Iraq to Loosen Purse Strings?
By John Lee. A new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts more government spending in the current year. In its Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East, the IMF says: "In Iraq, the fiscal stance is expected to loosen somewhat as the receipt of previously delayed donor financing relaxes the cash constraint faced […]
Kurdistan Region "Safe and Secure for Investment"
The Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan has said the Region is safe and secure for investment, and encouraged foreign businesses to return to Kurdistan after the defeat of the so-called Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) terror organization. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a new five-star hotel in Erbil, Nechirvan Barzani said: "Lebanese investors […]
New Career Opportunities in Iraqi Kurdistan
By John Lee. The United Nations has advertised new positions in Iraqi Kurdistan: Urban Data Analyst, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Human Settlements Officer, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Procurement Officer, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Protection Project Manager, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Finance and Administration Assistant, United Nations Assistance Mission for […]
New Career Opportunities in Iraq
By John Lee. The United Nations has advertised new positions in Iraq: P&C Officer, World Vision Adolescent Development Officer, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Driver, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Security Assistant, World Food Programme (WFP) Area Coordinator, Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED) (Source: UN)
Military Strikes Hit ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq
U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria on Tuesday, conducting 11 strikes consisting of 53 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported yesterday. Officials reported details of yesterday’s strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria In Syria, […]
Currency Auction Results, 4th May
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has reported that 35 banks and 11 remittance companies took part in its currency auction on Thursday. A total of $159,555,532 sold at a price of 1184 Iraqi Dinars (IQD) per dollar. (Source: Central Bank of Iraq)
Kuwait Energy announces Fundraising for Iraq Development
By John Lee. Kuwait Energy has announced that it intends to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO), and to list on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). In a statement to the markets this morning, the company said it expected to raise gross primary proceeds of approximately $150 million from the […]
$500m Cash Intercepted at Baghdad Airport
By John Lee. Officials at Baghdad International Airport have reportedly intercepted a shipment of dollars and euros worth a total of $500m (£389m). Writing in The Independent, Patrick Cockburn claims the cash was contained in 23 large bags unloaded from a Qatari plane, and was intended as a ransom for 24 Qataris, several of them […]
Major US Contractor Accused of Smuggling, Trafficking
By John Lee. US-based Sallyport Global is alleged to have turned a blind eye to alcohol smuggling, theft, security violations, and allegations of sex trafficking at its site in Iraq. An Associated Press investigation claims that the company, that was paid $686 million to secure Iraq’s Balad Air Base, also fired the investigators who uncovered the alleged […]
No Improvement on Press Freedom in Iraq
By John Lee. Iraq has failed to improve its rating in the World Press Freedom Index for 2017, again ranking 158th out of 180 countries. The result puts Iraq behind countries such as Turkey and Kazakhstan, but ahead of Iran and Libya. First place went to Norway, with North Korea coming last. Reporters Without Borders […]
More than 300 Iraqi Civilians Killled in April
A total of 317 Iraqi civilians were killed and another 403 injured in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in Iraq in April 2017*, according to casualty figures recorded by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The number of civilians killed in April (not including police) was 309, while the number of […]
Currency Auction Results, 3rd May
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has reported that 38 banks and 11 remittance companies took part in its currency auction on Wednesday. A total of $159,531,681 sold at a price of 1184 Iraqi Dinars (IQD) per dollar. (Source: Central Bank of Iraq)