Tishwash: A mysterious visit and closed-door meetings: Trump’s envoy arrives in Baghdad “secretly” and meets with prominent political leaders.
On Wednesday (October 29, 2025), journalist Hossam Al-Hajj, known for his close ties to political parties, leaked that Mark Savaya, the special envoy of US President Donald Trump, arrived in Baghdad two days prior and held a series of secret meetings with several heads of political blocs.
According to information relayed by Al-Hajj, the meetings took place away from the spotlight and had a sensitive political character, addressing the upcoming American strategy in Iraq, issues related to the American presence, elections, and regional alliances.
There has been no official confirmation yet from the US Embassy or the Iraqi government regarding the visit or details of the meetings held by the US envoy. link
Tishwash: The constitutional clock is ticking… A deputy announces the end date of the parliament’s term and reveals the “last minute” sessions.
Member of Parliament’s Legal Committee, Murtada al-Saadi, revealed on Wednesday (October 29, 2025) the constitutional date for the end of the current session of the House of Representatives, speaking about the possibility of holding limited sessions after the upcoming elections to complete postponed legislation.
Al-Saadi told Baghdad Today, “The current House of Representatives held its first session after taking the constitutional oath on January 9, 2022, and according to constitutional and legal procedures, it can continue to hold sessions and vote on laws until January 9, 2026, that is, after four full years of the current term.”
He explained that “this legal cover gives Parliament the authority to hold sessions, discuss draft laws, conduct readings, and ultimately vote on them,” but he ruled out “holding any new session before November 11, due to the political blocs being preoccupied with election campaigns and field activities.”
He added that “Parliament will hold only one or two sessions after the elections to decide on a group of laws that have reached advanced stages of discussion, especially those that enjoy broad political consensus,” indicating that “a number of these laws have completed the first and second reading stages and are ready to be put to a vote in the coming period.”
This clarification comes as the electoral process enters its final stages, with parliamentary work having been suspended for weeks due to political blocs being preoccupied with alliances and election campaigning. Observers predict that the current session may conclude after the approval of a limited set of laws before the start of the new session in early 2026. link
************
Tishwash: International Smart Card (QiCard) Showcases Iraq’s Fintech Leadership at Money 20/20 USA “From Iraq to the World”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates–(BUSINESS WIRE)–International Smart Card (QiCard), Iraq’s leading provider electronic payment solutions, set to represent Iraq’s rapidly advancing fintech sector at Money 20/20 USA 2025, the world’s most influential event for payments, banking financial innovation, taking place October 26–29, 2025 in Las Vegas.
Official sponsor, International Smart Card (QiCard) marks a defining moment for Iraq’s digital economy demonstrating how a nation once limited by cash is now exporting innovation, financial inclusion, trusted technology globally.
“QiCard was born from a belief that Iraq can be a source of innovation, not just a beneficiary of it,” said Ali Moneim, CEO of International Smart Card (QiCard). “Our participation at Money 20/20 isn’t simply about presence; it’s about proudly sharing an Iraqi success story that has transformed millions of lives through secure and accessible financial technology.”
At the event, QiCard will showcase its biometric smart card systems, secure e-payment infrastructure, and pioneering financial inclusion initiatives that have empowered over 19 million citizens and 50,000 merchants across Iraq. The company’s mission extends beyond technology — it seeks to build a connected Iraq where digital trust and economic participation are within everyone’s reach.
“Our growth has always been driven by empathy and accessibility,” said Ahmed Kadhim, CIO at International Smart Card (QiCard). “Every innovation begins with the needs of our people — from retirees to students and that human-first approach is what we’re proud to present to the global fintech community.”
Money 20/20 USA brings together more than 10,000 industry leaders from financial institutions, regulators, and investors to shape the future of finance. QiCard’s participation underscores Iraq’s emergence as a new fintech hub in the Middle East — proving that local expertise and global standards can coexist to drive sustainable innovation.
“Innovation is not a department at QiCard — it’s our identity,” said Hasan Abdulhadi, Chief Innovation Officer at International Smart Card (QiCard). “From developing biometric authentication to building interoperable payment ecosystems, our goal is to take Iraqi ingenuity beyond borders — to show that solutions born in Baghdad can compete globally.”
Through its participation, QiCard reinforces its commitment to expanding cross-border partnerships, attracting investment to Iraq’s fintech sector, and championing the message that progress, innovation, and financial empowerment can emerge from anywhere.
QiCard is bridging local innovation with global impact. link
, journalist Hossam Al-Hajj, known for his close...){kind=link}