Trump and Xi Jingping summit: How are the United States and China redefining their relationship?

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As tensions over trade, Taiwan, technology, and global influence intensify, the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping may determine the future balance of power between Washington and Beijing. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Sulaimani, Iraq | 13 May 2026 — Kurdish Policy Analysis "We don't have permanent allies and we don't have permanent enemies, only our interests are permanent, and we have to follow them." – Henry John Temple. The root of the current Strait of Hormuz tensions is not only about shipping routes or oil prices, but also about the final collapse of the historical US concept towards Beijing. However, the 2025 National Security Strategy, released by the White House in November, says this was a historic mistake because China used the assets it accumulated to strengthen itself and compete with the West, not to become their partner. For many years, the United States alone maintained maritime security; The fifth US ship in Manama, Bahrain, worked only to keep o...
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When gold surges like this… something bigger is coming in Iraq

Baghdad and Erbil see rising gold prices as demand and global trends push rates higher

ERBIL, April 11 (Kurdish Policy Analysis)

Gold prices in Iraq remained on an upward trajectory on Saturday, hovering around 1.03 million Iraqi dinars per mithqal in both Baghdad and Erbil markets, reflecting continued demand amid economic uncertainty.

A market survey by Shafaq News Agency showed that gold prices rose across key trading hubs, with Baghdad’s main bullion market on Al-Nahr Street recording notable gains compared to earlier in the week.

BAGHDAD MARKETS EDGE HIGHER

In Baghdad, the selling price for 21-carat gold—covering Gulf, Turkish, and European imports—reached:

  • 1,024,000 IQD per mithqal (5 grams) selling price
  • 1,020,000 IQD buying price

This marks an increase from 1,014,000 IQD recorded on Thursday, signaling steady upward momentum.

Meanwhile, locally produced 21-carat Iraqi gold traded slightly lower:

  • 994,000 IQD selling price
  • 990,000 IQD buying price

Retail jewelry stores reported even higher price bands, with Gulf gold ranging between:

  • 1,025,000 – 1,035,000 IQD per mithqal

Iraqi gold in retail markets ranged between:

  • 995,000 – 1,005,000 IQD

ERBIL PRICES FOLLOW SAME TREND

In Erbil, gold prices mirrored Baghdad’s upward movement, with higher purity levels commanding premium rates:

  • 22-carat gold: 1,079,000 IQD per mithqal
  • 21-carat gold: 1,030,000 IQD
  • 18-carat gold: 883,000 IQD

The consistency across both cities suggests a nationwide pricing trend influenced by global gold markets and local currency dynamics.

MARKET DRIVERS

Traders attribute the price rise to several overlapping factors:

  • Global gold strength, driven by economic uncertainty and safe-haven demand
  • Exchange rate fluctuations affecting import costs
  • Local demand, particularly for jewelry and savings amid inflation concerns

Gold remains a key store of value in Iraq, especially during periods of political and economic volatility.

OUTLOOK

With prices steadily climbing over recent days, market participants expect continued volatility in the short term. Any further movement in global gold benchmarks or shifts in the Iraqi dinar could quickly translate into higher local prices.

For now, the 1 million IQD threshold per mithqal appears to be holding—potentially setting a new baseline for Iraq’s gold market.

#Iraq #GoldPrices #Baghdad #Erbil #Economy #Inflation #Markets #IQD #MiddleEast


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