Iraq May Be Forced to Change the Dinar Rate – MP Jamal Kochar Warns

February 18, 2026·36 min·2 clips

Former Parliamentary Finance Committee chair Jamal Kochar warns Iraq faces a cash crisis and that changing the dinar's value is 'a very dangerous option' — but the government has $108 billion in reserves.

1. My FX Buddies covers Iraqi dinar investment news in a Tuesday February 17th episode titled 'Iraq May Be Forced to Change the Dinar Rate — MP Jamal Kochar Warns.' 2. The host is a solo presenter who reviews news articles and video clips in a casual, screen-share format; no guests appear. 3. The core concern of the episode is whether Iraq's cash liquidity crisis will force a change to the Iraqi dinar exchange rate — an outcome the host and most viewers would consider negative for dinar investors. 4. Jamal Kochar, identified as a current or former head of Iraq's Parliamentary Finance Committee, stated Iraq faces a cash crisis and that adjusting the dinar's value is 'a very dangerous option' that governments 'when forced, put the burden on citizens.' 5. A separate Iraqi financial analyst quoted in the episode called the situation a 'hypothetical financial crisis' or 'cash crunch,' not a structural crisis, noting Iraq holds $108 billion in gold and reserves. 6. The Trade Bank of Iraq posted on Twitter that it is stopping the receipt and processing of new loan applications for employees who receive their salaries through the bank, citing either Ramadan or the liquidity crisis. 7. Iraq's government reportedly took 'billions of dinars' from commercial banks in a prior episode, leaving banks without funds to pay salaries or process transactions. 8. The US threatened Iraq with sanctions 'harsher than those imposed in 1991,' according to Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Hoshar Zebari, targeting SOMO, the central bank, and any government including sanctioned-faction ministers. 9. SOMO, Iraq's state oil marketing company, had recently announced plans to distribute oil globally — a plan that US sanctions would likely block. 10. Washington issued a 'categorical rejection' of Nouri al-Maliki's candidacy for Prime Minister, with one US statement warning Iraq would 'have no chance of success, prosperity, or freedom' without American assistance. 11. Seven parties within Iraq's coordination framework have formally demanded Maliki withdraw his candidacy, up from six as of the episode's recording. 12. Maliki has conditioned withdrawal on a formal majority or unanimous request from the coordination framework, which has not yet occurred despite the growing opposition count. 13. Iraq's parliament held a session that 'became the scene of a violent clash' — house speaker Halabusi introduced two agenda items not scheduled for the session and pushed through a vote, prompting deputy Atrushi to intervene, scream at Halabusi, and announce a federal court case. 14. Iraq increased its holdings of US Treasury bonds by more than $1 billion, which the host speculates may be an attempt to demonstrate goodwill to Washington. 15. Ernst & Young was announced as the second international firm contracted to audit and monitor an Iraqi bank — Oliver Wyman was the first — following a cabinet meeting attended by Prime Minister Sudani and Finance Minister Fuad Hussein. 16. An Iraqi-UAE consortium announced a $700 million 'WorldLink' fast data cable network project, which the host notes aligns with Iraq's stated interest in two major data centers. 17. The episode's tone is casual and conversational — the host navigates browser tabs live on screen, occasionally loses her place, and addresses regular viewers by nickname. 18. The format is a solo screen-share news review with embedded videos and article summaries, posted to both YouTube and audio podcast platforms. 19. Iraqi dinar investors and followers of Iraq's political-economic developments who monitor potential revaluation signals will find this episode most relevant. 20. Listeners seeking neutral economic analysis, investment advice, or structured financial reporting will find the format too informal and speculative.

As heard by us

A loose, talkative Iraq finance update with a few detours.

This episode spends most of its time on Iraq's dinar and the latest financial news around it, including measures aimed at market stability and protecting citizens' purchasing power. It also covers Iraq's holdings of U.S.

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You want Iraq market chatter with a few side roads.

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