US sanctions fall short of disrupting Iraq’s parallel economy

Shafaq News- Baghdad 
Washington's current sanctions has failed to significantlycurb Iraq's parallel economy, as sanctioned entities continue to benefit fromstate institutions, government contracts, and domestic financial networksdespite international restrictions, according to an analysis published by theMiddle East Forum.
While US sanctions have raised the cost of internationalfinancial transactions for individuals and entities linked to Iran-backed armedgroups, the analysis argued, they have not prevented those actors fromoperating within Iraq's economy through legal recognition, licensing, andaccess to public funds. It contends that the absence of complementary reformsinside Iraq has limited the effectiveness of Washington's pressure campaign.
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