Sanctioned Iraq flocks to Dogecoin as U.S. ETF debuts: ‘Tired of holding…'

Group 1: Dogecoin ETF Launch - The first Dogecoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) has been launched in the U.S., generating significant excitement within the crypto community and globally [1][9] - The Rex Shares-Osprey Dogecoin ETF (DOJE) is noted as the first U.S. ETF linked to a meme coin, with analysts highlighting that it holds an asset with no utility [9] - Predictions for the trading volume of the Dogecoin fund on its first day are set at $2.5 million, which is considered respectable but not extraordinary [10] Group 2: Global Interest in Dogecoin - Google Trends data indicates a spike in interest for 'Dogecoin', with Iraq surprisingly topping the list of countries searching for the meme coin despite its ban on cryptocurrency [2][3] - Other countries with high interest include the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Singapore, where crypto trading is popular and allowed [2] - The ongoing interest in Dogecoin in Iraq is attributed to the local meme culture and dissatisfaction with the national currency due to inflation [5][6] Group 3: Iraq's Crypto Landscape - Despite a ban on cryptocurrency trading imposed by Iraq's central bank in 2017, unofficial trading continues, with individuals expressing a desire to invest in Dogecoin [3][4] - The central bank of Iraq is preparing to introduce a digital currency to address liquidity issues, further driving interest in cryptocurrencies [6] - Iraq remains under OFAC sanctions, which primarily target financial institutions and individuals linked to illicit activities, complicating the crypto landscape [7]