IS IRAQ ENDING THE INFORMAL MARKET? 💥 67% of the Economy HIDDEN!

April 11, 2026·31 min·3 clips

Iraq's financial advisor warns the informal market hides 67% of the economy and is about to get 'the clamps'.

The episode begins with the host promoting his free blog and mentioning a separate article about Tether crypto allegedly used by Iran to bypass sanctions. He then focuses on a key article about Iraq's informal market, citing financial advisor Mohammed Saleh's statement that it represents 67% of the economy and deprives the state of resources. The host interprets this as a warning that Iraq is about to clamp down on the parallel market to integrate it into the formal economy. He argues this is necessary to establish a single exchange rate across the country before a potential dinar revaluation, drawing parallels to informal markets in the US like unlicensed food stalls. The discussion shifts to Iraqi politics, where Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani has rejected proceeding with the presidential election without first resolving the prime minister candidate, leading to a boycott by other parties. The host notes ongoing secret negotiations in Islamabad involving Iran, the US, China, and others, amid a reported slowdown in regional conflict he describes as a 'quasi ceasefire'. He speculates that parties may only agree on a few points before needing to consult their leaders. The episode also covers internal Iranian dynamics, including leaks about the Supreme Leader's poor health and factions labeling Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian a traitor for engaging in talks. The host mentions the US summoning Iraq's ambassador over an incident involving injured FBI agents and the Revolutionary Guard establishing a front in Baghdad. He concludes by thanking listeners and encouraging them to support his channel, while noting the chaotic week and anticipating more developments.

As heard by us

A brisk regional watch that weighs political and conflict headlines against uncertainty on the ground.

My Apex Buddies tracks the uncertainty around a prime minister candidate and the regional effects of what is described as an unofficial ceasefire.

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Why you'd press play

You want an Iraq check-in where a prime minister candidate's move nudges other parties, while unofficial ceasefire signals and a sanctions angle stay unresolved.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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