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Iraq exports ~4.5M oil barrels to US in October Economy & BusinessiraqbreakingoilUSExportsEIA 2025-11-17 / 03:11 Shafaq News – Washington Iraq’s crude oil exports to the United States climbed above 4 million barrels in October, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). The country shipped 4.495 million barrels to the US last month, up from 4.2 million barrels in September. Weekly flows fluctuated sharply: an average of 40,000 barrels per day in the first week of October, 255,000 bpd in the second, 92,000 bpd in the third, and 195,000 bpd in the final week. Iraq ranked fourth globally among crude suppliers to the United States in October, following Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. Regionally, it was the second-largest Arab exporter to the US after Saudi Arabia, whose shipments totaled 9.3 million barrels. Libya followed with 2.232 million barrels. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-exports-4-5M-oil-barrels-to-US-in-October

Iraq backs Lukoil contracts following sanctions Economy & BusinessbreakingLukoilMohammad Shia Al-Sudani 2025-11-17 / 05:30 Shafaq News – Baghdad On Monday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed Baghdad’s commitment to protecting Lukoil’s contracts and keeping oil output stable. According to a statement from his office, al-Sudani met Lukoil founder Vagit Alekperov to discuss measures to sustain production after US sanctions disrupted the company’s operations and delayed its agreements. The meeting also addressed global supply stability and Iraq’s output from West Qurna, where Lukoil produces about 480,000 barrels per day. Reuters earlier reported that Lukoil declared force majeure at West Qurna-2 after operations and cargo loadings were affected, leaving employees unpaid for six weeks. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-backs-Lukoil-contracts-following-sanctions

Dollar prices drop in Baghdad and Erbil markets on Closure Economy & BusinesserbilBaghdadDollar prices 2025-11-17 / 05:49 Shafaq News – Baghdad / Erbil On Monday evening, the exchange rates оf the US dollar edged lower against the Iraqi dinar in Baghdad and Erbil. According to Shafaq News Agency's survey, the dollar's rates decreased with the closure оf the central Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges in Baghdad, settling at 141,250 dinars for every 100 dollars, while they recorded 141,400 dinars in the morning. The selling and buying rates at currency exchange stores in Baghdad were set at 142,250 IQD and 140,250 IQD per 100 USD, respectively. Erbil's selling price reached 141,950 dinars for every 100 dollars, and the buying price was 140,750. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-prices-drop-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-7-5-5

President Barzani discusses new US trade avenues Kurdistan Regionbreaking 2025-11-17 / 05:37 Shafaq News – Erbil On Monday, Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani discussed trade relations with a delegation from the United States' Business Council. According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the meeting reviewed the current state of US–Kurdistan commercial ties, highlighting areas where economic cooperation could expand. Barzani reaffirmed the Region’s readiness to facilitate US companies and investors, exactly a year after Kurdish and American companies signed an agreement to enhance coordination in trade and investment, during a visit by a delegation of 30 American companies. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/President-Barzani-discusses-new-US-trade-avenues

Iraq seals deal to hunt stolen funds and track corruption suspects Securityiraqbreakingcorruptionstolen fundsSoufan Group 2025-11-17 / 01:27 Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq signed a cooperation agreement on Monday to accelerate the recovery of stolen public funds and the handover of fugitives wanted in major corruption cases. The deal was concluded in Baghdad between the Federal Integrity Commission and the Soufan Group - a global intelligence and security consultancy - with both sides committing to deeper coordination on tracking financial networks, recovering assets abroad, and building direct channels with foreign law-enforcement bodies, including Interpol. During his meeting with Ali Soufan, director of the Soufan Group, Federal Integrity Commission chief Muhammad Ali al-Lami stated that the agreement is designed to strengthen Iraq’s ability to pursue high-profile corruption cases that span multiple jurisdictions. He noted that Iraqi authorities, working with executive and judicial bodies, have already secured the return of 51 wanted individuals from overseas. Read more: Iraq grapples with rampant corruption, failed planning as billions vanish and billionaires spawn The partnership covers specialized training for Iraqi investigators in digital forensics, modern financial-tracking tools, and artificial intelligence systems used to detect forged documents. It also includes support for advanced interviewing and behavioral-analysis techniques to bolster complex investigations. Al-Lami stressed that developing technical capacity is essential for following money flows across traditional and digital banking systems and for ensuring Iraqi teams can match the sophistication of transnational corruption networks. Read more: Corruption scandals, "Theft of the Century" push Iraq’s political crisis to the brink The Soufan Group is founded and led by former FBI Special Agent Ali Soufan, known for his counterterrorism work after 9/11. The firm operates across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, providing governments and major institutions with expertise in intelligence analysis, financial-crime tracking, cyber investigations, and high-risk security planning. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-seals-deal-to-hunt-stolen-funds-and-track-corruption-suspects

Iran: Israel can not attack us Middle EastbreakingiranIsraelWar 2025-11-17 / 04:11 Shafaq News – Tehran Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman Brig. Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini said Israel can not launch a new war against Iran, Mehr News reported on Monday. According to the outlet, he described talk of renewed conflict as psychological warfare rather than a real threat. Naeini contrasted the recent Iran–Israel clash with the eight-year Iran–Iraq War, calling it one of Iran’s shortest yet most consequential confrontations, marked by missile strikes, cyber operations, and AI-driven tactics, far from the conventional fighting of the 1980s. Iran, he noted, restored its command structure within an hour after losing several officers in the first Israeli strike. A major missile response followed 12 hours later, thanks to "long-term planning built on the assumption that war was inevitable.” A long-term plan to try to eliminate Israel, as has been stated so many timers - for no reason..! It's a spiritual war..! RON “Iran’s forces are at peak readiness and any future conflict would be harsher for the opposing side,” he added. To continue reading, click here. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-Israel-can-not-attack-us

Berlin to lift arms suspension on Israel in one week InternationalbreakingGermanyIsraelGaza warArms EmbargoGaza Ceasefiresuspension 2025-11-17 / 06:14 Shafaq News – Berlin Germany will resume arms exports to Israel on November 24, ending a suspension imposed in August 2025 during the Gaza war, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius confirmed Monday. Kornelius told the German Press Agency (dpa) that the decision follows a period of relative calm after the October 10 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which ended a two-year war that killed over 69,000 Palestinians, and aligns with Berlin’s support for renewed diplomacy and increased humanitarian aid in Gaza. He noted that all future arms transfers will be evaluated individually, with German authorities closely tracking conditions on the ground. Germany, Israel’s second-largest weapons supplier after the United States, halted select shipments three months ago under growing public pressure—particularly regarding systems potentially used in Gaza—while continuing to deliver equipment deemed essential to Israel’s external defense. Kornelius stressed that Berlin remains committed to long-term regional stability and will continue funding both emergency relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. https://www.shafaq.com/en/World/Berlin-to-lift-arms-suspension-on-Israel-in-one-week

This could be a problem for al-Sudani - Maliki was always the issue..!

SLC's al-Maliki calls for “strong" government PoliticsbreakingPUKNouri al-MalikiThe State of Law 2025-11-17 / 07:16 Shafaq News – Baghdad On Monday, Iraq's State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki urged stepped-up efforts to form a “strong government” during separate meetings in Baghdad. According to a statement from State of Law, the meetings with delegations from the National Al-Nahj Bloc and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan included discussions on political developments and ongoing talks among major blocs. Al-Maliki called for accelerating government formation and emphasized the need for “practical programs,” while the two delegations affirmed their commitment to continued coordination and a shared national vision. Iraq held special and general voting on November 9 and 11 with turnout at 56.11%. State of Law won 30 seats as blocs now move into government-negotiation talks. Read more: Iraq’s post-election roadmap: From ballot to government formation https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-s-al-Maliki-calls-for-strong-government

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 11-17-2025 Mnt Goat Article: “AFP: SUDANI COALITION ACHIEVES MAJOR VICTORY IN IRAQI ELECTIONS” ...the coalition of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani achieved a major victory in the parliamentary elections held on Tuesday. All I can say is THANK GOD Al-Sudani is going to have a second term...We needed to see a stable government for our January reinstatement. Since these two events are so close, a bad election would certainly have postponed what we are looking for. Let’s keep praying. nothing goes wrong.

Thanks for posting this interesting article - it gives us some additional insight.!

Added @ 10:41 PM MDT: 11-16-2025 Frank26 I don't believe in Global Currency Reset I'm sorry. But there is going to be a major shift and it's because of Donald Trump. It's not because of some Global Currency Reset garbage.

https://www.givehim15.com/post/november-14-2025 November 14, 2025 Review Holy Spirit gave my friend, Chuck Pierce, a very important prophetic word this past weekend. It refers to a seven-day window and assignment, running from this past Monday through this upcoming Sunday (Nov. 10-16). During this week-long window, the Lord is asking us to release praise to Him three times a day. The seven days have obviously already begun, but you can still participate. Please do so, perhaps even adding a few days, so that you also do a total of seven days. God would certainly honor that. You can find Chuck’s prophetic word and my explanation in Wednesday’s post. Today I want to talk about why we praise the Lord, which I also did yesterday. Why would God ask for this? Our title is: The Invitation God loves being with us. Consider the following invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). The Almighty, the Creator, the Everlasting God of heaven and earth wants some time with us. Do you, like me, find it interesting that He knocks on the door? I suppose God could simply knock it down. Or just walk through it! But that would be an intrusion, and God doesn’t intrude into our space; He waits to be invited in. Like anyone, He wants to be celebrated, not tolerated. Two hidden meanings in this verse reveal far deeper insights than can be seen through a casual reading. The word “sup” in this verse is not a generic word for eating. This is the word in biblical times for the main evening meal. The Jewish new day began in the evening, at sunset. At this evening meal, the family would discuss the day’s events, and while doing so, the new day would begin and be planned. Jesus is saying to us in this verse, “Let me into your world. Let’s dine, fellowship, and plan the new day.” A second possible interpretation is given in the margin of The Passion Translation: “The Aramaic can be translated ‘I have been standing at the door, knocking.’ Jesus knocking on the door points us to the process of an ancient Jewish wedding invitation. In the days of Jesus, a bridegroom and his father would come to the door of the bride-to-be carrying the betrothal cup of wine and the bride-price. Standing outside, they would knock. If she fully opened the door, she was saying, ‘Yes, I will be your bride.’ Jesus and his Father, in the same way, are knocking on the doors of our hearts, inviting us to be the bride of Christ.” What an invitation! In this verse, the Lord began by saying, “If any man hears My voice . . .” Hearing and discerning God’s voice is not a gift, but a learned art. We must learn to commune with the Lord as a real person and on a personal level. When you take the time to wait and listen, you learn to allow God to be a part of your thinking. His thoughts become yours. The obvious insinuation in this phrase is that our actions, not His, will determine whether or not we hear Him. Again, sensitivity is learned and developed. Like the frequencies on a radio, our minds and hearts must tune in. A few years ago, one of my staff members shared a humorous episode about listening. “My sister-in-law was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner and planning for various family activities. As she did, her young daughter spoke to her about several different and important things in her life, to which mom would periodically mumble, ‘Uh-huh.’ Finally, wanting to do something to make this more of a two-sided conversation, the little girl tugged on her mother’s arm to get her full attention. Once she knew her mother was really listening, she said, ‘Mom, why don’t you talk for a while now, and I’ll say Uh-huh.’”(1) I can’t help but wonder how often God is knocking and calling, only to find us so busy we really aren’t listening. He will never treat us this way. You’ll never find Him so busy with others or so distracted running the universe that He feigns attentiveness to you, mumbling “uh-huh” while actually thinking about something else. He has plenty of undistracted time for you, and He’d like some in return. The Scriptures tell us God is actually “searching” for this level of relationship. From the moment we were separated from Him by Adam’s sin, He began the search. “Where are you?” He called to Adam and Eve as they hid from Him (Genesis 3:9). Incredibly, we’re told that His eyes “move to and fro” throughout the earth looking for those whose hearts are fully His (2 Chronicles 16:9). One of my favorite Bible stories as a young kid was of a man named Zacchaeus. He was a hated tax collector who had become wealthy, most likely by defrauding people, charging them more than they actually owed. Somehow, this man had become enamored with Jesus, so much so that he climbed a tree to get a good look at Him as He passed through his village. Jesus wanted Zacchaeus to get more than a look, however; He invited Himself over for dinner! “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house” (Luke 19:5). Jesus knocked, and Zacchaeus opened. The visit was obviously impactful - it always is when Jesus comes over for dinner. “Lord, half of my possessions I’ll give to the poor,” he promised before the dinner ended, “and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much” (Luke 19:8). When challenged as to why He would be the guest of this thieving “sinner,” Jesus merely referenced His own “searching heart.” “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Christ simply has an insatiable desire to eat and fellowship with friends, family, and seekers. Jesus was on a mission then; He’s on the same mission now. He wants some time and conversation with you. The next time He knocks, open the door. Make your house one of the regular stops for His searching eyes. Let no distraction interfere. May your heart always remain an open door to Jesus, as you seek to mature in the art of discerning His knock and voice. As His eyes search this world for a surrendered heart with which to commune, may His gaze always stop with you. Welcome Him to sit at the supper table of your soul to dine and dialogue with you. As we give Him praise today, fulfilling the word from the prophet, let’s not do it out of duty. That will bring neither Him nor us any pleasure. Do it from the heart, knowing that He wants to spend time with us. Invite Jesus into your world and our nation. When He shows up, His enemies scatter; they melt like wax in front of a fire (Psalm 68:1-2). What a way to win a battle! Pray this Psalm with me: “God! Arise with awesome power, and every one of your enemies will scatter in fear! Chase them away—all these God-haters. Blow them away as a puff of smoke. Melt them away like wax in the fire. One good look at You and the wicked vanish. But let all the righteous be glad! Yes, let them all rejoice in Your presence and be carried away with gladness. Let them laugh and be radiant with joy! Let them sing their celebration songs for the coming of the cloud rider whose name is Yahweh! “To the fatherless, He is a father. To the widow, He is a champion friend. The lonely He makes part of a family. The prisoners He leads into prosperity until they sing for joy. This is our Holy God in His Holy Place! But for the rebels, there is heartache and despair. “O Lord, it was You who marched in front of Your people, leading them through the wasteland. (Pause in His presence) The earth shook beneath Your feet; the heavens filled with clouds before the presence of the God of Sinai. The sacred mountain shook at the sight of the face of Israel’s God. You, O God, sent the reviving rain upon Your weary inheritance, showers of blessing to refresh it. So there Your people settled. And in Your kindness, You provided the poor with abundance.” (Psalm 68:1-10 TPT) ********************** Click on the link below to watch the full video. --------------------------------------------- Dutch Sheets, Watchman Prayer (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2000), 47.

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 11-16-2025 Sandy Ingram The BIS (Bank of International Settlements), this is the big dog. It's the bank of banks. It's the bank of all central banks. It's the central bank that is the head honcho for central banks around the world. They have 63 members of the most financial enable banks in the world. Is this the invisible monster that controls what happens to the currencies of smaller countries around the world including Iraq? These 63 central banks represent about 95% of the world's total GDP. Meaning the entire global economy is connected to the BIS in some way. The Middle East is almost completely left out of the members bank's enrollment. You have to ask yourself, what effect would this have on Iraq's currency readjustment? 11-16-2025 Pimpy People are confusing nominal value and exchange rate. There's a difference between what an exchange rate is and what the nominal rate is. The nominal value is the amount on your bank note. The exchange rate is what you get to exchange your currency for another country's currency.

Major Iraqi blocs push for rapid government formation Politicsiraqbreakingelections 2025-11-16 / 14:00 Shafaq News – Baghdad On Sunday, State of Law leader Nouri al-Maliki and Taqaddum chief Mohammad al-Halbousi stressed the need to form a government capable of “meeting citizens’ demands.” According to a brief statement from State of Law, al-Maliki received al-Halbousi in Baghdad, where the two agreed on the urgency of moving forward with forming this government. In the recent vote, al-Maliki’s State of Law won 30 seats within the Shiite Coordination Framework, while al-Halbousi’s Taqaddum emerged as the leading Sunni party after placing second nationwide, with 33 seats. The elections, held on November 11 with turnout at 56.11%, produced no clear majority, leaving the formation of the next government to negotiations among the major blocs. Iraq’s political system is based on power-sharing, with the prime minister traditionally drawn from the Shia community, the parliament speaker from the Sunni community, and the president from the Kurdish community. Read more: Iraq’s post-election road map: From ballot to government formation https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Major-Iraqi-blocs-push-for-rapid-government-formation

Leader Barzani: No limits on KDP partners Kurdistan RegionbreakingelectionsMasoud BarzaniKDP 2025-11-16 / 09:54 Shafaq News – Erbil On Sunday, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani said his party would work with any political bloc "committed" to the Iraqi constitution without limits. Speaking after meeting British Ambassador to Iraq Irfan Siddiq, Barzani said the post-election period requires firm action to pass long-delayed laws, including those on oil and gas, a file stalled for years despite repeated calls from both Baghdad and Erbil. Pre-election tensions must end, he said – including those involving the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) – and urged unified Kurdish coordination in Baghdad. Iraq wrapped up its November 11 parliamentary elections with turnout exceeding 55%, with the KDP winning more than one million votes and securing 26 seats. Read more: The Kurdish spine of Iraq’s elections: Unity tested by division https://www.shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/Leader-Barzani-No-limits-on-KDP-partners

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 11-16-2025 Militia Man Joining the Bank International Settlements would be a really big move. But are they going to really do that at 1310? Highly not likely. 11-16-2025 Kaperoni Article: "Foreign reserves jump over $3B by September" 11-16-2025 Frank26 Question: "How long do you think we will have to exchange our three zero notes?" There is the rumor, the scuttlebutt, is 90-day window. But I don't know that to be a fact. But it comes from [boots on the ground bank contact] Omar, which I have great respect for. If you recall, Shabibi said the IQD notes would coexist for an extended period of time. 11-16-2025 Nader From The Mid East You're going to see a lot of article the next couple of weeks. You're going to see some things crazy like you never heard all of it before - removing this, doing that, removing only this. It's all B.S. They just want to get people far away from it. They don't want you guys to know how many zeros they're going to delete. 11-16-2025 Sandy Ingram Prime Minister, Al-Sudani celebrated a big win in Iraq's election because his team won the most votes. But he still faces a huge problem to stay in office for a second term. His team doesn't just need more votes. His team needs to build an alliance that controls more than half of the parliament (329 seats). Unfortunately for Sudani his victory of about 50 seats is not enough. A very powerful group is determined to stop him. The pro-iron group is unhappy with Sudani because they feel he has become too balanced working with both the United States and other Arab countries. The Coordinated Framework's different teams won more seats combined than Sudani's team did alone. They believe they can join forces, pick a different leader and successfully block Sudani from getting his second chance. 😞

Nechirvan Barzani as Iraq’s President: How could this scenario reshape the country’s future? Opinion & AnalysisiraqbreakingNechirvan BarzaniKDPKurdistan region 2025-11-16 / 08:09 Shafaq News In the crowded landscape of Iraqi politics, dominated by competing and often clashing personalities, the name of Nechirvan Barzani stands out as a calm exception. Known in Baghdad primarily as the “Kurdish negotiator” and the President of the Kurdistan Region, he has in recent weeks been mentioned in an entirely different context—not as a mediator between Erbil and the capital, but as a potential candidate for the presidency of Iraq itself. This shift in how his name is discussed within debates over Iraq’s political future points to a deeper conversation: whether the post-2003 system is still capable of producing the same faces and rules, or whether the moment for rethinking who occupies the Peace Palace has come sooner than official statements acknowledge. Since 2003, Iraqis have grown accustomed to a fixed formula for dividing top positions based on sectarian and ethnic balances rather than the ballot box alone. Within the Kurdish political sphere, the Peace Palace in Baghdad (the Presidential Palace) traditionally falls to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), while the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) retains the presidency of the Region and its executive weight in Erbil. Breaking this arrangement would not merely replace names—it would redistribute long-established balances between al-Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, and among Baghdad partners, at a time when the old alignments appear less solid than they were two decades ago. Read more: Nechirvan Barzani: The Man with the Map Meanwhile, voices from outside the Kurdistan Region—some from southern Shia communities, others from Sunni-majority cities—have begun openly discussing Nechirvan Barzani as a potential presidential candidate. Some politicians view his network of relationships as an opportunity to ease tensions with neighboring states and give the ostensibly “ceremonial” position a new dimension. Observers see his name as embodying a different model of governance from what Baghdad has known. Conversely, the PUK clings to what it considers a historical entitlement, closely monitoring any indication that the office could shift toward its rival party. Ihsan Al-Shammari, head of the Iraqi Center for Political Thought, argues that any forthcoming change is unlikely to alter the power-sharing equation between Iraq’s communities; rather, it would unfold within the Kurdish house itself, potentially transferring the presidency from the PUK to the KDP. From this perspective, Barzani appears the most likely candidate. As the face of the Region’s strongest party and a figure who enjoys broad, cross-communal acceptance, he is known for managing balances and resolving crises between Baghdad and Erbil, while also untangling complex issues in Iraq’s foreign relations. These qualities position him as a candidate capable of uniting a wide spectrum of political forces. Questions of Shifting Amid these debates, one question emerges not as a hypothetical, but as a real political test of post-2003 norms: does the balance of power in Baghdad, Erbil, and al-Sulaymaniyah permit Nechirvan Barzani to move from mediator in disputes with Baghdad to President of Iraq? Or will discussions of his candidacy remain merely a tool in reciprocal political pressure games? One autumn evening in Baghdad, this question moved beyond analysis to the public statements of a key political player. In a televised interview, Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani declared that, if he became Prime Minister, he would include in his program the selection of Nechirvan Barzani as President and Mohammed Al-Halbousi as Parliament Speaker, stressing that this was his personal wish, announced openly. In a country accustomed to resolving top posts behind closed doors among party leaders, it was striking that this proposal came from a southern Shia politician asserting Basra’s growing influence and claiming the right to nominate its partners for both the presidency and parliamentary leadership. The scenario remains part of ongoing negotiations, but its public circulation revives a longstanding discussion in research centers and negotiation rooms: the possibility of Nechirvan Barzani moving from the presidency of the Kurdistan Region to the Iraqi presidency, and the potential reshaping of political rules this could entail. Read more: Nechirvan Barzani: A quiet architect of Kurdish statecraft Post-2003 Power-Sharing Since Saddam Hussein’s regime fell, an unwritten formula for sharing power emerged: the Prime Minister from the Shia community, the Parliament Speaker from the Sunni community, and the President from the Kurdish community. Since the 2005 constitution, all Iraqi presidents have come from the PUK—beginning with Jalal Talabani, followed by Fuad Masum, Barham Salih, and Abdul Latif Rashid. This arrangement was not cost-free but guaranteed Kurdish parties a permanent seat at Baghdad’s negotiating table, allowing leverage over oil, budget, and federalism. Today, with the KDP’s rising influence in both regional and federal elections, this formula faces a new test. From Barzan to the Peace Palace? Nechirvan Idris Barzani, born in 1966 in Barzan, has sustained a political career spanning more than 25 years in the Kurdish executive sphere. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of the region in the 1990s, led the regional government in multiple cabinets between 1999 and 2009, returned from 2012 to 2019, and was elected President of the Kurdistan Region by the Kurdistan Parliament in June 2019. During these years, he built a reputation as a calm politician favoring negotiation over escalation, managing complex relations with Baghdad, Ankara, Tehran, and Washington during the rise of ISIS, the 2017 independence referendum, and its aftermath. For many Kurds, parts of his tenure corresponded to a “golden decade,” marked by urban growth and economic openness, creating an image of relative stability compared to Baghdad’s turmoil. Talk of Barzani as Iraq’s president predates Al-Eidani’s statement. In May 2020, Shafaq News published an analytical report titled “Nechirvan Barzani as President of Iraq,” examining the scenario from legal and political perspectives. The report noted his fluency in Arabic and cited legal opinions confirming that the constitution does not require the president to speak Arabic—eligibility rests on citizenship, age, competence, and a clean criminal record. Constitutionally, no barrier exists; political hurdles revolve around Baghdad-Erbil-al-Sulaymaniyah power balances. In April 2021, the question followed him into a lengthy interview with Al-Sharqiya TV. Asked if Iraqis might see him as a future president, Barzani replied, “Why not? I am also Iraqi, and the Iraqi constitution and law allow this,” though he clarified that he had not considered it at the time, emphasizing that the presidency is a great honor and he is ready to serve the country wherever he can contribute. This answer, principled yet cautious, opens the door in theory but closes it in timing—neither outright refusal nor early campaign, reflecting his signature avoidance of confrontation. The novelty now is that political and popular circles outside the Region are supporting this prospect, not merely Kurdish writers or analysts close to the KDP. Read more: Nechirvan Barzani launches Kurdistan election campaign, calls for civil and transparent process What Barzani Brings to the Peace Palace? If this scenario materializes, the Kurdish president would inherit a post often viewed as ceremonial but in fact carrying three key instruments of influence: The legitimacy of the arbiter: While limited in executive powers, the President can assign the Prime Minister, sign laws, and refer matters to the constitutional court—powers amplified in Iraq’s system of extreme checks and balances. Networks of influence: Over the years, Barzani has built extensive ties with regional and international capitals—from Tehran to Ankara, across Arab and European cities, and within the US administration, where Donald Trump publicly praised him. He regularly participates in regional dialogues and research forums, presenting himself as a partner committed to the constitution, federalism, and dialogue to overcome Iraq’s crises. Experience managing a semi-autonomous entity: Leading the Kurdistan Region government and then the presidency, Barzani navigated daily negotiations with Baghdad over oil, budgets, borders, and disputed territories, consistently advocating that Iraq belongs to all its communities and that every citizen deserves dignity and welfare. In the Peace Palace, these experiences could translate into an unwritten agenda for bridging the gap between constitutional text and implementation, reducing the distance between Erbil and Baghdad—provided he retains sufficient political maneuvering room and is not confined to representing only Kurdistan. Kurdish Politics as the First Hurdle Any realistic scenario for Barzani’s presidency faces an internal Kurdish wall. The PUK, despite losing significant regional influence, still sees the presidency as its symbolic stronghold, guarding a delicate balance against KDP encroachment on Kurdish power. Conversely, the KDP leverages its electoral strength and alliances with Shia and Sunni forces in Baghdad to argue that the time has come to modernize norms and claim the presidency, as it does in the Region—especially after 2022 disputes over its candidate delayed government formation for months. From Baghdad’s perspective, Barzani as President could help reconnect with the Region, particularly as the central government seeks solutions for the oil export crisis under pressure from both Washington and Tehran. A Kurdish leader maintaining balanced relations with the US and Iran could provide crucial flexibility for a Prime Minister navigating these challenges. In Erbil and al-Sulaymaniyah, his potential move raises questions about succession in the Kurdistan Region and redistribution of power within the KDP. Read more: Nechirvan Barzani: A Catalyst for Diplomatic Progress and Political Unity in Kurdistan and Iraq Does Barzani Truly Want the Post? Barzani’s discourse on the Iraqi presidency is inextricably linked to the KDP's strategy. He rarely acts outside the framework defined by Kurdish interests and, more broadly, Iraqi national interests. In the coming weeks, the central question is less about his personal ambition and more about whether Kurdish leadership deems the moment right to break tradition with the PUK, and whether it has sufficient partners in Baghdad to enact this shift without internal rupture. The significance of this scenario lies not only in Barzani’s prospects and capabilities, but also in the questions it raises about Iraq’s political system. The mere serious discussion of a Kurdish President ascending to the federal presidency signals that internal Kurdish norms are no longer untouchable, and that Shia and Sunni forces are willing to view the office as a broader negotiating card beyond the PUK. Ultimately, the contemplation of a President for Iraq emerging from Erbil with these qualifications indicates that the country is testing the limits of norms that have constrained it for two decades. It transforms the presidency into a genuine negotiating tool, revealing that the post-2003 formula is no longer invulnerable, and that introducing a new experience to Iraq’s highest office could fundamentally rewrite the rules of the game. Written and edited by Shafaq News staff. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Report/Nechirvan-Barzani-as-Iraq-s-President-How-could-this-scenario-reshape-the-country-s-future

Post-election talks: CF to narrow 15-name list for premiership PoliticsiraqIraqi governmentCFNext PM 2025-11-16 /11:20 Shafaq News – Baghdad Leaders of the Coordination Framework (CF) will review 15 candidates this week for Iraq’s next prime minister, including incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Intelligence Service chief Hamid al-Shatri, a source from the CF told Shafaq News on Sunday. The source stated that the meeting will convene after the electoral commission announces the final results and al-Sudani returns from his visit to the Kurdistan Region. It will address the mechanism for forming the government, the shortlist of nominees for the premiership, and early understandings on political and party alliances. The prime minister’s post is traditionally reserved for the Shia component, making the Framework — an alliance of ruling Shia political forces — the main arena for selecting the next candidate. “Current indicators strongly favor al-Sudani for a second term due to the backing he enjoys locally, regionally, and internationally, though his candidacy remains tied to staying within the Framework,” the source said. He also noted that the alliance has prepared several scenarios in case al-Sudani chooses to form a separate parliamentary bloc, adding that names circulating outside the official shortlist are meant to confuse the political landscape and undermine the CF. A separate political source told Shafaq News that senior Shia leaders have agreed that none of the top-winning figures may break away from the alliance, and that the next prime minister will be chosen from within the CF. Read more: Indecisive victory: PM Al-Sudani's second term faces Shiite balancing act On November 13, a day after the electoral commission announced preliminary results, Iraqi election-monitoring organizations published a table showing the initial seat distribution for the 2025 parliamentary elections. According to the document, Shia lists secured about 187 of 329 general seats, including several won on Sunni lists. Within the CF, al-Sudani’s al-Ima'ar wal-Tanmiya (Reconstruction and Development) won 45 seats, followed by Nouri al-Maliki’s E’tilaf Dawlat al-Qanoun (State of Law Coalition) with 30 seats. The Sadiqoon bloc, led by Qais al-Khazali, took 26, Badr, headed by Hadi al-Ameri, won 19, and the Quwa al-Dawla al-Wataniyah (National State Forces) of Ammar al-Hakim secured 18. Read more: 20 Years of voting patterns: Why Iraqis continue to elevate the sitting Prime Minister’s list https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Post-election-talks-CF-to-narrow-15-name-list-for-premiership

Consensus push shapes early talks to form Iraq’s new government PoliticsbreakinggovernmentThe State of Law CoalitionNovember elections 2025-11-16 / 09:53 Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq’s E’tilaf Dawlat al-Qanoun (State of Law Coalition) led by Nouri al-Maliki, signaled on Sunday that it is inclined to endorse a consensus nominee for the formation of the next government. Senior coalition figure Amer al-Khuzaie told Shafaq News that preliminary negotiations among blocs have already begun. He said discussions over selection criteria are underway and may ultimately lead to a compromise nominee, noting that vote counts “have not determined the premiership since 2014.” He added that the final decision will depend on agreement within the Coordination Framework. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced it has completed counting all remaining polling stations and expects to publish the final results of the 2025 parliamentary elections later on Sunday or Monday. Within the Coordination Framework — the alliance of ruling Shia parties — the State of Law Coalition took 30 seats, Sadiqoon led by Qais al-Khazali gained 26, Badr organization headed by Hadi al-Ameri secured 19, and the Quwa al-Dawla al-Wataniyah (National State Forces) led by Ammar al-Hakim obtained 18. Read more: Iraq’s post-election roadmap: From ballot togovernment formation https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Consensus-push-shapes-early-talks-to-form-Iraq-s-new-government

CF names envoy to open talks with al-Sadr PoliticsiraqMuqtada Al-Sadrgovernment formationCF 2025-11-16 / 09:19 Shafaq News – Baghdad The Coordination Framework (CF) has agreed to appoint a representative to meet the Patriotic Shiite Movement Leader Muqtada al-Sadr and brief him on government formation talks, a source within the bloc told Shafaq News on Sunday. Al-Sadr boycotted the recent parliamentary elections despite repeated attempts by prominent political figures to persuade him to participate. In the 2021 elections, his movement had won 73 out of 329 seats — the largest bloc in parliament — before he ordered his lawmakers to resign, citing what he described as entrenched “corruption.” The source said discussions are ongoing regarding the structure of the incoming government, as well as ways to address potential obstacles, adding that communication with al-Sadr remains part of the process. The chosen envoy enjoys the confidence of the CF’s factions and is acceptable to Muqtada al-Sadr, the source said, adding that the representative will visit al-Sadr once the final election results are announced and formally ratified Read more: Iraq’s post-election road map: From ballot to government formation Iraq concluded its sixth parliamentary elections since 2003 with voter turnout exceeding 56%, according to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s al-Ima'ar wal-Tanmiya (Reconstruction and Development) bloc led in eight of Iraq’s 18 provinces, winning 46 seats. The Taqaddum (Progress) headed by Mohammed al-Halbousi followed with 33. Read more: Unsettled victory: Al-Sudani between a second term and Shiite power balances Within the Coordination Framework — the alliance of ruling Shia parties — Nouri al-Maliki’s E’tilaf Dawlat al-Qanoun (State of Law Coalition) took 30 seats, Sadiqoon led by Qais al-Khazali gained 26, Badr organization headed by Hadi al-Ameri secured 19, and the Quwa al-Dawla al-Wataniyah (National State Forces) led by Ammar al-Hakim obtained 18. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/CF-names-envoy-to-open-talks-with-al-Sadr

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 11-16-2025 Pimpy Everybody's pretty excited about al-Sudani winning again. Make sure you're careful. People are claiming that al-Sudani is already the Prime Minister for a second term. That's not true. He's a leader of his particular political block. They won. That's why they're giving him congratulations because he's well on his way to becoming prime minister, but there's more involved than that. Keep your fingers crossed. Al-Sudani is halfway there. He's got the largest blocks but he needs to form a much stronger Shite block within the government to then be appointed to the prime minister. I feel pretty confident he'll get there. 11-16-2025 Militia Man There's a very interesting thing that's taking place today. It's an article with Sudani from Newsweek. It's going to come out on November 21st. I think it has some serious significance with timing. Iraq has been really vocal that she's doing things, but there's a lot of things in the background they're not telling us. Many different things haven't been exposed yet because it's about an exchange rate. The BIS, IMF, United States Treasury Federal Reserve and everybody have to be very quiet about certain things. But they have to give education. That article in Newsweek is about the Prime Minister Sudani and his plan to Make Iraq Great Again. It's not just a feel good story. To me and I think to the world, it's a signal. It's a real sign Iraq is getting ready for a major changes in money, trade and global standing. It's Newsweek for crying out loud.

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 11-16-2025 Frank26 There was a wonderful release from an American Magazine called Newsweek...concerning the Iraqi Prime Minister... Newsweek is telling the world it's time to shine. Do you think 1310 deserves to be put in any spotlight? What is it Newsweek is trying to tell the international world? Time to shine, prime minister. It's going to shine like a diamond.

CBI Currency Exchange Rates Sunday - 11/16/2025 Currency Converter US dollar USD 1310,000 Euro EUR 1522.089 Pound Sterling GBP 1722.454 Canadian Dollar CAD 934.513 Swiss Franc CHF 1652.371 Swedish krone SEK 139.124 Norwegian krone NOK 130,383 Danish krone DKK 203.824 Japanese yen JPY 8.455 Chinese Yuan CNY 184.606 UAE Dirham AED 356.705 Jordanian Dinar JOD 1850.282 Australian Dollar AUD 858.967 Saudi Arabian Riyal SAR 349.333 Omani Rial OMR 3407.022 Turkish Lira TRY 31.028 Special Drawing Rights SDR 1781.783 Gold for a 24-ounce Gold 5,422,430,000

Divided in alliances, united in purpose: Feyli Kurds push for power in Iraq’s new parliament Opinion & AnalysisiraqParliamentFeyli Kurds 2025-11-16 / 04:15 Shafaq News Divided across rival alliances but converging on a shared political mission, Feyli Kurdish candidates are entering Iraq’s new parliament with influence that exceeds their limited numbers. Their rise comes at a time of intense political fragmentation — with competing Shia poles, divided Kurdish parties, and multiple Sunni alliances — giving smaller actors unexpected leverage. For the Feylis, the question is whether representation spread across different blocs can be converted into a coordinated push for long-delayed rights, recognition, and justice. A Community Pushing Beyond Geography and Quotas Unlike other Kurdish representatives who operate mainly within the Kurdistan Region’s political framework, Feyli candidates campaigned across Baghdad, Diyala, Wasit, and other provinces — reflecting both demographic spread and a drive to move beyond quota-based politics and into national decision-making. For years, Feyli Kurds had no guaranteed parliamentary seat. Until 2018, they lacked minority allocation despite the presence of quotas for Christians, Shabak, Yazidis, and Sabeans. The law was amended in March 2023, granting them a single national seat. Under the revised Article 15, minorities now vote in one nationwide constituency — meaning a voter in Basra can cast a ballot for a Feyli candidate in Wasit. These amendments provided a legal opening for representation but did not resolve the challenge of building a cohesive political structure. Read more: Genocide survivors: Feyli Kurds seek true political representation A National Voice Haidar Ali Abu Tara secured the Feyli quota seat with 17,174 votes on the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) list. He told Shafaq News he is “determined to follow [KDP] Leader Masoud Barzani’s guidance in serving the Iraqi people — of all components, ethnicities, and backgrounds — from Fao to Zakho.” He outlined a program centered on institutional strength and political cohesion, with priorities that include “working to unify the voice and ranks of the Feyli community, which suffered greatly during the past decades and has yet to regain its legitimate rights,” alongside enhancing legislative and oversight performance. His alignment with the KDP places him inside a major Kurdish power center while also carrying expectations that he will operate nationally. It inserts Feyli representation into the competitive KDP–Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) landscape, where minority outreach has become part of a broader parliamentary strategy. Baghdad candidate Ali Shamel received 4,000 votes and may become the first alternate. He told Shafaq News, “Despite receiving congratulations from many, my victory is not yet confirmed,” noting that his total “may not qualify me to secure a seat in the next parliament and could place me as the first reserve.” Running independently, Shamel welcomed the success of other Feyli candidates, stressing that parliament is “not a personal goal for me, but a way to serve Iraq through important legislation that benefits the country and supports the rights of marginalized groups.” “Feyli MPs across different lists will represent Iraq well and will exert their utmost efforts in serving the nation.” In Diyala, Nazik Ahmed won more than 7,000 votes on the Al-Azm Alliance list led by Muthanna al-Samarrai. She said her victory carries “a great responsibility to provide services to Diyala, which suffers from deteriorating health conditions and other essential sectors,” while stressing that parliamentary duty “does not stop at serving Diyala or the Kurdish community alone, but extends to serving Iraq and all Iraqis in a manner that meets public expectations.” She underscored the centrality of legislative and oversight roles in supporting stability and development. Her presence within Al-Azm highlights Sunni alliances’ interest in minority candidates, particularly in contested areas like Diyala, where political legitimacy depends on cross-community appeal. Feyli MPs now sit within different alliances — including the KDP, Al-Azm, and independent lists — giving them access to varied negotiation channels. However, this diversity also underscores the absence of a unified political structure. Before the elections, Feyli affairs adviser Fouad Ali Akbar noted that “political money is unequal and therefore candidates do not compete fairly,” adding that Feyli political discourse is typically national in tone, rooted in a history of suffering and a search for identity. He warned that the younger generation “does not have a complete understanding of the Feylis’ suffering,” calling for renewed community awareness. Read more: Stateless in their homeland: The unending exile of Iraq’s Feyli Kurds Against this background, the central challenge emerges: Can Feyli representatives turn moral legitimacy into real political leverage? The Regional Layer: Identity, Influence, and Strategic Competition Feylis’ mixed Kurdish–Shia identity places them at a political crossroads involving Baghdad, Erbil, and Tehran. Iran maintains historical and social ties with Feyli communities, particularly those deported during the Baath era. Its influence over Iraq’s Shia parties indirectly affects how minority files move in parliament, especially for Feyli MPs aligned with the Shiite Coordination Framework. For the KDP, Feyli representation contributes to a broader push to expand Kurdish influence in Baghdad. A successful Feyli figure strengthens the party’s narrative of national outreach and intensifies competition with the PUK, which has long cultivated relationships with minority communities. Sunni alliances such as Al-Azm utilize minority candidates to signal moderation and broaden their coalition in mixed provinces like Diyala, giving Feyli figures access to political arenas typically dominated by local tribal actors. Together, these dynamics place Feyli MPs at the center of overlapping political contests. Their effectiveness will depend on balancing community priorities with the expectations of the alliances that backed them. The Unfinished Files That Will Define Their Work Baath-era crimes remain the core of the Feyli legislative agenda. Nearly half a million were deported, tens of thousands lost citizenship, and over 15,000 young men remain missing. Despite the formal recognition of genocide, files related to citizenship, compensation, missing persons, property restitution, and political representation remain unresolved. These dossiers require legislative coordination and committee influence. The Legal Committee handles citizenship and reparations, while the Human Rights Committee oversees missing-persons cases and mass-grave investigations. Past parliaments failed to advance these files largely because major blocs allocated political capital elsewhere. To avoid a repeat, Feyli MPs must secure space in key committees or build alliances with members who hold those seats. Success will depend on coordinated efforts. Their presence across multiple alliances gives them broad access, but without internal coordination, larger blocs could absorb their agenda symbolically without delivering concrete outcomes. What the Next Parliamentary Term Could Look Like The new parliament offers both opportunity and risk for Feyli representation. Several trajectories are possible: 1. Forming a cross-party Feyli caucus A small but coordinated caucus focused on core files — citizenship, compensation, missing persons — could gain leverage amid bloc fragmentation. 2. Competing blocs may pull Feyli MPs in different directions The KDP will expect its Feyli representative to reinforce Kurdish influence. Sunni alliances will seek loyalty in the federal–local power debates. Without early coordination, Feyli's priorities may be diluted. 3. Committee influence will determine real outcomes Access to the Legal, Human Rights, Finance, and Migration committees will shape progress on long-stalled files. Without committee roles, movement will depend on larger blocs’ goodwill. 4. The risk: visibility without results Feyli MPs could gain prominence inside their alliances yet fail to advance community files unless they secure concrete commitments within those blocs. Read more: Honoring or ignoring? Feyli Kurds divided over Martyrs' Day designation Ultimately, the next term will determine whether dispersed representation evolves into structured political power — or whether the Feyli cause remains acknowledged but not institutionalized. Their success depends on coordination, committee access, and strategic navigation of Iraq’s fractured parliamentary map. Written and edited by Shafaq News staff. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Report/Divided-in-alliances-united-in-purpose-Feyli-Kurds-push-for-power-in-Iraq-s-new-parliament