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Iraq Central Bank Boosts Gold Reserves

The Iraqi Central Bank has adopted a policy of buying gold for its central reserve at a time when gold prices are at an all-time high, writes Omar al-Shaher.

Men count wads of Iraqi dinars using money counting machines at a currency exchange shop in Baghdad October 1, 2012. Many Iraqis have lost faith in their dinar currency but to some foreign speculators, it promises big profits. The contrast underlines the uncertainties of investing in Iraq as the country recovers from years of war and economic sanctions. Picture taken October 1, 2012. To match IRAQ-ECONOMY/DINAR REUTERS/Saad Shalash (IRAQ - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS)
Men count wads of Iraqi dinars using money counting machines at a currency exchange shop in Baghdad, Oct. 1, 2012. — REUTERS/Saad Shalash

Despite the attention given by Iraqi media to the increase of gold reserves, locals are still oblivious to the repercussions of such an act on their daily affairs.

The monthly statistical report of the International Monetary Fund stated that over the three months between August and October of last year, Iraq’s gold holdings quadrupled to 31 tons, the first time something like this has happened in years. The value of gold as a strategic reserve has grown over the past few years due to the continued instability of the U.S. dollar exchange rate.

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