AFP: All those handed over to Iraq from ISIS fighters are “emirs in the organization”

Two security officials revealed on Friday that the first batch of ISIS detainees received by Iraq included individuals holding European citizenship who were prominent leaders in the extremist organization .

The two officials told AFP, commenting on Baghdad receiving last Wednesday the first batch of ISIS detainees as part of the US operation to transfer them from Syria, that it includes ISIS leaders and “the most heinous criminals of different nationalities, Europeans, Asians, Arabs and Iraqis .”

The two officials also noted that the group includes “85 Iraqis and 65 foreigners, including Europeans, Sudanese, Somalis and people from the Caucasus countries, all of whom participated in ISIS operations in Iraq, and all of whom are at the level of emirs in the organization .”

Meanwhile, the European Union said reports of foreign fighters from the Islamic State group escaping from detention in Syria were a source of “grave concern,” adding that it was monitoring the transfer of detainees to Iraq .

European Union spokesman Anwar Al-Anouni said that the recent potential escapes of ISIS detainees amid clashes are of grave concern .

He added, “We are closely monitoring the situation, including the transfer of remaining detained fighters to Iraq, including foreign terrorist fighters .”

Last Wednesday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the start of transferring up to 7,000 ISIS detainees held in Syria to “Iraqi-controlled facilities,” in a move aimed at “ensuring that terrorists remain in secure detention facilities .”

She said that 150 detainees were transferred from a prison in Hasakah province (northeast Syria), while Baghdad confirmed receiving the first batch, which includes Iraqis and foreigners .

Shafaq.com

Ukraine reaches agreement with the United States on “post-war guarantees”

On Thursday evening, Ukraine reached an agreement with the United States on what it described as post-war guarantees, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos, Switzerland.

Zelensky confirmed in press statements following his meeting with his American counterpart Donald Trump in the Swiss city that they had reached an agreement on post-war American security guarantees, a key issue in developing a plan to end the war with Russia.

Zelensky told reporters that the issue of security guarantees had been “done”.

The Ukrainian president added, “Both parties, the two presidents, must sign the document, and then it will be submitted to the two national parliaments.”

However, Zelensky pointed out that the issue of the territories claimed by Moscow in eastern Ukraine “has not yet been resolved” in the negotiations to end the war.

He explained, “Everything revolves around the eastern part of our country, everything revolves around the land, this is the problem that we have not yet solved.”

US President Donald Trump announced earlier on Thursday that his meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky was ” very good , ” explaining that his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin was that ” the war in Ukraine must end . ”

Trump spoke briefly to reporters after leaving the meeting with Zelensky, which the White House said lasted about an hour.

Shafaq.com

Sudani receives Trump’s envoy in Baghdad… Numerous issues on the table

Outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed to US President’s envoy to Syria Thomas Barak on Thursday evening the importance of Damascus’s security for Baghdad and the region, while Barak expressed his country’s appreciation for the Iraqi position regarding the recent developments in Syria .

This came during Al-Sudani’s reception of Barak in Baghdad, where they discussed the situation in the region and developments in the Syrian arena, according to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency .

According to the statement, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of security in Syria for Iraq and the region, and the need for cooperation to establish stability and ensure the unity of Syrian territory .

Al-Sudani also pointed out, according to the statement, “the constructive partnership between Iraq and the United States in the field of combating terrorism, establishing the foundations of economic cooperation, sustainable development, and supporting bilateral and regional efforts for prosperity in Iraq and the region .”

The statement quoted Barak as conveying to the Prime Minister “the appreciation of the American President for the Iraqi government’s efforts in supporting stability in the region and managing Iraq’s positions during this sensitive period .”

The statement added that the US envoy “praised the steps taken by the Sudanese government and the performance of the Iraqi security forces in combating terrorism, and Iraq’s openness to international investments and the establishment of economic interdependence, which constituted an important factor for stability .”

Following the meeting, the US envoy posted a message on the “X” platform, which read: “On behalf of the US President and Secretary of State Rubio, we are honored to extend our sincere thanks to the Iraqi government for its outstanding leadership within the international coalition to defeat ISIS, and for its continued willingness to contribute to protecting the international community from the ongoing threat posed by ISIS detainees .”

He added that “Iraq’s vital contributions to promoting stability in Syria, and in the entire region, are indispensable, reflecting a firm commitment to collective security and paving the way for a more peaceful, prosperous and united future for all our neighbors .”

Shafaq.com

During the year, China’s exports to Iraq exceeded $17 billion, an increase of 57%.

The Iraq Future Foundation for Economic Studies and Consultations announced on Friday that China’s exports to Iraq exceeded $17 billion last year, warning of a financial deficit in the next few years due to rising imports for the country.

The head of the organization, economic expert Manar Al-Obaidi, explained in a report published today that direct Chinese exports to Iraq reached more than $17 billion in 2025, an increase of 57% compared to 2020, when they were only $10 billion, according to official data issued by the Chinese Customs Authority.

He added that, in contrast, Iraqi oil exports have decreased to $34 billion. Although Iraq still achieves a trade surplus with China, the rise in imports compared to the decline in the value of exports indicates that the trade balance may turn into a deficit by 2029 unless exports are increased and diversified, and an attempt is made to localize the manufacturing of some goods that could keep the trade balance in Iraq’s favor.

Shafaq.com

Washington welcomes Iraq’s initiative regarding detained ISIS terrorists

The United States welcomed on Thursday Iraq’s initiative to detain members of the ISIS terrorist organization in secure facilities.

Reuters quoted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as saying, “We welcome Iraq’s initiative to detain ISIS terrorists in secure facilities on its territory.”

He added, “Iraq stands on the front lines in confronting the threat of ISIS to all countries,” adding, “We urge countries to assume their responsibilities and repatriate their citizens affiliated with ISIS to face justice.”

Iraq had agreed to receive ISIS terrorists of Iraqi and other nationalities who were detained in prisons that were under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, in cooperation with the international coalition to fight the organization.

It is worth noting that the US Central Command announced Wednesday, the start of transferring ISIS terrorist detainees from Syria to Iraq, adding, “We are coordinating with our partners in the region and the Iraqi government and appreciate their role in ensuring the defeat of ISIS.”

Burathanews.com

The US President’s envoy to Syria praises Iraq’s contributions to promoting stability in the region.

The US President’s Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barak, praised Iraq’s contributions to promoting stability in the region, describing them as “indispensable”.

Barak said in a post on the X platform: “We are very honored to thank the Iraqi government for its exceptional leadership within the international coalition to defeat ISIS, and for its unwavering willingness to help protect the international community from the ongoing threat posed by ISIS detainees.”

He added: “Iraq’s vital contributions to promoting stability in Syria and the wider region are indispensable. They reflect a deep commitment to collective security and pave the way for a more peaceful, prosperous and united future for all our common neighbors.”

Burathanews.com

The banking sector and the new public

The past year, 2025, witnessed tireless activity at various levels in the pursuit of achieving the desired banking reform in Iraq.

On the one hand, the outgoing government made strenuous efforts to reform the state-owned banks, which included merging some banks and making the decision to split Al-Rafidain Bank into two banks. These measures were described as being part of the reform of the state-owned banking sector.

On the other hand, the Central Bank of Iraq, as the supervisory and regulatory body for the work of private (national) banks, played a pivotal role in advancing the reform of this sector, by taking important steps during 2025, the most prominent of which was bringing in the global company “Oliver Wyman”, which is one of the consulting companies specializing in the development of banking and financial systems.

This contract aims to elevate the private banking sector to meet international standards, especially since Iraq is about to enter a phase of developmental and reconstruction renaissance that requires a robust banking sector capable of meeting the needs of international companies wishing to invest in Iraq, after the wars and crises that the country has gone through that have deeply affected its economic structure.

Oliver Wyman established strict conditions and clear requirements for achieving banking reform, obligating banks to comply and emphasizing that those lagging behind or failing to comply could be forced out of the banking sector. These conditions included: increasing bank capital, encouraging bank mergers, and adhering to international standards for governance, solvency, and risk management.

According to the available data, most banks have responded to these requirements and agreed to bear the costs of consultations and repairs.

This raises a fundamental question commensurate with the scale of this response:

After the banks have fulfilled their obligations, what rights and facilities should they receive to enable them to provide banking services that meet the standards of international banks?

Banking experts believe that successful banking reform is a reciprocal process. After banks commit to the new standards, there is an urgent need for an incentive package to help them conduct their banking activities efficiently, especially since a large portion of banks are still subject to various sanctions.

These stimulus packages include financial and funding support, technical assistance and institutional capacity building, regulatory flexibility and a phased approach to implementing requirements, infrastructure and technological system reforms, and opportunities for growth and regional and international partnerships. The success of banking reform depends not only on enforcement but also on integrating obligations with rights and building a banking environment capable of supporting comprehensive economic development in Iraq.

Finally, reforming the banking sector in Iraq cannot be measured solely by the number of regulations or the stringency of the conditions, but rather by its ability to become a genuine engine for economic development. Banks that have responded to the reform requirements and complied with international standards, in turn, need a supportive regulatory environment and practical incentives that enable them to fulfill their natural role in financing, investment, and driving economic growth. Successful banking reform is a balanced partnership between the regulatory authority and the banks, based on the exchange of obligations and rights, a phased implementation, and addressing structural challenges, foremost among them sanctions, weak infrastructure, and limited financing tools. Without this, reform could transform from an opportunity for advancement into a burden that hinders the sector’s effectiveness.

With the start of a new year, the opportunity remains to build a modern, robust Iraqi banking sector that is integrated into the global financial system and capable of meeting the requirements of reconstruction and sustainable development, provided that the reform process is completed with a comprehensive vision that balances discipline and empowerment, and oversight and incentives, in a way that serves the national economy and enhances confidence in the banking system.

Alsabaah.iq

Sudani: We are in contact with Iran and America to find a platform for dialogue between them in Baghdad.

Outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed on Tuesday that Iraq is in contact with Iran and America to find a platform for dialogue between them in Baghdad, noting that the principle of restricting weapons to the state enjoys national consensus and has now become acceptable.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that Al-Sudani received, on Tuesday, the ambassadors of the European Union countries accredited to Iraq.

According to the statement, Al-Sudani said that the 2025 elections represented a turning point in the history of the political process in Iraq, due to the integrity and smoothness of its conduct, and the size of the active participation, which indicated the return of some of the people’s confidence in the political process and the democratic system based on the peaceful transfer of power.

He explained that the government has carried out important structural reforms in various sectors over the past three years, and has been able to attract Arab and foreign investments and provide an attractive environment for the work of the local and foreign private sector, indicating that the principle of restricting weapons to the state enjoys national consensus and has become acceptable and everyone accepts it, and the talk now is about the timing and mechanism, which represents a clear positive development.

Al-Sudani pointed out that the world is living in a state of instability and that there is an erosion of the international system based on laws and rules since World War II, adding that the return of the logic of force and wars and the imposition of the will of one party on others is very dangerous, and we are witnessing it today on a wide scale in more than one place.

Al-Sudani continued, saying that “the current internal and regional challenges call for the formation of a strong government capable of making decisions away from any internal or external dictates,” explaining that “the priority now is to prevent institutional decline in this complex regional and international situation.”

He added that “the Reconstruction and Development Coalition will be a key factor in the political landscape of the next phase, given the popular mandate it has received,” adding: “We are in contact with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the American administration in order to find a dialogue platform in Baghdad between Washington and Tehran.”

Al-Sudani pointed out that his country has made great strides in its relationship with the international coalition, as it has taken full control of the Ain al-Asad base, and the number of coalition advisors in Baghdad has been significantly reduced, with the mission at the Harir base in Erbil to be fully completed in September 2026,” stressing that “Iraq will remain an active partner in the international coalition to fight ISIS, and our coordination continues in the fight against ISIS.”

He also stressed that Syria is experiencing an unstable situation, and we are concerned about the growing presence of ISIS elements and other extremist groups currently inside prisons, pointing to the importance of a transparent political process in Syria that includes everyone, and real steps and procedures to reassure all Syrian components by rejecting terrorism and extremism and respecting human rights.

Al-Sudani also said that “Iraq views Syria and its stability as a very important national and regional priority,” noting that “a stable and unified Syria in which all its components coexist in peace is a fundamental guarantee for the security of the region, and that Iraqi society is cohesive, our security forces are ready and able to impose security, and our borders are secure.”

According to the Prime Minister, the border security measures were taken two years ago based on an advanced reading of events in Syria, indicating that security in Syria requires collective responsibility and real international cooperation, and our position is firm in the immediate cessation of bloodshed in Gaza, stopping the violations in Lebanon, and ending the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Shafaq.com

Head of the Integrity Commission: Our goal is to support investors and protect them from extortion.

The head of the Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, affirmed on Tuesday that one of our main objectives is to support investors and protect them from extortion. A statement from the commission indicated that “the head of the Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, discussed during a meeting with a representative of the World Bank mission ways to enhance transparency standards in contracts and projects funded by the World Bank.”

Al-Lami added that “Iraq has joined all international and regional initiatives aimed at confronting corruption and reducing its avenues,” while stressing that “one of the main objectives of the commission is to prevent corruption before it occurs and to support investors and protect them from extortion.”

In contrast, the representative of the World Bank mission noted “the benefit to international bodies from the Commission’s experience in the Iraqi Academy for Combating Corruption.”

Burathanews.com

Six measures to protect gold and regulate its market: Mazhar Saleh explains Iraq’s vision for national wealth.

The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, outlined six key measures on Monday to regulate the gold market, noting that the Gold City project is a strategic initiative to protect one of the nation’s greatest assets.
Saleh said in a press statement: “The global rise in gold prices has not led to a decline in demand for it in the local market, but rather has contributed to changing its function from an ‘ornamental commodity’ to a ‘savings tool and protection of value,’ stressing the ‘need to adopt a unified national mark and the obligation of modern technical examination to protect household savings.’”

He added that “this functional transformation of the yellow metal makes quality control and government oversight an urgent economic and social necessity, as it protects families’ wealth and enhances confidence in the market,” indicating that “quick and low-cost procedures, such as the unified national marking and rapid technical inspection, represent sufficient means to restore discipline and reduce manipulation.”

Saleh pointed out that “gold remains a symbol of family security and savings for generations in the Iraqi social memory, and with rising prices, it has become part of the tools of unofficial monetary policy, as it is a store of value parallel to the dinar,” noting that “regulating the market is not a formal procedure, but rather a basic condition for building confidence and protecting national wealth.”

Saleh called for “a comprehensive reform of the gold market system, through the adoption of a unified and mandatory Iraqi mark that includes (carat, testing authority, and year of mark), while criminalizing the trading of unmarked gold,” stressing “the importance of strengthening oversight through field testing using modern technologies such as (XRF), which reveals the truth about gold immediately without causing any damage to the pieces.”

The financial advisor added that “the next stage requires regulating gold smelting and import operations through workshop licensing and tightening border inspection, as well as establishing a national register for gold traders and adopting unified official invoices to reduce undocumented trading,” noting that “empowering the consumer through awareness campaigns and effective reporting mechanisms represents a fundamental pillar in this system.”

Saleh concluded his remarks by saying: “The institutional completion of the ‘City of Gold’ project has become an urgent necessity, as it represents the official incubator for protecting this great national wealth and providing the highest standards of legal and professional protection for it.”

Alforatnews.iq