, and we will not allow that."https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65467

Oil: Iraq Is Classified Among The Countries Producing High-Quality Petroleum Products.

Energy   Economy News – Baghdad  The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Refining Affairs, Adnan Muhammad Hammoud, announced today, Sunday, that the new refineries have been operating at 100% production capacity, which has contributed to classifying Iraq among the countries producing high-quality oil derivatives.

Hammoud said in a statement to the Ministry of Oil that these projects aim to enhance self-sufficiency in white oil products, and to secure the needs of Iraqi citizens for gasoline, white oil and gas oil, and to achieve a qualitative leap in quantity and quality, through the introduction of a number of advanced refining projects, including refining units, hydrogenation units and gasoline production improvement projects.

He explained that the Salah al-Din Refinery /3 and the North Refinery /2 were opened with a total capacity of (140) thousand barrels/day, in addition to introducing the FCC (Catalytic Cracking) project in the Basra Refinery with a capacity of (35) thousand barrels/day, and the project of the Hydrogenation and Improvement of Gasoline Unit in Kirkuk Governorate with a capacity of (11) thousand barrels/day.

The Undersecretary also pointed out that these projects contributed to classifying Iraq among the countries producing high-quality oil derivatives with Euro 5 specifications, and moving from the consumption stage to the export stage, in addition to operating the Karbala refinery at 100% capacity.

He affirmed that the ministry is proceeding with the completion and opening of the hydrogenation and gasoline improvement unit project at Al-Sumoud Complex / North Refineries Company, in the coming days, which will enhance gasoline production quantities and cover local consumption needs in all governorates of the country.

At the end of 2025, the Iraqi government decided to stop importing gasoline, gas oil (kerosene), and white oil, as local production of these fuels had reached quantities exceeding local consumption rates.

On October 25, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced that his government had developed a plan to save the state treasury approximately $10 billion by halting imports of gasoline and oil derivatives after achieving self-sufficiency in their production within Iraq.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65463

Oil Spokesperson: "No Gasoline Shortage", Affirms Daily Production Rate Reaches 30 ML

Ministry spokesperson Abdul Sahib Bazoun al-Hassnawi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "We deny what is being circulated in some media outlets regarding a gasoline shortage," emphasizing that "there is no shortage of this fuel."

He explained that "the available gasoline stock is 135 million liters, while the daily production rate reaches 30 million liters."

He noted that "the consumption rate has increased slightly to 33.5 million liters per day due to the holiday and increased vehicle traffic and citizens going out," clarifying that "gasoline is available at reasonable prices."

He added that "production will stabilize in the coming days," pointing out that "the FCC unit in Basra has begun operations, which will contribute to raising the production of high-octane gasoline to 4 million liters."

Al-Hasnawi confirmed that "these figures represent official, approved data for February," emphasizing "the complete stability in gasoline supplies and the absence of any crisis."

He explained that "the staff of the Ministry of Oil, across all its departments, are working day and night to provide petroleum products to the Iraqi people," affirming "complete control over the petroleum products sector and the absence of any shortages."   https://ina.iq/en/economy/45331-oil-spokesperson-no-gasoline-shortage-affirms-daily-production-rate-reaches-30-ml.html

U.S. Plans Initial Payment Toward Billions Owed To U.N.

The United States will make an initial payment toward the billions of dollars it owes to the United Nations in a matter of weeks, the U.S. ambassador to the world body said Friday, while stressing the need for the U.N. to continue reforms.

Mike Waltz made the comments in a telephone interview two weeks after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded the alarm on U.N. finances and warned that the 193-country organization is at risk of "imminent financial collapse" due to unpaid fees, the majority of which ​are owed by Washington.

"You'll certainly see an initial tranche of money very shortly," Waltz said. "It'll be a significant... down payment on our annual dues.... I ‍don't believe ⁠that the ultimate figure is decided, but it'll be in a matter of weeks."

U.N. officials say more than 95% of what is owed to the regular U.N. budget is owed by the United States — $2.19 billion by the start of February. The U.S. also owes another $2.4 billion for current and past peacekeeping missions and $43.6 million for U.N. tribunals.

On Dec. 30, the U.N. General Assembly approved $3.45 billion for the regular U.N. budget for 2026, following weeks of negotiations. This covers costs of running U.N. offices around the world, including the headquarters in New York, staff salaries, meetings and development ‍and human rights work.

The U.N. funding crisis comes at a time when the United States under President Donald Trump has been retreating from multilateralism on numerous fronts. U.S. arrears to the United Nations have grown substantially during his presidency, even though America’s history of falling behind on its U.N. payments stretches back decades.

U.N. officials say ‌the U.S. did not pay into the regular budget last year and owes $827 million for that, as well as $767 million for 2026.

On Tuesday, Trump signed into law a spending bill that includes $3.1 billion for U.S. ​dues to the U.N. and other international ‌organizations.

Asked if the money he spoke of would go towards last year's dues or those for ‌2026, or both, Waltz said: "just in general, towards the arrears, and also in recognition of some of the reforms that we've seen."

Under ​Trump, as well ‌as refusing to make mandatory payments to the U.N.'s regular and peacekeeping budgets, the U.S. has slashed voluntary funding to U.N. agencies with their own budgets, and moved to exit U.N. organizations including the World Health Organization.

Waltz said the United States was very supportive of Guterres' UN80 reform effort and called it an important first step that needed to be continued.

"It doesn't go far enough, but it's an important step. I wish the secretary-general had made it in year one or two of his tenure, not year nine," he said.

"We're very focused... on getting back to basics, on peace and security. And... the president is rightly asking, how can we get the U.N. back to realizing its full potential?

"All of those conversations are currently being had and are in play, and we expect to see more reforms coming," Waltz said.

"This is some tough love. The current model is unsustainable for a lot of ‍countries, ‍and we're trying to get the U.N. back, fit for purpose and focused, and stop trying to do everything for everyone."

Waltz said reducing duplication was a key aim, saying that for example, there were seven U.N. agencies with climate change as their primary mission.

"Now, regardless of the ‍climate change debate, we don't need seven," he said, adding that the U.S. also supported consolidation of logistics and back offices at humanitarian agencies.

"The U.N. bureaucracy has grown too large, and needs to be much more efficient and effective," he said.

Guterres launched his UN80 reforms last year, seeking to cut costs and improve efficiency. The approved 2026 regular budget is roughly $200 million higher than he proposed, but about 7% lower than ‌the approved 2025 budget.

He warned last month that the U.N. could run out of cash by July and cited a "Kafkaesque" requirement for it to credit back hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent dues to states each year even if it never received the money.

Waltz Said Member States Should Change This Rule.

He said U.S. peacekeeping arrears were in part due to a "statutory disconnect" between what the U.N. assesses and U.S. law allows to be paid and added: "That'll be addressed the next time we negotiate our assessments, which I believe is next year."  Source: Japan Times   https://ina.iq/en/economy/45313-us-plans-initial-payment-toward-billions-owed-to-un.html

Central Bank: Lending Within Residential Complexes Continues According To The Approved Policy.

Economy News – Baghdad    The Central Bank of Iraq clarified its lending initiatives and financing mechanisms on Sunday, confirming the continuation of granting housing and solar energy loans within residential complexes, while pointing to the financing mechanism outside residential complexes.

The bank's director of initiatives, Rafal Hussein, said, "The Central Bank has several initiatives, including granting loans to purchase solar panels, the Housing Fund initiative, and the Real Estate Bank."

She added that "the Central Bank continues to disburse loans within residential complexes, and they are available, and lending is in accordance with the bank's lending policy and the instructions issued," indicating that "the Central Bank enhances the liquidity of the Real Estate Bank and grants it according to its policy."

She pointed out that "the financing outside residential complexes is from loans funded by recovered funds, so they are not in high categories, and when financial allocations are available and announced, applications are submitted through the (Our) platform."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65466

Media Reports: First Phase Of US-Iran Negotiations Has Ended

The Iranian news agency IRNA reported that "the first phase of negotiations has concluded, during which the Iranian and American sides conveyed their views and observations separately to the Omani side."

It added that "the second phase of negotiations will begin shortly."

https://ina.iq/en/45296-media-reports-first-phase-of-us-iran-negotiations-has-ended.html

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-Iraq's Sovereign Direction-Stability of the State

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-Iraq's Sovereign Direction-Stability of the State

2-7-2026

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8K9YIU4VtQ

Elon Musk warns America will ‘1,000%’ go bankrupt, ‘fail as a country’ due to crazy debt

Elon Musk warns America will ‘1,000%’ go bankrupt, ‘fail as a country’ due to crazy debt — protect your finances

Jing Pan  Moneywise    Fri, February 6, 202  

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has just issued a dire warning for Americans.

In a Feb. 5 appearance on the Dwarkesh Podcast, Musk said America is barreling toward bankruptcy as its national debt continues to climb.  “We are 1,000% going to go bankrupt as a country and fail as a country, without AI and robots,” he said (1). “Nothing else will solve the national debt.”

According to the Treasury Department, U.S. national debt now stands at $38.56 trillion — and it continues to grow as federal spending outpaces revenue (2). So far in fiscal year 2026, the government has already spent about $602 billion more than it has collected (3).

Without a productivity breakthrough from artificial intelligence and robotics, Musk painted a bleak picture of what lies ahead, saying the country is “actually totally screwed because the national debt is piling up like crazy.”

He also warned that the cost of servicing that debt alone is becoming a heavy burden.

“The interest payments on national debt exceed the military budget, which is a trillion dollars. So we have over a trillion dollars just in interest payments,” he said.

And those costs could rise further. A recent report from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projects that interest payments on America’s national debt will surpass $1.5 trillion in 2032 and reach $1.8 trillion by 2035 (4).

Musk isn’t the only one sounding the alarm over America’s debt and the soaring interest costs tied to it. Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, has warned that the U.S. is heading toward a “debt death spiral,” where the government must borrow simply to pay interest — a vicious cycle that feeds on itself.

But unlike Musk, Dalio doesn’t foresee a formal bankruptcy.

“There won't be a default — the central bank will come in and we'll print the money and buy it,” he said. “And that's where there's the depreciation of money.”

In other words, the government may never technically run out of dollars — but those dollars can lose value fast. Musk has warned in the past that if current trends continue, “the dollar’s going to be worth nothing.”

That erosion in the value of the dollar is already visible. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, $100 in 2025 has the same purchasing power as just $12.06 did in 1970 (5).

The good news? Savvy investors have long found ways to protect their wealth — even when Washington’s fiscal math stops adding up.

A safe-haven shines again

To shock-proof your investments, Dalio emphasized the value of diversification — and highlighted one time-tested asset in particular.

To Continue and To Read More:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/elon-musk-warns-america-1-221300883.html

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Saturday Afternoon 2-7-26

Elon Musk Predicts America Will Go Bankrupt Due To Mounting Debt.

Money and Business    Economy News - Follow-up   American businessman Elon Musk stated on Friday that "only robots and artificial intelligence are capable of helping the United States overcome the problem of accumulating public debt, which threatens the country with bankruptcy," as he put it.

Musk added, in an interview with bloggers Duvarsh Patel and John Collison: "Perhaps we can slow down America's approach to bankruptcy and buy enough time until artificial intelligence and robots can help solve the problem. That is the only thing capable of addressing the public debt situation."

He explained that interest payments on the US public debt exceed the size of the country's military budget, saying, "More than a trillion dollars are paid in interest," expressing his displeasure with the matter.

Musk added: "Without artificial intelligence and robots, we are in trouble, because public debt is accumulating at an insane rate."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65376

The World's Richest Man Admits: Wealth Does Not Guarantee Happiness

Money and Business   Economy News - Follow-up   Elon Musk, whose net worth reached $668 billion and who became the richest man on Earth, believes that money does not bring happiness.

Although his wealth enables him to pursue his dream of colonizing Mars, make huge donations to politicians like US President Donald Trump, and not feel any financial hardship, it seems that it is not worth it for him.

“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness really knew what they were saying,” Musk wrote on the X platform, which he bought for $44 billion in 2022, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

 The post, which included a sad emoji, had garnered more than 66 million views by Thursday morning.

Reactions to Musk ranged from sympathy to ridicule, with some advising him to turn to religion or charity work.

One of the replies from Charmaine Harbert's account, commenting on the relationship between wealth and happiness, said: "But it certainly gives you a good start."

Another added: "Are you worried about providing a home for your children?... No?... Then stop complaining and thank God for His blessings."

Musk's net worth is $668 billion, and late last year Tesla shareholders approved a compensation package for him as CEO that could be worth up to $1 trillion.

Musk's group includes Tesla, the electric car manufacturer; XAI, an artificial intelligence startup; and SpaceX, an aerospace company.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65380

Dollar Closes Strong In Baghdad, Erbil

2026-02-07 Shafaq News– Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar closed Saturday’s trading at a higher rate in Baghdad and Erbil, rising by 100 Iraqi dinars compared with the previous session.

According to a Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad at 149,950 Iraqi dinars per 100 dollars, after opening at 149,850 dinars in the previous session at the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges.

Local exchange shops in the capital sold the dollar at 150,500 dinars per 100 dollars, while buying prices stood at 149,500 dinars.

In Erbil, the selling price reached 149,750 dinars for every 100 dollars, and the buying price was 149,600.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-closes-strong-in-Baghdad-Erbil-8

Surprise Deductions Hit Iraqi Salaries, Pensions

2026-02-07 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraqi public-sector employees and retirees saw unexpected cuts to their monthly salaries and pensions on Saturday after state banks deducted multiple loan installments at once.

A source explained to our agency that the deductions were linked to outstanding loans and cash advances, but some state-run banks, including Rafidain and Rasheed, recovered two or more installments in a single payment instead of applying standard monthly deductions.

Several affected individuals told Shafaq News, on condition of anonymity, that the reduced payments disrupted household finances, prompting demands for an urgent investigation by parliament and oversight bodies.

Authorities, including the National Pensions Authority and the banks involved, have yet to issue an official explanation.

The salary shock comes as broader disruptions continue to strain state finances, such as decisions to raise customs tariffs on certain luxury goods, triggering protests and causing a buildup of cargo containers at border crossings and ports. The resulting slowdown in trade has weighed on public revenues, which economic experts say was among the factors contributing to delays in paying state employee salaries for January.

Read more: Iraq’s budget paralysis: How the 1/12 rule reduced state finances to salary payments

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Surprise-deductions-hit-Iraqi-salaries-pensions  

Gold Prices Rise In Baghdad And Erbil Markets

2026-02-07 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   On Saturday, gold prices hovered around 1.06 million IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, continuing their upward trend, according to a survey by Shafaq News Agency.

Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 1,044,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 1,040,000 IQD. The same gold had sold for 1,037,000 IQD on Thursday.

The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 1,014,000 IQD, with a buying price of 1,010,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 1,045,000 and 1,055,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 1,015,000 and 1,025,000 IQD.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 1,150,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 1,095,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 940,000 IQD.   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-rise-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-8-4

Basrah Oil Prices End Week In Decline

2026-02-07 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Basrah Heavy and Basrah Medium crude grades closed the week lower, retreating as global oil markets eased amid reduced concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Basrah Heavy edged up 7 cents in its final Friday session to $63.35 a barrel, but posted a weekly loss of 40 cents, or 0.63%.

Basrah Medium also rose 7 cents on Friday to settle at $65.80 a barrel, recording a weekly decline of 40 cents, equivalent to 0.61%.

The pullback came as Brent and US crude headed for their first weekly losses in more than a month, trading more than 3% below their recent six-month highs.

Oil prices softened as fears of Middle East supply disruptions eased and investors shifted focus to the outcome of ongoing US–Iran nuclear talks.   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Basrah-oil-prices-end-week-in-decline

“Tidbits From TNT” Saturday 2-7-2026

TNT:

Tishwash: Iraqi traders' association announces market closures in protest against customs duties

The Iraqi Traders Association announced on Friday its call for a general closure of all commercial markets throughout Iraq, starting next Sunday and continuing until further notice.

The group explained in a statement received by (Al-Mada) that this step comes in protest against the new customs fees, and to demand the immediate removal of the accumulated containers from the port of Umm Qasr.

The Iraqi Traders Association called on all merchants and market owners to adhere to the closure, stressing that this step aims to achieve legitimate demands and protect the interests of the commercial sector.  link

Tishwash:  The US Treasury freezes the assets of Halbousi and two of his party leaders

An official source in Anbar province revealed on Wednesday that Jordan and the UAE have frozen the assets of the head of the Progress Party, Mohammed al-Halbousi, and two of his party leaders, due to their inclusion in the US sanctions. 

The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “Jordan and the UAE have frozen the assets of the head of the Progress Alliance, Mohammed al-Halbousi, the current governor of Anbar, Omar Mishaan Dabbous, and Hebat al-Halbousi, the Speaker of Parliament, due to their inclusion in the US Federal Reserve’s decision.” 

He added that "the targeted party leaders stole huge sums of money after assuming leadership positions in the central and local governments and transferred them to banks outside Iraq."

He indicated that “Mohammed al-Halbousi and Speaker of Parliament Hebat al-Halbousi failed to convince the acting US ambassador in Baghdad to mediate to lift the freeze on his funds outside Iraq and the rest of the party leaders.”

He explained that "Al-Halbousi owns, undeclared, banks and exchange offices used in currency smuggling operations from Iraq to neighboring countries," stressing that "Al-Halbousi's talks with officials at the US Embassy in Baghdad and the Kuwaiti ambassador failed to release frozen assets outside Iraq due to their inclusion in the US sanctions."  link

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Tishwash: Al-Maliki maneuvers: “An honorable retirement” and restoring the golden age of “Da’wa”

Throwing the ball into the "framework's" court... and Washington brandishes the oil file.

Nouri al-Maliki, the candidate for the next prime minister, has thrown the ball into the court of the "Coordination Framework" regarding the decision to replace him, just hours before a meeting described as crucial to resolving the crisis surrounding the selection of the new prime minister.

It appears that Maliki has shifted his candidacy back to the Shiite alliance, at a time when data from the "Framework" indicates that two-thirds of its constituent groups, according to the majority definition within the alliance, still support the leader of the State of Law Coalition. This makes "withdrawal" the easiest way to end his candidacy.

Until recently, Maliki was clinging to the position, which he acquired as a result of what was described as a "sudden development"—one that he said personally surprised him—related to the stance of his political rival, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the outgoing prime minister.At the time of writing, the forces within the "Coordination Framework" were preparing to hold a meeting Wednesday evening, which sources told Al-Mada was expected to be "decisive," either to proceed with Maliki as a candidate or to move towards removing and replacing him.

However, informed political sources believe that Maliki will attempt during this meeting to obtain renewed confirmation that he is the "sole candidate," given the difficulty of his supporters within the coalition backing down.

Simultaneously, Maliki's nomination is facing increasing external and internal pressure. Washington is strongly pushing for his replacement, threatening to cut aid to Iraq, while the factions of Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Hikma Movement, and Qais al-Khazali, leader of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, reject Maliki's appointment as prime minister.In his first media appearance after being nominated, Maliki affirmed that he is "committed to this nomination until the end," stating that "only the Coordination Framework will decide whether I continue or not, and it will decide on the alternative."

It is worth noting that the Coordination Framework voted for Maliki for the first time since its establishment nearly five years ago, with a majority, amidst divisions within the coalition, and there have been no indications so far of a change in this majority's position.

Within Shia circles, there is a prevailing opinion that Sudani's withdrawal from the race in favor of Maliki was a "political entrapment," given that the State of Law leader is rejected by several internal and external parties.According to former MP Mishaan al-Jubouri, "Sudani withdrew after hearing from Savia, Trump's envoy to Baghdad, who is the subject of much controversy, that Maliki would not succeed."Conversely, Maliki, according to political sources, is relying on the position of former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who informed him that he was "acceptable in Washington."

What does Maliki want?Nouri al-Maliki waited four prime ministers for the position to return to him, as he views the premiership as a "dignified end," considering himself one of the founding fathers of the political system in Baghdad after 2003, according to a former MP.

Maliki received the first title of "leader" after the regime change, and his famous phrase "We won't give it up" was widely used, indicating his determination to cling to power.

Despite receiving more than 700,000 votes in the 2014 elections, the position went to Haider al-Abadi.Maliki believes today that “the time is right to restore the reputation of the Dawa Party,” according to a former deputy who asked not to be named, especially after the party lost “important positions” or what was known as the “deep state” since Adel Abdul Mahdi took over the premiership in 2018.According to his opponents, Maliki and his supporters are using a combination of intimidation and conspiracy theories to remain the sole candidate. These tactics include claims that three countries are inciting US President Donald Trump against him, and warning of a "danger threatening Iraq" should the coalition withdraw its support for him.

Hassan Fad'am, a leader and former member of parliament in the Hikma Movement, told Al-Mada that Maliki's primary motivation for clinging to the position is a "lust for power," adding that securing his appointment as prime minister will be extremely difficult.Maliki is in his late seventies, and the opposition suggests his health is unstable.

Qusay Mahbouba, a close associate of al-Sudani, countered that "age is not an obstacle in politics," pointing out to Al-Mada that many world leaders assume office at advanced ages.Mahbouba believes that talk of finding a "compromise candidate" implies a move towards a weak and easily manipulated figure, asserting that Maliki's decision to run for the position at this time stems from a "high sense of responsibility."

During the two months of negotiations within the Shiite alliance that followed the recent elections, the "Coordination Framework" was unable to dissuade Maliki from running for prime minister for a third term.

 Ghalib al-Da'mi, an academic and political analyst, says that Maliki was not directly seeking the premiership, but rather that Sudani pushed him to do so.In an interview with Al-Mada, he points out that Maliki stated in a recent interview that he would withdraw if his personal interests conflicted with the national interest, but only on the condition that this was done through the party that nominated him and that the withdrawal did not open the door to foreign interference in Iraqi decision-making.

Consequently, the "Coordination Framework" may convene another meeting to nominate an alternative to Maliki if a political understanding with the United States regarding the next phase is not reached.

Al-Da'mi believes that the United States has become convinced that the current political class in Iraq is incapable of engaging with Washington's objectives, particularly concerning dealings with Iran, implementing UN resolutions on sanctions, financial support, and the operations of Iranian companies within Iraq.Al-Daami adds that the recent American stance, manifested in tweets and warning statements, is not targeting Nouri al-Maliki personally, but rather expresses a broader objection to the entire "coordination framework" due to its failure to adhere to these procedures.

According to al-Daami, al-Maliki was not initially attached to the premiership, nor was he seeking it. Rather, he was betting on Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stepping aside in favor of nominating another figure or a compromise candidate, before being surprised by al-Sudani's support for his own candidacy. Meanwhile, Washington is escalating its warnings.The US State Department confirmed it would halt aid to Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki were to assume the premiership, warning of the country's potential descent into chaos once again.

A State Department official told Al-Mada in an exclusive statement that Washington's position is based on the vision of US President Donald Trump, who had previously warned against al-Maliki's return to power. The official added, quoting Trump: "The last time al-Maliki was in power, the country descended into poverty and total chaos. That should not be allowed to happen again."The official explained that US policy toward Iraq "requires a government capable of working effectively and respectfully with the United States," emphasizing that his country is "prepared to use the full range of tools to implement the president's policy," and that this position "has been clearly communicated to the Iraqi political leadership."

In the same vein, Bloomberg reported last Tuesday, citing US officials, that Washington had informed Iraqi officials of the possibility of reducing Iraqi oil export revenues should Maliki assume the premiership. The agency added that a new warning was issued during a meeting held last week in Turkey between the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, and senior US officials.Last week, Trump described Maliki's reappointment as prime minister as a "bad choice" for Iraq, asserting that his country "will not help Baghdad" if this scenario materializes.  link

Mot: and How is Your Day!!!  

Mot: . Always Awesome to be the ""Example"" 

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Saturday Morning 2-7-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

ECB EXPANDS EURO LIQUIDITY ACCESS — A NEW FRONT IN GLOBAL CURRENCY COMPETITION

Europe opens its monetary umbrella wider, challenging dollar hegemony and reshaping reserve dynamics

Overview

In a major shift with global-system implications, the European Central Bank (ECB) is expanding access to its euro liquidity facilities, making emergency euro funding cheaper and simpler for foreign central banks. The initiative forms part of a broader EU strategy to boost the euro’s global use, deepen geopolitical partnerships, and address doubts about U.S. monetary leadership. The move comes amid persistent concerns over dollar volatility and a multipolar reserve currency landscape.

Key Developments

1. Euro Liquidity Safety Net Expanded
   The ECB is broadening access to its Eurep liquidity facility, allowing more non-euro-area central banks to borrow euros with eased terms — including lower rates and higher caps — during market stress. This is part of an EU strategy to build economic alliances and promote the euro’s international role.

2. Strategic Currency Diplomacy
   The liquidity expansion isn’t purely technical; it aligns with the EU’s efforts to court geopolitical partners and mitigate reliance on the U.S. dollar. Easier access to euro funding supports use of the euro in trade, finance, and regional liquidity networks.

3. Broader Euro Policy Initiatives
   Euro-zone ministers are reportedly preparing discussions on euro-denominated stablecoins and joint EU debt issuance to further strengthen the currency’s global footprint. These talks reflect an emerging push toward European monetary instruments that can compete with dollar-centered systems.

4. Market and Geopolitical Context
   The move occurs amid mounting concerns about dollar reliability — including policy unpredictability and growing diversification of central bank reserves. Investors are increasing allocations to gold and alternative assets as confidence in the existing fiat hierarchy weakens.

Why It Matters

• Reserve Currency Competition: Expanding euro liquidity signals an active challenge to the dollar’s unrivaled position, pushing the global system toward a multipolar reserve currency structure.

• Monetary Diplomacy Over Policy Neutrality: Central banks are no longer passive actors; they’re using liquidity access and credit arrangements as strategic tools to bind partners and influence global finance.

• Institutional Confidence Shifts: With investors increasingly diversifying into gold and non-dollar assets, the ECB’s moves could entrench these trends and accelerate structural realignment.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

• Diversification Pressure: As central banks seek alternatives, currency reserve compositions are shifting, potentially weakening traditional dollar dominance and elevating the euro’s relative share.

• Strategic Asset Importance: Growing euro liquidity access, emerging stablecoin frameworks, and joint debt issuance discussions may reshape how global capital allocates across fiat currencies and digital monetary instruments.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1 – Monetary Transition Stress
The ECB’s outreach reflects a monetary system under stress: the traditional dollar-centric framework is losing unchallenged control. As central banks seek alternatives and diversify reserves, confidence in long-established monetary hierarchies becomes fragile, accelerating structural transition pressures.

Pillar 2 – Paper vs. Physical Divide
While euro liquidity lines and policy instruments remain rooted in fiat structures, the trend of reserve diversification — including gold accumulation outside dollar assets — underscores the widening gap between paper monetary instruments and perceived tangible stores of value. This dynamic deepens systemic distrust in fiat dominance and reinforces demand for real assets.

Seeds of Wisdom Team View

The ECB’s expansion of euro liquidity access is a quiet revolution in global monetary policy — one that shifts from passive monetary stewardship to assertive currency diplomacy. This isn’t just about easing liquidity during stress; it’s about offering an institutional alternative to the U.S. dollar at a time when confidence in traditional fiat hierarchies is fraying. As reserve diversification intensifies and strategic instruments emerge, the global financial order is tilting toward a more multipolar architecture.

This is not just liquidity policy — it’s a strategic play to elevate the euro as a viable alternative in a fracturing global financial order.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — “ECB’s safety net is part of EU plan to court new allies”

• Reuters — “ECB to widen access to euro loans in bid to boost global role, sources say”

• Reuters — “Euro zone ministers to weigh euro-stablecoins, more joint debt issuance to boost role of euro, economic security”

• MarketMinute — “The Golden Pivot: Central Banks Decouple from the Dollar as Reserves Surge Past 900 Tonnes”

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TURKEY REKINDLES PUSH TO JOIN BRICS WITH CHINA’S HELP

Ankara deepens strategic ties with Beijing as part of a multipolar realignment of global alliances

Overview

Turkey has renewed its bid to join the BRICS bloc, actively seeking China’s diplomatic support to secure full membership at the 2026 summit. Although its 2024 application did not result in full accession — with BRICS instead offering “partner country” status — Ankara is intensifying negotiations with Beijing and other members to break the current impasse. This effort comes as the bloc continues to expand and as emerging powers seek alternatives to Western-centric structures. 

Key Developments

1. Diplomacy with BRICS Members
   Turkey’s Ambassador to China is now holding talks in Beijing to strengthen Ankara’s bid for full BRICS membership, reflecting a strategic outreach to one of the bloc’s largest and most influential members.

2. Partner Country Status as Transitional Step
   BRICS has previously offered Turkey “partner country” status, which may serve as a pathway to full membership — though Ankara has not publicly confirmed acceptance.

3. Geopolitical Balancing Act
   Turkey maintains complex ties with Western institutions (like NATO and the EU) while seeking to deepen economic and political cooperation with China, Russia, and other BRICS members — a multifaceted approach that reflects Ankara’s pursuit of strategic autonomy.

4. Pakistan and Other Aspirants
   Simultaneously, Pakistan’s desire to join BRICS has been reiterated by its government, highlighting a broader trend of Global South actors seeking inclusion in the bloc.

Why It Matters

• Multipolar Shift: Turkey’s BRICS push signals a broader challenge to the traditional Western-led order, reinforcing the bloc’s role as a platform for alternative geopolitical alignments.

• Economic Diversification: For Ankara, BRICS engagement represents access to alternative finance mechanisms, trade networks, and infrastructure cooperation beyond EU and Western frameworks.

• Consensus Politics: Unlike NATO or the EU, BRICS decisions require unanimous approval, meaning Turkey’s bid — and China’s support — will test internal cohesion and strategic priorities among member states.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

• FX & Reserve Diversification: Successful Turkish accession would expand BRICS’ demographic and economic weight — reinforcing its argument for diversified reserves and alternatives to dollar-centric financial arrangements.

• Regional Financial Integration: Deepening economic cooperation between Turkey and BRICS countries may accelerate trade settlement in local currencies, influencing long-term currency substitution trends.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1 – Monetary Transition Stress
Turkey’s bid to join BRICS exemplifies how middle powers are responding to stress in the existing monetary landscape — seeking alliances that may offer alternatives to traditional dollar-centric systems. This momentum suggests growing institutional competition between Western financial orders and emerging multipolar networks.

Pillar 2 – Paper vs. Physical Divide
The BRICS expansion debate highlights systemic friction between established fiat currency networks and emerging blocs that emphasize trade, infrastructure financing, and alternative reserve arrangements. Turkey’s pivot illustrates how nations are weighing strategic economic autonomy over entrenched financial dependencies.

Seeds of Wisdom Team View

Turkey’s renewed BRICS membership effort — backed by sustained engagement with China and broader BRICS members — is not merely diplomatic theatre. It reflects a strategic rebalancing in global governance and economic architecture. As Ankara moves to diversify alliances beyond Western institutions, its entry into BRICS would be a symbolic and practical milestone in the ongoing shift toward a multipolar global system.

This may not just be geopolitical posturing — it’s a deliberate pivot toward alternative economic and political networks that could reshape post-Western order dynamics.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• watcher.guru — “Efforts For Turkey To Join BRICS Underway With China’s Help”

• Turkiye Today — “BRICS offers Türkiye ‘partner country’ status”

• Global Times — “Turkey does not subscribe to anti-China rhetoric, hopes to enhance economic cooperation with Beijing: Ambassador”

• Business Recorder — “Pakistan reiterates desire to join BRICS”

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🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.
You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:  
• No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:
• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence
• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.       Verify everything.
Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Saturday Morning 2-7-26

S&P Affirms Iraq's Credit Rating With A Stable Outlook

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad    Standard & Poor's (S&P) credit rating agency has affirmed Iraq's credit rating at B-/B with a stable outlook.

According to a previous World Bank report, Iraq remains committed to pursuing stability and sustainable growth, despite the significant challenges it has faced in recent years, including the war against terrorism and economic fluctuations.

The government has focused on rebuilding infrastructure, improving public services, and pushing forward economic reforms, supported by international partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable development and human capital development.

The World Bank noted that Iraq’s oil-based growth model has been a major source of economic instability, limiting its ability to achieve stable growth and sustainable development. Continued reliance on oil revenues makes the Iraqi economy more vulnerable to risks amid the accelerating global shift towards reducing carbon emissions.

The bank explained that Iraq is among the countries most exposed to the effects and shocks of climate change, both in terms of physical risks, such as rising temperatures, water scarcity and extreme weather events, and in terms of financial vulnerabilities that exacerbate these challenges.  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65424

More Than 1.2 Million Tons... Remarkable Growth In Non-Oil Trade Between Iran And The Kurdistan Region

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad  The border crossings in the Kurdistan Region recorded a remarkable increase in non-oil trade with Iran, with exports coming from the Iranian Kurdistan province through these crossings reaching about 1.27 million tons, with a total value of $643 million.

Customs data indicated that the volume of goods imported through border crossings linked to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq reached approximately 217,000 tons, with an estimated value of $650 million, reflecting the growing land trade between the two sides.

The Kurdistan Region has several official border crossings with Iran, most notably the Haji Omran crossing located northeast of Erbil Governorate, opposite the Iranian Tamarjin (Piranshahr) crossing, and the Bashmakh crossing in Penjwen District of Sulaymaniyah Governorate, which is adjacent to Kurdistan Governorate in Iran.

The Bashmakh border crossing is one of the most prominent crossings linking Iraq, via the Kurdistan Region, with Iran, and it plays an important role in supporting trade and the flow of non-oil goods between the two countries. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65423

Iraq Faces A Crucial Economic Test: Customs Tariffs Caught Between The Flames Of Protests And The Option Of Reform. 

Economy News – Baghdad    Amid a volatile economic climate and increasing pressure on the local market, Iraq has entered a new phase of trade and economic tension with the General Authority of Customs announcing the implementation of the new customs tariff starting from the beginning of 2026, at a rate of 15% on luxury goods.

This move, which came under the slogan of "regulating trade and supporting the national product," sparked mixed reactions, which quickly turned into field protests and calls for a general strike, amid warnings of its repercussions on the Iraqi economy, traders, and consumers alike.

Earlier, the Director General of the Authority, Thamer Qasim Dawood, explained that the decision excludes basic and essential goods that affect the lives of citizens, noting that new fees were imposed that also included the automotive sector, through the mandatory application of Iraqi specifications to imported goods, and the imposition of fees on hybrid cars for the first time.

The amendments also included unifying the rates of fees on medicines and medical supplies at 5%, imposing a new tax at a similar rate on gold, in addition to adopting the electronic “ASYCUDA” system as a tool for collecting tax deposits and regulating import operations.

In contrast, the Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, believes that these measures—despite their difficulty—fall within the realm of financial and economic reform. He argues that they represent an attempt to reduce trade distortions, combat fraud and manipulation, protect external transfer channels from financial corruption, and support local production.

Saleh added during his interview with “Al-Eqtisad News” that these steps also contribute to maintaining the integrity of external transfer routes and reducing financial corruption phenomena, adding that the customs tariff came based on an economic policy reading of the country’s financial reality, and on orientations aimed at supporting the national product and regulating foreign trade, and that this option falls within the sovereign discretionary powers of economic policy.

He explained that imposing this tariff aims to achieve a delicate balance between maximizing public revenues on the one hand and maintaining economic stability and preventing market imbalances on the other, stressing that the success of these measures remains linked to the ability of the market and economic actors to gradually adapt to them.

The debate didn't stop at the government's explanation; it extended to the voices of experts and market players. Economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi warned that implementing the ASYCUDA system in conjunction with increased customs duties led to a sharp decline in trade volume and a drop in state customs revenues equivalent to 71 billion dinars in just one month.

He also pointed to the direct impact of these measures on more than one million traders and about 350,000 commercial establishments, which are now suffering from a slowdown in the movement of goods and the accumulation of containers in the country’s ports, especially in the port of Umm Qasr.

The crisis reached its peak with the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce announcing a complete closure of markets starting Sunday, February 2, 2026, in protest against what it described as the "excessive customs burden," demanding urgent government intervention to mitigate economic damage and expedite customs clearance procedures.

A few days ago, the General Authority of Customs in the Ministry of Finance issued a directive to adopt a reduction rate of 25% on the average import values ​​recorded in the ASYCUDA system.

Over the past month, Iraq has witnessed angry demonstrations in several provinces, protesting the decision to impose new taxes and fees, and to apply customs tariffs to imported goods.  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65418

Customs Denies "Unprecedented Increase": Current Tariff Conforms To International Standards; Traders Threaten Strike

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   The director of the Iraqi Customs Authority, Thamer Qasim, confirmed on Saturday that the customs tariff currently in place is based on international standards, and there is no such thing as an "unprecedented increase" in the tariff. 

Qasim said, "The General Authority of Customs is an executive body to implement the decisions issued by the government, and it has completed all procedures and implemented the ASYCUDA system and applied the Customs Tariff Law and the classification of goods based on type." 

He explained that "some traders see an increase because the trader used to rely on a fixed fee, and this is not internationally acceptable. Today, we have adopted international standards, procedures, and demarcation as is the case in neighboring countries."

Qassem pointed out that there is no such thing as an "unprecedented increase in customs tariffs," but rather it is a departure from the fixed fee and the adoption of a system of tariffs on goods and merchandise.

He explained that "the customs tariff on cars exists, and the exemption was only on hybrid cars, and customs duties were imposed on the import of hybrids, and this exists and is approved in neighboring countries and regional countries."

Traders, who called for a general strike at all customs outlets, described the increase in tariffs and additional fees as an outrageous rise that will negatively affect trade and local markets.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65425

Iraq Ranks Seventeenth Globally On The List Of Countries With The Cheapest Gasoline Prices.

Economy News – Baghdad   The Eco Iraq Observatory announced that Iraq ranks seventeenth globally on the list of countries with the cheapest gasoline prices. While revealing a government trend to increase the prices of oil derivatives in order to maximize state revenues, it warned of the repercussions of this step due to the direct economic damage it may cause to citizens and market activity.

The observatory said in a statement received by "Al-Eqtisad News" that "cars in Iraq consume about one billion liters of gasoline of various types every month, as well as similar quantities of gas oil."

He pointed out that “Iraq ranks seventeenth globally in terms of the cheapest fuel prices, with the price of a liter of gasoline being about $0.649, while the global average is $1.30 per liter,” indicating that “the government’s direction is towards raising prices under the pretext of the high cost of local production, as well as seeking to maximize the revenues of the state, which is suffering from a deficit.”

The observatory added that "the potential increase will include all products, including gasoline, gas oil, kerosene, jet fuel, and fuel oil."

The observatory strongly criticized this move, considering that it “will lead to higher transportation, production and service costs, and its direct impact on the prices of basic commodities, as well as putting pressure on citizens’ purchasing power and slowing down market activity.”

The observatory also warned that "raising fuel prices could exacerbate inflation rates and negatively affect commercial and industrial activity," calling on the government to carefully study financial alternatives and not impose additional burdens on citizens in light of the current economic conditions. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=65417

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-REER-Global Integration-Financial System-In Final Stage

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-REER-Global Integration-Financial System-In Final Stage

2-6-2026

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPgHKRD4OQw

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Friday Afternoon 2-6-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

U.S. and EU Accelerate Critical Minerals Stockpiling

Strategic resources replace free-market assumptions

Overview

The United States and European Union have accelerated coordinated efforts to stockpile critical minerals essential for defense systems, clean energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing. This marks a strategic shift away from just-in-time global supply chains toward national and bloc-level resource security.

Key Developments

• The U.S. launched Project Vault, a multibillion-dollar initiative to secure critical mineral reserves.

• EU nations including France, Germany, and Italy are leading coordinated stockpiling efforts.

• Policies aim to reduce dependency on Chinese supply chains for rare earths and battery materials.

• Governments are treating minerals as strategic assets rather than market commodities.

Why It Matters

Control over critical minerals now underpins industrial capacity, military readiness, and energy transition goals. Stockpiling reflects a structural shift toward economic nationalism and strategic planning.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

As minerals become strategic reserves, currencies linked to resource security gain long-term relevance.
Reserve diversification weakens single-currency dominance, supporting multipolar trade settlement and regional monetary blocs.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1 – Supply Chain Sovereignty
Resource control replaces globalization assumptions with strategic stockpiling and domestic resilience.

Pillar 2 – Bloc Economics
Allied nations coordinate reserves, reinforcing bloc-based trade and financial systems.

In the new economy, resources are power — not just commodities.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

Reuters — “Sustainable Switch: U.S. and EU stockpile critical minerals”

Reuters — “Italy, France and Germany to lead EU critical materials stockpiling plan”

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Bank of England Holds Rates as Markets Reprice the Future

Monetary caution signals turning point

Overview

The Bank of England voted narrowly to hold interest rates steady, triggering immediate market reactions and reinforcing expectations of rate cuts later this year. The decision highlights growing concerns about slowing growth and softening inflation across major economies.

Key Developments

• The Monetary Policy Committee voted 5–4 to hold rates unchanged.

• Sterling weakened following the announcement as markets priced in future cuts.

• UK gilt yields declined, reflecting shifting investor expectations.

• Policymakers acknowledged rising downside risks to economic growth.

Why It Matters

Central bank caution signals the end of aggressive tightening cycles. As monetary policy pivots, capital flows, currencies, and asset valuations adjust globally.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Interest-rate divergence weakens currency stability and increases demand for diversification.
Reserve diversification weakens single-currency dominance, reinforcing hedging into alternative stores of value.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1 – Monetary Transition
Rate-holding and future easing reflect structural limits of debt-driven economies.

Pillar 2 – Capital Reallocation
Shifting yield expectations accelerate movement into hard assets, emerging markets, and non-traditional reserves.

When central banks hesitate, the system speaks

Sources

Reuters — “Bank of England leaves rates unchanged after tight vote, sterling falls”

Investing.com — “Bank of England governor signals possible rate cuts after close vote”

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BRICS Intra-Bloc Trade Surpasses US$1.2 Trillion as Global Commerce Shifts

Verified data confirms accelerating BRICS trade integration and multipolar realignment

Overview

Verified international trade data confirms that intra-BRICS trade exports exceeded US$1.2 trillion by 2024, reflecting a sustained and measurable expansion of economic integration among BRICS nations. While some reports have overstated recent milestones, authoritative sources such as UNCTAD show that BRICS trade growth is real, structural, and accelerating—reshaping global commerce patterns as emerging economies deepen cooperation outside traditional Western-centric systems.

Key Developments

1. Intra-BRICS Trade Exceeds US$1.2 Trillion
According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), exports traded within BRICS countries rose from just US$84 billion in 2003 to approximately US$1.2 trillion by 2024, marking one of the most significant long-term trade integration trends in the global economy.

2. BRICS Nations Account for a Major Share of Global Trade
Official BRICS data shows member nations now represent roughly 26% of global goods trade, with combined exports nearing US$6 trillion in recent reporting periods. This growth reflects expanding South-South trade relationships and reduced dependence on traditional trans-Atlantic trade corridors.

3. China, India, and Russia Drive Trade Momentum
China remains the dominant exporter within BRICS, while India’s total external trade exceeded US$800 billion, and Russia’s bilateral trade with China surpassed US$200 billion annually. These trade corridors form the backbone of BRICS economic integration.

4. Expansion Strengthens Trade Networks
The inclusion of newer members such as UAE, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia has expanded trade connectivity across energy, manufacturing, logistics, and commodities, reinforcing the bloc’s economic gravity.

Why It Matters

The verified rise in BRICS trade highlights a durable shift toward multipolar commerce:

• Trade is increasingly routed through non-Western corridors

• Emerging economies are coordinating production and consumption internally

• Supply chains are diversifying away from legacy hubs

This is not a short-term surge—it reflects two decades of compounding integration.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

As BRICS trade volumes grow internally, local-currency settlements and bilateral trade agreements gain traction. While the US dollar remains dominant globally, expanding intra-BRICS trade reduces exclusive reliance on dollar-based settlement systems over time and introduces incremental pressure on legacy reserve structures.

Implications for the Global Reset

Pillar 1: Multipolar Trade Architecture

BRICS trade growth confirms the emergence of parallel trade ecosystems that operate alongside—rather than beneath—Western frameworks.

Pillar 2: Economic Sovereignty

Deeper intra-bloc trade enhances national policy flexibility, reduces exposure to external shocks, and supports long-term financial independence for participating nations.

This is not speculation — it is a data-verified structural transition.

This is not just trade — it is global economic re-balancing in motion.

Seeds of Wisdom Team / Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

UNCTAD — “Trade and Development Report 2025: BRICS Trade Integration Trends”

BRICS Official Portal — “BRICS Foreign Trade Data and Global Trade Share”

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🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.
You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:   • No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:
• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence
• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.       Verify everything.
Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

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