Truck and Barter: Iraqi Dinar Discussion (July 22, 2005

Iraqi Dinar Discussion (July 22, 2005 - April 30, 2006)

By Kevin

AS OF 4/30/2006, THIS POST IS CLOSED TO NEW COMMENTS. A new post has been created: Here's a link to the current active post.

Here are all the posts in sequence:

1) June 16, 2004 - June 27, 2004
2) June 27, 2004 - November 6, 2004
3) November 6, 2004 - April 11, 2005
4) April 11, 2005 - June 22, 2005
5) June 22, 2005 - July 22, 2005
6) July 22, 2005 - April 30, 2006
7) April 30, 2006 - July 13, 2006

8) July 13, 2006 - ...

If you guys & gals encounter any problems, email me at kevin-at-truckandbarter.com. Your previous email has been very helpful in the administration of this site.

Thanks for your patronage.

-- July 22, 2005 4:50 PM | Permalink

Comments

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Albert,

One other thing? Why would every one be "DUMPING" their 25,000 Dinar bills??? If one is just going to exchange it for another currency then what would it matter what denonination you are exchanging???

Why would anyone want to do business with a small mom and pop currency exchange that may not have enough USD on hand, when you can get a better rate at a bank???

My advise my friend, is to pucker-up tighter when someone blows thick smoke your way!!!

Outlaw

-- July 22, 2005 6:16 PM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

Can anyone relay and current info on HSBC banking
group opening any branches in Iraq?
Thanks

-- July 23, 2005 12:54 PM ∞

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

JimmyP,

I contacted HSBC about a month ago and they told me that they did not have any current time table that they were working with but they would add my e-mail address to a contact list and notify me when they are ready to do business in Iraq.

Outlaw

-- July 23, 2005 1:41 PM ∞

Ziarian wrote:

what does it mean ?

" About formative reasons of continuation in the monetary inflation, from which Iraqi economy suffers, Al Ani clarified that the real problem which stands behind that is the stop in the operations that contribute to withdrawal of the monetary block or that it is weak in the time being. Part of it is the fees, taxes, customs, and returns from the services and other resources, It is possible to activate this operations after releasing the constitution of the country on its basis the laws and the instruction will be built. "

-- July 23, 2005 4:48 PM ∞

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Ziarian,

Where did you get this quote from? To me it sounds like the reason the Dinar is froze is because of the lack of any revenue collection sources, which of would be specified and implemented with the new Constitution.

Makes sense to me. I'm betting that Christmas 2005 is going to be a good one for all of us.

Outlaw

-- July 23, 2005 6:39 PM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

Thanks Outlaw for the HSBC update. I see they have branches here in the USA that one could open an account with. And Thanks for all you do.

I also appreciate Ziarians perspective as well.

-- July 23, 2005 9:06 PM ∞

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Where did all the Bible thumpers go???

Outlaw

-- July 24, 2005 5:13 PM ∞

Bruceleeroy wrote:

LOL@Outlaw

-- July 24, 2005 7:28 PM ∞

Jimmy P wrote:

I think a technical glitch cut off the last thread at about 11 am on July 20. I do not understand all of the ins and outs of the
hows or whys. But I will be watching this week to
keep up on any exciting developments.

-- July 24, 2005 7:59 PM ∞

Kevin Brancato wrote:

You can read the cut off comments on the June 22 to July 22 post here.

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/06/iraqi_dinar_dis.html

Sorry about the glitches. I recently upgraded the software to give me greater control over the 2000 comment spams I was getting per day, but the new software renamed all the files, meaning two days of comments were not posted to the "old version".

But it's working fine now...

-- July 24, 2005 9:31 PM ∞

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Albert,

One other thing my friend... Do you really think that it is a very good idea to send some Arab in Iraq your Address??? Remember we are at war. I believe that there are cells working in every town in the states waiting for information like this to make an example of the typical greedy infidel. Greed is a pretty stupid reason for getting your family killed.

Security is an issue that everyone must maintain. I would re-think this my friends.

Outlaw

-- July 24, 2005 9:46 PM ∞

john wrote:

Hope this new thread stays on course with DINAR chat.

Dream big all, just don't force your beliefs down others hatch.

-- July 25, 2005 8:07 AM ∞

SGT at SPOD wrote:

Outlaw,

That seems to be the consenus with the Kuwaitis here too. The issue that they say is the sticking point, is how the oil revenue/oil investment capital will be controlled within the Iraqi Government. Specifically, the requisition and payment to petroleum transportation/export providers, and which agency will ultimately control oil export investment(Economics Minstry,Petroleum Ministry, or the Petroleum Ministry). They say here that the constitution will address the economic structure for control of revenues, which Saddam's economy lacked. like I stated in previous posts, once they establish the basic Governmental infrastructure, we will see movement on the IRD.

Take it easy, and be safe, Outlaw........

S at S

-- July 25, 2005 8:09 AM ∞

Ziarian wrote:

Outlaw this is the research study from which i got the Above qoute.

Baghdad - Assistant general manager of external exchande in the Iraqi central bank Abd AlSami Alani announced the automatic continuation of the central auction and in daily form and that its balance of the foreign currencies in continuous increase, in spite of rise size of dollar sales through the auction.

In a special meeting with ( Al Sharq Al Awsat ) he added that there is a new directions accomplishes in charging the active branches of the central bank in the northern and the southern areas, to process the auction operations within the defined mechanism, with the preservation on stability of exchange rate in Iraq, especially that the operation of selling in the auction have achieved the purpose, which is the stability of exchange rate of the dollar against the Iraqi Dinar, which is considered the main goal for managing monetary policies by the bank.

He added that it is not necessary that the bank continue selling, because it assumes that the auction can be practiced by the under supervision of the central bank, by considering it as one of its instruments, through which its monetary policies executed by its intervention in the sale and purchase and in the occurrence of any shake that can effect the exchange rate.

About formative reasons of continuation in the monetary inflation, from which Iraqi economy suffers, Al Ani clarified that the real problem which stands behind that is the stop in the operations that contribute to withdrawal of the monetary block or that it is weak in the time being. Part of it is the fees, taxes, customs, and returns from the services and other resources, It is possible to activate this operations after releasing the constitution of the country on its basis the laws and the instruction will be built.
As for time being ,there is only one mechanism to contribute in a big withdrawal of the monetary and have an impact on the inflation averages towards the drop ,that is the auction mechanism of selling of the currencies.
While in regard to how the needs of the ministries secured, he cleared the the government offices needs of the dollar will be fulfilled through ministry of finance , were it should allocate a share for each ministry from the Dinar and the dollar within the general budget each year, therefore the central bank ordered all banks to not entering the auction operations with the aim of purchasing for the offices, that is not to aid the inflation of the sales. About entering other currencies beside the dollar for auction assistant manager of the exchange clarified, that the central bank avoids in the time being introducing other currencies for auction (in exclusion of the dollar), for the unavailability of the balance from those currencies, the dollar is chosen to be considered as the currency of the measure for price-setting, for all foreign currencies, just as that the future of the Dinar in the external dealings is still limited, and it is now considered as an intermediary currencies as for Kuwaiti Dinar ,Jordanian Dinar and the Emarati Dirham, and likewise eastern currencies, like Russian and Romanian. The bank in the time being is working on the measures taken to make the Dinar as a convertible currency in the future.

Naseer Ali
Al Sharq Al Awsat

-- July 25, 2005 12:49 PM ∞

RYAN wrote:

THIS IS FROM ZIARIANS LAST POST
I LIKE THE LAST SENTENCE, REAFIRMS MY THOUGHT OF THEM NOT DUMPING THE CURRENT DINARS AND PRINTING NEW ONES...ITS COME SO FAR AND DO NOT WANT TO LOOSE MOMENTUM... ANY THOUGHTS ON THE ZERO DROPPING...I FEEL THIS IS ALSO FALSE WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE WOULD THAT SEND IRAQIS, TO WAKE UP ONE MORNING AND FIND OUT THAT THE CREDIT CARD YOU JUST GOT BECAUSE IT IS NEW OVER THERE, THAT YESTERDAY HAD A 10,000 DINAR LIMIT NOW HAS A 10 DINAR LIMIT????OR HIS SAVINGS ACCOUNT THAT HE HAS ACCUMULATED OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS PROBABLY DIFFICULTLY, IS WORSE THAN HE STARTED OFF WITH...

"for the unavailability of the balance from those currencies, the dollar is chosen to be considered as the currency of the measure for price-setting, for all foreign currencies, just as that the future of the Dinar in the external dealings is still limited, and it is now considered as an intermediary currencies as for Kuwaiti Dinar ,Jordanian Dinar and the Emarati Dirham, and likewise eastern currencies, like Russian and Romanian. The bank in the time being is working on the measures taken to make the Dinar as a convertible currency in the future."

-- July 25, 2005 6:27 PM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

Concerning dropping zeros on currency: The percentage of printed dinar in the higher denomination is lesser in the 10,000 and 25,000 amounts, and it is a foregone conclusion that as
these bills get recirculated into the intra banking circles, they will be most useful as
bank to bank instruments to satisfy certain banking needs. Alternative viewpoints encouraged.

-- July 26, 2005 3:57 AM ∞

BOB wrote:

Hi Fellas:

Great to be back with you. I got cut off of 7-20-05 and assumed that Kevin had disbanded the site and all the participants had scattered.

I get a little harsh in my comments sometime but be assured that I have warm personal regards for all of you and I have read so many of your comments that I feel that I know most of you.

Again, great to see that we are all intact.

BOB

-- July 27, 2005 10:47 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

hi Kevin , on your previous thread, the last post is from you saying that "their is a new thread", but the link you provid is not working is because their is a mistake......the page address on clicking change too http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.htm

the mistake is that you forget to put "l" in the end

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html

it works

-- July 28, 2005 12:36 AM ∞

Kevin Brancato wrote:

Thanks for the info; I'll modify the link later today

-- July 28, 2005 7:03 AM ∞

willie wrote:

where's Carl and Sara? Did they get the boot?

-- July 28, 2005 11:49 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Come on fellas:

While we are waiting for the experts like Carl and Sara to get hooked back up, lets hear from some of you who have bitches and pent up anxieties about the progress of the dinar or someone on the T&B whom you do not like.

Sara and Carl were our leaders, but they are disconnected so some of you have to step forward and MC the T&B.

I am a charter member of the T&B and I monitor what everyone says. I am an old coot and do not enjoy many things in life anymore, but I thoroughly enjoy the T&B, so lets get it back up and running like it has in the past.

BOB.

-- July 31, 2005 10:49 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

To all my friends back in the sand...throwing up a hand and waving at ya from the land of the big PX...

Enjoying myself and hoping everyone there is safe and sound!... see ya too soon!

Outlaw

-- August 1, 2005 1:59 AM ∞

snowball wrote:

Outlaw: Things will be quite here.....but keep on doing your thing. GO DINAR!!

-- August 1, 2005 9:51 PM ∞

okie wrote:

Just returned from R&R via Baghdad. As always, I try to observe what's happening at BIAP. Again, I got a warm fuzzy feeling on what I saw. More business people, more families, more smiles and laughter...even from the customs people and just a general feeling that things were slowly but surely returning to normal. Prompted me to buy some more Dinar ASAP after my return. Things look good on the ground over here.

-- August 2, 2005 12:33 AM ∞

ELVIS wrote:

I have been off the computor for 6 months .Ijust came on to see what's happening with my Dinar's, and I found your comments to each other. All we have to do is wait awhile. we will allbe doing very good.Iused to be a Entertainer for years, I think I 'LLbe having a come back. WHAT IS URL ELVIS

-- August 2, 2005 9:00 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=2870

-- August 3, 2005 6:28 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

BoB,

To answer your question, concernig "expressing pent up anxieties regarding to the progress of the dinar" (while we wait for the leadership to arrive) - I personally have none.

I learned from Terrance (I believe it was) to simply leave it be until its time. I still look in on the T&B from time to time [not 4/5 times a day like I used to] to see what's cooking (the latest debate, bit of information, or what-have-you). But, I guess I just got burnt out, and now I simply refuse to stress over the value of my dinar anymore.

My bottom line:

1) Iraqi Constitution completed this month; 2) ratified by October; 3) next set of elections to take place in December - pretty much after all that I'm looking the dinar to open on the world market sometime NLT next summer. It would take something major to knock it off track at this stage of the process.

If it happens sooner ...great. If later - that's OK too.

There's just so much more going on in my life, other than watching this pot boil.

Cheers, and good luck to all.

Bill1

-- August 3, 2005 3:30 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Bill 1

I agree with you 100%, if you can't aford to lose then don't roll the dice.

It is like Bill Gates said in 1987 when the Stock Market fell 1500 points in four days and he lost 18 billion dollars. He said "I've still got 50 billion", so no big deal. That has to be our attitude. Noone should gamble money that they need on the dinar. I firmly believe that the dinar is going to give us all a good profit but it is a gamble.

As I have said many times, Mr. Bush is going to make Iraq succeed even if it bankrupts this country so we are along for the ride. I am one of the 44% who still approve of Mr. Bush even though I disagree with several of his goals. He
is still the lesser of two evils. BOB.

-- August 3, 2005 9:24 PM ∞

RON wrote:

hI all,glad to be back.Kevin thank you so much for all you do for the bunch of us.Hey nid gang hope you are still here,and ready to post good news.Hey Terrance the nid train is still onGood luck to all and Iraq.Ron

-- August 4, 2005 9:17 AM ∞

Carl on Wilson Lake wrote:

Hey! Guys!
Sara sent me a email the T&B was up and running again. Good! to see you guys hung in there.

Thanks Kevin for getting it back up...

bill 1
I agree with you. It is going to be after the constitution is radified before the dinar makes any significant move. I am now in the process of ending my TAD with the Coast Guard, and will be back in the office next week.
Best Wishes to all..
Carl

-- August 4, 2005 10:00 AM ∞

XXX wrote:

Hello all,

I have something I would like to try and get someone else's opinion on. See, I have invested a bit into this whole NID thing, and like many of us, I hope it's better than the lottery.

However, I recently read an article that disturbed me very much. Basically it said that under Saddam regime, civil servants were paid around 7500 dinar/month. During that time, the dinar was a little more stable, and this amount was roughly equivalent to about $350 USD. The article went on to say that the civil servants today are being paid around 300000 NID or $200 USD/month.

I am disturbed by this because it dawned on me that there is no way the NID can come anywhere near opening at this magical $.41 per $1. If this did happen, the average Iraqi would be making $123,000/month USD equivalent! Even if they did scale back the pay system, if any of the locals have been able to save half there pay since Oct 03 (when the NID came on-line) they would have over $1.1M in the bank!

Let me put it another way.....let's say the average middle class Joe here in the good ole' USA makes about $5000/month. If the same type of thing were to happen here in the US, and our currency would basically increase 600 fold....that same Joe would now make $3M/month. Now unless the cost of everything in the country goes up in price in equal fashion...this is impossible!

So I'm not trying to rain on the parade here, but can someone please tell me how this can even become a reality.

Lord I hope I'm wrong!

-- August 5, 2005 4:26 PM ∞

Andy wrote:

You guys might want to catch up with what is really going on a the IIF website. NOW!

-- August 6, 2005 7:55 AM ∞

GAURANG wrote:

WE HAVE LOT ON NEW IRAQI DINARS CAN V REALLY INVEST IN IT ? & HOW LONG IT TAKE TO BE LISTED IN FOREX MARKET ??

-- August 6, 2005 3:44 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

XXX,

To answer your concerns about civil servant pay, and the cost of living in Iraq - I offer the following:

If civil servants are currently making the equivalent of $200.00 a month USD (approximately $2,400.00- annually), then we need to be realistic...

The poverty level in the U.S. is about $1,000.00 per month (give-or-take), and that is of course based on our cost of living.

I don't know what it currently costs to live at a decent standard in Iraq, but I'm certain it's not $200.00 USD per month; and certainly can't stay at that level, as Iraq eventually fulfills it's long-term projected levels of prosperity.

Maybe they're currently getting by, as they patiently wait for things to get better; but to believe that $200.00 USD per month is as good as it's going to get in Iraq is a sad stretch of the imagination.

The Iraqi people are no different than us, and have all the basic needs we have; i. e. a home, a car, food, utilities, appliances, clothing, etc, etc. And, pretty much the costs of quality goods and services is just about the same worldwide.

So, based on the reasonable logic of the statement above, I see the average median income of a civil servant worker to increase to a level somewhere close to our (U.S.) poverty level - again to about $1,000.00 per month.

There's your 500% increase!

Also, ..."if"... they need to adjust their pay to compensate for the exchange rate, don't think they won't hesitate to do so.

Three hundred thou in Dinar per month today, or 500 dinar per month tomorrow - as long as it equals their "current" pay rate its all the same.

Remember Iraq is a country rich in many ways. What we're seeing, and what they're experiencing today is merely a transition phase - not the expected norm.

Cheers,

Bill1

-- August 8, 2005 11:21 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

To All,

Andy brought up the IIF Website above, and for us to, "check it out NOW!".

After checking their site I pulled down these two articles:

[very good reading by the way]

http://www.iif.com/press/pressrelease.quagga?id=115

http://www.iif.com/press/pressrelease.quagga?id=100

There's probably much more relevant info on their site, but that's for "you" to research at your leisure.

The bottom line is, "the info and projections are all good-to-go.".

Thanks Andy.

Enjoy,

Bill1

-- August 8, 2005 4:32 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

http://www.imf.org/external/country/irq/index.htm

new one 3 august thomas dawson,some thing happning on 16 august 2005.

-- August 9, 2005 12:14 AM ∞

Dean wrote:

What happens if........

Saddam goes to trial, and is found not guilty on all charges?

If you don't think this can happen, remember he is going to be tried by Iraqi citizens whom probably hate America more than they hate Saddam.

Saddam will tell the Iraqi Jurors that America is illeagly occupying his country, that the attack is unjustified because there are no weapons of mass destruction, and that he is the legal legitimate elected president of Iraq and that the occupying government, and this court is illegitimate.

This can and may happen.

If O.J. got off with American Jurors, Saddam may get off with Iraqi Jurors.

Maybe we should have invested in the old "Saddam Dinars."

-- August 9, 2005 10:32 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Not much activity here at the T&B lately.

(I don't think many people can find this new thread, since there was no forwarding link posted at the end of the old one - I know I had a great deal of trouble finding it)

Anyway...

Dean,

I think you have a real point, and timing is everything in the case you bring up.

I don't think anyone should even consider trying Saddam until next summer - or even later. A good level of success must be present in Iraq to demonstrate that this transistion the Iraqi people are having to endure is far better for them than anything under Saddam's rule.

One catch with all of this is, the longer this takes to resolve the more the people will forget how "Bad Things Really Were Under Saddam" - even to the point that they may begin to believe, "Hey, compared to this, Saddam's rule really wasn't so bad after all.". And, if that's allowed to happen it's going to get real ugly / real quick.

The new constitution and government must firmly be in place first to give real legitamacy to any court proceedings. To attempt to try Saddam, say "tomorrow" would be diastrous.

Once the country becomes say, 85/90% secure (I mean "really" secure - not just using land mass as a scale), and the people are truly better off, then I think Saddam will be tried and found guilty. O.J.'s trial may have been (arguably) the Trial of the 20th Century, but make no mistake; Saddam's trial will definitely be the trial of the 21st Century.

Bill1

-- August 10, 2005 9:42 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hello all
Hey terrance you and the NID gang still out there.
Good luck to all and Iraq.Ron

-- August 10, 2005 5:59 PM ∞

Dean wrote:

I hope Saddam is not aquitted. But we have put ourselves in a vulnerable spot.

We have put our "balls" in the hands of Iraqi jurors who could completely undo what we are attempting to accomplish in Iraq.

Do you realize what could happen if Saddam is aquitted? What would the U.S. do?

Cival war? Saddam back in power?

Do we pull out, and let Saddam retake power?

All our efforts would be for nothing.

I hope it does not happen, but stranger things have happened.

The outcome of this war could very well be in the hands of a select few Iraqi Jurors at Saddam's trial.

If Saddam is found guilty, we continue building a democracy in Iraq and fighting insurgents.
But what if he's aquitted?

The war is over , and we leave, and Sadam retakes power? Right?

-- August 10, 2005 10:55 PM ∞

Vic wrote:

Hi everyone.

Have been reading these post and find it very interesting and exciting! Hope in time it will all pay off. But, regarding Saddam, I think you aught to read more about him, his family, and his leadership. A book that came to mind was "Mayana" (Hope that is the right title). Her family has been a part of the government and history for generations. I am not worried about Saddam - there were too many faithful Iraqi people who's lifes and families were destroyed because of him. Too much pain and loss....

I am proud to be an American, proud of my Government, and pray for the soldiers that are putting their lifes at stake for freedom!! God bless and protect them all!!!

-- August 11, 2005 3:25 AM ∞

Vic wrote:

Sorry Everyone,

Correction made to my previous post regarding the book Mayana. It is, "Mayada: Daughter of Iraq". It was written by Jean Sasson and is really interesting.

Good luck to you all!

-- August 11, 2005 3:45 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Would someone post the link to this new blog (an extension of the old one) on the old blog website, so the information flow can continue????... Please.

In my humble opinion; its either that or discontinue it all together, because it just sits here idly day-in and day-out.

To commnet on Vic's post above:

I had a look at the book Vic (front & back flap), and it looks to be a very good read!

When it comes to the many tens of thousands of Iraqis like Mayada - and all they've had to endure under Saddam - it become crystal clear why we must forge ahead in the rebuilding of Iraq. Loosing this war and not bringing Saddam to justice is not an option.

Bill1

-- August 12, 2005 12:41 PM ∞

Dean wrote:

August 12th, 2005

Gas just increased to $2.59 a gallon for regular unleaded here in St. Louis , Mo.

This is not good.

I'm old enough to remember the 70's gas crisis.

Gas was 30 cents a gallon, then it was 60 cents a gallon, then it was $1.20 a gallon. Then, the inflation rate went to 11% or more, American jobs disappeared. People waited in long lines to fill out applications for jobs from companys that were "supposedly" hireing.

History repeats itself. In the 70's and early 80's, gasoline increased 400%

If gas increases 400% this time, gas will be $4.00 a gallon and thro the economy in the same crisis as it did in the late seventys, early eightys.

What does this mean for the dinar? I don't know, but I hope Iraq can get their oil, which is supposedly 2nd best in the world, rolling soon.

-- August 12, 2005 9:24 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

I believe that the current oil situation has given us all a jolt of reality. There is not enough oil being taken out of the ground to satisfy our greedy apitites. The world needs more oil and it has to come from somewhere.

The hard-to-get oil should be becoming more economically feasible such as the shale oil out West and the almost dry wells in Texas and Oklahoma. This could possibly be a blessing in disguise as Americans start to see a profit in exploring oil in our Country. We may all have to sacrifice financially but if it will enhance our position with oil, then it may be beneficial to this Country.

The price of oil is certain to improve the economic situation in Iraq and thus improve the value of the Dinar, but this not the situation that I envisioned to make money on the Dinar.

Keep making your posts, even if it is mostly with trivia, until our leaders find the current site.

-- August 13, 2005 9:39 PM ∞

otterpops wrote:

I would think that if gas goes to $4.00 a gallon Iraq will have a lot of reason to be pumping that crude oil as fast as they can. That could go a long way toward helping them get on their feet financially. What's good for the citizens of Iraq sould be good for the Dinar, no? I would also guess that gas at that price would not be good for the dollar and if dollars are worth less, the dinar is worth more if its price has not fluxuated.

-- August 13, 2005 11:54 PM ∞

michael wrote:

Dean: I know what you mean. It is costing me $30.00 a week to go to work and the gas is 2.39 per gallon.

-- August 14, 2005 11:07 AM ∞

Elvis wrote:

Can't get anything past this page! Is there a problem? Can't get on Kevintruckandbarter.com but not successful either. Please e-mail and let me know if there is another way to get further info. I enjoy the conversation. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you very much! Elvis

-- August 14, 2005 8:27 PM ∞

Kevin Brancato wrote:

Testing... The thread should work...

-- August 15, 2005 12:51 PM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all
Kevin thank you very much for this thread.It is my only thread that i visit to get updates on the NID.
Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- August 15, 2005 1:14 PM ∞

amatullah wrote:

Just wanted to give everyone the heads up ...Dinarmerchant.com now has new site www.hsdinar.com. Samir if you are reading this maybe you should settle the stolen money issue from your JB.TRADER account on ebay....I am one of them and until i get my $2700.00 I will continue to find your new names and post them on the internet.He is also www.midamericatrade.com.

I tried posting this on www.investorsiraq.com last night and they removed the posting which makes me wonder why they would protect this scum
Amatullah

-- August 15, 2005 2:08 PM ∞

Mel wrote:

BTW, I heard on another forum speculation it will go to $.41 out the gate... have you heard the same thing?

-- August 15, 2005 2:38 PM ∞

Willie in Reno wrote:

Amatullah- You might be better off going to the BBB and the Attorney General to recover your funds like I had to. Good luck

-- August 15, 2005 6:50 PM ∞

Jimmy P wrote:

These are indeed exciting times! I wish that this site had not fizzled. I do feel a certain family element here that I do not feel elsewhere pertaining to the Iraqi Dinar. I leave you with the following thoughts:
A 40 cent peg equals 10,000 usd with a 25K dinar bill.
A 41 cent peg equals 10,250 usd with the same 25K dinar bill.
At what level are banks required to make reports to the government?
I would be delighted to ask Sara or Carl if I could !!!

-- August 16, 2005 3:59 AM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara and Carl-Come on back:

If you won't come back to us, then tell where you are so that we can come to you. I have visited several of the other sites, but I can't really connect with what they are doing, even though there some juicy rumors afloat.

The T&B is a family type operation where we post all types of crap and we disagree with each other and sometimes get nasty with our comments, but we tolorate each other well and get some valuable information in the process.

I haven't given up on the T&B, but we have to get the heavy hitters back on board for this thing to be interesting.

Several of the other sites have the Dinar entering the world market very soon. Let's hope they are right.

BOB

-- August 16, 2005 10:22 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

Hello All. My name is Ruth, I am a Dinar Investor and have been reading the T&B for a few weeks but have never posted before. A couple of things prompted me to do so at this time.

First, Amatullah, you seem to be having or have had some kind of a problem with money being ripped off from you. There is a site: Rip-off Report.com and badbusinessbureau.com that you might want to log onto to warn others about them. I usually go to it to see if there are any complaints against companies I am considering dealing with.

Second, I would like to ask Bob what some of the other sites are that he's has seen the information about the Dinar coming out soon. I have heard a "rumor"? myself that the price will be set right after the signing of the Constitution then Iraq will give the Financial Insitutions (in Iraq) 30 days to get their affairs in order before listing the Dinar on the World Market Exchange.

On this "rumor"? alone I ordered more Dinar from a friend in Jordan today.

Understandably this is a risk, but certain signs seem to be pointing in the direction of a necessity to stablize the Dinar not only for the sake of Iraq, but countries dealing with them.

I would think Microsoft would be a perfect example, as this country (Iraq) soon will be demanding new technology with their growth. Microsoft would be a perfect company to supply them, but the Dinar is too unstable at this time for Visa transactions. Paypal (if we've ever bought anything off Ebay) won't accept money transfers to or from Iraq as the Dinar is both unstable and pretty much valueless in comparison. This WILL HAVE TO CHANGE with a growing need for Computers, software, digital cameras, color TV's, Cell phones, you name it become more known as luxury's they cannot live without as they have become to us.

Even with this being what has been called by many,a risky investment, there just seems to be too many signs pointing to "Hey! This IS GOING to work!"

Good luck to all, and God place your hand on Troops, protect and guide them till their safe return home.

Ruth

-- August 17, 2005 2:38 AM ∞

Michael wrote:

Well said Ruth. I agree with you and am expecting this to happen a soon as the Contitution is agreed upon. I know I have my fingrs crossed. God Bless you, our troops and IRAQ. :)

-- August 17, 2005 6:31 PM ∞

S wrote:

This is a quote off the Rumor Boards at IIF, subject is an immediate peg. Worth the read, I think.
S.

What’s Your Reality?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been following this forum for the past three months and have learned a great deal thus far. I believe that in life we are constantly faced with the task of discerning truth from error, right from wrong. As I’ve read the many threads here, I have come to my own conclusions—as have most of you. I would like to thank those who have created this forum for the purpose of sharing information and the moderators who keep us in line. I have gleaned many gems of information concerning this investment opportunity, and thought it would be good to give a general summary of what I perceive to be true in this situation. Sorry if it’s a little long. Keep in mind that the following is my own opinion, based upon information shared on this forum.

There is a Marshall Plan that has been prepared by our government to help the Iraqi’s rebuild their war-torn, impoverished nation. Trade agreements have also been signed between our two countries. I don’t think many people know that this plan exists, as it is probably being kept quiet until the time comes to publicly announce it. Iraq’s Prime Minister Jaafari slipped and made mention of it in a news briefing with the President back on June 24th. Bush then told reporters that not everything is disclosed publicly.

Bush and his generals have repeatedly stated that the key to success in Iraq is three-fold; there are three tracks that have to be implemented in tandem for success to be achieved. They are security, political, and economic. Bush noted in a news briefing last Thursday from his ranch in Crawford that we are making progress on the political and security tracks, yet he was conspicuously silent as to any progress being made on the economic track. One provision of the Marshall Plan is an economic package that will allow the Iraqi’s to significantly enhance their purchasing power through a revaluation of their currency. This is one of the main reasons why the Dinar can open up on the world market at a stronger rate.

It appears that the majority of Iraq’s odious debts have also been forgiven by creditor nations, the Paris Club, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait—the last of which was taken care of June 30th by the UNCC and debt-swapping agreements in July. This is another reason in support of a strong peg. To get this debt forgiveness, Iraq had to keep their exchange rate artificially low so as to appear “cash poor” to creditors. If they had the money, they could have repaid the debts.

Reconstruction in Iraq has been hampered by the inability of Iraqi’s to import much-needed supplies, due in part to their undervalued currency. In the past couple years, the New Iraqi Dinar has gained acceptance and confidence among Iraqis. This currency isn’t tradable outside of Iraq yet, but it needs to be in order to help kick-start the economy by allowing foreign investment. The IMF has been brought in to legitimize the New Iraqi Dinar and has run “valuation scenarios” to determine an appropriate exchange rate to recommend to the Central Bank of Iraq. These valuation scenarios are based upon a whole confluence of factors, including debt settlements, expected future GDP, value of goods traded with trade partners, expected release of the Marshall Plan, etc. The range that has been established from these valuation scenarios is a peg somewhere between .30-.43USD to 1NID. Due to recent debt-swapping agreements, the expected rate is in the higher end of this range. The NID will be backed by the US Dollar, Gold, and Oil. It is expected that the Central Bank of Iraq will defend a peg rate for at least a year to stabilize the currency, after which time they may allow it to move to a float. If this happens, it is expected that the Dinar could potentially double in value within a few months.

The whole reason we are waiting for the draft of the constitution to be approved by parliament is because Jaafari needs to be given sufficient power to allow the Dinar to start trading on the Foreign Exchange Market. Apparently, the draft of the constitution would be enough for President Bush to give the go ahead with the release of the economic provision of the Marshall Plan, instead of waiting until the end of this year after the elections. It is assumed that by giving the Iraqi’s an economic boost to allow them to revalue their currency and greatly enhance their purchasing power, it will act as a catalyst for passage of the constitution in the national referendum in October and the re-election of interim government officials in December. It is also hoped that a revaluation will help quell the insurgency, which in turn will allow the US and other Coalition troops to begin withdrawing our troops next spring. Can you see why so much rests on the passage of this draft constitution?!

Bush has kept the pressure on the Iraqi leaders to get this draft passed by withholding the economic portion of the Marshall Plan. Once Bush receives confirmation from either the President of Prime Minister of Iraq that the draft of the constitution has indeed passed parliament, he will authorize the release of the economic portion of the Marshall Plan. If the perception in Iraq is that their leaders have come together and created this timeless document, and as a byproduct of it have increased their purchasing power and allowed Iraqi’s to realized such a tangible economic benefit, this will act as a catalyst to keep the momentum going strong for the referendum and elections. World perception of progress in Iraq could be changed overnight. It is amazing to me to watch this “rebirth” of a nation take place before our very eyes!

Many wonder how in the world can Iraq back a peg of .40USD to the Dinar. There are indeed many ways, including Special Drawing Rights to the Economic Stabilization Fund, fractional banking, and warehousing facility. Not to mention that once it’s traded on the Forex there will be many buying at the new rate. Banks will also want to buy up their own reserves, too. In every market there will always be buyers and sellers.

What we are waiting for now is the parliament to approve the draft. The 7-day extension filed this week appears to be a one-time shot. Meaning that if the parliament doesn’t get the draft approved by the 22nd, the interim government will be dissolved and the CPA reinstated. Nobody wants this to happen, but Bush does have that option and he may still release the economic package that will allow for the revaluation of the Dinar anyway. I believe that the Iraqi leaders are doing everything in their power to get this thing passed by Monday’s deadline. It’s political suicide if they don’t.

Who should we watch to know when the draft has been accepted? Only Talabani and/or Jaafari. Once Bush receives confirmation from these two leaders that the parliament has accepted the draft, he will release the economic portion of the Marshall Plan and the announcement will be made behind closed doors in Iraq that the Dinar has been revalued. It will then be announced regionally and later picked up by international news media within 24 hours. The following week it will be trading on the Forex, and then the banks will start exchanging. There will be no re-issue of currency and no zero-lopping. The larger notes will most likely be taken out of general circulation after they are cashed in to be used for larger business transactions, and smaller denominations will be issued. Perhaps this is the reason why there are 5 trillion NID not in circulation—they may include the smaller denominations designed to facilitate the upward revaluation of the NID.

Another interesting factor is the increased security around the CBI, as affirmed by some forum members in Iraq. The CBI just might be preparing for the exchange of the larger denominations for the smaller ones. This is good news, as it indicates a pending revaluation. DrC noted on the 5th that there are two key factors for the announcement of the Dinar revaluation: (1) The constitution is approved AND (2) sufficient security is in place at the CBI, banks and borders. From everything shared by people like DrC, Clay, Chaka, Lance, and others, it appears that the time is at hand for this bird to take flight. We can expect an announcement of a revaluation by the 23rd, with trading on the Forex to begin on the 29th.

Remember though, my perception may or may not be a true reflection of the reality here. This could all be wrong, as I have no insider sources and don’t truly know if those who do are for real. Most of the information I have compiled in this post has come directly from this forum; none of it is new. You will notice from whom the majority of this info came from—give them the credit. This is just my “rehash”, if you will. Also take note that I have posted in the rumor section. But one thing is for sure: if the Iraqi National Assembly approves the draft of the constitution this coming week, then we will all see what the true reality is! GLTA

http://www.investorsiraq.com/showthread.php?s=c3ecb49e8fdab2b02213f18494d1621a&t=8839&page=1&pp=20

-- August 17, 2005 11:53 PM ∞

RON wrote:

Hello all
Hey S this is a very interesting post sure hope it comes to pass.
Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- August 18, 2005 10:59 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

To: "S"

That was a very logical real-time assessment of the IQD situation.

Anyone attempting to debate your talking points doesn't have a leg to stand on.

Thank you.

Bill1

-- August 18, 2005 6:24 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

S

This is the most interesting
post that I have seen since the origin of this site.

I, too, believe that all the ducks are in a row for the dinar to enter the world market, but you explained it is such manner that we could all understand.

All you say may be an unfounded rumor, but it sounds good so lets believe it until someone disproves it.

BOB

-- August 18, 2005 11:23 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

To:Jimmy, Banks report any transactions of $10,000.00 and above to the Government. Hmmm... Now you've got me thinking. Wonder how many Banks are here in town and how many trips I could make to each one. Think I'll start looking in the Yellow Pages.

Or if all else fails the below looks to me like 23% Tax rate on currency. I have assumed this is just Federal Tax. I am in Washington where there is no personal Income State Tax. If there is anyone who has heard a different rate I would like to know. There IS a possibility we will need to know this by April 15 2006.

http://www.greencompany.com/EducationCenter/GTTRecCurrency.shtml

Currency trading is like commodity trading in general
Most currency traders seek to be treated like commodities and futures traders in that their trading gains and losses are treated as section 1256 contracts.

Both business traders and investors report section 1256 contracts as capital gains and losses on Form 6781 (Gains and Losses from Section 1256 Contracts and Straddles). This allows them to split the gains and losses 60/40 on Schedule D: 60 percent long-term, 40 percent short-term.
This 60/40 split gives commodities traders and investors an advantage over securities traders. 60 percent is taxed at the lower long-term capital gains rates (up to 15 percent) and 40 percent is taxed at the higher short-term capital gains rates (or “ordinary rate” up to 35 percent).

The current maximum blended 60/40 rate is 23 percent, which is 12 percent less than the maximum rate of 35 percent on short-term securities (or cash forex trading if you don’t elect out of IRC 988, see below).

Certainly, a 12-percent tax rate reduction is worthwhile to pursue for all currency traders.

-- August 19, 2005 2:53 AM ∞

outlaw wrote:

Hi gang... great info! here's wishing the pig roast is near because I'm extreamly hungry! Headed back to the sandbox on the 24th.

Regards,
Outlaw

-- August 22, 2005 12:53 AM ∞

RYAN wrote:

HERE IS THE LINK
http://www.edinarfinancial.net/news/?quer=&nm=&ny=&nn=157

International Monetary Fund Calls for Speeding up the Permanent Iraq Constitution
August 19, 2005

It confirmed that violence and the acts of sabotage that are targeting oil facilities are hindering the possibilities of economic growth in the country and exploits the resources that are designated for the reconstruction. Before the explosion of the UN headquarters in August 2003, Lorenzo Perez, chief of the last IMF Mission in Baghdad, said that agreeing on a new constitution for the country "would have a very significant and positive effect on Iraq.

In a press conference, in which he announced the IMF report on Iraqi economy, Perez said, "Agreement on the constitution would be a significant step in the process of political and economic development in Iraq." He added that the solution of several controversial issues; such as the distribution of oil revenues, would not be easy. "Nevertheless, it would have a positive effect on the economic atmosphere, in Iraq in general."

In its report, IMF has requested the Iraqi government to shrink its great support for the prices of oil derivatives to prevent more deterioration of Iraqi budget and to deepen the economic renovations for speeding up the economic growth. He said, "For speeding up the investment in the fields of major reconstruction, social services and reducing poverty, directors stress the necessity of strong movement with regard to the application of reformations in the financial and oil sectors."

IMF has pointed out that it has decreased its forecasts for the growth of the Iraqi national outcome from 17% this year to 4%. It expected that the oil production would remain in the limit of 2 million barrels a day during this year, compared to its former forecasts that reached 2.4 million barrels a day. IMF has attributed this to "the sabotage operations of oil facilities and stopping pumping oil in the north of Iraq."(Source) Al Sharq Al Awsat

-- August 22, 2005 3:58 PM ∞

outlaw wrote:

Hi gang,

I think that we are getting very close to having all of our dreams coming true within a very short time and wanted to say something that I hope everyone understands and I pray that I can relay my thoughts in an intelligent and caring manor.

I see everyone praising and honoring our troops, which is exactly what we should be doing at a time of war, but I want to also mention the untold thousands of members of the Coalation that people usually forget to mention.... The Civilian Contractors.

Yes, I am sure that I got a few chuckles out of a few of you, but seriously... these brave people come from all over the globe to provide every service to our troops that one can imagine. Every thing from delivering their weapons to them on the front lines to cleaning their dirty clothes and providing moral and mental support in a very tough time for most of these young peoples lives. War is very dangerous to both life and the mental health of these brave soldiers and we not only provide a great hot meal to these battle weary troopers but we also tell them the things that they need to hear to get them through the day and into the next.

I would like to honor the unnamed countless couragious Contractors that are standing and dying beside our troops in Operation Enduring Freedom, that this author feels was completely necessary, and would proudly get in line to do again if GWB determined that it benefited our great country to do so.

I see the faces of the brave soldiers who gave their lives in the name of freedom on the nightly news every night, and am confused on why the Civilian Contractors who also died are not even mentioned unless, the poor sole was kidnapped and is begging for his life on national TV. Imagine what the family of these brave people go through watching them being tormented. I just don't understand how we as humans can enjoy watching this type of brutal act being comitted upon someone. Never the less these brave people are here with our troops unarmed doing a just as necessary job as our troops and not receiving the reconition they deserve. These brave people are also Mothers, Fathers, Sons and Daughters. Most are Grandparents.

I hope that when I am standing infront of the National Anti-Terriorism War Monument which will be erected in Washington, that it will proudly display the names of "all" of the brave men and women who died in honor of their unselfish service to our country, not just our soldiers.

Outlaw in Iraq

-- August 22, 2005 11:23 PM ∞

1lt wrote:

Outlaw,
That is an interesting post. Contractors don't get recognized like soldiers do. Yes the contractors are working here to support us, but a huge difference between the two is that contractors are here because the want to be here. The lowest paid US contractor is making over $8000 per month tax free. They can take a vacation every four months, paid. A lot of them just work on the base and never leave the wire. Except for the truck drivers, but even some of those guys have left the wire only 3 times in 6 months. The ones that suffer the most are National Guardsmen. While Active duty Army are away from their families for 1 year, Airforce for 4 to 6 months. National Guard spend at least 18 months away from their families. We have to do a 6 month train up in Texas prior to leaving the states. This process has destroyed so many relationships that it is unacceptable. I guess that is my 2 cents. Oh an average wage for a manual labor worker for the US here in Iraq is $7 per day.

-- August 23, 2005 3:43 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Outlaw and August
There are many who are spoken about and not told of in the great fight for freedom.I agree that anyone that puts their life on the line for another has made such a sacrafice it can not be forgotten.God be with all over there and around the world.My heart and thanks RON.

-- August 23, 2005 9:27 AM ∞

outlaw wrote:

1lt,

I assume that you are an officer based on the 1lt... I have only one qustion based on what I assume is your major concern... "MONEY". Why do you feel that $8000 a month is so fantastic? Do you realize that we work a manditory 84 hours a week? The money Sir is not that great when you consider everything...the mortors, the rockets, living in a prison with very limited activities to do, the sweltering heat, working with other contractors (TCN's) who can't even communicate with us....

Sir, it's not all roses on our side either. Yes, we can leave when ever we want. Yes, we get a 10 day paid vacation every four months...but you know what Sir??? We don't get paid for our overtime as we would in the states...here we only get paid straight time for overtime...everything concidered, I can make more money at home. Most of us don't even consider the money as the main reason were here...it's because we beleive in what we are doing over here and want to be a part of history...making a difference in a very messed up world....doing what's right. The money is a very selfish way of looking at the war my friend.

If you want to complain about where you are, you should go to a mirror and tell it to yourself because Sir, we "all" signed up to be where we all are...there is no draft. Please get rid of the attitude and think about what your day would be like without the contractors. Even the people we support are so blind sided by greed that they don't even realize the things we do for them. Sad...really sad.

The bottom line is that you don't have to leave the wire to die in this hell hole do you sir? We are apart of the liberation force also...my DOD Badge says "Army Contractor" not "freeloader". I am an American Soldier also... not in uniform but in spirit... I did my time in uniform and now I do my time in hell... beside you. What can I and my fellow comrades do to make your time here in the sand a little more enjoyable for you Sir??? If you need something please don't hesitate to ask... "we are here to serve you my friend". "Hooorah!!!"

Outlaw in Iraq.

-- August 23, 2005 11:34 AM ∞

outlaw wrote:

Thanks Ron...will see you at the pig roast soon.

Outlaw

-- August 23, 2005 1:05 PM ∞

1lt wrote:

Outlaw
Well that was a little heated. If you really want to do your part then grab a rifle and come with me, but until then, let's just talk about the money for a second. The $8000 is the bottem of the scale. If you have skills then it goes to $15000 per month. My average soldier is clearing about $3000 per month, fighting an enemy he can't see. Just waiting to be hit by an IED on a daily basis. The sad part is most of my soldiers have been pulled from college, a couple of them seniors. While you will be sipping on Margaritas and waxing your new paid for BMW, the only thing we have to look forward to at the end of this 18 month deployment is financial difficulties, unemployment, and a damaged relationship. That is if we make it back with all of our limbs. Out of the 1800+ soldiers that have been killed here, I know 4 of them. But you know what? I wouldn't give anything in the world to change where I'm at. You are right, we are a part of history. Even though you would be fooling yourself if you were to think this war isn't about the oil, cause it is. I don't have anything against the contractors, but it is costing the American tax payers way too much money. A lot of the jobs that are tasked out such as truck driving could be filled by a Private. Do you realize one meal in the dining facility costs the government $17. It's not even that good. I usually eat an MRE for lunch just to stay away from the mess hall. I'm not trying to pick a fight or ruffle any feathers, I'm just ready to get back home. But on the lighter side of things there is some good that comes from this war. My platoon gets to interact with the locals everytime we go out. So one of my soldier's dad organized a shoe drive back in the states and sent us over 800 pairs. We've been giving them out like hotcakes. Those little moments help me get through the day. I put together a video of the Iraqi kids that is pretty inspiring. If you want, I can send you a copy, just let me know.

Anyways take care and be safe,

1lt Rich

-- August 23, 2005 2:19 PM ∞

outlaw wrote:

1lt Rich,

I like your self agree that paying a contractor is higher than paying a private to do the same job. My base salary is $3000/mo with 55% uplifts for hazardous duty, overseas pay, etc. That 55% is based on the first 40 hours only. We work 84 hours per week mandatory. The other 44 hours is paid straight time only. You do the math.

Lets talk about how much money one soldier costs the government...got to be atleast a couple hundred thousand or more for a four year term when you add in training, health care, food, clothing, benefits, housing, etc. I bet the government saves money using the contractors...that's why we're here...don't you think?

As far a sipping Maragritas and waxing my BMW. Most of us contractors are a generartion ahead of you and we are the ones paying for your young soldiers education. We like you are not using this war money for useless boy toys that you wish you had. I also have a family that wishes that I was home to hug and kiss. I have a dog that wishes I was there to take him for a walk. Please don't preach about lost relationships because of duty...I won't shead a tear for you. I bet your education was paid for by the very tax payers you are complaining about. If you used the G.I. Bill we probably did.

As National Guard members you reaped many, many years of free tax payer benefits doing nothing, and now it's time to pay the piper. Pucker-up and do your job as you promised to do.

Yes Sir, VBIED's, IED's, RPG's, landmines, handgranades, motars, rockes, bullets, shrapnel, are all a part of war and Yes, they suck but again, who put you and your men there? GWB? Your Government? NO!... YOU DID! You took the Same Oath that I did when I was in.

As far as picking up a weapon and joining you...I would love to because frankly I don't trust the Nation Guard with my life as far as I can throw them. There are lots of stories about Reserves pulling tail and running under fire. Do you think this is the first war in the history of the US? Sir, we contractors as a whole probably have more time under emeny fire than all of the Nation Guard in country now. Just because the Geneva Convention and KBR forbids us from using weapons dosen't mean we're not capable of doing so. Where do you think all of the old warriors go when they retire?

Sir, as far as the video...I would love to see the response of the children. I know what you are talking about because I have seen it also. I have some video's made by contractors that show just how dangerous it is here for us also if you want to see.

Sir, I am not degrading the dangerous job that you and your brave warriors are performing, I was only hoping to get you to understand that we too are warriors and also will give our lives in the name of freedom as you will.

I salute you and your men for a great job. Please understand that we all honor the same flag.

Outlaw in Iraq

-- August 23, 2005 3:35 PM ∞

michael wrote:

I have been reading the last few post and it seems there is no news about the dinar anymore. I wish some of the good researchers would return. As for the current topic, I have to agree with Outlaw. It is true everyone makes sacrifices for this war. What is bad is people here protesting and calling for GWB to end the war. What the hell is wrong with these people. That would make every person who has died in Iraq, died for nothing. Are we a nation to stick our tails between our legs and run just because things don't go the way we plan? I am proud of everyone who is helping to fight this war, military or not. It is true that the reserves sit in none war times and reap the rewards and free money and education. But, remember when they signed there name to join, they were signing that they are willing to give there life if needed. Sorry people who don't support the war, this is reality! Live with it..

-- August 23, 2005 4:12 PM ∞

ELVIS wrote:

I have been waiting for you guys to come back on line. outlaw, Ron, rich, and everyone else youall doing a good job. be very careful If any one wants a job I WORK for avery large corporation in Florida

-- August 23, 2005 5:25 PM ∞

elvis wrote:

I keep on losing you guys on the computer, I do not know what I'm doing wrong. would someone let me know what e-mail address to get you guys. this is about the iraqi dinar coments, ELVISCONNECTION3@AOL.COM thank you, thankyou very much!!! elvis

-- August 23, 2005 5:57 PM ∞

outlaw wrote:

Oh Lt,

One other thing...the reason your meal costs $17.00 is because for security reasons all food must be shipped from the states. Guess what shipping on pershable goods cost today with fuel as high as it is. Please don't be so critical until you know all the facts. Halliburton follows the directives of the U.S. Government in all operations. The cost of these operations is dictated by the needs and wants of the Government.

Outlaw in Iraq

-- August 23, 2005 8:40 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Come on fellas, lets cool it a bit.

We are all on the same mission, whether it be contractor or ground soldier and the pay may not seem equitable to either of you but you have to live with the system.

I spent 40 years in the National Guard as a CW4 and I signed up the Lt Governor of my State during Vietnam who was a young lawyer at the time.

The Guard was ready in Vietnam but never got the call and Guardsmen stand ready to answer the call whenever needed and should be revered for their role.

As an old soldier who no longer has to be a yes-man, I do not agree with our action in Iraq but I support the soldiers who are carrying out the mission 100% and will support them until they arrive back home.

All soldiers are yes-men. If you ever choose to disagree with what the chain-of-command has decreed, then you are gone and maybe that is the way it should be.

Outlaw, SPOE, I may not agree with why you are there but I support you 100% until you accomplish the mission.

-- August 23, 2005 11:46 PM ∞

1lt wrote:

Outlaw ok lets call a truce. Bottem line this place sucks. It's going to be many years before this place stabilizes. Any Iraqi who stands up for himself is killed or his family is killed. My interpreter had to move his entire family out of Baghdad because of threats. Some insurgents came to kill him and he fired back at them and they ran away. Guess what they did? They went and got the Iraqi Police and took his weapons away. I see corruption just about everyday with the Iraqi Army. Yet I'm still a believer. I have 2.2 million dinar sitting safely back in the states. I'm probably going to buy another mill, but I gonna wait a little while longer. Mainly because my first intpreter who was my connection, and helped us out greatly with corrupt IA's got shipped off to the Iranian border. See what I mean, if you do good they get rid of you some way or another. Anyways here is to hoping our ship comes in.

-- August 24, 2005 7:13 AM ∞

outlaw wrote:

1lt,

I understand exactly what's going on in the country and I am with you. If you are near BIAP I can get you Dinar. If you are near the Green Zone go to the Al Rasheed Bank and you can get Dinar at Bank rate. I got about 20 mil in the states. I will buy you a drink at the pig roast. Buy more if you can. I estimate you got only a few weeks before it hits Forex.

Stay safe and here's to a guick return home for you and you warriors.

Outlaw

-- August 24, 2005 9:30 AM ∞

outlaw wrote:

One other thing LT.... I would like to see that video if you would be so kind to send it to me. "outlawtwo2002@yahoo.com"

Regards,
Outlaw in Iraq

-- August 24, 2005 10:34 AM ∞

1lt wrote:

Outlaw,
Can you email me your physical address. I have a couple of videos, but they are a couple of hundred megabytes each. My address is richpaetz@msn.com

A couple of weeks huh? I better get moving.

Cheers!

-- August 24, 2005 11:05 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Good morning Gents,

...Nothing like a little Spirited Debate to get the juices flowing!

Bottom Line:

God Bless you all, and your families!!! Stay safe and keep your men (subordinates) even safer. We love and revere every single American serving on Iraqi soil.

The motive/s for the war are dubious, as they have been spelled out to the general public. But; in the end - when all is said and done - if the Iraqi people can hold their heads high, and their lives be that much better than under Saddam, then maybe in some small way it will have been worth it.

Cheers,

Bill1

-- August 24, 2005 12:08 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

After reading the comments between Outlaw and 1lt, I post with a heavy heart this morning. This past year since my first investment in the Dinar I have been thinking only of my greediness, how much money I will have and what I will do with it. Once in awhile but VERY seldom I have thought of the men working, fighting and DYING for the cost of this Dinar. I ask for forgiveness.

I am a grandmother for Heaven's Sake, normally with a heart full of love and forgiveness myself. I often think if there is a God, Outlaw and 1lt, you wouldn't even be there. There would be no need as there should be no killing.

I do so wish I could just grab onto both of you and hug hug and hug you.. Please be careful and safe.

Grandma Ruth

-- August 24, 2005 1:23 PM ∞

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Dear Gramma Ruth,

Huggs and kisses back to ya! Please don't worry about us here in the sand...me and 1lt will take care of eachother and take care of business over here. We will be at that huge pig roast with you very soon. (smiling and a wink)

Outlaw

-- August 24, 2005 4:22 PM ∞

Michael wrote:

Gramma Ruth,
Don't feel bad and with a heavy heart. The money from those dinars you bought was pumped into the iraqi economy. It may have been just a little money, but every bit helps. Actually you were investing money to help iraq and speed up bringing outlaw and 1lt home.

-- August 24, 2005 5:14 PM ∞

tkwright wrote:

This message is going to outlaw in iraq and anyone else who reads this...YOU ARE OUR HEROES! How blessed we are to live in this nation of freedoms, and it's because of you and the sacrifices you make daily over there. We sit in our comfortable a/c homes, drive down the road to get a milkshake, or a gallon of milk, and really don't have any idea what you go through daily. Just know that you are revered in the little town of Mt.Juliet TN and that we hope you'll come home safely. Thank you for your bravery!

-- August 24, 2005 10:56 PM ∞

Gramma Ruth wrote:

Dear Outlaw, Thank you, Bless you, and what IS the "huge pig roast"? Whatever it is, I think I'll be there!

Hugs, Gramma Ruth

-- August 26, 2005 3:53 PM ∞

Dave wrote:

What the he** happened to this site? It used to be a good source of Dinar info and thought. Don't you folks do any research or have any thoughts about this issue? Too bad...where did all the older posters go?

-- August 26, 2005 8:57 PM ∞

johnnyhavedinar wrote:

Hey what happen to you all heros, carl and sara. If we can find this board they can to . But maybe be those guys had other things in mind. how many posters here are actual merchants pumping dinars. As i said before this is just like a BB Stock, just pump and dump.

There will be no pig roast, so lets just use those dinars as wall paper.

Before anyone reply, think and think again this is a dead board

-- August 27, 2005 12:54 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all
I still have hope for our investments and for the Iraqi people.If you do not want to read about the hopes and wish's of some good down to earth people,then maybe it is you who needs to move on and use your dinar"if you have any" for wall paper.Good luck to all and Iraq.RON

-- August 27, 2005 1:59 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Dave,

You must be a newbe to the site huh??? There is no new news... that's why we're not posting anything. Read the old posts over the last two months and you will know as much as we do. It's a stalemate.

Outlaw

-- August 29, 2005 1:13 AM ∞

Roll Tide wrote:

I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed reading the posts on this site for over a year now. I have never posted anything until now since the board is starting to decline. First off I would like to say that I am a die hard conservative so don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way. To start with I did not agree with Mr. Bush when he decided to invade Iraq. We are risking the lives of our soldiers to liberate a country that does not want to be liberated. Think about it, Saddam may have had to rule the way he did just to keep those people in line. Why have we decided that we are the world police anyway. All we have done is draw hatred to ourselves from other countries. I know I'm pissing a lot of you off right now and all you can think about is We are fighting overseas so we want have to someday fight here. Give me a break, If Iraq did have any weapons of mass destruction they have no means of ever delivering them to the US. If we needed to fight a war for this reason I can think of some more countries that are of a series threat and hate us just as much. However after saying that, now that we have commited ourselves to this cause I back it 100% and we should see it through. We need to fight to win rather than fighting in a way that pleases everone. We must strike a lethal blow to this country. We need to use anything in our arsenal that it takes to end this thing quick and get our boys back home. This is the only way to stabilize the country and get their economy back on track. I love to read the rumors section at investors iraq and see all of the crazy rumors. Believe me I wish they were correct because just about everyday we are going to hit the lottery. Everyone just needs to be patient. The dinar is going to peg and gain in value but its not going to be anytime soon. Don't believe everything you hear, every year before football season I hear that Alabama is going to win the national championship. Just like the dinar I like to hear that but I know now is not the time but it will happen again just like the dinar will again gain in value.

-- August 29, 2005 3:27 AM ∞

gripman wrote:

Today will be the day. Good luck to all.

-- August 29, 2005 5:24 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Roll Tide,

Have a look at "S's" post of 17 August, entitled "What's your Reality".

He/she lays out a very plausible scenario for the pegging of the IQD in the next three (3) to six (6) months.

To be honest, it's the most sound thinking I've heard yet when it comes to "war-gaming" the IQD situation.

Read it and tell us what you think...

For the IQD to open on the world markets - at whatever rate - just before the ratification of the constitution in October; or just before (or right after) the December Elections sounds like a serious trump card to be played at "just the right moment" to inject a huge dose of confidence into the general population and move the democratic governmental process from the slow lane into the fast lane.

There are to many brilliant minds out there (Allen Greenspan being one of them) that know what to do, and at exactly when to do it, when it comes to world monetary markets.

It's too easy to think they're all just a bunch of bungling idiots - that "MO" is by design. No one can convince me this whole thing hasn't been designed from day one.

As far as the war goes... all truth be told, "yes", you're absolutely right! No one can make excuses for Mr. Bush and his administration and how they've gotten us into this mess.

"Bad Intel" my azz! If that was the case, then Saddam has every right to bring suit against the U.S. and the coalition, for our unjust invasion of his country - whether he sucked as their leader, or not. It just wasn't our business. But, you're right that we're "Stuck like Chuck" at this point, and have to stay the course. There's just too much at stake, and I think we can all fill in the blanks on that one.

Carl once posted a piece about the "Boogie Man"; i.e. Terrorist, and how just the threat of the Boogie Man and what he might do, creates funding where until recently none had existed. He, the Boogie Man, is merely a budgetary facilitator of convenience.

We're all just somewhere in the middle Roll Tide. The world is CHAOS - full of Intelligence / Counter Intelligence; Information / Disinformation, etc, etc. Believe none of what you hear, and only a small percentage of what you see (ala Orsen Wells 1984).

Let's all keep the faith and I'm sure good things will come in the end.

Bill1

-- August 29, 2005 12:31 PM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all
What this country(USA)needs to do,is get behind Mr. Bush and support him and our brothers and sisters that are in this conflict against any persons that want to control any group of people that want to be free.Iam tired of hereing how some say nothing about the positive,but only the negitive.Do any of you know how much it hurts,to here all of this crap when your life is on the line for freedom and prosperity.I for one do.Answer VIET NAM VIET NAM.Let's all stop and help our men and women in harms way with our support.
PLEASE FROM ONE WHO DIDN'T GET IT IN 1966-1967.Ron

-- August 29, 2005 4:34 PM ∞

gripman wrote:

I keep giving hints to the people on this forum on where to look for real info. I think you are all asleep! Please do yourselves a HUGE favor and go to www.investorsiraq.com...NOW!!!

-- August 29, 2005 5:21 PM ∞

willie wrote:

They just don't make men like they used to. That's all I gotta say!

-- August 29, 2005 11:53 PM ∞

johnnyhavedinar wrote:

More warnings were today issued about the growing number of get rich quick schemes based on purchasing Iraqi Dinar currency.

Potential investors are advised that the Iraqi Dinar currency is only available in Iraq and cannot be exchanged outside of the country.

But global currency exchange website xe.com has issued a warning on the Iraqi dinar, saying it does not believe it will increase in value.

It says buying the Iraqi currency on the strength of Iraq's oil reserves is not the same as investing in the oil itself. "The outlook for its economy and the Iraqi Dinar is grim for the foreseeable future." The website says claims made that the Iraqi Dinar will gain 450,000 per cent are ridiculous considering the country is debt-ridden, unstable and still requiring vast rebuilding.

-- August 30, 2005 12:58 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Gripman,

That site is nothing more than a sales pitch. Like going to see a car salesman...you are not going to hear both sides of the situtation on that site. We do check-out all sites...most people on this site have been purchasing and watching the dinar for a couple years or more.

I have been hearing some disturbing news coming for the Green Zone in Baghdad that says that the Iraqis are going to change currency very soon. Don't want to say that this is factual or not... I have been talking to people that I feel might be giving good information at this point. They also say that only Iraqis and currency currently in Iraqi banks or in banks doing business in Iraq now will be protected. Also banks in the U.S. will not have new currency to exchange. As I research this and get better information or confirmation, I will pass along.

Outlaw

-- August 30, 2005 1:10 AM ∞

Mike wrote:

Which banks are doing business in Iraq? How difficult is it to send my dinars to one of those banks, just to be safe?
Mike

-- August 30, 2005 8:47 AM ∞

johnnyhavedinar wrote:

Hey you all ever wondered where Carl and Sara might be. Those two was the know it all of this board now they are no place to be found.

I will say it again and again this is worst than a BB stock Pump and dump.

Some expensive wall paper.

-- August 30, 2005 7:31 PM ∞

Dave wrote:

They are both at IIF website now.

-- August 30, 2005 8:27 PM ∞

ELVIS wrote:

The main thing is we want all of you guys and gals to come home safe soon. We all just have to see what happens with the dinars,maybe we will be lucky maybe not,anywhere you buy land in florida is a very good investment also.You will double the price in a couple of years. This is what I'm doing now in case something goes wrong with the dinars.I sure hope it stays the same, Ibought alot of dinars, ELVIS

-- August 30, 2005 9:52 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

I have visited several of the other sites in an effort to find a forum to discuss the progress of the dinar and I believe that the T&B is the only one that I have any interest in.

Sara and Carl, I know that you are monitoring the T&B, so come on back and lets get this site back on track.

Rolltide, you don't write with a lot of eleguence but what you say makes a lot of sense. Keep posting this homespun philosphy as I agree with almost all you say.

Fellas, this is too good a site to let it wither away. Lets all join in and post something of signifigance about the progress of the dinar.

This site was at its best when feathers where being ruffled so let's revert back to that mode. Carl and Sara will come back when they see that we can make it without them.

-- August 31, 2005 12:11 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

If you all want to catch up with Carl & Sara go to this link:

http://dinar.forumwise.com/memberlist.php

Many here at the T&B got fed up with a lot of the BS in the form of negative postings and personal attacks, and decided to start their own site appropriately entitled the "Dinar Train Gang".

The link I supplied above is - In Fact - that site, and there you will find Carl and Sara, as well as others.

By the way, there doesn't seem to be any new info being posted there. I believe the last post was made about mid August, but you can at least get in touch with many of the old gang.

I've noticed too that postings at the IIF have slowed down a bit.

This may be the lowest point in this whole IQD speculation
process, with so much hanging in the balance with the Sunnis and their attack dogs the Insurgents, trying to leverage the Kurds and Shiites regarding the formulation of the Iraqi Constitution. Things could certainly get messy real soon; and, not to mention Saddam's trial about to commence - that certainly doesn't help things either, especially with the Sunnis pulling away from the bargaining table.

Ultimately, we will just have to wait it out.

BUT... DO NOT LOOSE FAITH!!! Many times things look their bleakest just before they fulfill their promise.

I, for one - irregardless of what anyone may think of me - am just as optimistic about the prospects for the IQD today as I've ever been.

Many "fair weather" fans will leave the beginning of the 4th Quarter, when their team is down 21 to 0, only to find out later that they came back to win 24 to 21, and that they (those negative minded fans) missed the best part of the game.

Don't be a "fair weather fan" when it comes to the IQD.

Keep the faith - all is "not" lost.

Bill1

-- August 31, 2005 10:23 AM ∞

Roll Tide wrote:

Bill,

I did read the post "Whats Your Reality?" It was very interesting. I believe it is the best senerio I have read thus far. The timeline she gave is also very interesting. The events she mentions should unfold in the manor she laid out. However I still believe the new government will be in place before we can get the stability we need for the dinar to open on the open market. Like I said in a previous post I would like nothing more than to be wrong. The thing is that some of her information is coming from the investors iraq rumors forum. Where most of the infomation comes from either Lance or Clay. These guys have a new scenario of why the dinar is going to open on a certain day just about every month and none of which seem to ever come to pass. For example, There was a rumor posted that the dinar was going to open yesterday at either .70 or 1-1. I believe in what was said in that post but I just don't believe we are close to the release date. By the way I just wanted to answer Bob's post quickly. I appreciate that you agree with most of what I say but the next time you make a comment on how eloquent I write try and spell eloquent correctly.

Roll Tide Roll

-- August 31, 2005 11:33 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Why is the exchange rate stuck at 1470 for the past month??

-- August 31, 2005 6:33 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Hey Rolltide:

This is what it is all about. Someone makes a comment and we all pick it apart. We all misspell a word occasionally, especially when we type as we think, so don't set yourself up as an intellect because I misspelled a word or made a typo.

Rolltide, you fellas are having a tough time down there with the ravages of the hurricane to contend with, so my sympathy and prayers are with you as you brave your way through this hardship.

-- August 31, 2005 10:32 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

Ok, tell me how stupid this sounds. Anyone who wants to post back and tell me I am a complete idiot is welcome to do so.

Pres Bush is having some problems right now we all know that. I'm thinking, I and think I actually will, of writing to him and telling him all the reasons why, and tell him "IF" he can of course, why he should set a price to the US dollar for the Dinar.

One of many of them being the amount of Tax we will all pay into the US Economy, tell him how much just I will be paying if pegged at say .41¢, the amount of troops in Iraq who have sent Dinars back to their wives and children what it will do for them and how good it will make him look.... etc etc.

Maybe my brain is becoming Dinardrained, but am serious!

-- September 1, 2005 3:19 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Ruth,

I wouldn't do what you described doing.

1) President Bush - God Bless Him - doesn't care about anything you have to say - period. So don't waste your time. I'm certain he's aware of all that you plan on telling him, but his advisers know, and are telling him, the timing is still not quite right ...(not just yet).

2) You don't want to "skylight" yourself as someone trying to communicate directly with the "President of the United States", unless you like being stalked by the Secret Service, FBI, and every other government law enforcement agency. Its simply better to just "Fly Under the Radar", if you know what I mean.

But...

Here's something we can all sink our teeth into:

http://www.export.gov/iraq/

Its a report just recently put out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Iraq.

The report is in PDF format and is very detailed (66 pages), but easy enough to navigate to get to the meat of it.

The webpage has some other interesting links too; concerning issues directly relevant to the current and future value of the IQD.

The report, overall, is not good. There are glimmers of hope here and there, but Iraq - in the eyes of the IMF - is not much better today than a were this time last year.

What does that suggest????????...

It's going to be awhile longer before we'll all be able to cash in on our IQD investment.

One of the interesting links on the web page I alluded to above is one on how foreigners can open bank accounts in Iraq.

That link should prove very useful, as they now have the capability to accomplish this using EFT (Electronic Fund Transfere). With EFT we'll be able to securely deposit our IQD into an Iraqi bank (using a third party bank of course), thereby bolstering that bank's overall value (which is certainly helpful in the rebuilding of their economy) and securing our investment/s at the source - no longer having to worry about reissuing concerns, exchanging of currency, etc, etc.

Hope this proves helpful...

Good luck,

Bill1

-- September 1, 2005 12:39 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Het gang,

Again I ask...why is the IQD stuck at 1470 exchange rate for the past month????

ski

-- September 1, 2005 3:07 PM ∞

Albert wrote:

Can I wire money into Iraq?

Yes. Wiring money to Iraq can be done with any international bank with a correspondent relationship with an Iraqi bank. One bank, the Credit Bank of Iraq has opened an account with National Bank of Kuwait in New York City. Thus, funds can be transferred to Iraq by wiring funds to the Credit Bank's account in New York City. The Credit Bank will receive confirmation of the deposit and can immediately credit an account in Baghdad. Using this method, a prime contractor can wire funds to the Credit Bank of Iraq’s New York City account, upon confirmation the deposit will be credited to its account in Baghdad. In turn, the prime contract can deposit these funds into an Iraqi subcontractor’s account at the Credit Bank of Iraq where the subcontractor can then draw down its funds as required.

Also, Citibank in Amman offers a service that delivers cash to the doorstep of the beneficiary in Iraq (tel. # Country Code (U.S. it is 011) +962 6 567 5100). Some U.S. Army personnel and foreign officials use the Export & Finance Bank (tel. # Country Code (U.S. it is 011) + 962 6 569 4250) in Amman, Jordan, which provides money transfer services in cooperation with Baghdad Bank.
Visa International entered into an agreement with Rafidain Bank to allow the bank to make electronic fund transfers among its branches throughout the country. A list of private banks operating in Iraq and possibly providing this service is available from the CPA website at : www.iraqcoalition.org. However, Iraq’s creditors preclude banks, Rafidain and Rasheed, from international transactions because their offshore assets are subject to attachment.

http://www.export.gov/iraq/bus_climate/travel_faq.html#U

-- September 1, 2005 4:17 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Anyone care to share??

The Dinar has been at 1470 for a month. Why is it locked at that price? Has ICB bank frozen the value prior to setting a new peg? Seems interesting to see no fluncuation.

Any comments welcomed!

TTFN

greg

-- September 2, 2005 10:19 AM ∞

allen wrote:

There is no imminent Peg(0.41-$1.00)
This is a disinfo campaign -flat out untruths

disinfo:false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion, or obscure the truth.

The exchange rate of the IQD has been @ 1465-1470 by the CBI for the last year and one half
It is a managed fixed rate regime allowed only to fluctuate within a small band
within the CBI auctions
The CBI has the rate budgeted for 2005-2006 at 1465
read the IMF report
The IQD rate will stay as this for monetary stability until Iraq gets ;

-Stable governance(risk factor)
-economy rebuilds(infrastructure) and prospers
-security is in place
-dinar will gain value

-- September 2, 2005 10:44 AM ∞

JB_Smith wrote:

Temporary refuge for IIF junkies... CLICK HERE

:)

-- September 2, 2005 11:57 AM ∞

Ian Troxell wrote:

Gripman,

Quick info about Investors Iraq.com (IIF)... several members IP addresses have been tracked to dealers websites...

Now IIF is a paid website either pay "19.95" or buy Dinar from Amer (HMMMMMMM).. not only do you have to pay "19.95" to post a comment but you are bombarded with "Rumors" of a peg, that is NOT going to happen anytime soon.

(Fact)I recieved an e-mail from a CBI rep on 08/20/3005. The e-mail related that the currency will remain at its current value until at least 2006. In 2006 another fiscal study will be completed and the value MAY rise then (speculation. The CBI rep never answered my question about the availability of the IQD on the forex..

Sorry this isn't great news buts thats reality. Be very cautious of the IIF..

I read a story of a single parent borrowing 13,000.00 against her house and put into the Dinar because of the hype on IIF. Its really sad but a lot of people take the rumors for fact and see wealth and financial bliss... Their is a criminal investigation going on the IIF forum for possible fraud.. we'll see how that pans out.

Bottom line.. invest only what you can offered.. look into other avenues.. and good luck..

-- September 2, 2005 2:10 PM ∞

ian troxell wrote:

email date from CBI should read: 08/20/2005

-- September 2, 2005 2:13 PM ∞

JB_Smith wrote:

IIF is not a paid site, you don't have to pay a dime to post there,
good grief
%)

Not sure i understand the problem
if some users are NID dealers,
watever,

the site is locked temporarilly
because of misbehavior
so i was providing a temporary alternative.

Cheers!
-JB

-- September 2, 2005 2:46 PM ∞

me wrote:

IIF is a front for a dinar store .Nothing has come true so far.They have no 'inside ' info at all but I do want to thank them because this has been my highest sales record for dinar ever LOL.I am a dinar dealer sitting back enjoying the rush of dinar sales ,thanks Amer!I buy for $680.00 and sell for $790.00 ,I usually make $3000 a month but this month i sold over 60 million!When i buy my dinar I expect to make $100 per million not hundreds of thousands.When the people buy bulk from me ,they sell in smaller lots and the prices become $860 + and they too are happy to make their $100 per million.This is a honest picture of who will make the money from dinar sales. I expect one day the dinar may flucuate much like the US dollar has gone down 20% the past 2 years ...the dinar may achieve a modest increase.Sorry if this is too much reality for the people who planned on getting rich this.

-- September 2, 2005 4:56 PM ∞

ian troxell wrote:

JB,

You have to either pay 19.95 for a three month subscription to post or "PM" anybody.. or buy Dinar from Amer. What part of that is not a "pay" site!

Me,

Thanks for your honesty.. FINALLY somebody with some guts to step up to the plate and tell the truth... business is business I understand that... as long as you practice honest business I say sell all that you can..

To the IIF,

Deciept is a a bad business practice and will be dealt with very swiftly.. Every criminal has that first run of "good times" but one way or the other it catches up with you... Big brother is watching... and documenting away..

-- September 2, 2005 6:10 PM ∞

JB_Smith wrote:

ian troxell wrote:
You have to either pay 19.95 for a three month subscription to post or "PM" anybody.. or buy Dinar from Amer. What part of that is not a "pay" site!

Well unless something changed very recently,
i personally was never required to pay,
to do any of those things.

You do need to pay if you want into the Super-Secret Forum Supporter's Forum,
where we all go to snicker and laugh at people without memberships,
elsewise it's a free forum.

Oh, and you get a Cool Badge next to your name too.

.

-- September 2, 2005 8:23 PM ∞

JB_Smith wrote:

You know what else though Ian,
you get my hackles up...
publically throwing around libelous words
like "deceit" and "criminal"

bottom line is you don't know anything at all,
your posts are pure conjecture,
with no more substance than the rumors
on which you appear to be blaming all the woes in Dinar Land,
including some fictitious single mom
quote:
"Its really sad but a lot of people take the rumors for fact and see wealth and financial bliss..."
Yes it's really sad that a lot of people don't take what they read
with a grain of salt
and then blame someone else when they're the worse for it.
Really sad that personal responsibility
is a difficult concept.

Sorry but this is some pretty dubious investigative reporting
coming from someone who doesn't even know IIF is a free forum.
.

-- September 2, 2005 8:49 PM ∞

willie wrote:

Whats the deal with Investors Iraqi Forum. They won't let you in unless you pay for a subscription?

-- September 2, 2005 10:05 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

willie wrote:
Whats the deal with Investors Iraqi Forum. They won't let you in unless you pay for a subscription?

NO NO NO!!!!

ATM it is locked down
because the membership got a bit too rowdy.

Which is why i said Click Here
to anyone from there
who happens to be around here;
i made a temporary forum
in case they want to vent or something,
or something,
honestly i forget why i did it
because i did it before my second cup of coffee
i should know better.

But i'm sure my motives were pure,
i think i'm a good guy.

And i think the same of IIF,
which is a FREE FORUM,
btw.
.

-- September 2, 2005 10:25 PM ∞

JB_Smith wrote:

OK so they are only admitting Forum Supporters tonight,

they made a liar outa me /after/ the fact;
no fair sticking me on a technicality.

And anyway it will be free for all again tomorrow.

Erm,
Free for all, i mean, not free-for-all,
i hope
:)

-- September 2, 2005 11:25 PM ∞

Bev wrote:

Ian,

thanx for teling it like it is. i think that your post on the dinar is one of the most honest reports about the dinar that i have read. iagree with you that the dinar peging is a long way away. i also beleive that it won't necesarily bust wide open and make dinar investors millionairs (in U. S. dollars). it is also sad that someone would borrow 13,000 dollars to buy dinar.this lady stands to loose a lot of money just by listening to rumors i am a single mom also.i have been on Investoriraq.com and by the way some of the people talk, i would be tempted toborrow money tomorrow too buy dinar. Some of these people have stared rumors just to sell dinar if you ask me. what a shame. there are too many rumors from too many dinar dealers. i say to get away from a peg date and fantasy and stick to what they know and maybe people will beleive them.

to Me- the dinar seller
thanks for beeing honest about the way things really are. with you beeing honest maybe the people that follows these rumorse will come back down to earth and see who is really puting out rumors and why. the truth is now out and it is about time. good luck to all
just my 2 cents worth

-- September 3, 2005 10:31 AM ∞

Loko12 wrote:

Looks like a lot of censorship on IIF. People disputing the Rumormongers are promptly warned and their posts deleted.

-- September 3, 2005 11:36 AM ∞

biggmike wrote:

How much Dinar do you suggest the average joe purchase?

-- September 3, 2005 4:17 PM ∞

me wrote:

hello again

Nice to see some people with at least one foot on the ground.And I am glad that me coming out of the closet has helped people see the reality of dinar 'investing'.
I will ad another fact over Fiction info for all of you folks.All dinar notes are the same price , i pay $680 per million for the 50 notes as well.The reason they are more expensive is because to ship them overseas to USA it will cost about $155 per million and I do have to add that in the price.So I would recommend you have a few 50 notes as keepsakes but not buy them for investing.You will get much more by buying the larger notes.The 5000 ,10000 and 25000 all cost same to ship but when you see the 1000 or less notes going for $1000+ per million please keep the shipping cost in mind.

-- September 4, 2005 12:53 AM ∞

gripman wrote:

It definitely does not cost anything to join IIF.Although the new rule is that you can only post 10 times a day, unless you are a "Forum Supporter". It was really getting ridiculous over there with the bashing.I have a feeling that the "timeout" has caused the instant demise of the site.Good luck to all.

-- September 4, 2005 9:22 AM ∞

gripman wrote:

p.s. Hey, ian troxell, weren't you a kickboxer?

-- September 4, 2005 9:25 AM ∞

Mrs. Templeton wrote:

This is to InvestorsIraq and Dinarpost.com
Please tell us when the next dinar peg is going to happen. Are we all going to be rich tomorrow or the day after tomorrow or the day after that? Please help me and give me some "inside information" on when the next dinar peg is going to happen. You all have all the friends in "high places". I have been waiting for six months now. Each time you all make a prediction I tell my husband to go ahead and write the check to pay off our house and I send it off to the mortgage company on the date that you all predict the dinar is going to peg. My husband has now has written 42 bad checks to mortgage company. Our mortgage company is not too happy with us right now, but I still believe in your predictions. I keep putting my Aston Martin on order at the local car dealer whenever you all predict a dinar peg. I have written 42 bad checks to the car dealer as well. The car dealer says that he wanted your names. So I PROUDLY gave him your names on the IIF and now the dinarpost.com sites. I told him that I was proud to be associated with you all. He thinks you all are from Florida. He keeps saying "Sunny Beaches" whenever I mention your names. Lance (my hero)was the first dinar prognosticator then a bunch of the other dinar sellers (Clay and others) jumped in. That is when the whole IIF site jumped on the bandwagon. Now they've started dinarpost.com . My husband keeps saying, "Same old members, same old bullcrap" about both websites. But,I have been soooo excited ever since you all started in the dinar psychic-prediction phenomenen business. I must say I got a bit upset when your last prediction didn't happen. I went over and kicked the neighbor's dog. The dog bit me and I passed out. My husband said that on the way to the hospital, I was out of it. He said that I was yelling to the ambulance driver and saying, "It's pegging, it's pegging!!"
So please tell me that it is going to peg tomorrow. Just tell me, pleasssse! My husband says you are "nuts". But I think he is just jealous because I sleep with my dinar in my bed. I also have my Warka bank account book hidden under my bra (oops, you know now). I have $200,000 u.s. dollars in dinar in my Warka Bank account. I admit things have been a little tight since I took out a third mortgage on my house third to open the Warka account, but hey if IIF and dinarpost.com says it's okay then it has to be right. My friends call you "dinar fortune tellers". They say you haven't gotten one prediction right but I believe in your "crystal- ball approach". I will buy more and more of your dinar that you are selling if you will consult with your "crystal-ball" one more time. I am sure that reading a crystal-ball is very difficult even if you are "gifted" such as you all are in predicting the future of the dinar peg. I realize now why your predictions have been slightly off. There must have been a space-time distortion in your crystal-ball. Have you checked the plasma-inducing diffusion-conductor in your crystal ball. That'll throw it off everytime. I have also heard not to have a crystal-ball near the Bermuda Triangle. There's something about aliens causing it magnetic problems or something. That's just what I hear.
After you get your crystal ball repaired Could you also check your crystal ball to see how long I am going to live? I want to see if I am going to live long enough to see your dinar peg prediction come true. I am also going on vacation to Hawaii on September 18-25. Could your crystal-ball tell me the rain probability on the island of Oahu during that time. Oh, I almost forgot my husband wants me to ask you if your crystal-ball works with predicting stock prices on the New York Stock Exchange. He says he sure could use a few good predictions from you all. But I have faith in you all. I know that you will get the right prediction this next time.
I must run now. You all may have been wrong for 42 times in a row, but nobody's perfect.
Yours truly, Mrs. Templeton

-- September 5, 2005 2:25 PM ∞

Loko12 wrote:

IIF is now the "Cookie Club". Aunt Gwinnie, RET, and Dinaeress have chased all the Bad Guys out for posting Rumors in the Rumors Section. All the people in the know are at http://www.dinaroutpost.com/ because they have been warned, deleted, booted and otherwise harassed by RET and the Mod Mafia. So, if you want to enjoy a Dinar Information forum with now censorship come to the Outpost. All the other Geeks, losers, whiners and Cookie Clubbers can stay at IIF and be censored. Adios

-- September 5, 2005 8:19 PM ∞

Mrs. Templeton wrote:

Dear Loko12 I went over to dinaroutpost.com.

I want you to know that I am soooooo happy. I noticed that one of my favorite dinar peg psychic-predictors is on your forum. Tell Clay that Mrs. Templeton still has faith in him even if he does post false predictions just to sell dinar (ooops, sorry, that was my husband's comments). My husband can be so mean sometimes. I do have a question for Clay. I was wondering if you could ask Clay if he uses their usual crystal-ball approach on dinar peg predictions or does he just have "visions" that tell him when the dinar is going to peg?
Do you have any more of those lovely dinar foretellers on your site? Can they post some more of those saucy peg dates? Now that they are free from IIF, maybe they can just keep dinaroutpost.com as a "psychic contact" website for some more dinar peg predictions. My husband says that he is starting to get a "vision" about the next dinar peg (lol).
I am wiggling in my stilletos just thinking about all those new dinar peg predictions. I can't wait until the next dinar peg prediction comes from dinaroutpost.com . Please tell me Loko that I will get a new prediction from you all. I am sooo happy now. My husband said that he is ready to write another check to pay off our house. He is just waiting for some more predictions from Clay and Lance. He can be mean sometimes. But, he has to go out cut the neighbor's yard today. He is taking on part-time jobs (5 so far) to help pay for my loans in buying dinar and opening a Warka bank accout when Lance, Clay and all the other great dinar
predictors had all those "crystal-ball" moments.
Did I mention that my mortgage company is not too happy with us right now?
Could you tell Lance that Mrs T. is waiting for his predictions as well. My husband says that he would like to hand Clay and Lance the lawnmower that he is using right now to mow the neighbor's yard. He can be so mean sometimes.
Yours Truly, Mrs. Templeton

-- September 5, 2005 9:36 PM ∞

Loco12 wrote:

Well, the real Clay75 hasn't posted yet. There are two Claywantabees, but everyone knows they are fakes. Don't worry, you will know when the Dinar pegs and then you can spend your millions.

-- September 5, 2005 9:49 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

This is REAL news, NOT rumor. But also may mean nothing. Copied this from AZZAMAN.COM this morning a newpaper from Iraq. The entire article is "Industrual Bank slashes rate by half". The part I found most interesting OR I MAY be reading more into it than there really is: "But the financial sector is still struggling and has not yet integrated into broader Middle East or international banking systems." .....Which sounds to me like they know they need to, 'integrate into International Banking Systems'.

Copied from site:
>>Iraqi banks, both state-owned and private, are striving to modernize their financial services and some have introduced fully computerized systems.

But the financial sector is still struggling and has not yet integrated into broader Middle East or international banking systems.

Habib said investment, both by local and foreign entrepreneurs, was essential for the country’s post-war reconstruction.

He said the country cannot solely rely on its oil wealth, and he cited the United Arab Emirates, which despite its massive oil wealth, still relies on foreign investment to develop its economy.

There is more to the article, but nothing that I felf may reflect directly to the Dinar. It's interesting daily reading though. At AZZAMAN.COM click on "News".

And a p.s. to Mrs. Templeton. Thank you for the interesting stories while waiting for the "peg". Kept me laughing. Think I'll go kick the neighbor's dog also!

Ruth

-- September 6, 2005 5:34 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

It appears we have to wait until 2006 for a possible peg?? A penny dianr to aUS dollar is fine with me. We need IMF approval and open market trading of IQD.

That reminds me I goota bring my dog in. The neighborhood is getting irritable.

ski

-- September 6, 2005 9:57 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Something interesting to watch for:

http://thestaronline.com/news/story.asp?file=/2005/9/7/worldupdates/2005-09-07T113900Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_-215252-3&sec=Worldupdates

Seems they want to begin Saddam's trial right about the time they plan to ratify the proposed constitution.

This will be a huge/crucial milestone in the post-war Iraqi condition.

Saddam's trial is currently planned to be held in the Green Zone compound October 19th.

Ploitical unrest by the Sunnis before, during, and after the trial is all but guaranteed.

Should Saddam walk (God forbid), then this house of cards we call "The Rebuilding of Iraq" will come tumbling down, and stay down.

Saddam being acquitted would be a triumph to the Sunnis and Insurgents like no other, and Civil War would most likely be just around the corner.

October will be a very intersting and tense month to watch unfold in Iraq.

And, it all begins in approximately 42 days.

(they should consider putting it on pay-per-view)

Bill1

-- September 7, 2005 10:51 AM ∞

RYAN wrote:

I AGREE WITH SKI...JANUARY 2006 AFTER THE ELECTION IN DEC SOMETIME FOR A PEG....AND A PENNY WOULD BE APPRECIATED

I KEEP MY DOG INDOORS

-- September 7, 2005 4:12 PM ∞

johnnyhavedinar wrote:

When and if there is a peg, it will not be a penny. It will be much more. Iraq cannot buy goods , medical suplies, computers, cars, planes,oil equipement and other stuff that is needed to rebuild thier country on a penny. The money will have to be worth a lot more to have purchasing power.

Johnnyhavedinar do you.

-- September 8, 2005 11:08 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

BRING IT ON!!

I was thinking low and now I need to reset my expectations! I agree with the IQD buying power argument. There are 25,000,000 consumers who need everything.I hope the Administration sees it that way and supports a strong peg in the very near future. When does the new Iraqi Constitution go up for a vote??

TIA

ski

-- September 8, 2005 3:16 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

The Iraqi Dinar Future Investment Prospects

Every second person Tom Dick and Harry right from uneducated cooks, waiters, taxi drivers, masons, carpenters, house wifes and you name them through out the world talking seriously to invest in Iraqi Dinar.

Now what is the future prospects in investing in Iraqi Dinar ??

This is a BIG QUESTION for the very reason that there are multiple factors involved, where the future value of new Iraqi Dinar drifts North or South, economist and mathematicians may jointly come up to design a differential equation with multiple variables projecting the future value of Iraqi Dinar.

Out of these multiple variables three variable are very important:
(a) The time factor
(b) The number of notes in circulation.
(c) The number of currency notes printed

Every prospective investor gives example of Kuwaiti Dinar appreciation.
Kuwaiti Dinar and Iraqi Dinar have two different stories, relating to the three variable mentioned here above.

AA) In 1990 after the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq Kuwaiti Dinar plunged almost as low as
around US 1 cent, after the return of Kingdom what happened

(1) The New currency was printed which replaced the Old Currency notes
(2) The Time Factor: The Kingdom return home in a very short time
(3) The number of Currency Notes in Circulation: During this short transition time period there was no printing of Old Kuwaiti currency notes, which would cause inflation
(4) The Old currency notes were replaced by equivalent New currency notes, the new currency notes in circulation remained the same as they were before the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990.
(5) On return of Kingdom, Kuwaiti Dinar re-gained its value as it was before the invasion.

This is not in the case of Iraqi Dinar, let see,
BB)
(1) The Time Factor: From 1990 to until Fall of Saddam Empire it is almost 12 years.

(2) During this long time period un-accounted large number of currency notes were printed, caused inflation, resulting in devaluation of Iraqi Dinar where it stands today.

(3) The New Iraqi Dinar has only replaced by the Old Iraqi currency notes, hence the number of currency notes in circulation remains the same in trillions created by the out going Saddam.

In light of above presentation, do not see any future prospects of investors in Iraqi Dinar, can possibly look forward for any appreciations in Iraqi Dinar value, unless notes in circulation are reduced.

In the region three countries changed their currency:
(1) Kuwait
(2) Afghanistan
(3) Iraq

In the process of change of currency of Afghani three zeros were deleted, thinking that this may revalue the Afghani, the Afghanistan currency did not revalued, only thing happened the consumer buyer now carries few currency notes instead of huge bundles of notes, otherwise the Afghani currency value in terms of U.S.Dollars other currencies stands were it was.

Regards
Shajee

-- September 9, 2005 7:40 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Currency value comparison: It would be a wrong prediction, if anybody thinks Iraq currency Iraqi Dinar will appreciate and attain value as of other oil producing countries in the region Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia and others, well in the case of Iran also being an oil producing country in the region its currency is the lowest and same is with oil producing country Venezuela, why not buy Iran & Venezuela currencies.

-- September 9, 2005 8:12 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Thanks for the prospectus Shajee,

You make an interesting point (to an extent) about the amount of notes in circulation vs. the actual value of the IQD. But, the Iraqi Dinar, as I understand it, will be a floating currency when it finally pegs, which is why people - like myself - have invested in it. By vritue of it being a "floating currecy" tied directly to the Iraqi economy, it has very good potential to increase in value - so long as the Iraqi economy flourishes.

You mention Kuwait, and other Middle Eastern countries, to include Venezuela too... "Apples vs. Oranges", is all I can say to that example.

Bottom line is: There is no "Cookie Cutter" format to follow here, regarding the future economic outcome in Iraq.

If that were the case, then using your example, no one would have taken a chance on investing/gambling on the IQD increasing in value.

Personally, I see the Dinar initially pegging and increasing in value (sometime w/in the next six months) along these lines:

First: I believe Iraq has about a 1/4 (give or take) of Japan's economic strength. The Japanese Yen currently trades against the USD at 110:1, (110 Yen to 1 USD).

The Dinar currently trades at around 1465 to the USD. By my calculations I believe the Dinar value, once it pegs will be somewhere around 366.25 IQD:1 USD. By that estimate, initially, I will have made $2,730.38 on an $867.00 investment (1,000,000 IQD), which is a 315% return.

Its not the millions that some hope to make, but it's still very good profit - especially for those folks that have purchased tens of millions of IQD.

What happens down the road is anyone's guess, but I believe the IQD will double in the above mentioned value within the first year, or so - so long as we get a handle on these menacing insurgents.

Iraq has a realtime potential to rival all existing Middle Eastern countries, economically speaking; which makes it so dangerous and worrisome to it's neighbors, and causes the stakes to be so high regarding it's rebirth as a Democratic Nation.

Iraq doesn't need the GCC, but the GCC needs Iraq - and they know it.

Only 1/10 of Iraq has currently been explored for oil reserves, and no one can convince me that there isn't at least 1,000 times more oil waiting to be discovered in Iraq than what currently exists - not to mention all the other natural resources Iraq has going for it. Etc, etc, etc...

Many skeptics, people akin to the type that once thought the world was flat, attempt to derail the hopes and dreams of Dinar Investors, but I haven't heard a convincing argument yet as to why Iraq will not be a success.

There just aren't enough radical, brainwashed, suicide bombers in the world to stop it from happening. They can slow it's progress some, but they can't stop it.

My $.02...

Bill1

-- September 9, 2005 9:40 AM ∞

Michael wrote:

I am going to come right out and say it.....
Shajee you don't know what your speaking of obviously. There is no comparison, NONE!

Sit back and watch what happens in the coming days to the value of the Dinar......

You can get on the train without a ticket folks. Can you afford NOT to take this chance?? It has NEVER happened before to this magnitude and it will NEVER happen again in any of our lifetimes.

It makes no differance to me if you do or not. I wish you all well in whatever choices you make in life.

The wealthy don't make money, they create it!!

-- September 10, 2005 9:58 AM ∞

Michael wrote:

Bill I agree with you.
When the world is in such a need as it appears for the black gold under the ground here I just don't think it will even slow it down too much. How many lives have been lost for much smaller treasures in the past?

DOn't look at the news...they are so biased it is pathetic.
GW will not let this fail...no way no how. This is only my opinion of course.

Wealthy people do not make money, they create it.

Wooooooaaaaaaaah BUNDY!! :)

-- September 10, 2005 10:04 AM ∞

Ruth wrote:

This sounds encouraging to me. From www.portaliraq.com "Knocking zeros off currency is not acceptable"

The Iraqi Dinar depreciated in value from being equal to $3.2 to its current rate of ID1470 to the single dollar. With only one type of ordinary shares whose face value is fixed by law at one single Iraqi Dinar, all joint stock companies were forced to issue more and more large number of shares to build up their capital base to reasonable levels.

Many middle aged Iraqi businessmen and accountants yearn for smaller figures and many economists have been arguing in favor of a new currency with higher denomination to simplify calculations. Knocking three zeros from the currency may be not acceptable to politicians at this stage of uncertainty in Iraq.

-- September 11, 2005 12:27 AM ∞

BOB wrote:

Has anyone found a dinar site that is anything like the T&B, in that the participants post comments. Every site that I visit has a catagory index which you can log on and get info, which sometimes is weeks old.

The T&B has hit a low ebb with almost no comments. I thoroughly enjoy reading the comments but now there are very few, so if anyone can recommend a site similiar to T&B which is more active, please post it.

I will stay with T&B until Kevin removes the site, which I hope will be never but we must have more activity in order for the site to be kept in operation.

-- September 13, 2005 11:15 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

Bob, I go to http://www.investorsiraq.com/ once in awhile. I have only read and not posted, but there are posts that say which day they were posted, "today, yesterday", or whenever. It seems to at least have some current posts.

-- September 14, 2005 2:43 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Roger that BOB,

There just isn't that much info /new info - not the same old headlines we've heard over and over again/ out there right now.

There is a website that I've found that looks to have very good up-to-date information - the kind all of us as IQD investors are most interested in, but they want you to subscribe to their site. ...who knows maybe it's worth the subscription???

Anyway, here's the site:

http://www.iraqupdates.com/registration.php

Beyond that, it looks like we're all simply waiting for Saddam's trial to begin, and the ratification of the constitution on the 15th of October.

Bill1

-- September 14, 2005 8:23 AM ∞

WishfulDinar wrote:

I know there are a lot of people on this board that are hoping to make a few extra bucks on a long shot. If you have money to lose - like gambling - the payout could be huge. This post is directed to those that look at the IQD as an investment or as retirement. I know a friend's father who has invested his whole life savings on this crap shoot (About $100,000)and this just makes me furious that people are touting this as a sure thing. Here are some arguments on why the Dinar may not rise.
1) Arguments that Bush will not let Iraq fail is not a valid stance. First, if the Republicans lose the next election we may pull out of Iraq before the job is done. This could lead Iraq into chaos (and don't say we won't pull out - we left Vietnam even though people said we couldn't because communism would take over southeast asia). We also stated in Vietnam that we would leave once the South Vietnam army protect themselves and took their own destiny in their hands - it didn't happen and most of the people didn't ask for us to be there (which is the case today).
2) Iraq is a country seperated by three groups that hate each other - kurds, shiite, and sunnis (each backed by outside forces) The only thing that kept the country together was a repressive and violent dictorship. How will it survive as a democracy? What will prevent it from spliting up into three different nations with three different currencies.
3) The old Hussein dinar has nothing to do with today's dinar. The argument that the dinar will be traded at pre-war levels is not valid. If the dinar pegs as some people think it will, does that mean everyone in Iraq will be Millionaire's - do the math.
4) Find a serious and knowledgable investor that agrees (not Internet board posters) with the investing in Iraqi Dinars. They will tell you that you would have better odds in Vegas.
5) The only people making money from this are the sellers of the dinars - and they are posting under different names to pump up the sale of dinars. You can see the cycle - tell people to buy as much dinar before the "peg date", foretell of the "peg date" from "good sources", collect commissions. Rinse and repeat every few months.
6) If its too good to be true . . . you're getting played. The Dinar sellers are using your religous convictions and patriotism in making a quick buck off of you. When was the last time that you made a good financial decision with your heart instead of your head.

In the end, if this is just play money - go for it. But don't bet your life. I'm sure I'll get a lot of responses stating that this time it is different and that I have some type of motive to make people not by iraqi dinars. But what is my motive? To buy more dinars for myself? (everyone and their grandma are selling dinars). To not support our cause in IRaq? - Well, we can better support the economy of Iraq by investing in the companies that are doing business in Iraq. If you really believe the Iraq will pull through - invest in those companies rather - a lot safer and less to worry about.

-- September 14, 2005 12:16 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

WishfulDinar:
You are absolutely right what, I have a strong point that the inflated number of old currency notes in circulation has been eqaully replaced by New Iraqi Dinar,hence the old currency depreciation has been brought forward in to the NID, I do not seen any chance of appreciation of NID, if NID is expected to increase it value in future, financial experts would not have printed NID notes of very high denomination of 25,000.
Good Luck to invetors in New Iraqi dinar.
Rgds/shajee

-- September 14, 2005 4:35 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

WishfulDinar:
You are absolutely right what you mentioned in your comments, I have a strong point that the inflated number of old currency notes in circulation has been eqaully replaced by New Iraqi Dinar,hence the old currency depreciation has been brought forward in to the NID, I do not seen any chance of appreciation of NID, if NID is expected to increase it value in future, financial experts would not have printed NID notes of very high denomination of 25,000.
Good Luck to invetors in New Iraqi dinar.
Rgds

-- September 14, 2005 4:39 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

You Gents are absolutely right!

This is turning out to be one hell of a gamble.

If I knew then what I know today about Iraq, this political rebirth it's struggling to get through, etc, etc; I would have saved my money and invested in something else.

But...

I'm in for the long haul - I have no choice.

You don't go to the race track and bet on a horse, and then root for him to loose the race.

So it is with me and my IQD investment.

I don't ask for much. I could care less about making millions of dollars. I just want me and my family to be comfortable, and the Iraqi people to have a chance at the same good life we have here in the states.

Wouldn't that be something?!?!?...

The war was a bunch of BS to begin with - and we all know it. No need for a debate here, etc.

I'm active duty military and will probably be heading to Iraq within the next yaer, or so. So, I'll get my chance to do my part to try and better the lives of the Iraqi people.

Things are starting to heat up in Iraq, because the stakes are getting bigger and bigger.

The Honorable President Bush and Mr. Rumsfeld... :^) are "lost in the sauce" when it comes to master-minding a successful outcome in Iraq.

Political suits in control of the military is a recipe for disaster, and always has been.

We need to secure the boarders with more boots on the ground - period.

But, the beltway bean counters could care less. The U.S. government always wants a Cadillac at a Chevrolet price. And, it's no different in this administration's handling of Iraq.

All any of us can do at this point is continue to keep the faith, and to hope for the best.

Bill1

-- September 14, 2005 10:15 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Concerned about the future value of our IQD????...

Here's a little something to help keep us all awake at night wondering just what the heck's going to happen next:

http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GI16Ak03.html

It's a very interesting read.

I, for one, think it's time to stop pussy-footing around in Iraq.

Are we there to win this thing, or loose it all?

If we can't get smarter and begin thinking one step ahead of the insurgents, then we are doomed to simply "REACT" to their criminal plots, and innocent people will forever be caught in the middle.

I wonder sometimes, how much more "failure to protect them" will the Iraqi people put up with, from the U.S. and their government officials(?), before they decide that, "If you can't beat them - then join them!".

Once we "ALLOW" that to happen it's "Game Over".

Our only recourse will be to simply pack our bags and leave Iraq with our tails between our legs in disgrace.

The so called "World's Most Powerful Nation", will have once again, allowed itself to be defeated by a bunch of rag-tag, paramilitary rejects.

...

-- September 16, 2005 10:44 AM ∞

Dave wrote:

True.

-- September 16, 2005 3:06 PM ∞

CuriousCat wrote:

Bill1,

I've been reading these posts in the last couple of weeks. I haven't invested but had been considering it. I have a friend in Dubai who comes home 3 times a year.

If you were a "newbie" to this site and had only recently been considering investing in IQD. Would you do it now?

CC

-- September 16, 2005 4:12 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

I like the tone of the recent posts. I said before we went into Iraq that it was a mistake. Even if they had WMD, we were not in any more danger than anyone else so let the UN handle the problem.

Now that we are there, there is no benevolent friendly way to fight a war especially if you are dealing with terrorist who are willing to blow themselves up for $100.00. The Geneva convention did not apply to terrorists, only to countries who put soldiers in uniform to fight.

I, therefore, belive that if we have any hope of succeeding in Iraq, it will be with ruthless, relentless, pursuit of these idiots who are blowing themselves up on a daily basis.

Lt Calley killed 145 women and children in Vietnam which should not have happended, but it is part of what war is all about. I would make these detainees in Guantanimo
Bay(SIC) talk, using whatever method that works in order to stop these terrorist attacks in Iraq.

It is time to stop these terrorists and real soldiers know how to do it if the bleeding heart liberal will turn them loose.

-- September 16, 2005 8:21 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

CuriousCat,

If I were you, I'd still invest in the IQD, just not as much as I did.

You can still purchase 250,000 IQD for about $222.00 U.S. off of e-Bay. I wouldn't buy much more than that today, due to the recent bleak political outlook in Iraq. And, if it hits, at say around .15 U.S., then you've still made about $37,500.00 on a two-hundred & twenty-two dollar investment. And, if it all goes to hell in a hand basket, then you're only out about 3.5 tanks of gas (depending on size of vehicle).

The only dealer I trust is "dima89" on e-Bay. He has an astounding track record of delivering his authentic IQD on time, as promised, through DHL.

If you care to go with someone else ...good luck.

I invested in the Dinar in July of 2004 when things looked a hell of a lot better than they do today. And because I couldn't forsee all of this nonsense coming to pass I spent thousands.

I didn't spend/gamble more than I could afford to loose, so I'm not crying over spilt milk. I'm just upset at how we're handling the situation in Iraq.

To date, it's a travesty...

I, and a lot of others, couldn't forsee how deep the Shiite & Kurdish hatred runs for the Sunni Arabs of Iraq (and vise versa) - to the point that we've reached this political impass.

But... a glimmer of hope may still remain.

All may not be lost in Iraq (just yet) - I haven't completely given up on her rebirth, but I certainly don't have the unshakable faith for her success that I once did either.

Many here at the T&B were saying this more than a year ago... GET A HANDLE ON THESE INSURGENTS/TERRORIST ASAP!!!

But...

What do a bunch of Arm Chair Bloggers know anyway...???...

Good luck to us all,

Bill1

-- September 16, 2005 10:51 PM ∞

CuriousCat wrote:

Thanks, Bill1. I've asked my friend to buy some for me. :)

CC

-- September 17, 2005 2:46 AM ∞

Dinar wrote:

I came across this deal on ebay if anybody is interested..

Item #5809181995

Item #5809182275

total of 1 million dinar for about 780.00 ... all 500 notes... just in case they get rid of the 25K notes

-- September 18, 2005 12:58 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

When the Iraqi Constitution is ratified will the dinar peg?? That is...if it ratified. I liked the Marshall Plan example. Also, 25 million consumers needing everything from cellphones to lap-tops. A strong dinar will jumpstart the country and a major buying binge.

G'Day!!

ski

-- September 19, 2005 4:38 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

More bad news coming out of Iraq.

The situation is now degrading in quantum leaps.

The end may soon be near and it doesn't look as though we'll be leaving Iraq with a check in the WIN column...

1) A news story about how $1,000,000,000.00 (+) of reconstruction funds have turned up missing in Iraq - seemingly at the hands of U.S. Military and CIA Operatives.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/09/20/2003272434

[With stories like this it won't be long before common Iraqis start beheadiing American Military in broad daylight]

2) And, Al-Qaeda has now established training bases in Iraq - you know, the ones we destroyed in Afghanistan!!!

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16661140%255E1702,00.html

[I wonder... can we screw this up any more than we have?]

At this rate our IQD investment doesn't stand a chance...

Bill1

-- September 20, 2005 1:17 PM ∞

Mega_raptor1 wrote:

Does anybody know how many Dinars are out in circulation? is there a link for this?

-- September 20, 2005 1:42 PM ∞

ELVIS THE KING wrote:

There has to be Billions of new dinars floating all over in Countries besides UNITED STATES. Some of you people are giving up on DINARS,it takes a little time,it will go up. We just have to wait a little longer.Everyone right away thought thay will be millionairs it is not that easy, it is a waiting game.They are not going to cancell the 25,000 dinars.People are just trying to start something,No matter how long it takes just hang in there. The shiite, kurdish, and the sunni arabs have to agree together on every thing. they are also not going to change the dinars.there are BILLIONS and BILLIONS of DOLLARS to spend in iraq .the oil along will bring up the dinars plus every thing else. ELVIS THE KING !!!!!!!

-- September 20, 2005 6:09 PM ∞

Mega_raptor1 wrote:

If Iraq is printing money without a standard to back it up, will be hard for anyone to cash in anything.
this also leads to huge inflation for Iraq. Hopefully they put a cap on sales of Iraqi Dinars soon.

-- September 21, 2005 12:04 AM ∞

Michael wrote:

Mega-Raptor you have to educate yourself sir. Your behind in the power curve. Read!!

-- September 21, 2005 7:00 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Good morning All,

I posted yesterday but it didn't go through.

Oh well, maybe it was for the best - it was just a bunch more bad news coming out of Iraq.

Speaking of education...

Here's an informative link to help better explain the difference between Floating and Fixed Currencies:

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/03/020603.asp

Should give us a heads-up as to what we can expect once the IQD finally begins open trade on the world's currency markets.

And, there's also many other good links at the site as well.

May even want to save it to your favorites ...?...

Good luck,

Bill1

-- September 21, 2005 8:32 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Bill1,

Thanks for the schooling on fixed versuses floating.

If the IQD pegs....I like the fact all banks will need to hold IQD reserves which will create a big demand for the IQD. I have a boat load of 25,000 notes. Hope to unload at a decent peg.

Do you all believe we might see a peg following the Iraqi Constitution being ratified or at least some movement in the exchange rate?

ski

-- September 21, 2005 10:12 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Hi All
This is my first post in awhile.I believe we just have to wait awhile longer.The NID will make a jump,how much I do not know,but it will hapen.
Hey nid train gang,are you still there.good luck to all and Iraq.Ron

-- September 21, 2005 11:53 AM ∞

Mega_raptor1 wrote:

there is still no place you can find out how much money is backing the IQD, nor is there anything about how many dinars are currently in circulation. I know that if the government takes in say 35 dollars a barrel of oil, and are pumping full capacity of 2.5 million barrels a day it will still take about 11 1/2 days to make a billion dollars, what percent of that goes into the banks and what goes into private hands is not known, however the government and all contractors are corrupt and pulling needed money out of the populations hands. I tend to agree there may be trillions of dinars in circulation, and more being produced every day.

-- September 21, 2005 7:41 PM ∞

Michael wrote:

Mega-Raptor you have to educate yourself sir. Your behind in the power curve. Read!!

-- September 22, 2005 12:25 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I submit to you the following:

[A couple of good articles (politically based) concerning Iraq]

The first article is a warning by Suadi Arabia to the U.S..

And, the second is an overview of the current administration's failed attempt to sieze control of Iraq's Oil.

They're both very interesting, and have much to do with the future value of the IQD...

(the second article is a bit long, but well worth the time to read it)

http://www.dawn.com/2005/09/22/int4.htm

http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GI22Ak01.html

Tempers and stakes are now at their highest and "REAL / TRUE" leadership is required to avert this experiment in Iraq from becoming a national / international embarrassment to the U.S. - the kind that'll set us back 50 years in the realm of international politics.

I don't know about you, but my faith in our leaders to pull this out in the fourth quarter just isn't there.

God, I can only hope that I'm as wrong as wrong can be.

Good luck to us all,

Bill1

-- September 22, 2005 11:16 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Michael,

Your insight into the NID value following the ratification of the new Iraqi constitution would be appreciated.

Forecasted values for
2006?
2007?

ski

-- September 22, 2005 4:55 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Seems I'm being censored by the manager of this blog.

Twice now, I've submitted what I consider useful information - albeit, information of a mildly controversial nature, only to return later to see if its been posted, and for whatever reason it was not.

The information was directly tied to the situation in Iraq, the surrounding countries, international politics invloved in Iraq, etc, etc. All of which has everything to do with the present and future value of the IQD.

Jeeezzz Kevin - If I offended you just say so. You have my correct e-mail address.

Any other time I present some info its A-OK, but "say the wrong word" and I'm better off holding my breath than waiting for you to publish my post.

Doesn't matter though...

I'll still be a T&B-er until the fate of the IQD is finalized.

Good luck guys,

Bill1

-- September 22, 2005 8:56 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Bill-1:

Your posts are good. Please keep them coming. You seem to know as much or more than anyone on the T&B at this time.

Kevin seems to be a reasonable man and I can't believe that you posted something so vile that he had to reject it. Come on Kevin, we need Bill's input.

I have analyzed what is being posted for many months and those who do all the research make good reading but they don't know anymore about the pegging of the Dinar than I do. I believe the T&B should be open for everyone to vent their philosophies, ideas, hopes, dreams, dissappointments and aspirations. So lets talk about those things and when you get a tidbit of genuine information on the Dinar, post that also.

The T&B has been a great source of entertainment for me and I welcome anyone's comments so don't think you have to be an Economics Professor to make your post.

-- September 22, 2005 11:41 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Thank you Anonymous - I appreciate your positive comments.

Here are two more atricles:

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0509/S00484.htm

http://www.export.gov/iraq/

The first one is a positive article on countering the terrorist efforts to stop citizen participation in the upcoming constitution referendum.

And the second, is a web page/link I believe many of us have surfed before, but it's the .PDF file in the lower left-hand corner of the page entitled "Iraq National Development Strategy" that's most interesting.

It's this document - put together in Iraq by the current Interim Administration - that gives us many clues as to "THEIR" plan for the Iraqi Dinar.

And, its not what we want to hear -- not in the short-term anyway.

It seems the IQD is programmed to stay around 1450/1500 IQD:1 USD over the next several years.

Read the article - it's 73 pages. But, 99.9% of all you ever wanted to know about what's going to happen with the IQD is pretty much answered in the 73 pages.

If it doesn't spell it out up front, then it says it in a way that doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to put the pieces together.

The current Iraqi Economic Plan is one of "Stability" ...to help aid in the investment of the reconstruction effort/s taking place in Iraq.

(In thier words)... They see the IQD on the open market fluctuating far too much, and feel that fluctuation will only hurt their economy overall [as if they don't have enough to deal with] and simply refuse to allow that to take place.

So far they've planned this out to 2007. What happens after that with the new elected administration in December is anyone's guess.

With that said, I believe the IQD will peg within the next year -- if not sooner. But, we may be looking at 5, 7, or even 10 years down the road to cash in these IQD Lottery Tickets and make any REAL profit from this investment.

Just my view based on the info they've put out.

Best of luck to all,

Bill1

-- September 26, 2005 12:34 PM ∞

Ian wrote:

Bill1 and all,

Just a quick note from one of the bloggers here at T&B:

Kevin has his own editorial policy that I believe is extremely open in its view of acceptible content. My points here are not to change or supercede those. He is, of course, free to change anything he sees fit. As to the charge of "censorship", I would vehemently deny any such interference.

Indeed, it may well be me that has -- inadvertantly -- silenced a few of your points. If this is the case, let me assure you that it is solely due to errors in comment policing. In an attempt to keep up with the tremendous amount of comment spam that the site collects, I may have included your comments when I should not have. This most likely occured due to a mistaken "click", as the system for eliminating comments or indicating them as "junk" works on a point-and-click basis. I may well have been too eager in my attempt to exorcise the posts from people advertising various forms of adult subjects, online medical solicitation, and more. If that is the case, then I truly apologize for erasing your efforts. That T&B is a regular source of information and conversation is of great pride to those of us who contribute. I'd hate to have people avoid returning because of perceived "censorship" on the part of the moderators.

That said, Kevin is the ultimate arbiter of what stays and what goes. While I highly doubt it, he may have eliminated comments here out of some fit of pique concerning various misuses of semi-colons. Or whatever.

Again, if you've been wrongly caught in my zealous attempt to help keep T&B from drowning in prescription ads, my apologies. I will be even more diligent in the future.

If you have questions, issues, or suggestions, feel free to contact me at "ian-at-theurlforthissite-dot-com".

-Ian

-- September 26, 2005 3:06 PM ∞

Kevin Brancato wrote:

Ian,

Thanks for alerting me (via email) to the situation.

Bill,

My sincere apologies.

I had no idea that your posts were being rejected. They've been sitting in a junk folder for days now, because of an AUTOMATIC rule (not my judgment!!!), that any comment with a certain number of links automatically gets sent do junk.

Since I was receving ~3000 SPAM emails daily, I could no longer have each comment emailed to me, and I was forced to use automatic rules to vet comments.

I have gone into the database and made sure the "junked" comments are now published.

If this happens in the future, please email me.

Also note that, due to medical, work, and personal issues, I've been cutting back my blogging at T&B, including checking up on you guys, which is why I didn't get to this earlier.

P.S. There are also other rules that can force "moderation" of a comment, like using specific words. Each comment is "scored" automatically, and sometimes the scoring is very, very wrong. Again, my apologies.

-- September 26, 2005 3:28 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Hey Guys,

Sorry for the knee-jerk reaction and the censorship comment.

I was just really anxious to have those posts posted.

[thought they'd generate some good feedback here on the site]

But, no harm / no foul...

Ian and Kevin,

Thanks for explaining what's going on. And, I hope your troubles aren't as troubling as they sound Kevin.

Thanks again for this forum,

Bill1

-- September 26, 2005 9:26 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Several days without a new posting...

"H-E-L-L-O, is anyone out there?????"

OK, I told you guys before, when you were asking for Carl & Sara to come back to the blog, that they had run off with Robert to create their own site - mainly because they were tired of all the negative rhetoric that used to take place here at the T&B.

So, since we all love an entertaining rumor / perspective, here's one to chew on:

http://dinar.forumwise.com/dinar-thread5.html

It's Sara recently replying to a guy named Bill (not me) on their new site / blog who's asking about any new IQD pegging info. Carl has a reply just below Sara's too. From his reply he's still true to form.

Read it.

Once again, it's a rumor speaking of the leverage the Bush and Blair Administrations have over the Iraqis by withholding the IQD's "peg", to - of course - get them to do what "they" want them to do.

Sounds fairly accurate, and even feasible too.

That being the case, don't be suprised if the IQD does peg soon, in an effort to counter growing support for the escolating insurgency.

Again, depending on the actual situation on the ground in Iraq, the IQD finally opening on the Forex (at a fair exchange rate) would be a huge blow to the insurgents.

Heck; under those circumstances, common / everyday Iraqis might become so overjoyed [mainly due to the fact that now they can finally see some light at the end of their seemingly hopeless tunnel] that they might suddenly rise up and begin stoning every last insurgent right where they stand. Meanwhile, President GWB and Prime Minister TB chuckle uncontrolably as they gaze out of their office windows.

Call it, "The Last Laugh Syndrome".

Putting extra money in the people's pockets has always had a way of quieting the masses, and turning their frowns upside down.

Stranger things have happened...

But in real-time, just another observation to help pass the time.

Good Luck to us all,

Bill1

-- September 29, 2005 8:29 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hello all,just a line to let all know that I am still here.
Bill thank you for the input,I believe the same way in sort.The NID will peg,and that is what we are waiting for."IT IS ALL UPHILL FROM THERE."
Good luck to all and Iraq.RON

-- September 29, 2005 11:42 AM ∞

johnnyhavedinar wrote:

Bill and if the insurgency has bought many millions or billions of dinar like personnel on this board what does that do for thier cause. Just asking a quention.

-- September 29, 2005 1:32 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

JHD,

I don't put much of anything past the Insurgency CEO's.

If they bought the new IQD in an effort to hedge their bet on whether, or not, the democratic reconstruction of Iraq will succeed, then they're much, much smarter (and shrewder) than anyone really gives them credit for.

Pretty much the bottom line is IQD, or no IQD, the insurgents will find funding from one source or another.

Heck, they just recently knocked off an armored car in Iraq and made off with all the dinar it was carrying.

Does that give us a clue that they may be hurting for money to fund their efforts...???... I know many bank accounts funding terrorism around the world have been frozen or confiscated.

They may be intelligent to an extent, but ultimately they merely end up being the muscle for the silent partners funding their efforts.

In other words, they're being used to fulfill someone else's agenda, and not this altruistic religious nonsense they preach. They do all the fighting and bleeding while their benefactors reap the rewards of their carnage.

Not too bright in my book. But, then again, how can you blame them when it's all they've ever been made to know.

I truly pitty their miserable existence.

JMO

Best of luck,

Bill1

-- September 29, 2005 3:07 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Just a little something to help generate some dialog here...

When thinking of a possible fair peg for the IQD, I try and look at the currencies of countries I consider somewhat comparative to Iraq. ...operative word "somewhat"...

Since there is no country exactly like Iraq [as it exists today] I think Thailand and it's "Baht" may be a good example.

For argument's sake I'll use the exchange rate of the Baht to the USD from back in 2002. It was roughly 78 Baht to the U.S. Dollar.

Of course this is not an exact science. But, considering the natural resources of Thailand (w/ their "stable" government), and knowing that Iraq's natural resources are vastly greater than Thailand (but, currently w/out a "stable" government) I think evens out the playing field to some degree - at least for this comparison.

So, at an exchange rate of 78 IQD:1 USD that would equate to $12,820.00 per 1 mil IQD. Depending on how much you initially paid for your IQD, that's roughly a 14.78% increase in profit!

Of course, as time goes by the potential for greater profits being made from the IQD still remain. But, at least under the scenario I offer above, the IQD and the Iraqi people, are off to a pretty good start.

We can only keep our fingers crossed.

Best of luck,

Bill1

P.S. I still see President Bush and Tony Blair playing their last remaining trump card of pulling strings behind the scenes to lift the current ban of open trading of the IQD on the Forex sometime between now and the December elections.

This is a key and critical component in the effort to counter the terrorist insurgency in Iraq, which is why I believe they're being overly cautious about lifting the ban. In their estimation, I'm sure they probably feel the timing of lifting the ban has to be absolutely "just right". In a way, almost as if they were laying a trap for them to stumble into.

JMT (Just My Thoughts)

-- October 2, 2005 11:00 AM ∞

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Bill1,

Just an observation about your last post.... I believe that $12,820.00 USD per million is a heck of a lot more than 14.78% profit on your investment.

If someone purchased a million IQD for $800.00 and it cashed out at $1600.00 then that would be a 100% profit..... right?

Outlaw in Iraq

-- October 2, 2005 3:38 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

BOB WROTE:

The T&B is by far superior to any site that I have visited so lets crank it back up and get it back to the level when Carl and Sara were taking most of the heat.

Security is the key to everything. All other things are in place to make Iraq successful and the dinar profitable. This is a venture which we all knew was a gamble, but I still think the dinar is a good gamble and I intend to pursue it until someone tells me that the dinar is worthless.

I pledge to stay with the T&B as long as it is in existence and many of you may not be scholers in dinar pegging but stay with the T&B and post your comments and some of the heavy hitters will return soon.

Keep the faith. The dinar is a good investment and will be worth the wait even if it takes another three or four years to materialize.

BOB

-- October 2, 2005 10:53 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Thanks Outlaw - Way to keep me honest!

Your math is "right", and mine is ..."not" right. ;^)

The correct answer ladies & gentlemen is ...(drum-roll please)... 1,478% profit.

(Actually its a fraction more - somewhere between 1478 and 1479)

Just an example to pass the time.

...and I echo your thoughts too BoB.

Really, we've war-gamed this thing about as much as we can. And, now I believe we're simply in a holding pattern simply waiting to see what happens next.

By the way, the heavy hitters - Sara & Carl - they don't even post as much info, as they once did here at the T&B, at their new site either. IMO, everyone's tired and pretty much "spent".

I'm no Sara or Carl, but I'll keep trying to post relavent info as I come across it. Hopefully others will do likewise.

Bill1

-- October 2, 2005 11:23 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Bill-1: You are doing great, keep those informative posts coming. Your contribution to the T&B is significant.

I know some of you are feeling pretty smug by withholding your posts and watching the T&B wither away, but when it is gone, where do you go to have any dialog about the dinar? I have looked hard and have found nothing that has the format of the T&B.

Sara, we need you. The T&B has not been the same since you left.

Carl, you were the MC and now we are without a leader. What do you think Mel Bailey or Ed Orange would think of you for abandoning ship as you have.

I check the T&B faithfully every night and have grown to care for all of you who post as you seem like friends from all the exchanges that we have had.

We have something good here, so lets all put forth an effort to return T&B back to its Glory days.

BOB

-- October 3, 2005 11:02 PM ∞

smcquiller wrote:

Hello everyone, my first post. I have been watching the dinar also and do hope for an announcement any day now regarding the office peg information. I have been on other forums and I am just looking for information. Wish I had something to offer, but as soon as I hear anything, whatever positive note I can bring, I will post it here. Take care and happy dinaring.

-- October 4, 2005 8:51 AM ∞

Femme wrote:

My thinking is when unated state are going to pump the contract OIL that is the time.
When the Iraqi dinar is going to rise up.
maby 10 cent per year.

-- October 4, 2005 12:19 PM ∞

ex-ssg wrote:

I had purchased some IQD in late 2004 and had pretty much forgotten about them until recently. I had "lived" in Iraq for a year and made a relatively small investment while I was there. At the time, I had heard great things about how the value was going to blow up and know many people who made very substantial contributions into IQD.

I guess the reason I shied away from investing a large amount of money was the sheer availability of the IQD in Iraq. Almost every Iraqi I asked (if they spoke English) could sell me $100 USD worth of IQD on the spot, and if requested, they could be back the next day with much more. I wondered how ordinary Iraqi citizens (who would be among the poorest in our nation if they lived in the US) could easily gain access to what is supposed to be worth hundreds or thousands of USD day after day. Since all of us were positive these were authentic bills, either the Iraqis we were dealing with were playing with a much better than the 1400:1 exchange rate they gave to us, or the IQD were everywhere and hence worthless.

Maybe I’m just unsure of the exact circumstances of the money distributions to Iraqis. I am still hoping to make a little bit of money off of this, but if I lose it all, it won’t affect me a bit.

-Just my thoughts on this gamble. Good luck to all of you, and thank you for the insight and info!

-- October 4, 2005 12:32 PM ∞

SNAFU wrote:

Am I stupid?....
I don't know if this is good or bad.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/05/iraq.constitution.ap/index.html

-- October 5, 2005 7:11 AM ∞

SNAFU wrote:

I see, now. It's a good thing. Thanks for the help!

-- October 5, 2005 10:45 AM ∞

Moe wrote:

Is it likely that the new IQD could be withdrawn and replaced due to a devalueisation from all this international buying frenzy?

-- October 5, 2005 3:24 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

No, SNAFU you don't seem to be stupid...;-) I do have a question though that might be, I don't know what to think about it and haven't heard or seen too much of anything on any of the other forums.

There are two Banks now selling the Dinar, one is
Compass Bank is a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc., a Southwestern financial holding company with $24.3 billion in assets and 355 full-service banking offices in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Texas.

I have confirmed that they are selling, they do not keep Dinars in stock but will order for you. You do need to have an account with them. Reasonable.

The other Bank is in Canada.

Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)The Canadian bank will also buy them back, but I don't know for what kind of a fee.

The Compass Bank is selling 1 million for $855.00 and the Canadian for $1,000.00 per million. As the Canadian dollar is only worth .85¢ to the US dollar that would be $855.00.

Their sell price is not really the issue, my question is, and this is where I MIGHT be the stupid one, WHY would any Bank be selling the Dinars right now? They certainly have other ways of acquiring funds without the small amount they are making.

Does anyone have any ideas? or think this might mean something? and if so, WHAT?

Thank you in advance for any comments or thoughts on this.

Ruth

-- October 5, 2005 5:00 PM ∞

James wrote:

I can add a third one to your list of banks, Exchange bank in Milledgeville ,Ga will also order them for you Ive been getting my Dinar from them since March of this year.

-- October 6, 2005 2:52 AM ∞

Michael wrote:

I personally do not think that US banks would be buying as well as selling IRAQ DINAR if something was not on the horizon. This is just my opinion as I realize that banks are trying to make money like everyone else is. I just think it is going to be a legitament currency very soon. good luck!! :)

-- October 6, 2005 4:20 AM ∞

SNAFU wrote:

I agree with Michael. I think the banks that are dealing with the dinar (making X% off $850) are exercising good PR. When it does go, those same people will go straight back to them (and the bank will make x% off 1,000,000). I am willing to drive 14 hours to Canada to exchange my Dinar, instead of waiting for the bank of Mayberry to get there act together to exchange.
LETS GO CAPS!!!

-- October 6, 2005 6:34 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Hi Every Body

I think now is time for every body to sleep over on New Iraqi Dinar issue for the next 7 to 10 years no point discussing at this stage, every investment can turn out be good or bad, who knows it is all speculation.

Now is the turn for Irani Rial fourth currency to be replaced after Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Iraq kept on saying I do not have WMD => USA kept on saying Iraq has WMD
Nothing was found

Iran is saying I do not have Nuclear facility => USA saying you have Nuclear

Now wait and see next what is True and False :=>???????

Iran is also an Oil Producing Country. Why not buy Irani Riyal it is also at the bottom very much below New Iraqi Dinar levels.

Rgds/Shajee

-- October 6, 2005 2:29 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

Michael and SNAFU, That's pretty much exactly what I am thinking. Hoping the Banks know something we don't. I have a good feeling about hearing from James that there is yet another Bank in GA selling.

There's no other reason any of these would be selling if they did not anticipate a higher profit on their exchange back Dinars.

I am about 3 hours drive from Canada in Washington State, something I hadn't thought about driving to there until you mentioned it SNAFU, thanks for that idea. It sure beats the "h" out of driving to Iraq!

There is some talk and news about pegging the Dinar to the Euro, but I don't believe with all we have invested in Iraq that the US would allow that to happen, or to peg to "a basket" of currencies. The latter, even if it is pegged to a basket, at least it would be pegged which is what we are waiting for.

Ruth

-- October 6, 2005 3:16 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

to SNAFU: I thought of something. If we do take the Dinar to Canada, they will give us Canadian money, not US, that will be 85¢ on the dollar. Plus they will charge a Bank fee for the exchange from foreign to Canadain. Upon return to the US we will have to change them to US Dollars which will be another fee. First lose 15¢ on the dollar, then changing the Canadian dollar to US Dollars at a bank here will be another bank fee. So that might not be a good idea after all.

Compass Bank here in the US has already said they will buy them back. They have branches in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Texas. It might be a better idea to drive to one of those states.

By the time it gets to that though I would imagine most of our local banks will exchange them anyway, so all this worry about going to Canada may be all for not.

But if all else fails, I will drive to Arizona, keep going for awhile and MEET YOU IN VEGAS! As I am an old woman, I will probably have a stroke becoming a multi-millionaire overnight and will need someone to push me around in my wheelchair.

My sister-in-law lives in Phoenix and went into a Compass Bank today. They verified also to her that they do sell the Dinar there.

GO DINARS! Good plan, but first lets try getting our troops out of there. When I pray, I pray for them and their families first.

Gramma Ruth

-- October 7, 2005 12:11 AM ∞

Jimmy P wrote:

Iraqi Constitutional Question:
For any of you folks on the ground in Iraq, Kuwait etc., could you give us an idea what the overall mood with the people of Iraq concerning the upcoming constitutional vote seems to be? Positive/negative?
Thanks

-- October 7, 2005 4:15 AM ∞

SNAFU wrote:

Gamma Ruth, Vegas sounds fine to me!!! I sure would like to find a phone number and person to talk to at 1 of these banks. I would like to ask them IF (I don't think it will) the money gets reprinted and there is an exchange only in Iraq, will the bank exchange dinar for new dinar? If so I would feel very atease
LETS GO CAPS!!!

-- October 7, 2005 10:35 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Jimmy,

Read this article....good overview on Iraqi business climate and political atmosphere.

ski

Iraqi business leaders remain decidedly optimistic about the growth of the Iraqi economy as well as the growth of their own businesses, according to a poll released today by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). The survey reveals that 77 percent of Iraqi businesses anticipate growth in the national economy over the next two years and 69 percent of respondents describe themselves as being "optimistic" about Iraq’s general economic future.
"Business confidence in Iraq is being driven by a sense of opportunity," John Sullivan, CIPE’s executive director, said. "The Iraqi economy has been rebounding, and private businesses see many opportunities to grow their firms. A significant number of businesses are reporting plans to hire more employees and to invest in order to build on this sense of economic progress and growth."

The poll, conducted by Zogby International, included interviews with more than 600 Iraqi business owners and managers in five cities: Baghdad, Hilla, Basra, Arbil and Kirkuk. CIPE and Zogby produced a similar Iraqi business poll released in December 2004. Both polls are available on CIPE’s website.

In the realm of Iraqi employment, 63 percent of the Iraqi businesses surveyed employed women, which represents almost a 50 percent increase over the previous poll. In each of the cities of Baghdad, Hilla, and Arbil, women were employed by at least 60 percent of the businesses polled. While more than half of the firms polled in either Basra or Kirkuk did not employ women, at least 40 percent of the firms did.

Fifty-four percent of Iraqi businesses expect increased sales in the next six months and 38 percent are expecting employment to rise. Similarly, 45 percent of Iraqi businesses believe their profits will grow during this same period. By contrast, only a handful of Iraqi businesses expect to see a decline either in sales, employment or profits. The remaining Iraqi businesses are expecting no change in these areas.

Also according to the poll, Iraqi business leaders' confidence in Iraq's political leadership has increased. Sixty percent of respondents were optimistic regarding Iraq’s political future, whereas only 9 percent held a pessimistic view and 25 percent professed themselves as "neutral." When asked if they agreed or disagreed that the election of the government earlier this year would result in long-term stability in Iraq, 71 percent of respondents stated that they agreed, with 27 percent strongly agreeing and 44 percent agreeing somewhat. Kirkuk was the lone exception with 55 percent responding that they somewhat disagreed and 7 percent that they strongly disagreed. In each of the other cities sampled the responses for "strongly agree" and "somewhat agree" totaled over 70 percent.

Security takes priority in the business community. When asked what single action the government could take to help them, 33 percent of respondents wanted better security, with Baghdad business leaders rating the highest at 45 percent. The effective enforcement of laws and regulations, combating corruption, and better education and training -– particularly in the areas of computers and English language -– also ranked as high priorities for the Iraqi business community.

"One of the survey’s key findings is that firms are seeing progress and this progress is building greater confidence. Nevertheless, Iraqi businesses want this new government to do a better job of providing a secure environment in which to live and conduct business as well as enforcing laws and regulations and fighting corruption," Sullivan said.

"Business people around the world, and Iraq is no exception, want a sense of political stability. The optimism displayed by Iraqi businesses is being driven both by their sense of opportunity and the belief that a stable governmental structure is going to emerge."

CIPE is a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy. CIPE has supported more than 800 local initiatives in over 90 developing countries, involving the private sector in policy advocacy and institutional reform, improving governance and building understanding of market-based democratic systems.

-- October 7, 2005 11:47 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

SNAFU, Here are the phone numbers for Compass Bank. And the email I got from my sister-in-law. They must have a seperate Currency Dept from the sounds of her mail.

1-800-239-4357
Customer Service

1-800-822-5127
Arizona Customer Service

1-800-273-1057
CompassPC
and MyCompass
Customer Service

1-800-239-1930
CompassWeb Brokerage Customer Service for online trading

Copied from email>There's a Compass bank less than a mile from me in the
Albertson's store where I shop. I'm there everyday. I asked them today if
its true that a person can buy Dinar's through them and the gal called their
Currency Dept. and yes its true.

-- October 7, 2005 1:50 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Compass Bank's exchange rate is .0005768 which is abit high but convenient. They are not currently buying Iraqi Dinars. I believe they will.

When the Iraqi constitution is ratfied we should see the Dinar peg later this year.

ski

-- October 7, 2005 3:49 PM ∞

michael wrote:

Thursday October 13th is later this year right??? :)

-- October 10, 2005 11:14 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Hi all
Just got back from a week in the mountains,and have read alot of good posts here.I hope all of you will keep up the good work."still on the NID train".Good luck to all and Iraq.Ron

-- October 10, 2005 12:50 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

HEY GANG....I CONSIDER THIS SOME OF THE BEST INFORMATION ABOUT THE DINAR THAT I HAVE HEARD IN A FEW MONTHS...COMMENTS???

Iraq Stock Exchange as a new member in the Federation 0f Euro – Asian Exchanges (FEAS)

The Iraq stock exchange participated in delegation including: The Board of Governors chairman Dr. Talib Abbas Mohammed Mahdi Al-Tabatibaie, the chief Executive Officer Mr. Taha Ahmed Abdul Salam and the member dealers represented Mr. Naw Shirwan Kamal Azmi Baban and the listed companies represented Mr. Mirza Mjed in the eleventh General Assembly meeting of the Federation of Euro – Asian Exchanges in Iranian Shiraz country from 15 to 19/September/2005.

Federation residency:

Istanbul – Turkey.

Federation Members:

The Federation member's numbers are (27) which are represented the capital markets in the following countries:

Turkey, Iran, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Masqat, Cairo & Iskandariya, Palestine, Armenia, Bako, Belgrade, Macedonia, Ukraine, Bucharest, Georgia, Karachi, Sarajevo, Kazakhstan, Lahore, Moldavia, Azerbaijan, Qarkizia, Mongolia, Tashkent, Tirana, Bangaloka, Turkistan.

New members accepted:

The Iraq stock exchange, Bahrain stock exchange and Monty Negro demanded for joining the Federation after completed all the registration requirements and conditions.

The executive manager's council submitted its recommendations to the GA to looking for these requests and approving the joining of the above capital markets, the GA negotiated these recommendations and approved the joining of these markets and there participation in this congress throw the voting as consider them as a permanent members from 17/09/2005.

For more information about the union establishments, aims, the acting committee and the last congress recommendations you can follow up this website: http://www.feas.org

The official invitation has been sent to the Iraq stock exchange to participate in the congress after completed all the registration requirements which have been started carrying out from May/ 2005, the ISX is working to complete the registration conditions and joining to the Federation of world Exchanges to benefit from its experience and the training circles. And before that, the ISX should complete all the registration requirements in Federation of Arabic Exchanges.

Taha Ahmed Abdul Salam

Chief Executive Officer

Iraq Stock Exchange

21/Sep/2005

-- October 10, 2005 2:21 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Michael,

It will be interesting to see how the Iqaqi will vote on their new constitution. If it wins we should see some movement the Dinar. The atmosphere in Iraq is positive toward despite the terror attacks. Hopefully we will see less of the bombings and more good news on the Iraqi people making history. Once momentum picks up towards the democracy, I believe the terrorists will be quickly identified and removed physically or killed.

ski

-- October 10, 2005 3:46 PM ∞

michael wrote:

There are a lot of good things happening in IRAQ every single day. You just don't see it on your televisions because what sells is death and destruction. It really is a shame though because so many good people are doing everything they can for IRAQ. Good things are on the horizon. IRAQ will pass the referendum on the 15th and things will begin to change dramatically. God Bless, Michael :)

-- October 11, 2005 12:48 AM ∞

Calvin wrote:

Has anyone heard about dinar pegging @ 1 dinar/$1.21????

-- October 11, 2005 4:29 PM ∞

ELVIS wrote:

I called all 4 numbers at compass bank and spoke to someone on each line ,they all said they did not sell Iraqi dinars.I spoke to different customer service reps, and currency dept. ELVIS If someone did speak to someone lets have a phone number and name and city.I will order more millions of Dinars, I think it is still a good investment.

-- October 11, 2005 4:49 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Dear Elvis, That is really strange that you were told they, Compass Bank, was NOT selling. Not only has my sister in law in Scottsdale Arizona verified this in person at the Compass Bank there, I have copied the email I received from them and posted it here.

If you go to their site and email through their "Contact us", I'm sure you will get the same answer.

>Dear Ruth,
Yes, Compass Bank is buying and selling the Iraqi Dinars. You must be an account holder of Compass Bank to buy foreign currency. We sell 1 million dinar's at the rate of .0008258, which would cost you $825.80 plus
$10.00 our courier fee. We do not keep any foreign currency in stock.

You can also contact us by phone at 1-800-COMPASS.

Compass Bank http://www.compassweb.com/
Kathy

By her comment about "buying" Dinar I think she meant, but did not explain, that they are buying them to resell to the public (their customers), not actually buying FROM their customers.

On their Website they show a map of where all their branches are.

Will be interested in hearing back from you their response.

-- October 12, 2005 2:36 AM ∞

Calvin wrote:

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi negotiators reached a breakthrough deal on the constitution Tuesday and at least one Sunni Arab party said it would now urge its followers to approve the charter in this weekend's referendum.

Under the deal, the two sides agreed that a commission would be set up to consider amendments to the charter that would then be put to a vote in parliament and then submitted to a new referendum next year.

The agreement would allow the Sunnis to try to amend the constitution to reduce the autonomous powers that Shiites and Kurds would have under the federal system created by the charter, negotiators said.

It boosts the chances for a constitution that Shiite and Kurdish leaders support and the United States has been eager to see approved in Saturday's vote to avert months more of political turmoil, delaying plans to start a withdrawal of U.S. forces.

U.S. officials have pushed the three days of negotiations between Shiite and Kurdish leaders in the government and Sunni Arab officials, that concluded with marathon talks at the house of President Jalal Talabani late Tuesday.

A top Sunni negotiator, Ayad al-Samarraie (search) of the Iraqi Islamic Party (search), said the measure would allow it to "stop the campaign rejecting the constitution and we will call on Sunni Arabs to vote yes." It was unclear if parliament would take a formal vote on the new deal with some lawmakers saying that measure may be read to the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Some other major Sunni parties were not present at the negotiations and it was not clear if they too would be willing to reverse their "no" campaigns.

The Sunni-led insurgents have demanded a boycott of the election and threatened those who would vote.

The announcement was the first break in the ranks of Sunni Arab leaders, who have been campaigning hard to defeat the constitution at the polls.

Ali al-Dabagh (search), a Shiite negotiator, said the sides agreed on four additions to the constitution that will be voted on Saturday that will allow for future amendments.

The central addition allows the next parliament, which will be formed in Dec. 15 elections, to form the commission that will have four months to consider changes to the constitution (search). The changes would be approved by the entire parliament, then a referendum would be held two months later.

Sunni Arabs are hoping to have a stronger representation in the next parliament and want to make major amendments to the constitution, particularly to water down the provisions for federalism, which Shiites and Kurds strongly support.

The other additions include a statement stressing Iraqi unity and another states that the Arabic language should be used in the Kurdistan region, along with Kurdish — issues important to the Sunni Arabs. The fourth underlines that former members of Saddam Hussein's ousted, Sunni-led Baath Party will only be prosecuted if they committed crimes.

Some moderate Sunni leaders once had positions in the Baath Party (search) and fear being barred from politics by the De-Baathification process outlined in the constitution.

"The leaders of the political blocs have approved these additions and amendments and tomorrow they will be announced (read) to the national assembly," al-Dabagh said.

-- October 12, 2005 2:39 AM ∞

Calvin wrote:

That sounds GREAT!!

-- October 12, 2005 2:40 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

No peg at $1.21 US...

Ifthe initial peg is for a $.01 we will be fortunate. The oil production is slipping and that will not help our casue. Oil output must increase if we are to see any growth in the IQD....

comments?

ski

ski

-- October 12, 2005 12:35 PM ∞

Anonymous, jr. wrote:

Iraq is starting to pump more oil, not less.

Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 10:13 am Post subject: Iraq is pumping a lot of oil
http://www.dinar.forumwise.com/dinar-thread45.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Iraq aims for October oil exports of 55 million barrels

Last Update: 6:11 AM ET Oct. 3, 2005
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/archivedStory.asp?archive=true&dist=ArchiveSplash&siteid=mktw&guid=%7B3B2639F6%2DE03F%2D4588%2DB401%2D16B59DA427DE%7D&returnURL=%2Fnews%2Fstory%2Easp%3Fguid%3D%7B3B2639F6%2DE03F%2D4588%2DB401%2D16B59DA427DE%7D%26siteid%3Dmktw%26dist%3D%26archive%3Dtrue%26param%3Darchive%26garden%3D%26minisite%3D

BAGHDAD (MarketWatch) -- Iraq is aiming to export 55 million barrels of crude oil in October, the equivalent of 1.77 million barrels a day, after September generated the highest monthly oil revenues since the U.S.-led war in 2003, an oil official said Monday.

Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization, or SOMO, exported 47.68 million barrels in September from its southern and northern oil outlets, generating revenues of $2.63 billion. SOMO received $2.6 billion in August and $2.5 billion in July. ...

Also, I wanted to add that Compass Bank does NOT sell Iraqi dinar to its customers or anybody.

-- October 12, 2005 1:17 PM ∞

dinardingo wrote:

i have never posted on this forum before, but have been reading it since April of this year.....i'm sorry to disagree with you but i have personally PURCHASED dinar from Compass Bank....1,000,000 dinar at 0.00083, $836 plus an overnight fee of $10....this is NOT a rumor but FACT....

-- October 12, 2005 3:27 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Hi all just a line to let you know that I called the 1-800-compass number for the bank and am very pleased to say that they do indeed help you purchase the NID. You must have an account with them.I live in calif.and must go to AR.to start one.Most of you know me here from away back with the NID train gang.Good luck to all and Iraq.RON

-- October 12, 2005 4:28 PM ∞

Calvin wrote:

I heard that the Dinar will pegged at what the Euro is worth? Has anyone heard about that??????

-- October 12, 2005 5:43 PM ∞

92mike wrote:

I just hope that this inf is completly wrong!! any thing to say about this?? :Even if the iraqi dinar gains value, (and it probably will), it will be demonetized and new currency will be issued. of course there will be another grace period for turn-ins, but being in the united states where will you exchange a heap of iraqi cash? and even if you do manage to exchange them, (at an extremely well-stocked airport kiosk?), your "old" iraqi dinars would be converted to the "new" ones- they won't keep their old values, and you won't be rich.

for example....does anybody ever go to mexico? try converting an older 1000-peso note at the current exchange rates. won't happen! don't be fooled. these new notes are nothing more than inflation notes. does anybody remember the million/billion/trillion-mark notes of germany before wwII? they're pretty much worthless.

if iraqi notes were truly going to make you money, do you really think that the thousands of currency dealers would be so over-eager to sell them? the majority of these bills are coming out of cash-strapped dealers in lebanon and jordan. think about it...

-- October 12, 2005 11:27 PM ∞

Michael wrote:

92 Mike you know not what you speak of Sir. The Dinar will revalue soon. There will be no change in currency. There will be lopping of zero's. Compass bank does currently buy as well as sell the IRAQ Dinar just like every bank on the planet will soon. Hang on ladies and gentleman and please keep you appendages inside the vehicle. Happy Groundhog Day!!

Peace

-- October 13, 2005 2:09 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Guys,

An advertiser in the USA Today had a quarter page ad selling Iraqi Dinars and the reasons why to buy them.

Take a look!

ski

-- October 13, 2005 10:44 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

92 Mike: Iraq has recently printed New Iraqi Dinar (NID)which replaced Old Saddam Dinar notes. Replacing of currency is a very expensive affair, nothing is wrong with the prevailing NID, only thing with NID is, it has high value denomination notes of 25,000, which do not matter, in case NID is revalued in future as you people predict,in that case 25K notes will go back to Central Bank of Iraq in exchange of lower denomination notes, other wise future of NID is unkown who knows it is all speculation.

regards/Shajee

-- October 13, 2005 2:57 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Hey Guys,

Looks like the voting has already begun - and so far its all positive!!!

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2005-10-13T181539Z_01_MCC339397_RTRUKOC_0_UK-IRAQ.xml

Once the constitution passes it'll be another nail in the insurgency's coffin, and the IQD will be one step closer to fulfilling it's promise.

Best of Luck,

Bill1

-- October 13, 2005 3:45 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

92 Mike: Iraq has recently printed New Iraqi Dinar (NID)is a unified currency which replaced Old Saddam Dinar & Swiss Dinar notes. Replacing of currency every now and then is a very expensive affair, nothing is wrong with the prevailing NID, only thing with NID is, it has high value denomination notes of 25,000, which do not matter, in case NID is revalued in future as you people predict,in that case 25K notes will go back to Central Bank of Iraq in exchange of lower denomination notes,25K NID currency notes will continue to be a legal tender,well investors stuffing 25K NID currency notes need not worry, other wise future of NID is unkown who knows it is all speculation.

Rgds/Shajee

-- October 13, 2005 8:05 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

DID YOU KNOW?...

Did you know?…”That 47 countries have re-established their Embassies in Iraq?"

Did you know?…”That the Iraqi Government employs 1.2 million Iraqi people?"

Did you know?…”That 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction and 38 new schools have been built in Iraq?”

Did you know?…”That Iraq's higher Educational Infrastructure consists of 20 Universities, 46 Institutes or Colleges, and 4 Research Centers?”

Did you know?…”That 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in January 2004 for the re-established Fulbright Program?”

Did you know?…”That the Iraqi Navy is operational? They have (5) five 100-foot patrol craft, (34) thirty-four smaller vessels and a Naval Infantry Regiment?”

Did you know?…“That Iraq's Air Force consists of three Operation Squadrons?... Which includes (9) nine reconnaissance and (3) three US C-130 transport aircraft which operate day and night, and they will soon add (16) sixteen UH-1 Helicopters and (4) four Bell Jet Rangers?"

Did you know?…“That Iraq has a Counter-Terrorist Unit and a Commando Battalion?"

Did you know?… “That the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and equipped police officers?"

Did you know?…“That there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq that produce over 3500 new officers each 8 weeks?"

Did you know?… “There are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq?They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroad stations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water treatment plants and 69 electrical generation plants?”

Did you know?…“That 96% of Iraqi children under the age of five have received the first two series of polio vaccinations?"

Did you know?…“That 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid October?”

Did you know?… “That there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq and phone use has gone up 158%?”

Did you know?...“That Iraq has an independent media that consists of 75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?”

Did you know?...“That the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004 and that the Iraqi Economy is BOOMING?”

Did you know?...“That two candidates in the Iraqi Presidential Election had a televised debate recently?”

The lack of accentuating the positive in Iraq serves only one purpose...It undermines the world's perception of the United States and our soldiers.

I truly understand the dangerous situation going on outside the wire for the millions of Iraqi people here in Baghdad right now... the never ending car bombings, the mass killings, the kidnappings, the beheadings, the rape-murders, the arsons and the killings of dedicated teachers in front of their horrified students.

Every time this building shakes from the huge concussion of yet another never ending series of car bombs, I can't help but to get even more depressed thinking about the impending devastating news that is about to be delivered to the families of the newest casualties of this war. What is even more depressing is the fact that they just died because of selfishness and greed.

This is something that every one of us needs to think about if and when we come skipping and dancing out of the bank after cashing in our Dinar for a tremendous profit... the price has been paid by many... and it was extremely high.

Please remember your brave American and Coalition Brothers and Sisters (including the tens of thousands of Contractors) now by bowing your head and saying a small prayer for the many hero's who have died or been witness to horrible memories that they will carry for all of their life in the name of freedom for the Iraqi and Afghan People.

-- October 14, 2005 9:13 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Outlaw,

Thanks for the humbling message! If in fact the Iraqi Dinar does go up I will pledge a sizable amount of the proceeds to help others.

ski

-- October 15, 2005 12:57 AM ∞

Jimmy P wrote:

Outlaw:
Outstanding list of "Did You Know" references!
Sadly, our adgenda driven media is guilty of not
sharing important points like you have illustrated.
Nothing that shines positive light onto President Bush
is allowed to surface.
It is clear to me and many others why the media eletes
are losing ground to Limbaugh, Hannity, FOX and others
that comprise the new media that shares real news!
Last night (Friday) the crawl at the bottom of the
FOX screen referred to the IMF taking a closer look at
the Iraqi Dinar.
Like most folks interacting on this blog, I too can
appreciate history unfolding before our very eyes.

-- October 15, 2005 9:21 PM ∞

bk wrote:

I am hearing rumora that the dinar is going to change once again, and will need to b e turned in by 1 Jan 2006. Has anyone else heard this?

-- October 16, 2005 3:12 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Attn. bk

No such rumour heard for change of Iraq currency again in Jan-2006,Iraq has recently printed New Iraqi Dinar (NID). NID is a unified currency which replaced Old Saddam Dinar & Swiss Dinar currency notes. It is no joke replacing of currency of a country every second day, change of currency notes is a very expensive affair, nothing is wrong with the prevailing NID, only thing with NID is, it has high value denomination currency notes of 25,000, which do not matter, in case NID is revalued (True or False) in future as you people predict,in that case 25K notes will go back to Central Bank of Iraq in exchange of lower denomination notes,25K NID currency notes will continue to be a legal tender,well investors hoarding 25K NID currency notes need not worry.

Kindly note Iraq is under the influence of the solar planet named Pluto, Pluto is called the planet of death, as soon influance of pluto goes life will return to normal in Iraq free of daily death casulties. A Hindu Guru Pandit will be in a better position to calculate, when influence of Pluto on land of Iraq will finally exit.

Shajee

-- October 16, 2005 6:23 AM ∞

Femme wrote:

Take it eazy friends,we all need just time.Everithink is going to be ok.Just little by little.
My thinking is,by 2007 is going to rise up just 10 cent.couse the unated state the goverment they just boght almoust all the moany in 2003 and 2004 and 05 by 2010 I think that usa is going to rise up the Iraqi dinnar 3$ to 1 IRD.
And with that moany they gona by the OIL wich is not gona cust nothing for USA.Maby 1 cent for 20 or ? more kg OIL.
That is a smart move for the USA.

-- October 16, 2005 7:57 PM ∞

ELVIS wrote:

outlaw in Iraq I like your comments,shajee, and skimanvann your comments are good to.I do not think that they are going to change the dinars again.Every week things are going to get better in IRAQ we just have to wait . you'll take care , and I'll be looking at your comments. ELVIS

-- October 16, 2005 8:26 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Outlaw in Iraq I just read your post and did bowe my head at that very moment.GOD BLESS AND PROTECT ALL OF YOU BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN HARMS WAY.Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- October 16, 2005 11:22 PM ∞

Jim wrote:

Did anyone have success in opening a bank account in Iraq or Kuwait?

-- October 16, 2005 11:50 PM ∞

Jim wrote:

Did anyone have success in opening a bank account in Iraq ro Kuwait?

-- October 16, 2005 11:51 PM ∞

everyday visitor wrote:

A bank acount in Iraq or Kuwait - good question! I checked Kuwait 3 months ago and answer is NO - so far. But Iraq ...interesting.

-- October 17, 2005 1:27 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

I just thought about investing in the Dinar last night and decided to check into it today. Seems like all you read on the net is mixed reactions. I am considering buying 4 million Dinar for $3480 US. I would love to hear what some of you think of this investment. How long it would take to realize a decent return, of if you think there will even be a return on it.

Thanks

-- October 17, 2005 3:23 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Anthony R.

If you can't afford to lose, then don't invest it. However, I believe that investing in the dinar is a risk worth taking. The possible return is enormous and the probability of there being a return is good, in my opinion.

If you have read my posts over the months, then you know that I think we were stupid for getting involved in Iraq, but sinse we are there, then lets succeed.

As I have said, Mr. Bush, whom I love dearly most of the time, took us into Iraq to avenge the promises of his Father to the Iraq people. He will bankrupt this country before he will allow the mission in Iraq to fail. So, put your money down and be prepared to wait a couple of years and you will reap a good return on your investment.

To my friends on this site, keep the faith as I see good things happening in Iraq and the end result will be a sizeable profit for all of you who have invested.

-- October 17, 2005 9:40 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Has anyone used this dealer before? The original dealer I had in mind is out of stock, and I am now interested in this one since they accept credit cards.

http://www.why-buy-dinar.com/

thanks for any info
Anthony

-- October 18, 2005 8:13 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

well, I took the plunge since I got no feedback and went with that store. I ordered... 4 MILLION Dinar... that was my best Dr. Evil impression. Wish me well, lets hope we hit the lottery with this, cause it feels like we are playing.

-- October 19, 2005 8:44 AM ∞

1lt wrote:

Outlaw:
How are you doing? Still plan on sending you a copy of that video. We have been on a hectic schedule with the voting. My platoon go put in charge of a small town outside the base. On the second night we set up an ambush for a guy that has been mortaring our base. As my trucks were moving into position an IED struck one of my vehicles. Only by the grace of God no one was killed or injured. There were 2 130mm rounds buried on top of each other with a pressure switch to set them off. One truck rolled by and missed the switch but the second one wasnt as fortunate. Luckily only one of the rounds partially detonated sending shrapnel into the back of the truck disabling it. Once again we were lucky. So I tracked down a local Sheik and got intel on the guys that did it. I conducted a raid on the house and found the guy. In the house was a lot of anti American material, but not enough to bring him in. So reluctantly we had to let him go. The guy was only 19 years old with a new baby. I think we put enough scare into him to have him think twice about setting anymore up. Unfortunately unless you catch them in the act or with the materials, you cant do anything to them. A couple of nights later the unit we replaced was working a few miles north of my position hit an IED and one soldier lost his legs. This really makes you think about life. Now everytime Im driving down one of these roads I cant help but think at any moment my truck will explode. Not a very pleasant feeling, but we still have a job to do. Take Care

-- October 19, 2005 9:38 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

I hear'ya loud and clear 1lt.

My daughter's unit is scheduled to head to Iraq this coming January, and once I execute orders next Summer I believe my new unit will be heading that way too.

I don't mind standing and fighting an enemy toe-to-toe, but this cowardly roadside IED BS is the wildcard you don't want to have to deal with.

Heck, in Vietnam they would string piano wire across the roads where they knew our top-down/convertible Willis Jeeps would be traveling to try and behead our GIs as they drove through the wire.

Vehicle convoys have always been, and will always be, "targets of opportunity".

You guys and gals take care of one another, don't take any crap off anyone, and do your best to come home safe.

Semper Fi
Bill1

-- October 19, 2005 4:41 PM ∞

Cash wrote:

I have invested in some dinar. I would like to know if anyone has heard of when to expect any movement on the dinar. I personally do not see any immediate changes, at least a decade before any movement in the dinar......my opinion

-- October 21, 2005 1:54 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

if you expect at least a decade cash, then why did you invest in it?

I invested in 4 million dinar, and am hoping, not necessarily expecting, but hoping none the less for a good return within 6 months.

-- October 21, 2005 9:00 PM ∞

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

1lt,

Nice to hear from you...I hope that the good luck stays on your and your troopers side. I have been very busy the past few days and haven't been able to get to a computer or I would have written sooner.

I am looking forward to getting your video. I am really sad to hear about the trooper who lost his legs...I know God will help him cope with his situtation. If that happened to me I don't know how I would exist. I will pray for all of you. I have everyone over here in my thoughts every secod of the day.

Keep your head down and I will pray that God helps you make the right decisions that will lead you all home safe and sound.

Outlaw

-- October 22, 2005 11:36 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Hello

Every body comparing Iraqi Dinar with the Iraq neighbouring oil producing countries prevailing value of currencies, if Iraq currency would appreciate, any body to give a sound reason why not Iran and Venezulla also Oil Producing countries currency are lower then even Iraq currency, their currencies should also be at the levels of other Middle East Oil Producing countries Saudi Arabia Kuwait and others.
Any body can explain and give a reasonable answer ?

-- October 22, 2005 4:08 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Shajee

I would say that the BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars the USA and other nations are now investing into Iraq to jump start thier ecomomy in addition to thier own natural resources might have something to do with that reasoning.

-- October 22, 2005 7:02 PM ∞

A.R.F.M wrote:

Shajee, I see your point but it is almost impossible to compare the situation in Iraq to any country. People on both sides of the preverbial coin argue that the dollar "has to" appreciate because of kuwait or has no real prospect because of Venezulla. I think the dinar is like wild cat oil drilling shaded towards the investor because like the latest post said, billions have been invested. If we (America) have already payed so much in taxes to improve Iraqi infrastructure it is not entirely unreasonable to expect something in return.

-- October 23, 2005 4:08 AM ∞

A.R.F.M wrote:

Shajee, I see your point but it is almost impossible to compare the situation in Iraq to any country. People on both sides of the preverbial coin argue that the dollar "has to" appreciate because of kuwait or has no real prospect because of Venezulla. I think the dinar is like wild cat oil drilling shaded towards the investor because like the latest post said, billions have been invested. If we (America) have already payed so much in taxes to improve Iraqi infrastructure it is not entirely unreasonable to expect something in return.

-- October 23, 2005 4:09 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R

Agree BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars the USA and other nations are now investing into Iraq to jump start thier ecomomy.

As for natural resources, Iran and Venezulla also have natural resource Oil reserves under their land, their currencies practically have no value, at the same time comparing with Lybia under UN Sanctions still has a sound currency, do Lybia has more Oil Reserve then Iran and Venezulla lying under their land.

Futher the Iraq currency is has a very low value for the reason in Saddam regeim excess quantities of currency notes were printed caused large scale inflation which depreciated Old Iraqi Dinar, now the inflation and depreciated value of Old Iraqi Dinar has been brought forward in New Iraqi Dinar, as Old trillion notes in circulation has been equally replaced by New trillion notes, today in circulation, hence, New Iraqi Dinar stands where Old Iraqi Dinar was before replacement.

Rgds/Shajee

-- October 23, 2005 10:04 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

None of these other nations you speak of have the natural resources AND the financial support and backing of so many other countrys including the USA.

Scroll up a few pages in this thread and look at the "did you know" post by Outlaw...

Do any of these other nations have all of these factors working in thier favor? Do any of those other countrys even have HALF of these factors working for them?

Bottom line, George Bush has nearly 2 years left in office. His entire presidency and how he goes down in the history books rest on the fate of how things turn out in Iraq. Iraq has been his pet project since the beginning. He has had tunnel vision and that is where his focus is. I see no way that he lets this new Iraqi govt. fail, or the revitalization of the Iraqi economy. His personal agendas with Iraq coupled with the global influences that the USA has on the rest of the world politically and economicly also will basically force the other industrialized nations such as Great Brittan to also invest and help Iraq succeed.

-- October 23, 2005 11:44 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R

If you are right good news for bulls, in that case when ever New Iraqi Dinar opens in the forex market will directly hit $0.20 i.e. NIQD 1.oo = USD: 0.20, wish you good luck.

rgds/Shajee

-- October 23, 2005 7:56 PM ∞

Charlie wrote:

Can someone email me and speak with me about the IRAQ Dinar?? I love to exchange emails with people all over the world every chance I get. I like men a lot. :)

CJHuntMSTR@aol.com

-- October 24, 2005 3:29 AM ∞

Charlie wrote:

CJHuntMSTR@aol.com

-- October 24, 2005 3:30 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Shajee, where did you get that 20 cent figure? Its an interesting number, and I wouldn't be too disappointed to see it happen.... but 31 cents would be better... lol

-- October 24, 2005 1:53 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R; I got the figure of 20 cents from one of the website giving a bullish news: Iraq Currency - the Dinar - the Next Powerful Investment Published on October 20th, 2005 01:38 am By: Claresbiz

One of its para reads:
Looking back at the history it is possible that Dinar value could be as high as $0.20 to a US Dollar.
In addition good to hear from you Dinar will hit 31 cents when it opens in forex market.
Rgds/Shajee

-- October 24, 2005 3:31 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Guys,

I would be pleased to see the NID open on Forex at a $.01 per $USD. Anything above that is pure gravy!

Anyone venture to guess when NID will open on the Forex???

ski

-- October 24, 2005 6:18 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

If the Dinar Pegs at 1 cent, what are you going to do?

Are you going to go for the quick, immediate payday, or are you going to sit on it for a while and hope for a much larger payday?

I have 4 million Dinar, and right now, I am leaning towards sitting on my investment if it pegs at a penny.

It would be worth 40K at a penny, but if I can hold on to it for a year or so, it could go up to a nickle for example, and would then be worth 200K.

What are your plans?

-- October 25, 2005 1:21 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Anthony,

I have 10 Million Dinar and waitign for the big payout. I am hoping with the new ratified Constitution and upcoming elections in December we could see a possible Forex entry early in 2006.

The $.20 and $.31 pegs seem high to me. I think we will see baby steps first on the Forex with a $.01 peg rate and as their economy improves and violence subsides the NID will begin regaining it's historic valuation. That could take 2-3 years to happen.

All my own speculation...

G'Day!

ski

-- October 25, 2005 2:06 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Hi New Iraqi Dinar Investors;

Even Iraqi dinar pegs at 1 cent it will be a very good pay out, IQD investors are basically betting in IQD cassino club,if its hit their expected target, it will be their honeymoon, other wise a dooms days. All business adventures do not turn out to be true, wish all IQD investors good luck.

-- October 25, 2005 4:16 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Fellas:

I am a Charter member of the T&B and love it dearly but since Carl and Sara left us it has lost a lot of its clout.

I have visited several of the other sites and have finally found one that I can recommend. The "Investors Iraq Forum" which does'nt cost anything and has a "Rumors" section. Scroll down to "Rumors" and select most of any of the topics that are current (Which say today) and you will find information which we used to find of the T&B. Everything that is written may be rumor but it makes since. All of the posts pertain only to the the Dinar and its prospects of appreciating. Check it out and see if you agree with me.

Let's also stay with the T&B and hopefully revive it at some point.

BOB

-- October 25, 2005 11:12 PM ∞

Michael wrote:

I think it will peg soon at around a dollar to the Dinar. Anything less will be a huge dissapointment. If you are holding 10 million you are about to be a very happy person. Does that make SENSE to you?

-- October 26, 2005 3:40 AM ∞

Ruth wrote:

Shajee, What site did you accuire this information from? I would like to go to it and see if I can find any other information and also verify this.

"I got the figure of 20 cents from one of the website giving a bullish news: Iraq Currency - the Dinar - the Next Powerful Investment Published on October 20th, 2005 01:38 am By: Claresbiz

One of its para reads:
Looking back at the history it is possible that Dinar value could be as high as $0.20 to a US Dollar.
In addition good to hear from you Dinar will hit 31 cents when it opens in forex market.
Rgds/Shajee"

Thank you, Ruth

-- October 26, 2005 3:40 AM ∞

Ruth wrote:

Shajee, Oh, never mind, I typed it into Google and found it. I was hoping it was some real news, but after reading the whole thing, looks like an ad for "freedinar.com" sales. Wouldn't it be something if it were real though! Something HAS to be some real news soon!

Even with real Dinar news I will be hoping FIRST we can bring our troops home. Safe. God help us.

Gramma Ruth

-- October 26, 2005 3:50 AM ∞

mannymanuel00 wrote:

I really believe that at the initial opening of the ForEx, the Dinar will go around .15 cents. Historically the dinar had a strong value, until the occupation of Kuwait took place. Even during the war, the dinar managed to up in value from 4000 to 1467. Now, if anyone knows better how things are moving are those ones that lives in Iraq and sees all economic pumping that Iraq is getting not only from the US but also from other nations that understand the economic impact that Iraq will have in the future. Foregin countries are investing like crazy, even Kuwaities are getting their hands into the dinar because they knows that soon, they will be cashing big. Now, as some of the members of this forum mentioned, it is not an overnight "peg"...It will be a baby crawl, walk, run, and then...zzooooommmmm....sprint.years of economic sanctions and dictarorship took a toll in the trust that the iraqi people had in the banking system. Although wasn't the banks the culprits, but Saddam's actions, that caused this feeling of distrust. Now there is about 17 different banks in Iraq working the way to fix the Iraq economic and banking infraestructure, what that tells about the dinar future? "Mucho Dinero"...lots of money. And still we are not factoring yet the cash pumped by the US for upgrades in the base facilities, and improvements. So, in escence, there is a lot of money coming up.

-- October 26, 2005 3:28 PM ∞

Shaikh wrote:

Friends! its more then 3 years now & we are still posting these concerns in long treads!!!! lets focus when this will hatch !!!! the dinnar egg

-- October 27, 2005 5:41 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Well, I just received my 4 million Dinar in the mail today. Now its just a wait and see thing I guess.

-- October 27, 2005 12:48 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R; congratulation for receiving 4 milion NID by mail, please take care do not leap too high and over buy, I am not bullish for the reason that NID notes have replaced equal quantity of trillions of Old Saddam Dinars notes in circulation, inflation embedded in old currency notes have been brought forward in new currency.

-- October 27, 2005 4:00 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Shajee, I truely hope I didn't over invest, but I just had to drop a little money into this. I had an idea for an investment a few years back, and I talked myself right out of it, telling myself it was such a long shot it would never pay off. Long story short, I should have went for it, I would have multiplied my invetment 150 fold, but let my sinicism ruin it. I don't want to relive that experience. I would rather invest a small amound into this project and watch it fail, than invest nothing and watch it explode. Sometimes, the worst decision you make, is not making a decision at all.

-- October 27, 2005 4:16 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

AnthonyR; Iraq land presently is under the influence of death solar planet Pluto,causing deaths, one of the Hindu Guru Pandit forecast influence of Pluto is expected to leave Iraq area and will enter land area of Syria and Iran between 15-Dec-05 to 15-Jan-06, hereafter, there will be peace in Iraq and trouble in Syria and Iran pray for general peace in world.

-- October 28, 2005 6:39 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Sharjee, I think I read that somewhere else before, but honestly, it had nothing to do with my decision as I don't believe in astrology or voodoo or anything like that. I guess I am a realist. I am to assume for those that believe though, thats good news right?

-- October 28, 2005 6:58 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Or at least good news for my investment, not good news for the welfare of the world and society.

-- October 28, 2005 7:00 AM ∞

S wrote:

Iraqi PM Says War on Terror Must Be Won
Friday, October 28, 2005
John Moody

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s prime minister Friday asked Americans to be patient and, for the first time, acknowledged a clear connection between the Iraqi insurgency and the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.

"Terrorism is terrorism," said Ibrahim al-Jaafari in an interview with FOX News. "You cannot separate it by region, or divide it into different parts of the world. Defeating terrorism now will benefit all democracies. Failing to defeat it will put all democracies in peril. It will come back to America as it did on Sept. 11."

"It’s understandable that the American people want their children back home," the prime minister said. "But I think and I hope that they understand that the presence of American troops on Iraqi soil is not just for the benefit of Iraq. What the Americans faced on Sept. 11 in New York and Washington, they are now facing in Iraq. There is only one enemy – terrorism – whether it takes place here or America, or London or anywhere in the world."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,173856,00.html

-- October 28, 2005 9:07 PM ∞

Andy wrote:

Hello all,
I have some questions for the group. Has anyone else noticed that the few companies that accept credit cards for dinar will only take it for the 25k notes and not the 10K notes? Also when it comes time to cash in the dinar do we have to pay a capital gains tax based on how much we purchased the notes for or any other sort of tax? What is the cheapest price you have found for dinar from a company that also accepts credit cards?
Thank you for your responses and good luck to us all!!

-- October 29, 2005 8:39 AM ∞

S wrote:

Iranian leader: Wipe out Israel

Thursday, October 27, 2005 Posted: 0727 GMT (1527 HKT)

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran's new president has repeated a remark from a former ayatollah that Israel should be "wiped out from the map," insisting that a new series of attacks will destroy the Jewish state, and lashing out at Muslim countries and leaders that acknowledge Israel.

Ahmadinejad quoted a remark from Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of Iran's Islamic revolution, who said that Israel "must be wiped out from the map of the world."

The president then said: "And God willing, with the force of God behind it, we shall soon experience a world without the United States and Zionism," according to a quote published by IRNA.

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/26/ahmadinejad/

-- October 29, 2005 9:21 AM ∞

S wrote:

But Don't worry, that wasn't a threat against Israel or the US..

Iran says committed to UN charter

POL-IRAN-UN
Iran says committed to UN charter

TEHRAN, Oct 29 (KUNA) -- Iran is committed to its obligations listed in UN charter and would not use force or threat against any other country, the foreign ministry said Saturday.

A ministry statement, which refused the recent UN security council statement against Iran, said Tehran's position vis-a-vis the Palestinian issue was clear as expressed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in meetings of the UN's world summit.

"The position of Iran is based on the basis that lasting peace can be achieved in Palestine if justice prevails, discrimination is lifted, ending occupation of Palestinian territories and return of all refugees, while considering opinions of citizens and the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital," said the statement.

bs

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=782862

-- October 29, 2005 9:34 AM ∞

S wrote:

GI Kills Suicide Bomber Who Attacked Hotel
By THOMAS WAGNER, Associated Press Writer Sat Oct 29, 6:35 AM ET

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S. soldier shot and killed one of three suicide bombers who attacked the Palestine Hotel complex before he could reach his intended target and that probably saved lives in the building, the military said Saturday.

Spc. Darrell Green, a machine gunner, was guarding the complex from an observation post at the Sheraton Hotel when insurgents began their attack, the military said.

As the dust and debris cleared from the first car bombing at the complex wall, Green saw the cement truck enter and drive in about 50 feet, the military said.

"As he shot and killed the driver, preventing the vehicle from going any further, the truck detonated," the statement said.

"He was trying to kill people," Green was quoted as saying. "It was good we stopped him because he would have killed more people and destroyed the building."

At the time, the Sheraton Hotel was being hit with small-arms fire and what soldiers believe to be rocket-propelled grenades, the military said.

Al Qaida in Iraq later claimed responsibility for the attack on a Web site, but that could not be independently confirmed.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051029/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_hotel_attack_3;_ylt=A9FJqa1pfGNDf0gBdwZX6GMA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

-- October 29, 2005 9:53 AM ∞

S wrote:

They have no plans against America or Israel...

Iran has 40,000
human 'time bombs'
'Martyrdom' movement recruits suicide attackers against U.S.

An Iranian movement says it now has recruited 40,000 human "time bombs" to carry out suicide attacks against Americans in Iraq and Israel.

The movement -- called the World Islamic Organization's Headquarters for Remembering the Shahids [Martyrs] -- says the volunteers want to carry out "martyrdom operations to liberate Islamic lands," according to a report broadcast by Al-Arabiya TV and translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute, or MEMRI.

Last year, Insight Online magazine reported the movement, which at the time claimed 10,000 recruits, was signing up members on the internet.

"We are first and foremost Muslims and it is our duty to defend our brothers and sisters throughout the world," she says. "We don't need permission from anybody. This has to do with our religious duty and responsibilities. This is our choice, and we have no fear. We adhere to the legacy of our late leader, Imam Khomeini."

The group does not distinquish between men and women or between Sunnis and Shiites, the reporter says over chants of "We all sacrifice for the sake of Islam."

"Our goal is to achieve martyrdom by way of true jihad."

The reporter says that while the government occasionally expresses reservations about the movement, it has allowed the use of government buildings for the movement's training.

Rajai says movement members are "prepared to report for duty anywhere, any time."

"We believe in combining ideology and action," he says. "Our movement is not a symbolic one. Our goal is well known. When the time comes, martyrdom will be inevitable."

"We are not afraid of the American fleets or the British weapons in Iraq," he says. "We vow to become time bombs in the event of every aggression on our land."

The reporter concludes: "Thus, they await death with happiness and joy. In their view, martyrdom for the sake of Allah is the sweetest thing."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45148

-- October 29, 2005 10:30 AM ∞

Arleneb wrote:

I would just like to add to what Sharjee was mentioning about Iraq being under the influence of Pluto. While Pluto can be known as the planet of death, it is helpful to know that the further interpretation in Western Astrology of Pluto is that a country or a person experiencing a Pluto transit will go through a total transformation: first an annihilation of what once was, and in the long process (Pluto transits are never quick and take years) the country (in this case) will rise out of the ashes transforming into a new, improved entity. Picture a Phoenix rising up......

-- October 29, 2005 10:44 AM ∞

S wrote:

And, of course, the threat Iran just made, and their suicide bombers, would never be a nuclear threat to Israel or the US...

Al-Qaida nukes already in U.S.
Terrorists, bombs smuggled across Mexico border by MS-13 gangsters

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: July 11, 2005

WASHINGTON – As London recovers from the latest deadly al-Qaida attack that killed at least 50, top U.S. government officials are contemplating what they consider to be an inevitable and much bigger assault on America – one likely to kill millions, destroy the economy and fundamentally alter the course of history, reports Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.

According to captured al-Qaida leaders and documents, the plan is called the "American Hiroshima" and involves the multiple detonation of nuclear weapons already smuggled into the U.S. over the Mexican border with the help of the MS-13 street gang and other organized crime groups.

Al-Qaida has obtained at least 40 nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union – including suitcase nukes, nuclear mines, artillery shells and even some missile warheads. In addition, documents captured in Afghanistan show al-Qaida had plans to assemble its own nuclear weapons with fissile material it purchased on the black market.

The plans for the devastating nuclear attack on the U.S. have been under development for more than a decade. It is designed as a final deadly blow of defeat to the U.S., which is seen by al-Qaida and its allies as "the Great Satan."

At least half the nuclear weapons in the al-Qaida arsenal were obtained for cash from the Chechen terrorist allies.

But the most disturbing news is that high level U.S. officials now believe at least some of those weapons have been smuggled into the U.S. for use in the near future in major cities as part of this "American Hiroshima" plan, according to an upcoming book, "The al-Qaida Connection: International Terrorism, Organized Crime and the Coming Apocalypse," by Paul L. Williams, a former FBI consultant.

According to Williams, former CIA Director George Tenet informed President Bush one month after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that at least two suitcase nukes had reached al-Qaida operatives in the U.S.

"Each suitcase weighed between 50 and 80 kilograms (approximately 110 to 176 pounds) and contained enough fissionable plutonium and uranium to produce an explosive yield in excess of two kilotons," wrote Williams. "One suitcase bore the serial number 9999 and the Russian manufacturing date of 1988. The design of the weapons, Tenet told the president, is simple. The plutonium and uranium are kept in separate compartments that are linked to a triggering mechanism that can be activated by a clock or a call from the cell phone."

According to Williams' sources, thousands of al-Qaida sleeper agents have now been forward deployed into the U.S. to carry out their individual roles in the coming "American Hiroshima" plan.

Bin Laden's goal, according to the book, is to kill at least 4 million Americans, 2 million of whom must be children. Only then, bin Laden has said, would the crimes committed by America on the Arab and Muslim world be avenged.

The future plan, according to captured al-Qaida agents and documents, suggests the attacks will take place simultaneously in major cities throughout the country – including New York, Boston, Washington, Las Vegas, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45203

-- October 29, 2005 11:18 AM ∞

S wrote:

So rest easy everyone..

Those nasty comments of:

The president then said: "And God willing, with the force of God behind it, we shall soon experience a world without the United States and Zionism," according to a quote published by IRNA.

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/26/ahmadinejad/

Are just empty threats which could never come to pass.

S.

-- October 29, 2005 11:22 AM ∞

S wrote:

Running your life by the influence of large planetoid bodies whose influence is considerably less than the influence of the moon and its proven gravitational pull on the tides of the ocean, is not based on verifiable science, but subject to personal interpretations.. And that begs the question.. WHOSE interpretations are you living by? And what makes their ideas 'divine'?

S.

-- October 29, 2005 11:32 AM ∞

Jason wrote:

I'm in need of American money for family reason and I'm forced to sell off some of my dinar stash. I wish I didn't have to do this, but I have no choice. If anyone is interested I'm selling 1 million dinar for 825 shipped. I purchased the majority of the dinar from Amer himself. If he's reading this, you can buy it back from me if you want at a hugely discounted rate. The Million is in the form of 25k notes, 10k notes and 5k notes. If you can help in anyway or interested in purchasing this from me please contact me at cubsaregreat@gmail.com. Also I'm a seller on ebay and if you want to check my feedback it bestcubsfansj. Please help me out. Thanks.

- Jason

-- October 31, 2005 12:52 AM ∞

johnnyhavedinar wrote:

Hey folks it seems that the dinar has really gone south. Here is Jason selling his dinar before the boat sinks.

-- October 31, 2005 11:03 AM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Breaking newsflash: a UFO hit Pluto. The Dinar is doomed.

Anybody on this thread talking about Pluto - please take your fantasies elsewhere. This is an economic forum focusing on the future of the NID.

-- October 31, 2005 11:15 AM ∞

Behrouz wrote:

Dear…
Pleas help me about Iraq
I need to presentation an address site for exposition
1. Chart of currently increase an decrease for ago & now war of Iraq Dinar
2. Forecasted values for
2006?
2007?
If it is possible pleas send to my mail.
Thank you
Behrouz.nik

-- October 31, 2005 2:06 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

johnnyhavedinar; of Jason is selling his New Iraqi Dinar need not worry,boat is not sinking, in any product market buying selling do takes place at all price levels, may be Jason is impatient would not like to hold on for a long term. Jason intends to liquidate and reinvest else where on short term for quick returns.

Remind you,investmentin NID is a very long term investment, NID Investors looking for profits need to for get it for the next 5-10 Years, after investing. Rgds.

-- October 31, 2005 2:45 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

I hope you are wrong Shajee. I am hoping for a nice profit in no more than a year. If it pegs even at 1 cent, you will have made a very nice profit. My 4 million dinar would be worth $40,000. I think thats a very nice profit. Are you saying you think it will be 5 to 6 years before it hits a penny? I am not saying I would sell at a penny, who know, I might. It all depends on what financial situation I find myself in. I will say this, $40,000 would pay off every debt I have and that would be very nice. But... as of right now, I am not that desperate, and would keep paying my debts according to schedule waiting for it to go up much higher than a penny for the big payout.

I don't understand why you all are second guessing Jason. I don't know him, but I have no reason to not take him at his word. He said he needed some USA currency for a family emergency. That sounds like a very good reason to sell to me. Why would you assume he either thinks its getting ready to tank, or would you think he simply wants to get his investment back and reinvest it in something else?

-- October 31, 2005 2:56 PM ∞

Bherouz wrote:

Dear…
Pleas help me about Iraq
I need to presentation an address site for exposition
1. Chart of currently increase an decrease for ago & now war of Iraq Dinar
2. Forecasted values for
2006?
2007?
If it is possible pleas send to my mail.
Thank you
Behrouz.nik

-- October 31, 2005 10:22 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R; Before NID pegs to U.S.Dollar, Central Bank of Iraq daily auction rate stood at NID:1460 to a Dollar for quite some time, now latest auction rate is NID:1472 to a Dollar, NID value is declining instead of appreciating,any comments ?
Rgds

-- November 1, 2005 10:26 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

No comments really. Its a wait and see still, What its auction rate is now is meaningless. What it pegs at is whats relevant to us, and what it auctions at now is irrelevant.

-- November 1, 2005 10:37 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R;
One of the website promoting sales of NID says many governments have purchased NID.
They are looking forward for handsome returns.

Another interesting story;
Understand two giants traveled to Baghdad-Iraq, each one of them purchased one Trillion NID, may be Two or Three Trillions.
Two giants have placed NID stocks in their Strong Rooms in safe custody
Even if NID achieves the value NID 1.oo = USD 1.oo in next two three years
The giants will recover their traveling costs, in addition would make a hand sum profits, sufficient to purchase crude Oil for the next two decades, a very good business adventure./Rgds

-- November 1, 2005 2:25 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R;
It is a saying history always repeats, if currencies of Japan, Germany and Kuwait can recover smartly after thir wars why Iraq currency should not recover./Rgds

-- November 1, 2005 2:34 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

That is kind of the gamble that we are all taking Shajee... at least all of us that have invested in the Dinar. I like the chances, and all of the facts and factors working to help Iraq prosper.

-- November 1, 2005 9:29 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Shajee, I just can't figure you out. In some posts, it sounds like you think the NID will never amount to anything, in others, such as your last 2, it sounds like you think it will explode. Color me confused.

-- November 2, 2005 2:26 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R; Yes, you can not figure out for the reason, informations based on NID websites lead you in different directions north and south, resulting in total confusion.

In real terms if you ask me, I have only one strong valid negative point is, that trillions of inflated Old Iraqi Dinar in circulation has been equally replaced by NID, the result is inflation brought forward in the current economy of Iraq, hence, I am not bullish.

If you ask me I am not a buyer of NID, until I see a movement trend, best time to buy would be when NID shows movement in up ward direction i.e. when actual deflation begins. Rgds

-- November 3, 2005 9:25 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Shajee,

How would you value the NID when the fight subsizes and the economy begins to grow? The natural resouces of Iraq could could be a very powerful catalyst to help the NID appreciate. Kuwait is a great example.

ski

-- November 3, 2005 10:28 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R; You are right, based on websites NID information’s lead you in different directions north and south, resulting in total confusion.

In real terms if you ask me, I have only one strong valid negative point is, that trillions of inflated Old Iraqi Dinar in circulation has been equally replaced by NID, the result is inflation brought forward in the current economy of Iraq, for the reason I am not bullish.

If you ask me I am not a buyer of NID, until I see a movement trend, best time to buy would be when NID shows movement in up ward direction i.e. when actual deflation begins

Further I would like to clarify my assumptions are based on the following conditions: -

1) That trillions of inflated Old Iraqi Dinar in circulation has been equally replaced by NID, inflation brought forward in the current economy of Iraq.

2) In case of Kuwait its currency recovered after the war to the level of pre-war value.

3) Similarly Iraq currency can only recover to the extent of pre-war of 2003 value.

4) Recovery of value of currency based on simple physic law, water finds its own level, such as land/ground water table will always attain its level what ever you do.

5) Simply find out what was the actual street value of Old Iraqi Dinar, just before the fall of Saddam Empire in April-2003, that will the correct value NID can achieve bring forward the inflation already imbedded in Old currency.

Rgds

-- November 3, 2005 3:43 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

skimanvann; Please do let the websites promoting sale of NID drive you with the common word of natural resources, Iraq floating on huge oil reserves.

Remind you all other oil producing countries like Iraq has sufficient untapped oil reserves.

Iraq even under UN Sanctions during Saddam regime was a regular oil exporting country.
Actually if you see, Oil Exports have gone down after the fall of Saddam.

Like Iran and Venezuela, Iraq currency was grossly mismanaged by excess over printing of currency notes brought in to circulation causing hyper inflation, resulted low market value what we see today.

Look at Libya under similar conditions of UN Sanctions as of Iraq, has maintained its high value, by proper currency management.

Please do not look at the value of Old Iraqi Dinar of USD:3.25 before 1991 war, Old ID was grossly damaged from 1991 to 2003 by mismanagement, simply now you have to look for the street value of Old ID, before the US attack in April-2003, this will be the correct street value, the maximum value the NID can achieve.

-- November 3, 2005 5:16 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

QUOTE SHAJEE

Please do not look at the value of Old Iraqi Dinar of USD:3.25 before 1991 war, Old ID was grossly damaged from 1991 to 2003 by mismanagement, simply now you have to look for the street value of Old ID, before the US attack in April-2003, this will be the correct street value, the maximum value the NID can achieve.

END QUOTE

Wasn't the value of the OID before the war about 31 cents on the dollar? I would be very happy if it hit that value, it would still be a very nice gain.

-- November 4, 2005 12:25 PM ∞

Mike wrote:

Here's an interesting development involving the increased use of the NID.

www.portaliraq.com/news/Contractors+begin+receiving+payments+in+dinars+instead+of+dollars__1111615.html

-- November 4, 2005 3:57 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anonymous; understand one OID was 31 cents the official exchange rate used for Oil & Food trading, we have to see what was the actual Baghdad street value of OID in March-2003

-- November 5, 2005 3:47 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

New Iraqi Dinar Future Forecast: -

It is observed number of websites promoting sale of New Iraqi Dinar (NID) drive you to the north using a common words of natural resources, Iraq floating on huge oil reserves.

Iraq is not the only oil producing country having huge oil reserves; remind you, there are good numbers of other oil producing countries, which are also floating on oil like Iraq, having sufficient untapped huge oil reserves.

Iraq even under UN Sanctions during Saddam regime was a regular oil exporting country.
Actually if you see, Iraq Oil Exports quantity has dropped down after the war; it will take some time to return at prewar 2003 levels.

Hence, the message “Iraq floating on huge oil reserves” is irrelevant, whenever evaluating future trend of New Iraqi Dinar.

Now the very important factor to consider is, Trillions of inflated Old Iraqi Dinar in circulation has been equally replaced by NID, the result is; inflation has been totally brought forward in the current economy of Iraq.

Comparing NID with other oil producing countries;
Like Iran and Venezuela, Iraq currency was grossly mismanaged by excess over printing of currency notes; same brought in to circulation causing hyper inflation, resulted low market value of these currencies what we see it today.

Look at Libya under similar conditions of UN Sanctions as of Iraq, has maintained its high value, by good currency management.

Recovery of value of currencies after war;
Recovery of value of currency after the war is based on simple physic law; water finds its own level, such as land/ground water table will always attain its level what ever you do.

In case of Kuwait its currency recovered after the war to the level of pre-war value of 1991.

In case of Iraq, do not look at the value of Old Iraqi Dinar of USD: 3.25 before 1991 war, Old Iraqi Dinar was grossly damaged during the period from 1991 to 2003 by Saddam’s currency miss-management, as of today, now you have to simply look for the street value of Old ID, before the US attack in April-2003, this will be the correct street value, the maximum value the NID can achieve.

Hence Iraq currency can only recover to the extent of pre-war value of 2003 that too under normal economic conditions.

Forecast for future value of NID is;
Simply find out what was the actual street value of Old Iraqi Dinar, just before USA declared war with Iraq in April-2003, that will the correct value, NID can achieve which has grossly brought forward the inflation already imbedded in Old currency.

If you look at the Central Bank of Iraq official NID exchange rate, remained constant for quite some time at 1,460 to US Dollar, last rate quoted was 1,475 to a dollar, NID has moved towards the south direction instead of moving in the north direction for recovery towards pre-war levels of 2003.

Iraq currency can only move above the pre-war April-2003 levels, until and unless deflation of Iraq currency starts. Many decades have passed; we have been hearing reports of inflation and never heard of deflation in any country.

-- November 5, 2005 3:52 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

New Iraqi Dinar Future Forecast: -

It is observed number of websites promoting sale of New Iraqi Dinar (NID) drive you to the north using a common words of natural resources, Iraq floating on huge oil reserves.

Iraq is not the only oil producing country having huge oil reserves; remind you, there are good numbers of other oil producing countries, which are also floating on oil like Iraq, having sufficient untapped huge oil reserves.

Iraq even under UN Sanctions during Saddam regime was a regular oil exporting country.
Actually if you see, Iraq Oil Exports quantity has dropped down after the war; it will take some time to return at prewar 2003 levels.

Hence, the message “Iraq floating on huge oil reserves” is irrelevant, whenever evaluating future trend of New Iraqi Dinar.

Now the very important factor to consider is, Trillions of inflated Old Iraqi Dinar in circulation has been equally replaced by NID, the result is; inflation has been totally brought forward in the current economy of Iraq.

Comparing NID with other oil producing countries;
Like Iran and Venezuela, Iraq currency was grossly mismanaged by excess over printing of currency notes; same brought in to circulation causing hyper inflation, resulted low market value of these currencies what we see it today.

Look at Libya under similar conditions of UN Sanctions as of Iraq, has maintained its high value, by good currency management.

Recovery of value of currencies after war;
Recovery of value of currency after the war is based on simple physic law; water finds its own level, such as land/ground water table will always attain its level what ever you do.

In case of Kuwait its currency recovered after the war to the level of pre-war value of 1991.

In case of Iraq, do not look at the value of Old Iraqi Dinar of USD: 3.25 before 1991 war, Old Iraqi Dinar was grossly damaged during the period from 1991 to 2003 by Saddam’s currency miss-management, as of today, now you have to simply look for the street value of Old ID, before the US attack in April-2003, this will be the correct street value, the maximum value the NID can achieve.

Hence Iraq currency can only recover to the extent of pre-war value of 2003 that too under normal economic conditions.

Forecast for future value of NID is;
Simply find out what was the actual street value of Old Iraqi Dinar, just before USA declared war with Iraq in April-2003, that will the correct value, NID can achieve which has grossly brought forward the inflation already imbedded in Old currency.

If you look at the Central Bank of Iraq official NID exchange rate, remained constant for quite some time at 1,460 to US Dollar, last rate quoted was 1,475 to a dollar, NID has moved towards the south direction instead of moving in the north direction for recovery towards pre-war levels of 2003.

Iraq currency can only move above the pre-war April-2003 levels, until and unless deflation of Iraq currency starts. Many decades have passed; we have been hearing reports of inflation and never heard of deflation in any country.

-- November 5, 2005 3:53 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Iraq currency can only move above the pre-war April-2003 levels, until and unless deflation of Iraq currency starts. Many decades have passed; we have been hearing reports of inflation and never heard of deflation in any country. Rgds/Shajee

-- November 5, 2005 4:02 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Iraq currency can only move above the pre-war April-2003 levels, until and unless deflation of Iraq currency starts. Many decades have passed; we have been hearing reports of inflation and never heard of deflation in any country. Rgds/Shajee

-- November 5, 2005 4:03 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Shajee,

I appreciate your commentary. Deflation? or do you mean economic growth?? If the Iraqi economy grows so will the value of the Dinar. The pre- war 2003 peg figure is interesting because the 12 years of mismanagement have already been factored in. Hence a 10x drop in the OID value since 1991. So with that being said, do you believe a $.31 peg price is reasonable?? Any comments on when a peg might occur? Will a peg occur?

Keep up the detailed posts!

Thanks,

ski

-- November 5, 2005 10:01 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

I don't really question IF at this point, to me, the bigger question is WHEN.

To me, the bigger concern is where can I go to exchange my NID when it pegs. I was under the impression that just about any bank would do the exchange for you for a fee after the NID officially hits the exchange. But now, I am reading that there are only 4 or 5 nation wide that do this kind of transaction. I hate the thought of traveling half way around the country to exchange my NID for USA dollars when the time is right.

-- November 5, 2005 10:19 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER. Sorry for shouting but I think a lot of people would like to know What kind(s) of tax we have to pay once we cash in the dinars: Where we can we cash in: why are companies that sell them so stingy with the 10k notes:
Any help is appreciated!

-- November 5, 2005 10:53 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

The companys would rather sell the 25K notes for shipping purposes, the package would weigh 2.5 times as much with 10K notes.

Someone said that if you trade enough NID to get $10K US or more, then you would be subject to pay taxes on it. I don't know how accurate that is though. Knowing our govt., I would bet that they will get thier share, even though it doesn't seem right to me. I exchanged money I had already earned and paid taxes on into a different currency, and then later exchange it back to US currency. Just because there is profit involved does not make it income, and shouldn't be taxable. But oh well, they will get thiers, just pay it and move on with whats left of your profit.

As to where we exchange... this is a little questionable to me too. I thought at first once it hit the federal exchange you could go to nearly any bank. But from what I read right now, there are only 4 or 5 banks in the nation that handle this type of transaction.

-- November 6, 2005 2:27 AM ∞

Paul G. Eberhart wrote:

Thanks to all of you!

I have been looking for a forum like this for two months. I own 1,100,000 Dinar with plans to own 10,000,000 in the next six months. It is great to hear from positive people who understand the real opportunity we have with NID.

Thanks again

-- November 6, 2005 4:58 PM ∞

Paul G. Eberhart wrote:

THanks to all of you for the great forum. I own 1,100,000 Dinar with plans to purchase 10,000,000 within the next six months. I have been looking for a good forum to share dreams and ideas with and now I have found it.

Thanks again

-- November 6, 2005 5:01 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

skimanvann;
Thanks very much for your appreciation.

In the past, we have seen with Economic growth in any country, at the same time inflation hangs around, when there is increase in price of consumer goods; you say inflation and inflation is usually caused by surplus printing of currency notes to full fill the financial needs of any country’s administrative expenses in their local currencies.

In simple terms:
When there is increase in price of goods; it is called inflation
When there is decrease in price of goods; it is called deflation

In case of Iraq, if you say street value of one NID was 31 cents in March-2005, now we have to see how many years it will take to return to normal economic conditions, until that day to come, normal business conditions are achieved, during this duration of normal activity recovery, with the economic growth in Iraq, if prices of daily consumers goods index goes up, in that case NID will hit below 31 cents the street value of March-2003 level.

-- November 7, 2005 9:19 AM ∞

John wrote:

I'm new here and have learned alot ,do thank you alot for all the work you put into the info we get

-- November 7, 2005 12:00 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Shajee,

I guess we will all have ot wait until the IMF decides to allow NID to trade on the open market.

I think you meant March 2003 (Not March 2005)the OID was trading at $.31 to USD. I hope the election and some progress with the new government will convince IMF to allow open market NID trading.

ski

-- November 7, 2005 1:08 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

skimanvann;
Msg corrected; kindly read March-2003 instead of March-2005
Thanks very much for your appreciation.

In the past, we have seen with Economic growth in any country, at the same time inflation hangs around, when there is increase in price of consumer goods; you say inflation and inflation is usually caused by surplus printing of currency notes to full fill the financial needs of any country’s administrative expenses in their local currencies.

In simple terms:
When there is increase in price of goods; it is called inflation
When there is decrease in price of goods; it is called deflation

In case of Iraq, if you say street value of one NID was 31 cents in March-2003, now we have to see how many years it will take to return to normal economic conditions, until that day to come, normal business conditions are achieved, during this duration of normal activity recovery, with the economic growth in Iraq, if prices of daily consumers goods index goes up, in that case NID will hit below 31 cents the street value of March-2003 level.

-- November 7, 2005 09:19 AM ∞

-- November 8, 2005 8:28 AM ∞

cash wrote:

Has anyone heard or read when the NID will peg? .......best estimates?

-- November 8, 2005 10:05 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Cash; Nobody know when NID will peg with USD Or Euro, once NID is pegged to USD, thereafter, Central Bank of Iraq will decide to permit NID trading within Iraq and/or in World Forex Markets. There are countries in South Asia their Central Banks do not permit their currencies to be traded in Forex markets.

-- November 8, 2005 1:14 PM ∞

Tyler wrote:

Baghdad contractors go from dollars to dinars
By Spc. Derek Del Rosario
November 4, 2005

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (Army News Service, Nov. 4, 2005) -- Iraqi contractors supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom III are now counting dinars instead of dollars on payday.

Another milestone in Iraq’s economic development was reached Oct. 14 when a 3rd Infantry Division finance office issued the first payment in Iraqi currency while in theater.

Local vendors and contractors were previously paid in U.S. dollars. This is the first time in all the rotations of Operation Iraqi Freedom that a dinar check payment has been issued to local vendors and contractors within the Baghdad area of operations.

This is a huge step according to Maj. Richard Santiago, commander of 3rd Finance Company, 3rd Soldier Support Battalion, Division Support Brigade, who said paying locals in dinars benefits both the Iraqi people and Coalition Forces.

“This is truly a win-win situation for all,” Santiago said. “Issuing dinar check payments improves the economic and financial stability of Iraq by promoting the Iraqi banks while using their local currency. It also decreases the cash requirements our finance offices need in order to meet mission requirements, as we are now able to pay the local vendors and contractors with a check instead of cash.”

Implementing the dinar payment took a lot of coordination between several agencies. The 18th Soldier Support Group, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, the Office of the Assistance Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller), the U.S. Treasury Department and the 3rd Finance Co. were all involved.

“We needed approval from DFAS to set up a Local Depository Account, also known as LDA, at the Credit Bank of Iraq in order to be able to make payments using the local currency,” Santiago said. “Once we had the LDA account set up, we were ready to make check payments in dinars. Setting the LDA account at the Credit Bank of Iraq will stimulate their bank systems and procedures, creating the right impact needed to improve Iraq’s financial infrastructure.”

Santiago foresees the banking system in Iraq will increasingly show signs of improvement as Army finance offices continue to make payments in the local currency.

“The ultimate goal is to have all the local vendors and contractors paid in dinars while maximizing the use of the local banking system,” Santiago said. “It’s difficult to estimate when we will reach this point, but just to disseminate funds in their currency is a major step in the right direction.”

Iraqi vendors and contractors are likely to appreciate the change from payments in U.S. dollars to dinars because it will help their economy, said 1st Lt. Tayonia Williams, 3rd ID Finance disbursing officer.

“Paying Iraqis in their own currency also has the benefit of limiting the large amount of cash that vendors and contractors have to carry after getting paid for their supplies and services,” Williams said.

Santiago said the switch to dinars will also help the Coalition Forces fight against terrorism, as it will limit money that could be used by terrorists.

“By limiting the U.S. dollars in the region, we are cutting down the dollars that could possibly be used by insurgents,” Santiago said. “These steps are setting the right path for the rebuilding of Iraq.”

-- November 8, 2005 1:49 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Cash; I asked one of my fiends when NID will peg to USD, he replied NID is already pegged indirectly with a dollar, for the reason Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) is officially announcing daily exchange rate of NID to a USD, based on daily USD auction rate, if you see it physically all Import Export Bills are been negotiated at the counters of authorized banks in Iraq at the official daily exchange rate announced by CBI.

CBI exchange rate is an official control exchange rate to be utilized by authorized commercial banks in Iraq for all nature of on going daily business transactions routed through banking channels. CBI daily exchange rate is not a free floating rate.

You will find Free Floating exchange rate at the money changer counter on Baghdad streets. The correct indicator is money changer exchange rate, the real floating rate, which covers instant real demand and supply positions, as and when Iraq business activity starts returning to normal, street value of NID will improve and find its functional level.

-- November 9, 2005 1:49 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Cash; For Central Bank of Iraq Daily price Bulletin buying and selling
visit http://www.cbiraq.org/cbs6.htm
where you will find NID exchange rates for US Dollar, European Euro, Pound Sterling, Japanese Yen and others

Another website gives the following news:-
Iraq Business Forums: Iraqi Dinar
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=28&PN=1
Posted: 10 August 2005 at 1:32pm | IP Logged
Todays Prices of Iraqi Dinar:
US Dollar = 1485 I.D.
Euro = 1840 I.D.
Kuwaiti Dinar = 5086 I.D.
Jordainian Dinar = 2097 I.D.
Arab Emirates Dirham = 404 I.D.
It seems hitting new low record

-- November 9, 2005 7:30 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Cash;
Posted: 11 October 2005 at 10:53pm
Accoring to Al Taif Company for Exchange and Money Transfer. Iraqi dinar rates are as follows :
Buy USD 1475, Sell USD 1485
Buy Euro 1641, Sell Euro 1800

-- November 9, 2005 8:13 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Cash;
For Money changer exchange rate at Baghdad Street visit Al Taif Company website

http://www.taifco.com/

-- November 9, 2005 8:29 AM ∞

LazyasL wrote:

CURRENCY HISTORY: in April 1932 at the end of the British mandate, the Iraqi currency board opened with the launch of the dinar which was then pegged at par with the British pound and backed by pound reserves. In year 1947, the currency board was then replaced by the central bank system with the dinar quoted at $4.86 USD to the dinar. By 1970, the official exchange rate had the dinar at $2.80 USD, year 1973 at $3.39 USD. By 1982 up until Gulf War II, the official rate devalued by 5 percent to $3.22 USD to the dinar or conversely the peg at 0.3109 IQD to 1 USD.

the gulf war II, began march 19, 2003, the dinar traded at 0.31 IQD to 1 USD.......thats not 31 cents, thats $3.22......not trying to ruffle any feathers here......if i'm wrong i apoligize...... the decimal point increases the value,

http://www.bankintroductions.com/iraq.html

-- November 9, 2005 1:13 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

LazyasL; What was the Baghdad street value of Old-ID traded by money changers just before the gulf war II, began march 19, 2003 ?

-- November 9, 2005 2:45 PM ∞

LazyasL wrote:

as you can see my name says it all, if i had read a little further, there is a word "IRRELEVANT" describing the official rate .........these are black market rates?

Black market rate is volatile and fluctuates around 2000 IQD to the USD in 2001 and also in August 2002 of which represents a significantly lower valuation than the irrelevant official rate. However, it should be noted that black market rates differ tremendoulsy from official rates.

At the height of the Iraq-Iran was in 1986, inflation in Iraq reached 50 percent with black market exchange rates estimated in the range of 500 to 1000 IQD to the USD. Historical black market valuations include shortly after Gulf War I in 1991 the old dinar collapsed to 7,000 IQD to the USD and by 1995 the rate had rallied to 3000 IQD. In 1996 just before the United Nation’s implemented the oil-for-food program, the IQD then rallied to a level of 2400 IQD to the USD, year 1997 at 1530, December 1999 at 1910 IQD, December 2002 at 2330 IQD to the USD, April 2003 the dinar fell to 9000 IQD to the USD as Iraqi banks were being looted, March-April 2003 traded as low as 4,000 IQD with other reports of trading in the 5000 to 6000 IQD to the USD level, an exchange valuation of 2000 IQD at the time of Mr. Hussein’s regime overthrow in April 2003, July 2003 at 1500, October 15, 2003 at 1970 NID to the USD (currency swap to New Iraqi dinars from old dinars) and May 2004 at 1340 to 1660 NID.

-- November 9, 2005 3:52 PM ∞

outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Shajee...I wanted to inform you that the IQD has "NOT" pegged yet. When it does then you will find it on the FOREX.

-- November 10, 2005 4:36 AM ∞

Calvin wrote:

I have heard from 2 differnt sources that something is going to happen next week. However I would think the brave soldiers and contractors would have a better idea than us here in the USA. Can anybody either confirm or deny the rumors?

-- November 10, 2005 8:01 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

LazyasL;
Quote"the gulf war II, began march 19, 2003, the dinar traded at 0.31 IQD to 1 USD.......thats not 31 cents, thats $3.22......not trying to ruffle any feathers here......if i'm wrong i apoligize...... the decimal point increases the value,"Unquote

USD: 3.22is a Freezed rate of 1991, this rate remained constant for almost 12 years on Forex market board until year end 2003.

I am not able to get correct exchange rate quotes figures of Jan-2003, believe Old Iraqi Dinar 1.oo was around 10 cents in Iraq domestic market.

Basis exchange rate 10 cents of OID in Jan-2003, what I estimate is NID will regain its value maximum 10 cents Less inflation factor from Jan-2003 to date the normal business activity will resume.

Finally I would say it is very difficult to predict what next is going to happen, have nothing more to say.

-- November 10, 2005 10:20 AM ∞

millionairetobe71 wrote:

Well,
I can tell you for sure that here in Iraq, no especulation of something to happen has taken place. I would surely know because my contacts that buy me the dinars would tell me so....

-- November 10, 2005 12:42 PM ∞

Trusty wrote:

This link is to the WSJ but not sure everyone can access it. It was a lengthly article, you might want to buy Thursday's paper.
Tried to post on Iraqi Forum but I have never been accepted.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113158821669793155.html?mod=home_page_one_us

Wall Street Journal NOV 10,2005
The war in Iraq and influx from abroad have distorted the economy in other ways. U.S. authorities worry that Amman has become a money-laundering center for ill-gotten Iraqi wealth, potentially to the tune of billions of dollars. Jordan's second-largest bank, the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, is having a record year, with earnings expected to more than double and deposits from Iraqi clients rising precipitously since before the war. But U.S. intelligence and Treasury officials frequently call its downtown Amman office, curious about certain large transfers.
At the same time, property prices and rents have more then tripled in many areas of the city, which is home to as much as half of Jordan's population. The government has been forced to significantly raise the costs of kerosene used in small generators for electricity, due to shrinking supplies of oil from Iraq. Traditionally, Mr. Hussein gave oil to Jordan free or at steep discounts

-- November 10, 2005 5:08 PM ∞

Ruth wrote:

Re: Dr. Chalabi's visit. This is an email I received from a friend of mine who is also a Dinar investor. Please keep in mind, this was his idea and not mine, so if it's stupid, lets blame someone else :-) I would call myself, but would choke up for sure on National television and he thinks he would too.

Is there anyone out there who may be willing to make this call to ask the Million Dollar Dinar question?

I have read that Snow, Sec of Treasury said he would only meet with Dr. Chalabi if his agenda allowed the time, but Chalabi will be meeting with Sec of Defense and Cosnt. Rice.

My personal feeling is that even if Chalabi knows, he won't be telling, so it's a long shot, but someone out there might actually have the guts to ask.

Copied e-mail:
Ruth, read this over, call me and tell me what you think.

Dr. Chalabi (Deputy Prime Minister, Iraq)

CNN (Headline News)
CNBC
MSNBC
FOX NEWS
Hard Ball (Chris Mathews)
The Situation Room (Wolf Blitzer)
The O'Reilly Factor (Bill Reilly)
etc,etc,etc...

"Dr. Chalibi is a major Political and Economic player in the Middle East. He is in Washington, D. C. now and for the next few days.

Ask several of your "Dinar" Cyber-Friends to contact the above news station commentators throughtout this weekend.....until Dr. Chalibi answers the following question.

We want the answer and he has it.
Q:
Dr. Chalibi, "Approximately," when will the "New Iraq Currency" be put on the global market, pegged to the USD at "Approximately" what price?

This is a very serious issue in your country. Thank you."
__________________________________________________

-- November 11, 2005 6:45 PM ∞

Gramma Ruth wrote:

Last post RE: Chalibi's visit is from Gramma Ruth. Added this so you'd know I've been here before.

-- November 11, 2005 6:49 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Kinda dead in here, what happened to all of the debate? Lets hear some more great news about the NID.

-- November 14, 2005 3:30 AM ∞

Adam wrote:

Hi all,

First post here, great site. Proud owner of 6 million Dinars. I believe a revalue will come when the IMF have approved the SBA. IMO early January we will see a r/v at around .31 to the dollar.

-- November 14, 2005 8:33 AM ∞

James wrote:

I received some 25,000 IQD Notes and 2 of them have pen writing on them... Does this matter when trying to cash them in?? I remember reading somewhere that they may not be any good if they are defaced or damaged in any way.

-- November 14, 2005 2:46 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R; Lets hear some more great news about the NID.

Please Refer to the website:
http://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/currency_list.html#I
Information
Exchange Rate Regimes: If a currency is named, the country pegs its currency to the named currency, and the parity is shown in parenthesis. For example, "US-$ (2.7)" indicates that a currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a parity of 2.7 currency units per US-$. The notation "euro-##.####" specifies the official locking rate between the new European euro and the eleven currencies it replaces, that is, one euro buys the amount of national currency indicated. SDR=Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund. A currency followed by "(lim.flex.)" indicates that the currency exhibits limited flexibility vis-à-vis the currency named in the regime column. Other notation used includes: float=floating exchange rate; m.float=managed float; EMU=member of the European Monetary Union but not a member of the European euro zone launched on January 1, 1999; composite=peg is to a basket of currencies; indicators=exchange rate is adjusted frequently to a set of indicators.
• Iceland
Currency: króna; Symbol: IKr; Subdivision: 100 aurar (sg. aur); ISO-4217 Code: ISK 352; Regime: composite
• India
Currency: rupee; Symbol: Rs; Subdivision: 100 paise; ISO-4217 Code: INR 356; Regime: float
• Indonesia
Currency: rupiah; Symbol: Rp; Subdivision: 100 sen (no longer used); ISO-4217 Code: IDR 360; Regime: m.float
• International Monetary Fund
Currency: Special Drawing Right; Symbol: SDR; Subdivision: ; ISO-4217 Code: XDR 960
• Iran
Currency: rial; Symbol: Rls; Subdivision: 10 rials = 1 toman; ISO-4217 Code: IRR 364; Regime: US-$ (4750)
• Iraq (-2003)
Currency: dinar; Symbol: ID; Subdivision: 1,000 fils; ISO-4217 Code: IQD 368; Regime: US-$ (0.3109)
• Iraq (2004-)
Currency: new dinar; Symbol: ID; Subdivision: 1,000 fils; ISO-4217 Code: IQD 368; Regime: m.float
• Ireland (1999-)
Currency: euro; Symbol: € Subdivision: 100 cents; ISO-4217 Code: EUR 978; Regime: float
• Isle of Man
see United Kingdom
• Israel
Currency: new shekel; Symbol: NIS; Subdivision: 100 new agorot; ISO-4217 Code: ILS 376; Regime: m.float
• Italy (1999-)
Currency: euro; Symbol: € Subdivision: 100 cents; ISO-4217 Code: EUR 978; Regime: float
• Ivory Coast
see Côte d'Ivoire

Comments:
NID may not peg and remain under Regime managed float like other countries.

-- November 14, 2005 3:14 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Hi all
It has been awhile sence I have done a post." just been reading them" James as far as writing on some of the NID that you have,that just shows that the dinar is in use.All paper money have some writing on them at times.I have some NID the same way,and have had mine for some time now.When I first saw this it made me glad, because it ment the NID is on the street and in common use,so do not worry.
Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- November 14, 2005 6:23 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Outlaw in Iraq just a line to let you and my brothers and sisters know,I think of all of you in harms way all the time.Member for life chapter 441 VVA.God bless and keep all of you safe and thank you for your service.Ron

-- November 14, 2005 6:30 PM ∞

RON wrote:

JUST LOGED BACK ON.RON

-- November 14, 2005 6:34 PM ∞

Confused wrote:

Why do people say that the ID is going to peg next week and never does? They all say it's "reliable" sources or I have "friends" but it never is reliable. Also, I think the Iraqis are ripping the United States off if the Dinar pegs at $.31. That means the coke I pay today in Iraq costs me one dollar, will cost me $453.00 after the peg. No way in hell I'm going to pay $453 for a coke. How would they get away with that - charging so much money?

-- November 16, 2005 1:56 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Confused,

The price of goods do not go up. The price of the NID goes up so you will be able to buy 453 cokes when the NID pegs at $.31. I do not think it will peg at that high rate initially but over time the NID will increase in value.

FYI, I do not recommned buying 453 cokes. Trying drinking iced green tea with a splash of honey in it instead.

ski

-- November 16, 2005 2:05 PM ∞

Confused wrote:

How is that possible? If I, like most Americans in Iraq, get paid in U.S. dollars, then the cost will cost me $453.00 dollars. Right now that coke costs 1,460 dinars = 1 dollar. After the peg, they will still charge 1,460 dinars but now I'll need $453.00 to match the 1,460 dinars. That's the point, the price of the NID goes up relative to the dollar.

-- November 17, 2005 8:56 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Look at it like this, if it pegs at 31 cents, instead of that coke costing you 1460 dinar, it would cost about 450 dinar. At least thats what we are hoping for. The cost would still be about $1 US. But the bigger picture here is this... why on earth are you spending so much money on Coke when it sucks so so bad, why not buy Pepsi instead?

-- November 17, 2005 11:58 AM ∞

Confused wrote:

You guys are confusing me even more?!? Why would the coke/pepsi cost 450 dinar rather than 1460? You just state it without an explanation. The current rate is about 1460 IRD = One U.S. Dollar. If the IRD pegs at 31 cents, then that means 1460 IRD = $453.00 dollars. To buy the same amount of IRD (1460), instead of paying one dollar, I now have to pay $453 dollars. Why would anyone in God's green earth pay that much for the IRD? In Iraq, if a coke/pepsi costs 1460 dinars, after the peg, that's $453 dollars. Someone please explain to me why anyone would do anything in Iraq if it everything costs so much - and good luck convincing people to buy your dinars at $453 dollars a pop. I think a more realistic optimistic peg would be $0.00075 dollars which would give about 10% return on investment (not counting transaction fees).

-- November 17, 2005 3:04 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Confused, I think you are thinking more of a revluation of the US dollar rather than the Iraqi Dinar. You are right in the fact that the 1460 NID would cost you $453, but you would be getting equal value as you get now for your money. If it pegs at 31 cents, look at it like this 1460 NID now will equal about 450 NID then. The NID will be what is being revalued, not your US dollar.

-- November 17, 2005 8:42 PM ∞

Confused wrote:

If the coke/pepsi now equals 450 NID (as you state), according to the exchange rate of 1 IRD to 31 cents, it will still cost Americans $139.50 to buy a soda in Iraq - which brings me back to the original question of why would anyone buy anything in Iraq. It just doesn't make common sense.

-- November 18, 2005 4:47 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Guys,

When the IQD dropped in value in March of "03". Many Iraqi Millionaires lost everything because the exchange rate was 3 IQD to 1 US. Now it is 1,470 NID to 1 US. So, these folks need to be brought whole again and the exchange rate returned to the pre war level. Right??

They lost buying power. The goods still cost the same htye will regain their buying power with a much stronger exchange rate.

Ski

-- November 18, 2005 5:47 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Actually that was a flaw in my calculation confused, and I am sorry for confusing you further. The Pepsi wouldn't cost that much, it would cost less.

-- November 18, 2005 8:34 PM ∞

Ziarian wrote:

The New Iraqi Dinar would be worth a lot more if..............
Subsidies were cut. Right now every Iraqi gets free Rice,Flour,Sugar
Cooking
oil,etc AND the big subsidy is FUEL!!! The Iraqi gov. buys what fuel it
can
domestically then imports the rest from outside the country @upwards of
3 or $4
a gallon then sells it for 5 cents this is eating 80% of Iraqi
gov.Money This
was done to keep the entire 25 million people from mass starvation and
to
avoid millions of refugees flooding neighboring countries.
Also 98% of that money is derived from oil sales as that income
becomes
more diversified and the gov. Cuts back on Subsidy's the Iraqi
people.people
will initaily loose purchasing power but gain it back as the DINAR
APPRECIATES !
in value Which is what we are all waiting for! The plan right now is to
cut
subsidy's in 2006 which is when you will see dramatic increase in value
of the
New Iraqi Dinar

-- November 22, 2005 6:38 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Ziarian;
Iraq subsidies on food commodities and imported gasoline, is peanuts against the daily export sale proceeds revenue of crude oil in U.S. Dollars. All Opec countries including Iraq, crude oil export sales are pegged to US Dollar.
The daily crude oil pumped is finally converted into US Dollars, it would be correct to say Dollar printing wells not oil wells. Crude oil buying countries are draining out their Dollars into oil producing countries.

United States of Europe with a single currency is trying to peg Opec crude oil export sales proceeds to Euro.

Even if Iraq currency Dinar exchange rate is regime managed, since the crude oil export sale proceeds of Iraq are pegged to US Dollar, you can consider NID is indirectly pegged with Dollar.

-- November 22, 2005 6:03 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

In english please Shajee????

-- November 23, 2005 7:44 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Good info Ziarian!

With your comments on the Iraqi Government subsidies (that I had no clue about), you've just shed tons of light on why the value of the IQD has remained as low as it has.

You're right that the government needs to lift these socialistic subsidies, especially now that they're in the process of morphing into a democratic/capitalistic country. By continuing to hold them in place, it would only isolate Iraqis from the opportunities for prosperity that await them.

The people need jobs not handouts! External and internal business are what's needed; manufacturing, fabrication, and assembly plants and the jobs they provide are what the citizens of Iraq need - not a government stipend.

I believe your predicted timeframe of Summer of 2006 for the IQD to appreciate in value sounds about right too.

Bill1

-- November 23, 2005 8:57 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all just a line to say that it is still in the waiting phase on the NID.
All of you keep up the good work on finding and shareing your info on the NID and Iraq.
Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- November 23, 2005 10:12 AM ∞

Mike wrote:

Interesting,

I am glad I found this forum, it has provided many good articles. As more and more people learn of the potential of investing in Iraq, the better off we will all be.

Good luck to all, Mike

-- November 23, 2005 8:17 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Anthony R wrote:
In english please Shajee????

reference my post of 22-Nov-05 in latin, means in english; surplus of U.S.Dollars will result in appreciation of NID.

In the mentime kind read an interesting article "The liberation of the U.S. Dollar in Iraq" at website http://www.teamliberty.net/id199.html

-- November 24, 2005 8:29 AM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

Technical Questions For Those In Iraq or Kuwait:

How much money in USD can one buy bottled water for on a retail level? What size bottle?
Thank you,
Jimmy P

-- November 24, 2005 1:02 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

OK Gang lets see if I can state this so "everyone" can understand.

If a bottle of water costs $1.00 here in Iraq at the airport now and the IQD opens at $.33 next week, then that same bottle of water will cost me $1.00 and the typical Iraqi 3 IQD to purchase.

There does that make sense??? Understand??? Simple conversions. Nothing here is too complicated. Come on people. Now please move on!

Either buy or don't buy...again nothing is too complicated in this decision. I suggest that "if" you don't have the money to loose then don't risk it. period...nothing too complicated about the situtation...

But...remember I am the type of person who "will" laugh at you and tell you..."WE TOLD YOU SO!"

Outlaw.

-- November 26, 2005 9:47 AM ∞

Paulge wrote:

Hey Outlaw,

I've been watching this post for about a month and must say " You Are The Man!" Keep on keeping us informed. I have 1,100,000 NID and counting

-- November 26, 2005 10:54 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

If one imported water bottle cost USD: 1.oo = NID 1,470/oo

When ever Iraq currency appreciates Imports of consumers foreign goods will become cheaper, that is you will pay less NID and at the same time for Iraqi cosumer goods exports, international buyers will be paying more Dollars for their imports from Iraq.

When any currency appreciates Imports become cheaper and exports become expensive for international buyers of consumer goods from Iraq.

If NID Appreciate and exchange rate is USD: 1.oo = NID 735.oo, with this exchange rate you can buy 2 imported water bottles for NID: 1,470/oo

When any currency devalues Imports become expensive and exports become cheaper for international buyers of consumer goods from Iraq.

Devaluation and Appreciation of any currency has vise versa effects on cost of goods for imports and exports of that country.

-- November 26, 2005 11:33 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Personally, I think its worth the risk, and I have 4 million NID. It cost me just over $3500 US. I weighed the risk/reward, and thats the figures I came up with. It will hurt like heck if I have to eat the loss, but I am willing to do so. The question is, Outlaw, as you pointed out, you are the type to say I told you so, but are you the type to come here and humble yourself if our calculated risk does not work out in our favor?

-- November 26, 2005 12:57 PM ∞

WhyQues wrote:

Outlaw, I have a question.

Based off of your theory about cost of goods. When the USD lost value against the Euro by aproximatly 40 cents. Why didn't the cost of everything in the use jump 40 percent??? The Euro is a strong currency and would affect foreign markets similar to the USD. And vis versa if the value of the Euro drops against the USD I dont think that bottle of water is going to change in price.

-- November 27, 2005 5:17 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

WhyQues;

If a shipper/exporter from Kuwait selling goods to Iraqi Importer, Manufacturers (Shipper)cost will be in Kuwaiti Dinar the Kuwaiti shipper can quote in USD and EURO by converting Kuwaiti Dinar in to USD and/or Euro basis on prevailing exchange rate.

Export sale price of Kuwaiti shipper quotes in USD & Euro for the same item will be different depending upon the exchange rate differential between USD & EURO on the day the quotes were calculated.

If Euro appreciate by 40 cents aganist USD, here the importer in Iraq will find USA manufactured goods cheaper then European manufactured good.

If Iraqi importer buying from Kuwait price of goods will remain same either quoted in USD Or Euro for the reason Kuwaiti Dinar and NID will have different exchange rates for USD and Euro.

-- November 27, 2005 1:56 PM ∞

WhyQues wrote:

Of course, however. A business is in it for profit and there for would deal in currency that would exchange at a profit. Even if that ment forcing a high price on a goods even if the exchange rate does not match. otherwise to be profitable the dealer would have to export else were forcing the country that needed the goods to accept the cost.

-- November 27, 2005 6:35 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

WhyQues

The exchange rates are there to keep things equal so that the scenario you speak of doesn't take place, for example, a business could not make any more money tradeing with China for example that it could make tradeing with France. The exchange rate equalizes thing. The big deal with the exchange rate of the NID right now is that it is artificially devalued, and many people, myself included, are betting that it will go back up and normalize. Hopefully sooner rather than later. When all nations in the world are tradeing normaly, the exchange rates won't help anyone make any more or less by tradeing with different countries in the world. Hope this makes sense.

-- November 28, 2005 1:51 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

WhyQues;
Exchange rates of any currency is utilized for different purposes in international market, it depends,in your case I understand you are utilizing exchange rate for trading in currency only. If you have bought a currency just wait for its appreciation.

-- November 28, 2005 9:10 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

GOOD NEWS from ASHUR T.V.
We have Full Campaign Coverage for the Elections in Iraq
Election Coverage starts tonight (11/28/05) 10:30pm to 10:30am
Pacific Standard Time on Ashur T.V. Satellite.
Tune into Ashur T.V. tonight on your satellite T.V. or go to:
www.pamtv.us
To watch it live on the internet.
On the top-left side of the pamtv.us website there are 2 columns, APPADANA is the 3rd button down on the right column.
Click on "APPADANA" to watch the show live.
You can also visit www.ashurtv.org to learn more about voting on Rafidain list #740 on December 15th, 2005.
That's only 2 weeks away. Watch tonight at 10:30pm (California Time) for our exclusive coverage.

-- November 29, 2005 4:38 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Gang,

Any movement with the NID in early 2006??

ski

-- December 1, 2005 1:11 PM ∞

Todd wrote:

Thanks Ryan - Hope all is well!
Todd

-- December 2, 2005 1:00 PM ∞

ryan wrote:

todd
all is well thanks

caught me off guard.....

hey im looking into some things ...if you have any leads that are about to go into foreclosure....set them aside and call me...i may have msomething...not sure yet

-- December 5, 2005 12:09 AM ∞

A Fool wrote:

A Fool and His Money has been Parted.
Savings - guaranteed rate of return with very little to no risk, one cannot get rich with savings
Investment - in the long run, percentages are in your favor but there is some risk in losing your principal. 95% of people get rich with investments
Gamble - in the long run, percentages are against you but there is small percentage that you can make a significant amount of money. Overall odds in favor of casinos are usually 2-5%
Fool - people who buy lottery tickets and invest in iraq dinars. The odds of winning the jackpot in powerball is about 1 in 137,000,000. The odds of getting hit by lightening is 1 in 1,000,000. The odds of the Iraqi dinar pegging at 33 cents is about the same as the lottery odds. Save your money and invest it in some index funds - or if you insist on wasting your money, at least give it to some worthy charity. Think about it, would the U.S. ever allow Iraqis be million/billionaires overnight? If people who buy dinars in the states will become rich, the Iraqis who have all their currency and savings in dinars would be able to buy U.S. shopping malls, skyscrapers, vacation homes in Florida, and the Brooklyn Bridge. DO THE MATH! This will never happen. After the peg is announced, just hope that the dinar doesn't lose 50% of its value. The best hope in the next five years is it holds at 1460-1470 dinars to a dollar - barring a total collapse of the government from three different ethnic groups that hate each other (i.e. Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia). Knowing is half the battle.

-- December 6, 2005 10:02 AM ∞

Kandahar Guard wrote:

Was wondering if anyone had any new information on the Dinar. Being in Afghanistan, i really do not have much of a chance to look for new info that often. Thanks for your help!!!

-- December 6, 2005 12:13 PM ∞

HMMMMM wrote:

A Fool,
Just a thought. If your even on this site and have a opinion, this must mean you too are an investor. If your not, why would you go internet surfing about dinars if you did'nt have a vested interest in it pegging. Unless you don't have a life. Something that makes you go HMMMMM...

-- December 6, 2005 6:54 PM ∞

A Fool wrote:

No, Hmmm, not an investor. But have a friend who has invested pretty much his whole life savings in this. Just wanted to see how he had fallen into this pipe dream. Seems like the only people that are going to make money off of this are the dinar sellers. I bet half the people posting these outrageous claims of being millionaires are dinar sellers. Hmmmm, are you a dinar seller? - not that you would admit it. The only charge I have for the people reading the boards is to get information from credible sources - not internet boards where people have "inside friends that know". Read newsreports and especially well-known financial sites and they will all tell you the same thing. Now I will ask you Hmmmm, what possible alternative interest would I have for posting? Am I asking you to buy something? Everyone and their mother is selling dinars (which should tell you something right there). And what are your reasons for questioning my post? Do you have an interest that you wish to protect (like trying to get more suckers to buy dinars)? Your response to this post should shed light to everyone reading this . . . Hmmmmmm.

-- December 7, 2005 8:02 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Dear Fool,

There two kinds of speculators: Those that do so within reason, and those that put all their eggs in one basket, and then hope and pray the basket remains intact.

Sounds like your friend is the latter type, and I hope for his sake his life isn't ruined by impetuousness.

Myself, and many other dinar investors, merely say an opportunity to make some money and took the chance.

If I loose all that I have invested in the IQD it doesn't phase me any - I didn't invest my life savings, etc, into IQD futures. But, on the other hand, if I even make a small profit from this venture then, I will consider it worth it.

The excitement for me is to see all of this play out. Underdogs do come through from time to time. And, the Iraqi people and their natural resource laden country, are an underdog I don't mind betting on.

Good luck to all IQD investors.

Respectfully,
Bill1

-- December 7, 2005 12:51 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Fool,

You are saying the NID will not increase in value? Should I sell my Dinars on E-Bay?

The Dinar was valued a $.31 per USD about three years ago. Many Iraqi citizens lost everything when the Dinar devalued to 1460 per USD. Why do you think giving back what these Iraqi people had prior to the war does not make sense?? I think we will ramp up to that conversion over time but we should begin seeing NID appreication in 2006.

The elections are next week and the new year should bring good news for NID investors.

Please post links to sites stating where the NID will be in years to come. I am curious to read about it.

Thanks!

Ski

-- December 7, 2005 1:31 PM ∞

A Fool wrote:

The Dinar was valued at $.31 per USD about three years ago, but it was pegged by Saddam Hussein. The dinar was not internationally traded at that time and the only exchange rate that this was valid for was in Iraq and only for Saddam and higher officials. Just doing a little RESEARCH will reveal this fact. Iraq in 2002 was in the middle of a trade embargo and its people were starving. Real inflation was through the roof. Also, look at the dinars in your hand, it doesn't have the face of Saddam on it does it? The value of the money is based on the government supporting it now, not what it was artificially worth three years ago. Instead of calling it dinars, they could have called it pesos or Best Buy bucks. As of now, the NEW IRAQI DINAR is pegged at 1460 per dollar. What possible reason would it peg higher? If anything, the Iraqi government has kept it artifically high because that helps their economy (they can't keep it too high because the drop after the peg would be too harmful). That is why the dinar will drop in value once it is open to the free market. Who knows, maybe after the U.S. pulls out they will change the currency again - then what will you do with all those dinars sitting in your closet? I guess cash them in at a much reduced rate back to dollars or to the new dinar (and pay a double digit commission) But don't listen to me - DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Currency trading is very risky and unpredictable - so the question is, why are so many people going into this without a clue of what they are doing? Just like in everything else, its the fools that lose their shirts.

-- December 7, 2005 1:58 PM ∞

William J Torres wrote:

Naysayer!

-- December 7, 2005 2:11 PM ∞

A Fool wrote:

Here are some sites talking about the Dinar. Please list reputable sites showing that the dinar will peg at $.32, or one dollar, or one euro, or one million dollars. (the point being, how can anyone predict the exact peg, its impossible, else we all be rich!)

http://www.newsline.com.pk/NewsFeb2004/economy2feb2004.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2004-08-03-dinars_x.htm

http://www.xe.com/iqd.htm

http://www.rgemonitor.com/blog/setser/91266

http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,64565,00.html?tw=wn_story_related

-- December 7, 2005 2:14 PM ∞

Michael wrote:

You can lead a horse to water.......

-- December 7, 2005 2:34 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

I had a fairly good reply for Mr. Fool the other day, but it never got posted.

So, I'll try again...

Dear Mr. Fool,

The majority of us that have invested in the IQD did not invest our life savings. We did our "homework" and simply took an amount of money we felt comfortable gambling with and decided to take a chance on the future of the Iraqi Dinar.

We don't need to have the riot act read to us because someone's perception of our IQD investment doesn't seem to make sense to them.

I read where your issue with the IQD stemmed from a friend of yours going out and investing more than he probably should have in the currency. Well, under those circumstances, and for his/her sake, I hope things go their way.

But, for me I don't loose sleep over whether the dinar moves left or right, because I invested at a level that worked for me.

The truly interesting thing for me is seeing all of this play itself out. And, for that [if it all goes to hell in a handbasket] it will have been worth the price of admission.

Respectfully,
Bill1

P.S. If I were you, I'd at least try and own 1/2 to 1 million IQD, just for the sake of argument.

-- December 8, 2005 2:47 PM ∞

Cash wrote:

Its called economics. Inflation being the main player, everything will be relative. If the Dinar appreciates, the value of goods in Iraq will increase as well. It's not going to happen over night, but the Iraqi Dinar will appreciate over time. Take Kuwait for example, alot of non-wealthy people (why nephew is one) started to buy Kuwaiti Dinars during the brief Iraqi occupation. It took over ten years but look at the Kuwaiti Dinar now. They're 3 to 1 US. But they cant buy much in Kuwait, everything is friggin' expensive. I dont sell dinars, have thought about buying them though. It could go both ways, but no one should be ivesting their life savings, it is a big risk.

-- December 9, 2005 2:21 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

OK gang...I've been sitting back and been reading the mail for the last few weeks and have been hoping to see something intelligent cross my screen...

I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed by no means but my edge tells me that the Country of Iraq can not be compared to any other country in history...as in terms of rebounding from a war or a devistating financial situtation, as seen here.

Yes, Iraq is different from Mexico, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and other countries who have had to revalue their currency in the past and can not be compared to them today. I base my logic on several reasons of which I shall go into...

1. This Country (Iraq) happens to be sitting in a region of the world that all free countries have been wanting to get a foot hold in for many many years, and because of the religous believes and out right hate towards western attitudes we have been kept out. The only way to disprove the current attitudes within this region is to insure that Iraqis have a higher standard of living, and make Iraq a more profitable country for Arab and International Companys to do business with, inside and outside the borders. Greed is a major factor within the Arab culture just as it is in all cultures. Pure profitability will push Iraq into a superpower within this region of the world..."BUT"...the deciding factor will be how reliable the new government is...not the stability of the country as many have stated. Doing anything to distroy the confidence of future investors and undermining any concerns that business might have inorder to relocate into Iraq, would be detremental for Iraq for many years to come, not to mention...who would want to accept IQD for goods and services if there is a constant threat of a devaluation or replacement of the IQD? In terms of Greed...it would not benefit anyone...Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds alike. This is something that the free world and the United States will not allow to happen because the cost already encounted in this war is way to tremendious to walk away from now.

We my friends, are here to stay, and nothing...nothing is going to remove our presence from the region. Within time and apeasing the Arab taste for greed...the country will move forward. The fighting going on within the country right now is all about greed....power and money...they are killing us and themselves over who is going to control all of the power and wealth. Soon they will come together and realize that there is enough for all and things will settle down.

2. Maybe the previous rate of the IQD was set by Saddom...I don't know but there is one thing that I am sure about... The coalation must set a value that is somwhat better to what was previously set simply because of item number one...greed...the Iraqis are going to be looking at everything we offer them including the value of their currency. Do you think it is good for us to invade Iraq...re-establish a new government...rebuild their country...revise their banking system...and have the value of their currency lower than what it was under Saddom? I think not.

For those of you that like to research facts...check this out... Several large companys and individuals have purchased extreamly large amounts of IQD...could they have been possibly Donald Trump, GM, Coca-Cola and the US Government??? For over $100 million USD each... If so.... Why would they do that??? Maybe they had too much money and decided this would be a good way to reduce their net worth... Hummmmmmmmmmm....

I have been in Baghdad for quite awhile now and I have heard all the rumors. This is the latest running around the Green Zone... Will open after election in January at somewhere between 3 to 4 cents. I know it will open low and go up from there...but who knows where.

I am trying to figure out why someone who is steadfast aginst investing in IQD would spend their time telling everyone else they are waisting their money??? The only one that I can see who would benefit from someone NOT buying would be the Iraqis themselves....Sounds like the fox might be in the chicken coop my friends.... I take that as a good sign... how about you???

Regards to all,
Outlaw

P.S. To all my buds in the thick of it... Having a great time in Pattaya Beach and hate to say it but... I miss ya all! Keep your heads down...I'll toss a cold one back for each and everyone tonight.

-- December 10, 2005 4:01 AM ∞

okie wrote:

Hey Outlaw....
Glad you're having a good time in Thailand. I don't know what you're drinking but keep it up because your comments on the Dinar were spot on in my opinion.
PS- I have my spot picked out in Phuket.
Take care.....Okie

-- December 10, 2005 10:42 AM ∞

BOB wrote:

OUTLAW:

GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK. YOUR POST SHOWED ABOUT AS MUCH INTELLIGENCE AND INSIGHT OF THE SITUATION IN IRAQ AS I HAVE SEEN.

I HAVE BEEN VISITING THE OTHER SITES SINCE T&B HAS BEEN ON THE DECLINE AND HAVE GOTTEN A LOT OF VALUABLE OPINIONS AND SPECULATIONS, BUT WHAT WE HAD ON THE T&B WAS SUPERIOR TO ANYTHING I HAVE READ.

I STILL ASK SARA AND CARL TO COME ON BACK AND AT LEAST POST OCCASIONALLY AND I BELIEVE THAT THE T&B WILL REVIVE TO SOME DEGREE.

FROM WHAT I FIND ON THE OTHER SITES IS THAT THE DINAR IS STILL VIABLE AND WILL RV (TO USE THEIR TERMS) AT A RATE THAT WILL BE PROFITABLE TO ANYONE HOLDING THE DINAR. SO KEEP THE FAITH AND MAYBE AROUND JANUARY 06, WE WILL SEE SOME KIND OF ACTIVITY.

BOB

-- December 10, 2005 7:51 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Well gang... Let the games begin.... The elections have now started...We are now down to the nitty gritty of our financial futures... Best wishes to all.

Outlaw

-- December 12, 2005 1:32 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Well gang... Let the games begin.... The elections have now started...We are now down to the nitty gritty of our financial futures... Best wishes to all.

Outlaw

-- December 12, 2005 1:38 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

outlaw,

Thanks for taking the time to present your thoughts. I agree 100% with your outlook. Greed will drive the NID higher. The wealth in Iraq is enormous and once they figure that out and start working together as civilized human beings we will all prosper.

Happy Holidays!

Ski

-- December 12, 2005 10:27 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all
Outlaw great to hear from you again as always.We are about to wittness a great movement in this world we live in,there in Iraq.
Hey NID gang the train is still on the tracks.
Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- December 12, 2005 11:06 AM ∞

Tyler wrote:

Hey Outlaw,

Good to see ya...I just got back from Camp Victory myself not too long ago. I'm a contracting specialist for the Air Force, which means I am one of the ones awarding the reconstruction and services contracts to the locals. We've just recently stopped dealing with USD and are now paying the locals in NID! This is significant in the fact that the locals have enough confidence in their own currency to start dealing exclusively in it. There is a lot of crap in the media, but no one sees the good that we are doing over there...Outlaw you can probably attest to this, that they are making leaps and bounds over there (with our help). Can you imagine if we just picked up and left? do you guys have any idea how many weapons caches and munitions would be at the terrorists disposal today? If you don't believe me, ask a local. They'll tell you there was a time when it was much easier to get their hands on any gun of their choice...there is still a black market, don't get me wrong, but then again we have one here in the US ;]

My point is...don't give up hope. Everything I've said supports Outlaw's perspective...take it from one who's been there...not from some four-eyed pimple faced liberal who works for CNN.

Peace!

Ty

-- December 12, 2005 3:02 PM ∞

larry wilson wrote:

all I, can say is that- this looks to be about the best evidence to support the IQD to date td11/16/05 on web player. Go dinar go!!!

-- December 12, 2005 5:40 PM ∞

sherry wrote:

Hii all guys out here...iam a regular member of this discussion board.
as for guessing the value of ID before the American invasion like the "A fool" said in his post that the
previous value was set by Sadam regime was totally wrong and incorrect, i live in Pakistan and i use
to buy and sell Old ID every alternative months, the old ID has rate between 1 - 1 1/2 cents (between the years of 1995-2000) it was even went to near 15 cents in 1999( i know cause i sold at that rate), I sold all of my OLD ID at a rate of 0.012 cents / per ID in 2002, so the value will definitely increase.
one more thing that you guys might forget is that when it was sadam regime in power their where TWO types of ID in circulation (one for Kurd and other for whole Iraq) and the value of both of them was not same, they had a huge difference.
1 Kurd ID valued at that time = .03 cents
(and it was all during the economic and other sanctions on Iraq)
and when the new ID came the Kurd also changed their old currency at the same rate of other ID, so it means that they had face greater lose then the others.

comments welcome!!!!!! and sorry for poor English tata

-- December 13, 2005 11:19 AM ∞

A Fool wrote:

A fox might be in the chicken's coup? That sounds like IQD sellers artificially pumping their product in forums about dinars. I'd say there were always foxes in the coup. How about this, instead of wasting money on dinars, invest in companys that do work in Iraq and in Iraqi companies. That will do much more in reviving the economy than buying dinars. (guess that foils your plan to paint me as some kind of insurgent, heh?). And who are these company's buying 100s of millions of dollars worth of dinars? You said, "For those of you that like to research facts...check this out... Several large companys and individuals have purchased extreamly large amounts of IQD...could they have been possibly Donald Trump, GM, Coca-Cola and the US Government??? For over $100 million USD each... If so.... Why would they do that??? Maybe they had too much money and decided this would be a good way to reduce their net worth.." Are you saying that you have proof that Donald Trump and Coca-Cola are buying 100 millions of dollars worth of dinars? What newsagency is reporting this? Are do you have a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend on the inside. Telling people not to buy dinars because it is a very bad FINANCIAL GAMBLE has nothing to do with being a patriot and supporting the war. We need to win the war in Iraq, but it doesn't mean I should lose all common sense in the process. If you were truly supportive of the effort, buy U.S. or support U.S. companies. It just makes me sick to see people gaining financially by using patriotism as a cloak. For proof, check these site out from real news organizations.

www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-08-03-dinars_x.htm

www.newsline.com.pk/NewsFeb2004/economy2feb2004.htm

www.xe.com/iqd.htm

"Buy Dinars or you are a liberal commie bastard traitor!" I always make the best financial decisions using my heart instead of my head.

-- December 13, 2005 11:27 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Sherry,

Interesting information. I have found one never knows everything. It is much better to ask for another opinion. Apparently the Fool was misinformed about the IQD valuation.

I agree in 2006 I believe the NID will get a kick start to help motivate the Iraqi people their economy and currency is worth fighting to make positive chnage. Anyone Iraqis on the Board? I would love to hear first hand an Iraqi's opinion of the situation.

Happy Holidays!!

ski

-- December 13, 2005 11:29 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

A Fool:

Well my friend, you absolutly choose a factual handle for yourself... it fits you to a tee. Is it a childhood nickname?

First of all... I am not sure how much more patriotic or supportive of the effort one can get than being in the middle of everything here in Baghdad. I am so close that when a carbomb goes off I can hear the screaming and crying of the family members of the dead as they arrive at the sceen and find their loved ones scattered for blocks. Unless you experience this first hand there is no way to explain how you feel when those sounds are going through your head. I see the horrified looks on their faces and hear the things that our young boy soldiers say when the return from patrols after seeing their friends blown to bits and they must pick up their body parts and put them in little bags to be sent home to their friends Mothers and Fathers. I see the memorials of the workers who were killed by insurgents because they choose to work at the U.S. installations to make a good living for their familys. To quote Charlie Daniels, my friend..."the sights and sounds will be forever in our minds". Maybe you should be more supportive and come over here, my friend...that would be patriotic.

I thought you quoted me fairly well until you went sideways and lost me at the end. It was quite clear to me that you might be sucking a little too much on that stem...but who am I to say??? I think maybe you are the "four eyed pimple faced liberal who works for CNN" that TY was talikng about! Even your "friend" values your opinion as much as we do. Go away so "WE" can have a good "IQD HOLIDAY!"

Outlaw

-- December 13, 2005 2:13 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

One other thing Fool... Out of the thousands of people who visit this site weekly... there is only a small percentage that are IQD sellers (paulge for one). You may not believe this my friend but neither I or the individuals that have posted here in the past few days ARE NOT Sellers... WE ARE BUYERS, just like your friend... We are nothing more than speculators hoping to retire into a comfortable life. We have already purchased or IQD... got it? Maybe after this is all over your friend will be kind enough to bring you to the Pig Roast that we are planning and then you can tell us all again how stupid we were.

Outlaw

-- December 14, 2005 2:12 AM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Well said Outlaw... I have 4 million NID, and would gladly buy more if I could afford it.

-- December 14, 2005 8:52 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all,on the night of 12-12-2005 fox news had a half hour report on the stock market of Iraq.It was nothing less than a big slap in the face of the midea.Iraq is sky rocketing in the trades of stocks and all goods.This is possitive note NID gang just hold on for the ride.Good luck to all and Iraq, Ron.

-- December 14, 2005 10:15 AM ∞

IRAQI DINAR DIRECT wrote:

Greetings ,
We wish to let you know that there is a brand new way to buy Iraqi Dinar from us .We are ebay power sellers with 99.9% feedback but to lower costs we are now offering the dinar online.Please check us out and feel free to email us with any questions or concerns.
We do not follow this page often so please do not post any questions for us here but we am always available for you 24/7.

-- December 14, 2005 10:21 AM ∞

Tyler wrote:

Shlonik!

So anyways I was wondering about that pig roast. I was just thinking that if this thing turns around and makes us all rich, I think it would be sooo cool for us to really get together for a roast...say like Hawaii or something? Waddya guys think? I was reading the latest reports out of Iraq, where there is nothing except optimism about tomorrows elections.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/12/14/iraq.elections/index.html

I can hear the Dinar Train calling..."All aboard!"

Ty

-- December 14, 2005 10:50 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Well gang I just have one more thing to say and then I'm going to kick back and enjoy my R&R and the Holidays...

I just watched GWB's speech and I must say that parts of it paralled exactly what I said about Iraq. I was clapping throughout his whole speech. I hope this gives everyone a boost of confidence in exactly where Iraq and our investments are headed. I would also like to remind everyone that no matter where you decide to invest your money there ARE risks...remember the Stock Market Crash? How about Enron? Investing in Dinar is just as risky venture.

Fool...I offer you an olive branch and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

My best wishes go out to the people of Iraq... May there be Peace in the Middle East!

Cheers everyone... Happy Holidays to all.

Outlaw

-- December 14, 2005 11:50 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

I agree Ty... Name a spot... I suggest Pattaya, Thailand... I'll buy the Pig... you bring the beer!

To all my friends on this site... Thanks for the flowers... It was nice to hear from some of the old timers! I hope in the near future we all have good things to say on this site. I also miss the old T&B. Everyone must understand the last 6 months have been a very low point for information on the Dinar. Hopefully we have rounded the corner.

Outlaw has left the building!

-- December 14, 2005 12:07 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Outlaw,

You mentioned your friend "Charlie Daniels"... Would that be Captain Charlie Daniels USMC???...AKA "Daddy Rabbit".

I know he's been to Iraq more times than he can count, and just recently returned from his last deployment March of 05.

Anyway, let me know, because he and I are best friends/bunkmates from TBS.

Happy Holidays all, and God Speed to the good people of Iraq.

Bill1 Out!

-- December 14, 2005 5:08 PM ∞

Chris Thompson wrote:

Good Afternoon, as i have also purchased Dinar and being stationed in the land of the "FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS", Kandahar, Afghanistan where the fighting has been more violent this year than since the war started, am glad to see that there are so many supporters of the NID and the armed forces, just remember however, there are still some of us fighting a war that people think we have left. I understand that Iraq is the main headliner, but i often hear people with there blanket statements about bring home the troops in Iraq. Well get it right, there are 2 wars going on, and those of us here in Afghanistan, have begun to feel like the USA has forgotten about us. Thanks!!!

-- December 15, 2005 6:51 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Chris,I have not forgotten about you brothers and sisters in harms way there in the far east.At one time I and many others were in that same situation in NAM,LAOS,CAMBODIA,ETC,ETC 1965-1967.there are alot of politics involved and sorry to say not much thought on winning the war,but outsting our pres.Please keep all your heads low and a sharp eyeGood luck to all and GOD BLESS YOU EVERYONE.Ron

-- December 15, 2005 10:27 AM ∞

Terrance wrote:

To all serving in Iraq and Afgahnsitan: You deserve the credit for the successful elections being held today in Iraq. You're commitment to freedom is paying off. We are behind your efforts - for they are really OUR efforts as a nation. I will continue to pray for all of you, your safety, your success, and your families back home as well. I for one will be thinking of your sacrifices this Christmas. May God Bless and keep you all.

Merry Christmas,

Terrance

-- December 15, 2005 12:51 PM ∞

Tyler wrote:

Chris,

Thank you for your post, I will admit that when I think about the troops overseas I tend to think about Iraq, mainly because that is where I was, and where the focus of the media is. I assure you, though that whenever our chaplain prays, he prays for you boys in Afghanistan too. In other words, we have not forgotten you...the media has. No big suprise there...as sad as it is...now would this be because things are actually going well there in afghanistan? How are things? You mentioned some pretty serious fighting going on there still...

On another note the elections went VERY well! They only had like 14 attacks on some 35,000 polling stations! And very low casualties...I have a good feeling about this. It will probably be a while before things solidify, they still have to form a Government, and once that is done then they will start on the many reforms needed to repair a system that was ruled and brutalized under that snake Saddam. That will lead to increase in industry and economic progress, and soon quality of life will increase. I am speculating that until then, they will not chance shaking up an already stable (albeit artificial) currency. Once stability comes, then their economy will better handle the currency reforms and reevaluation. What do you guys think? This is my view on the current situation...anyone wanna add or correct?

You got it Outlaw...I got the beer covered. As for location...I don't think I'm gonna care much to be honest =) I will let you guys decide that one...more planning to come...peace!

Ty

-- December 15, 2005 1:54 PM ∞

Chris wrote:

Well good to see that there are some that remember we are still here, i have been reading this board for several months now and enjoy reading other peoples perspectives on how they think things are gonna go. I look more for posts from the people that are there or have been there recently as they would know the best on what the situation is like. I am hoping for a peg sometime soon so we can put this mystery to bed. Well good luck all NID investors.

-- December 15, 2005 8:36 PM ∞

snowball wrote:

Outlaw, you never cease to amaze me LOL. I think you are right(Can't believe I said that!) Pattaya sounds good! Take care and see you back in the sandbox.

-- December 16, 2005 1:31 PM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

Hey all.

First post. The election went well in Iraq and I hope that will cool the insugency and get some more business going in Iraq. Mabe we will see an increase in the Dinar next year. I just read the posts by "Fool" and I wanted to point out one thing. Most of us are not expecting the Dinar to go back to the 3:1 ratio it was before the war(s), we just expect to see an increase after Iraq becomes more stable. Iraq has a wealth of resources and a very educated population so t has the potential to get the Dinar up to at least the .01 per dollar, if not .10 per dollar. It is a risk, so I have not bet my life savings on it or anthing. I like to see both sides of an argument so I do welcome your opinion. As far as the war in Afghanstan, no we have not forgotten about you. You should probably be happy that the Media is staying away right now, it seems like they only report failures these days anyway. I can take that as a sign you guys are doing well against the Taliban and Al Qaida. Cheers

-- December 18, 2005 7:56 AM ∞

soils410 wrote:

New to post. Looking to buy some Dinar where is a good safe place. ty

-- December 18, 2005 11:29 PM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

soils,

How much are you thinking about buying? I wouldn't recomend buying in the United States. You can get better prices abroad. The best nation to buy from is Jordan. I will give you some Contact info if you want. E-mail me at sewbusiness@hotmail.com. Cheers

-- December 19, 2005 1:47 AM ∞

jason wrote:

Few questions if anyone can answer. If the afghan , afghani is valued @ .02, the NID has to at least go there i would think. But does anyone know if afghanistan experienced the same currency overhaul that iraq did? What was the afghani valued at prior to our invasion and what caused the appreciation? Had iraq not been subject to the embargo- restrictions what potential value would the old currency have had? .10 would be nice... .33 even nicer. keepin fingers X-ed, good luck to all and merry xmas

-- December 19, 2005 4:27 PM ∞

Sara wrote:

RE: Post from BOB.. about Carl and I.

BOB said, quote:

"I STILL ASK SARA AND CARL TO COME ON BACK AND AT LEAST POST OCCASIONALLY..."

I appreciate that you still remember me, BOB, and because you wished me to say a hello, I thought I would just come back on and wish you and the rest of the gang all the very best... for you and yours this holiday season.

To those who have become friends - Carl, BOB, Ron, Bill1, Outlaw in Iraq, JimmyP, Mike.. appreciate you now and always. I do hope for that Pig roast supper to be soon. :)

I still believe in the work going on in Iraq and the goals we have which encompass that area of the globe - I believe in those serving in the fight for the greater good, whether in Iraq or in the more obscure areas like Afghanistan (thanks for that - Chris Thomson, you and the others are not forgotten).

I believe in the goals outlined by President Bush - including the economic prosperity and reconstruction efforts for Iraq which he referred to in his speech last nite and again in the press briefing this morning.

The Dinar is an integral part of that economic reconstructive effort and investment in the country of Iraq and its fortunes. I believe we are part of the spread of democracy, freedom and power for positive change that it will mean for the lives of the Iraqis and for our own lives as we help in our tiny ways by speculating.. and caring.. about Iraq and its peoples.

Truly by giving and lending our help and hope at this time to this oppressed people by caring and investing in the fortunes of their Dinar - to give them hope - we raise them up and prove that it is more blessed to give than receive.

And perhaps, if we help by giving to the Iraqi peoples - hope, freedom and prosperity - we shall likewise find that we are given to:

Luk 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

May God grant us each His very best,

Sara.

-- December 19, 2005 6:05 PM ∞

RON wrote:

Sara,it was a wonderful surprise to get to read a post once again from you.Carl is another one that I still think about now and then.It is good to know that both of you are doing well.The T&B is still a little slow with info but our spirits are high.Good luck to all and Iraq.Ron

-- December 19, 2005 8:16 PM ∞

ELVIS THE KING wrote:

WE HAVE A VERY GOOD GROUP OF PEOPLE ON THESE DISCUSSIONS,MOST OF ALL OF YOU ARE VERY INTELLIGENT ,TYLER,OUTLAW,BILL1, MIKE,RON,CHRIS, AND MANY MORE.EVERYBODY IS WITH YOU GUYS AND THINKING OF ALL OF YOUIN AFGHANISHAN AND ALL OVER IRAQ.WE WANT EVERYONE TO COME BACK SAFE.AFTER THIS IS ALL OVER WE HAVE TO PARTY. I'LL BE PART OF YOUR ENTERTAINMENT.OUTLAW WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!!!! ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ELVIS

-- December 19, 2005 8:47 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Hey Sara,

Good to hear from you, and very wise words by the way.

Good to see that you still check-in on us every now and then.

Happy Holidays, and much wealth and success to you and yours in the coming year!

And, if you see Carl, or any of the old gang, tell'em we all said, "Howdy.".

And, "Thanks Elvis.", for including me in such fine company [I'm all shook up] - I feel the same about you too. We ain't Rocket Scientist, but we do have a colorful & intelligent bunch of IQD investors here at the T&B.

Just before Sara posted, Jason made some interesting comments about Afghanistan, so I did a little research...

It's true that the Afghani (currency code: AFA) is trading against the USD at .02 per. Jason asks some questions that I can't answer, but they do make you go, "Hmmmmmmm.".

As far as comparison goes - Iraq vs. Afghanistan - check this out:

Economy
Main article: Economy of Afghanistan
Afghanistan is an extremely poor country, highly dependent on farming and livestock raising, but most people only farm enough food to feed themselves. The economy has suffered greatly from the recent political and military unrest, while severe drought added to the nation's difficulties in 1998-2001. The majority of the population continues to suffer from insufficient food, clothing, housing, medical care, and other problems exacerbated by military operations and political uncertainties. Inflation remains a serious problem. Following the US-led coalition war that led to the defeat of the Taliban in November 2001, many of the country's farmers have resorted to growing cash crops for export, instead of food for the sustenance of their people. A notable example of such a crop is the opium poppy (1,300 km² in 2004 according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), the cultivation of which has largely increased during the last decade: Afghanistan has become the first illicit opium producer in the world, before Burma (Myanmar), part of the so-called "Golden Triangle”).
International efforts to rebuild Afghanistan led to the formation of the Afghan Interim Authority (AIA) as a result of the December 2001 Bonn Agreement, and later addressed at the Tokyo Donors Conference for Afghan Reconstruction in January 2002, where $4.5 billion was collected for a trust fund to be administered by the World Bank Group. Priority areas for reconstruction include the construction of education, health, and sanitation facilities, enhancement of administrative capacity, the development of the agricultural sector, and the rebuilding of road, energy, and telecommunication links. Two-thirds of the population live on less than US$2 a day. The infant mortality rate is 166 per 1000 births.

Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Afghanistan
The population of Afghanistan is divided into a large number of ethnic groups. Because a systematic census has not been held in the country recently, exact figures about the size and composition of the various ethnic groups are not available.[6] Therefore most figures are approximations only. According to the CIA World FactBook (updated on 17 May 2005), the ethnic group distribution is as follows: Tajik 27%, Pashtun 42%,Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, other 4%.
According to the CIA factbook, the official languages of Afghanistan are Persian (local name: Dari) 70% and Pashtu 30%. Other languages include Turkey languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%. Also a small number of ethnic minorities, primarily Sikhs and Hindus. Bilingualism is common.
According to the CIA World Factbook (updated on 17 May 2005), religiously, Afghans are overwhelmingly Muslim (approximately 80% Sunni and 19% Shi'a). There are also Hindu and Sikh minorities. Afghanistan was once home to a many-centuries-old Jewish minority, numbering approximately 5,000 in 1948. Most Jewish families fled the country after the 1979 Soviet invasion, and only one individual remains today, Zablon Simintov. [7] With the fall of the Taliban a number of Sikhs have returned to the Ghazni, Nangarhar, Kandahar and Kabul Provinces of Afghanistan.

There's somewhat of a parallel here - NOT TOTALLY, but enough to possibly give us a hint at Iraq's possible future success.

It amazes me, that if you look at the Ecomony info on Afghanistan, it's pales by far, in comparison to Iraq, but their currency is still trading against the USD at .02 per Afghani.

If the Afghani (AFA) can accomplish this against the USD, under the present conditions within that country, then is not possible for the IQD (with all the natural resources, etc, Iraq has going for it) to do as well - if not better?!?!?! ...much, much better!

Certainly food for thought.

Good Luck Guys,

Bill1

-- December 20, 2005 9:52 AM ∞

Sara wrote:

Iraq hopes cut in oil subsidies will pay off
(AFP)
20 December 2005

BAGHDAD - The Iraqi government has taken a risky step by cutting fuel subsidies, but its leap of faith, along with programs to spur the economy, should pay huge dividends for the country, officials say.

Oil Minister Ibrahim Bahr Al Ulum said the International Monetary Fund asked Iraq to raise petrol prices because Baghdad is spending six billion dollars a year to import petrol, at least a third of which is smuggled back abroad.

“I think subsidy reforms is going to be a key issue for Iraq in the future,” said Dawn Liberi, program director in Iraq for the official US relief agency USAID.

“Implementing that is a challenge no matter where in the world you are,” she told AFP.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2005/December/focusoniraq_December142.xml§ion=focusoniraq

The International Monetary Fund asked Iraq to raise petrol prices.... hmmmm.

Sara.

-- December 20, 2005 12:09 PM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Sara,

Thanks for the link...

I like last quote. Small business ownership is,

"It's the Most Wonderful Feeling"!!

The wheels are beginning to turn and momentum is building.

But USAID, which Liberi stressed “kept tabs” on its kitty, has nonetheless helped establish an investment promotion agency that in the last six months has registered more than 30,000 new Iraqi businesses.

“We have an average of 2,000 each month now,” she added, praising small business owners as “the people who actually promote growth and promote a middle class in most countries around the world.”

One is Abu Yahya, who took a 74,000 dollar grant, bought a stone crusher and now employs 35 people producing construction materials in a northern Iraqi town from which his family was expelled by Saddam’s regime in 1986.

“It’s the most wonderful feeling,” he said.

NID will gain value in 2006.

ski

-- December 20, 2005 3:22 PM ∞

jason wrote:

If they are raising the cost of gasoline to .65 gallon. Proportionately that is more than what we pay here considering the income of the average working US citizen to that of the aver. Iraqi citizen. That price is insane. The dinar has to go up some. Unless they are intending that everyone walks.

-- December 20, 2005 4:31 PM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all,these are alot of good vittles to be chewing on while the NID gets ready for the first of many leaps.Thanks Sara and Ski.Ron

-- December 20, 2005 4:37 PM ∞

LazyasL wrote:

jason, the figure in this article is $1.82 per gallon

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=794895

-- December 20, 2005 4:56 PM ∞

Chris wrote:

In answer to the question about whether the Afghani money had to undergo a money overhaul? yes it did, within the last couple years, the Taliban moneys was still being used here in Afghanistan. It has since been done away with and new money printed. They have gotten away from all the high value money and stuck with paper money up to 500 Afghani. That is the new currency here in Afghanistan. But this country is not as rich in products that can make it profit. Like already stated, this country feeds off what it grows. Talk to you all later...

-- December 21, 2005 1:46 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Hello gang, I had to come out of R&R again to say welcome back to Sarah...you always bring good news on Dinar with you! I have a really good feeling this time about it opening.... My gut tells me we are going to be very happy soon, as are the Iraqi's themselves. Afghanistan Warriors... I am very sorry to leave you out of the mix. If it wasn't for you guys, we couldn't have accomplished what we have done in Iraq! Hooooorah to all of you! Keep up the great work and may there be peace in the Middle East once and for all.

To my buds in the sandbox...starting to get ready to come back...will see you all very soon. Be safe my friends.

Outlaw

-- December 21, 2005 3:55 AM ∞

RON wrote:

MERRY CHRISTMAS,AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.
RON.
PLEASE BE SAFE

-- December 21, 2005 10:02 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

I also wanted to wish everybody on this board a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Like Sara, I wanted to say "howdy" to all the old-timers on the board and to all the new people as well.
I still occasionally check the board to see how things are going.

Iraq has reached some very important milestones this year. Granted, there is still much to do, but I haven't changed my mind one bit on this Iraqi dinar investment. Like a lot of you, I'm in it for the long haul. But, as I have said before, never buy one dinar more than you can afford to lose, if you elect to purchase the Iraqi dinar at all. As for me, I'm stayin
with my investment in the Iraqi dinar!

And, to all those who post and keep this board going: You are a dedicated bunch. Keep up the great work!! I have noticed that it gets slow at times, but you all perservere.

And, to Bill1: I wanted to thank you for giving my forum (Dinar Train Gang) a plug on this board a while back. And, thanks also go to Kevin for allowing it.

So, God bless each and every one of you, and may God continue to bless these United States of America!!

And, to ALL those serving overseas: Stay safe, and thanks for your service to your country. We are TRULY grateful.

-- December 21, 2005 8:13 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara:

Great to hear from you again. As usual, your post was very interesting.

Bill-1, Robert, Outlaw: You fellas contribute so much to the T&B so please don't stop.

The T&B is on its way back, so lets all keep our nose to the grindrock until the T&B is the only site you need to check each night, to stay informed.

I don't do much research, but I have picked up a couple of tidbits of info which I will pass along.

Gasoline has been selling in Iraq for 6 cents per gallon and the current regime has raised it to 65 cents. The Iraqi Govt has been subsidizing gasoline at a cost of 6 billion per year. Much of the gas is being bought at this rediculously low price and sold in other countries at their rate.

There has been 1 billion dollars of trade between Iraq and Iran each year.

Afganistan money is going at
.02 per USD with no oil or industry. (Surely Iraq money is worth that much).

Some hard decisions are being made by the interim govt of Iraq which will benefit the country but will be despised by the people, so the interim govt is going to be a scapegoat by choice.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you and I look forward to seeing all of you at the pig roast.

BOB

-- December 21, 2005 10:01 PM ∞

Mike wrote:

Hello Everyone. Im glad I found this board. I bought my IQD's back in Aug. Since then, I've had a hard time finding any new information. I dont have much to contribute to this discussion right now but I do hold the opinion that we will see increased value in 2006.
Will Sadam being convicted have any impact on the value of the Dinar?

-- December 22, 2005 2:58 PM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

Well, they just announced troop cuts in Iraq. I am wondering if that means things are going well or if Bush is just trying to appease the Public.

What do you guys in Iraq think? Are things getting better? Could we see enough business get going to see the Dinar appreciate any time in 2006?

-- December 23, 2005 3:58 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Nephilim...

I do think things are better here in Iraq. I also think that starting to pull troops IS going to help the dinar. Pulling Troops tell the world that the U.S. has confidence in the Iraqi Army. This is what the IMF and the Forex needs to see.

Sorry about the post above... hit the enter by mistake.

Outlaw

-- December 23, 2005 7:38 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Outlaw,

How is the security situation in your area now? Is it getting better recently? I have a niece that has been stationed in Iraq (Army) for a few weeks. She is still in the orientation phase at her new FOB (forward operating base)in Iraq. Right now, she doesn't have the time to do much emailing. I am sure that you know what I mean.

I do agree that confidence in the new Iraqi army and police force can only help. Maybe, the U. S. and Coaltion partners can draw down some real troop strength in Iraq this year - the more the merrier (relative to the Iraqi army's capabilities). Stay safe over there, bud.

And, thanks to BOB for his nice comments. And, I will definitely be at the pig roast too, BOB. It may be a while, IMO. But, that will just give us some time to argue about the best place to have it.

-- December 23, 2005 12:25 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Hey Guys,

Here's an article concerning the political outcome of the recent elections in Iraq.

It's not a "kind" article, so don't think you're about to read something upbeat and positive.

I know we all like to focus on the good rather than the bad. But, me personally, I like it all - the good & the bad. ...Helps keep me grounded and balanced, and able to make sound decisions.

Anyway, the article speaks of things most likely to occur in Iraq in the near future, relevant things, things "key" to IQD appreciation, etc.

If nothing else, it's certainly a conversation piece.

http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GL23Ak01.html

I just ask that if it rubs you the wrong way that you, "not kill the messenger".

Happy Holidays,

Bill1

-- December 23, 2005 1:02 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Hello gang and Merry Xmas...

Robert... I am in Thailand and have been for the past three weeks... sorry I can't give you much information about security but I have been talking with my friends back in the sandbox and they didn't mention anything bad.

Bill1... I read the story in the link that That you posted... I got a feeling of "propaganda" as I was reading it. The writer talks about things that he claims happend in the past but, how come he is the only one to mention these "bad" things up until now? I don't know what to say other than I don't buy it... lets see the real results of the elections before we burn our Dinars.

I ran across this this morning... I take it as a good sign... please tell me your thoughts...

I have "Yahoo News Alerts" sent to me by e-mail. This morning, this was one of the alerts I received... "Washington (AP) The International Monetary Fund has approved a $685 million loan for Iraq, giving the country a critical endorsement of its economic performance."

Outlaw

-- December 24, 2005 12:11 AM ∞

Bronson wrote:

Hello all I am US soldier stationed out of Ft Campbell Ky. Home of the 101st Airborne Air Assault. Whooahh! I have just recently got into the dinar investment. I am scheduled for deployment in Feb to Iraq. I have buddies that are out there now etc. Trust me things are going well out there. Im sorry that I have not posted before but I went back all the way to the begining and read each thread up until now. I have a few questions though. I read from the past threads that people were opening accounts with Warka Investment is that a good idea? If so when I get there I will open an account. I also read that the CEO of that bank was arrested! Or will it be better to just purchase the dinar here and hold it? Or in my case get the dinar there and hold it! Also Where here in the US will we be able to trade the dinar back to dollars. Also im clueless as to how the stock market works. Does anyone know of how I can learn about it. Just a newbie trying to learn how all this stuff works.

-- December 24, 2005 4:19 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Bronson.... Whooahh!!! Glad to hear that you got on the Dinar train...its going to be a bumpy ride but I think if you can hold on it will take you to a place that you will be extreamly happy.

I and several of my friends have wrestled with the thoughts of buying into the Iraqi Stock Market or opening an account at one of the several banks which allow Americans to do so. I found several Expats at Camp Liberty who have done both and spoke to them about doing the same thing.

I was turned off on these ventures because both were based strictly on "trust". The Stock Market at present will not allow Non-Iraqis to buy into it right now...therefore one must find someone who they trust and allow them to take your money... have their name put on the certificates of ownership... and hope you can find them later when you want to cash out.

Several banks will allow Expats to open accounts, but my question is what if the NIQD hits 1/1 and you want that bank to wire your money to you in the states.... What do you think they will do if an American wants to withdrawl a couple million bucks from their bank??? Nothing personal but I will never trust anyone from the Middle East with my money. Some of the people that I spoke to who had already invested into the Stock Market are now displaying regret that they had done so based on the way it was done.

I wish you and your unit an enjoyable and safe rotation to Iraq in Feb. I am located at BIAP and I speak to your fellow 101st at Camp Striker often. I am not sure if you have already been over here yet or not, but; I would like to make one suggestion that I think might make your tour more enjoyable... Take the time to learn the attitudes and cultures of the people of Iraq. This simple thing might save either your life or the life of some un-educated civilian. Every civilian killed by mistake will create an unknown number of family members joining the insurgency. Even if the family members understand that the death was a mistake, they still will hold the Americans accountable for the death of their loved one... just as we would if the situtation was reversed.

During the time of Saddom, Iraq only had 2500 cars in the whole country. Most were Baath Party members or Iraqi Government Officials. After we invaded the Iraqis started importing cars at over 300,000 per month. This means that everytime you go outside the wire...you are going to meet thousands of drivers with no experience driving... maybe if you know this fact, then when you see someone doing something very stupid in a vehicle, you'll understand that it "might be" just that...a stupid thing... not a threat... weapons tight until you are sure which is which. Everyone of us are representing the people of the United States and we must be professional at all times. Do onto others as we would want others to do onto us... regardless of the situtation.

Be safe my friend... If there is anything that I might be of help with...don't hesitate to ask!

Outlaw

-- December 24, 2005 6:29 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Bill1...

Here is the link to the IMF story...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051223/ap_on_bi_ge/iraq_imf_3

Regards,
Outlaw

-- December 24, 2005 8:39 AM ∞

Mike wrote:

Happy Holidays to All, Mike

-- December 24, 2005 7:52 PM ∞

Bronson wrote:

Thanks Outlaw, some people think im crazy but I actually cant wait to go to Iraq. I have not been there yet this will be my first rotation there. I want to be able to tell my family one day that I played a roll and did my part in the reestablishment of their country and helped to show the citizens of Iraq that freedom is awesome. Thanks again for the kind words of encouragement. Back to the dinar though, so no one knows for sure were we will actually get to cash these in at yet huh? Also back to my question about the stock market! I know the stock market isnt open yet for the Iraq currency but does anyone know how to actually do stocks and trades. I am totally clueless as to how that works. I would like to learn how that stuff works. I am always open to educating myself about new things. But anyways Yeah I just purchased 200,000 in dinar and hopefully will get more but being single living in the baracks as a 28 y/o sucks and I have to go out and blow my money elsewhere. LOL!!! Hope to hear some insight on this stuff. Later fella's and have a merry Christmas!!!

-- December 24, 2005 9:24 PM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Bronson, Yes... You will be able to cash the Dinar in at just about any bank in the U.S. that has an International Currency Department. I know that Bank of America, is one for sure. Also any currency exchange will also exchange for a price. Once the Dinar goes onto the Forex then it will be tradeable world wide.

The Iraqi Stock Market is only here in Iraq. You can not buy Iraqi Stocks on the NYSE. Iraq like many othe countries, only trade within their borders. At present the Iraqi Stock Market is simular to any other market and it is conducted in a small building in Baghdad. I am told that if you have an account at a bank in Iraq then once the market is open to international investors then the bank itself can purchase the stocks for you under your name. As I stated earlier... at persent not open to international investors yet.

I hope I answered your questions...

Happy Holidays from Bangkok,

Outlaw

-- December 24, 2005 11:48 PM ∞

Bronson wrote:

Sorry for the misconfusion my question is not about the the Iraq stock exchange. I was talking about the stock market in General. I know nothing about the stock market. I would like to learn. The stock exchange is just all jiberish to me. I was just wondering if any new about the stock exchange. When the price of the dinar goes up I want to cash in and invest and maybe throw a little into the stock market. Not the Iraq stock market just the stock market in general. Once I get a hand on learning the stock exchange I may invest some time into doing that. So I was wondering if anyone knew of a website or some literature that was easy to learn. Maybe a book like stock market for dummys or something. LOL! But you did answer the question about cashing in. That helped a lot. Sorry outlaw for the misconfusion. Have a good one and stay safe!!!

-- December 25, 2005 3:29 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Bronson;

Will not recommend to trade in stock market,until you have the complete knowledge how to operate. People who trade in stock market they are from a special class group who are fully involved on daily hour to hour basis, watch stock market movements and informations, there are large number of variable factors which move the market quotes up and down on minute to minute, stock market trade is not so simple as it looks from out side Rgds shajee

-- December 25, 2005 10:35 AM ∞

Bronson wrote:

Thonks, I know for a fact that I will not put my money into the stock market until I have full knowledge of how it works. I want to learn how all that stuff works. I was just wondering if anyone here knew how it worked and had some advice or pointers if not then thats cool. Well one holiday is out of the way so im wishing everyone an enjoyable Happy New Year!

-- December 26, 2005 12:50 PM ∞

The Nayster wrote:

To anyone out there, how active is this board on keeping up with the NID? Great questions about where to exchange the NID and how to invest the money. Keep it simple. Think off shore banking and annuities. Gets your money exchanged to dollars and with certain annuities you can garner all the upside of the NYSE with no down side risk.

-- December 27, 2005 11:30 AM ∞

Outlaw in Iraq wrote:

Yahoo Alerts...

Wednesday, December 28, 2005, 5:00 AM PST

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) A United Nations official says the Iraqi elections were credible and there is no justification for a rerun.

More Great News...

Outlaw

-- December 28, 2005 8:35 AM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

That is good news indeed. I just hope that the Sunni and Secular Shiite protestors can be good losers and not start a civil war over this. I hope the new Government can get things going again and get some value back into the Dinar.

-- December 28, 2005 8:58 AM ∞

sherry wrote:

Iraqi Economy : IMF approves first-ever Stand-By Arrangement for Iraq

Wednesday, December 28th 2005
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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on December 23 approved its first-ever Stand-By Arrangement for Iraq, designed to support Iraq's economic program for the next 15 months.
The arrangement, for an amount equivalent to $685 million, is being treated as precautionary by the Iraqi authorities, according to the IMF.

A founding IMF member, Iraq received its first-ever loan from the Fund in September 2004 through Emergency Post Conflict Assistance. The initial credit was designed to facilitate Iraq's negotiations with its Paris Club creditors over a debt-restructuring agreement that is now in place, and to support the nation's economic programs through 2005. Approval of the Stand-By Arrangement is a condition for the second stage of debt reduction agreed with Iraq's Paris Club creditors.

Following the Executive Board's discussion on Iraq, Takatoshi Kato, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said: "The Iraqi authorities were successful in promoting macroeconomic stability in 2005, despite the extremely difficult security environment. Economic growth was modest, following the strong rebound recorded in 2004, and inflationary pressures moderated, although prices remained volatile. The Central Bank of Iraq built up reserves and the exchange rate remained stable. The projected fiscal deficit is much lower than expected under the EPCA-supported program, mainly due to higher than projected export prices for crude oil. On the other hand, because of security concerns and capacity constraints, the implementation of structural benchmarks specified in the EPCA-supported program was slower than envisaged."

"The authorities' program for 2006 aims to allocate resources towards the planned expansion of the oil sector, redirect expenditures away from general subsidies towards providing improved public services, and strengthen administrative capacity. The program, which envisages an increase in economic growth, a reduction in inflation and an increase in net international reserves, maintains a focus on macroeconomic stability, while improving governance and advancing Iraq's transition to a market economy."

"A critical component of the overall strategy is to contain expenditures within revenues and available financing, by prioritizing expenditures, controlling the wage and pensions bill, reducing subsidies on petroleum products and expanding the participation of the private sector in the domestic market for petroleum products, while strengthening the social safety net."

"The authorities have recently increased prices of refined petroleum products and will need to press ahead with other structural reforms, including measures to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public financial management and the development of a comprehensive restructuring strategy for the state-owned banks. At the same time, the Central Bank of Iraq aims to establish a modern payments system, implement modern supervisory frameworks, facilitate the proper functioning of foreign exchange and money markets and conduct a monetary policy geared to ensuring financial stability."

"The medium term outlook for Iraq is favorable, but subject to many risks. A strengthening of the security situation will help the authorities to implement the program. Moreover, Iraq remains vulnerable to shocks, particularly those relating to oil production development and oil export price movements," Kato concluded.

Background and 2006 Program Summary

The Stand-By Arrangement is intended to support Iraq's economic program for 2006. According to the IMF, the authorities' policies under the Emergency Post Conflict Assistance (EPCA) have succeeded in promoting overall macroeconomic stability despite the extremely difficult security environment. Economic growth in 2005 is estimated at 2.6 percent, following a rebound of almost 50 percent in 2004. Inflationary pressures have moderated in 2005, though prices remain volatile.

The IMF reports that Iraq's projected fiscal deficit in 2005 is much lower than expected under the EPCA-supported program, and that is mainly due to higher than projected export prices for crude oil. The Iraqi dinar's exchange rate has remained stable at about ID 1460-1480 to the U.S. dollar, and the international reserves of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) have continued to increase.

Implementation of structural benchmarks specified in the EPCA-supported program was slower than scheduled, and Iraq's commitment to increase domestic fuel prices of refined petroleum products was not implemented.

For 2006, the authorities aim to strengthen administrative capacity, allocate resources towards the planned expansion of Iraq's oil sector and to redirect expenditures away from general subsidies towards providing improved public services. The IMF-supported program envisages an acceleration of economic growth to 10 percent in 2006, and a reduction in the rate of inflation to around 15 percent. Net international reserves of the CBI, which stood at about $8.7 billion at the end of September 2005, are expected under the program to increase further in 2006.

The IMF believes that Iraq's fiscal stance in the near term will be driven by reconstruction needs, subject to constraints on financing. The primary fiscal deficit in 2006 is projected to be about eight percent of GDP, following of deficit of nearly 11 percent of GDP in 2005. Over the medium term, and as reconstruction needs subside, the government's fiscal deficit should gradually decline to zero. To begin the process of appropriate fiscal adjustment and to meet previous commitments to the Fund, the Iraqi authorities have increased domestic prices of all refined petroleum products.

In addition, an audit of the Central Bank of Iraq has reached an advanced stage, which was another pre-condition for the IMF Executive Board's consideration of the Stand-By Arrangement.

Iraq joined the IMF on December 27, 1945. Its quota is $1.71 billion, and its outstanding obligations to the Fund as of November 30, 2005 is $428.12 million.

==================================================

Legal : Germany cancels 80 percent of its Iraqi debt

Wednesday, December 28th 2005
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The Government of Iraq announced that it has signed a bilateral agreement with Germany canceling the equivalent of $ 5.6 billion in Iraqi debt, amounting to 80 percent of Germany's claims against Iraq. The agreement with Germany was signed on December 22. The bilateral agreement implements the Agreed Minute concluded in November 2004 between Iraq and 18 Paris Club creditor countries.

Iraq has already signed similar bilateral agreements with Canada, Italy, Belgium, Japan, Austria, France, Denmark, Switzerland and Spain earlier this year, and the United States cancelled 100 percent of its claims against Iraq in December 2004.

Prior to this agreement, the claims of the German government against Iraq totaled approximately $7 billion. When fully phased in, the new agreement will reduce this debt stock to approximately $1.4 billion. The debt reduction will take effect in three installments. Approximately $2.1 billion was cancelled at the time of signing the bilateral agreement; a second installment of approximately $2.1 billion of debt cancellation will automatically become effective upon the conclusion of a stand-by arrangement between Iraq and the International Monetary Fund (expected before the end of the year); and a final installment, equal to approximately $1.4 billion, will automatically take effect upon the final review of a three-year implementation of stand-by arrangements. The residual debt stock will be repayable over a 23-year period with six years of grace on principal payments. No principal or interest will be payable during the first three years.

"Iraq appreciates the constructive approach taken by Germany throughout the negotiations of this agreement," Iraqi Minister of Finance Ali A. Allawi said. "Iraq welcomes the conclusion of another bilateral agreement implementing the Paris Club Agreed Minute."

Other countries comprising the Paris Club creditors of Iraq are Australia, Finland, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Bilateral agreements between Iraq and each of these countries are expected to be signed in in the coming weeks.

==================================================

Legal : Iraq announces successful conclusion of debt-for-debt exchange offer

Wednesday, December 28th 2005
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The Republic of Iraq has announced the successful conclusion of its commercial debt-for-debt exchange offer.
On November 16, invitations were sent to holders of large Saddam-era commercial claims against Iraq and Iraqi public sector obligors. These claims totaled in aggregate approximately $14 billion, or about 60 percent of all commercial claims registered with Iraq's debt reconciliation agent. The tender period for the offer expired on December 21.

One-hundred percent of the claimants with offers on the tender due date tendered their claims pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer. These terms are summarized in a press release issued by Iraq on November 16. Tendering claimants will receive either privately-placed U.S. dollar-denominated notes or an interest in a multi-currency loan, at each claimant's election.

The final results are being verified by the exchange agent for the offer and will be announced within the next two weeks. Final figures regarding the allocation of amounts between the new notes to be issued and the new loan, based upon claimant elections, will be announced at that time.

The closing for the exchange offer is expected to take place on January 19, 2006.

==================================================

Legal : Denmark cancels 80 percent of its Iraqi debt

Wednesday, December 28th 2005
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The Government of Iraq announced that it has signed a bilateral agreement with Denmark canceling the equivalent of $42.6 million in Iraqi debt, amounting to 80 percent of Denmark's claims against Iraq. The agreement with Denmark was signed on December 21. The bilateral agreement implements the Agreed Minute concluded in November 2004 between Iraq and 18 Paris Club creditor countries.

Iraq has already signed similar bilateral agreements with Canada, Italy, Belgium, Japan, Austria and France earlier this year, and the United States cancelled 100 percent of its claims against Iraq in December 2004.

Prior to this agreement, the claims of the Danish government against Iraq totaled approximately $53.2 million. When fully phased in, the new agreement will reduce this debt stock to approximately $10.6 million. The debt reduction will take effect in three installments. Approximately $16 million was cancelled at the time of signing the bilateral agreement; a second installment of approximately $16 million of debt cancellation will take effect upon the conclusion of a stand-by arrangement between Iraq and the International Monetary Fund (expected by the end of the year); and a final installment, equal to approximately $10.6 million, will automatically take effect upon the final review of a three-year implementation of stand-by arrangements. The residual debt stock will be repayable over a 23-year period with six years of grace on principal payments. No principal or interest will be payable during the first three years.

"Iraq appreciates the constructive approach taken by Denmark throughout the negotiations of this agreement," Iraqi Minister of Finance Ali A. Allawi said. "Iraq welcomes the conclusion of another bilateral agreement implementing the Paris Club Agreed Minute."

The other countries comprising the Paris Club creditors of Iraq are Australia, Finland, Germany, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Bilateral agreements between Iraq and each of these countries are expected to be signed in coming weeks

==================================================

Iraq economy looks positive in 2006

Wednesday 28 December 2005, 10:37 Makka Time, 7:37 GMT
Experts predict that the formation of a new Iraqi government, following a year of political reforms, will help stabilize the country, revive its stagnant economy and pave the way for contentious measures such as privatization.

Thomas Delare, counselor for economic affairs at the US embassy in Baghdad, said: "Ordinary Iraqis, domestic entrepreneurs and foreign investors have all been waiting for stability, predictability and greater security,".

The 15 December general election "doesn't guarantee any of those things, but it offers the promise that now we can put it in place.", he said.

That all depends on the smooth formation of the next government which - as various political factions dispute the results, march in the street and threaten to boycott the new parliament - does not seem a certainty.

Final election results are not expected before next week.
Abbas Abu al-Timen, the director of the Baghdad Economic Forum, said: "The economic prospects in 2006 will be good for Iraq, provided we have a consensus government which includes all major groups in Iraq and they agree on an economic programme,".

Sanctions' impact

The economist added that this was the key moment for the nation, and failure to reach consensus would be a disaster.

"This country cannot have any more of this chaotic situation," he said ,adding if a strong government is not formed, "I think the country will be in a bleak dark long tunnel."

The difficulties the country went through under sanctions in the 1990s, followed by the chaos and looting during and after the US-led invasion of March 2003, have had a devastating effect on the Iraqi economy.

Unemployment, officially about 28%, is estimated by some experts to be twice that, and small businesses are struggling to compete with the import of cheap, yet shoddy, goods now sold on the streets of the nation's cities.

But US experts see a slow improvement, estimating 3 to 4% GDP growth in 2005 and increased consumer spending as witnessed by the rise in mobile phone use and car buying.

Debt relief

Subsidy cuts for oil have sparked
widespread protests
The best piece of economic news to hit the country in a while was last week's decision by the International Monetary Fund to approve a standby arrangement for Iraq that paved the way for further debt relief.

The decision, however, came at a price, and the government is now committed to cutting Iraq's massive fuel subsidies which are disastrous for the budget, but much appreciated by Iraqis, a quarter of whom live below the poverty line.

The initial tripling of the price of petrol to the equivalent of 10 cents a litre is only the start of price raise for what is currently the world's cheapest petrol.

Already there have been riots and even attacks on petrol stations in protest at the subsidy cuts.

Another controversial issue is privatization, which most economists consider a necessity for the moribund state industries. But while more private sector investment and competition would certainly help these industries, it could also be accompanied by layoffs.

A US official, who thinks the process may finally be accelerating, said: "The Iraqi government has identified two factories for privatization ... two and a half years after the process started, that's pretty slow progress,

"We think that in 2006 there is a commitment to finally get it started."

Fossil fuels industry

Paul Bremer's authority had
discussed privatisation
Under Paul Bremer's Coalition Provisional Authority, the issue of privatization was mentioned repeatedly resulting in public outcry that the nation's industrial patrimony was about to be sold off cheap to foreigners with disastrous effect, as happened in post-Soviet Eastern Europe.

"Privatization is not an issue," demurs the Baghdad Economic Forum's Timen, maintaining there is consensus on the matter. "The debate is how to approach privatisation and how to confront the problem."

"You have to look at the issue in Iraq in its context - the problems in Iraq are different," said Timen, cautioning against a generic approach.

One sector that will not be put on the auction block in 2006, however, is the very sensitive fossil fuels industry which nationalist Iraqis have often said is a target of foreign entrepreneurs.

The IMF, the same organization that pushed through the subsidy cuts has also stipulated that downstream services -such as retail sales of petrol and the fuel service sector - should be opened to private companies.

-- December 29, 2005 1:35 PM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all
Thanks alot for all the info that has been shared with so many here on the web.
Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- December 29, 2005 5:19 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

THE ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Iraqi oil ministry announced they hope to have their oil production up to 2.5 million to 3million barrels a day by the end of 2006. BREAK OUT THE BEER!!!!!!!!!!
BUT HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE...
There is one little problem that the information the oil ministry puts out.... its all about guessing...not actual fiqures...why??
It seems there is "NO METERING SYSTEM" to measure the output of just how much oil they are producing now, much less in the future. WHAT THE H...!!!!
YEP! SPANK YA BABY AND SIT DOWN, BECAUSE YA AIN'T GONNA BELIEVE THIS ONE...
This has been going on since Saddam, as it was a great way to get around just how much oil was being produced, therefore prevented the investigators from knowing exactly just how much oil was being smuggled out through the back door.
Apparently the present Oil Ministry director which was hand picked by chalabi (remember our ole double crossing friend), still is in love with that method.
THAT METHOD IS STILL IN PLACE...... it seems the International Advisory and Monitoring Board has repeatedly raised the issue about the no metering system, but have been rebuffed for quite sometime.(Now you know how so much oil was and is presently getting on the black market!)(some body hand me a bar of soap...I'm starting to feel greasy just writing about this little in house sweetheart deal of the Iraqi's)Can we all say together.... CORRUPTION!!!
BUT STOP...THERE MAY BE A CRACK OF LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL ON THIS ONE..
Across the wire comes information, that an agreement has been reached with the Iraqi government oil ministry, that they would install metering equipment...but the spokesman on this could not provide any details...
I guess they will then work on all those no competitive bids they let out to certain friends in moving the oil they let you know about....or maybe cancel the "Ole buddy bartering system" used in the oil sales, that go un recorded or adjusted.
The International Advisory Board stated, it is common knowledge "Large Amounts" of Iraqi Oil
is being smuggled, but presently they have no way of measuring so numbers can be provided.
All the Iraqi Government has to do is put controls in place....
Still waiting.....

-- December 30, 2005 8:08 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carl,

This came across the wire today. I found it interesting. Evidently, our man, Chalabi, is temporarily taking over the rein as oil minister for Iraq. I posted this on my forum today too.

http://www.africasia.com/services/news/newsitem.php?area=mideast&item=051230124819.feen8v04.php

30/12/2005 12:48 BAGHDAD (AFP)

Iraq oil minister replaced after protesting price hikes

Iraq's deputy prime minister Ahmed Chalabi was put in charge of the oil ministry Friday after the minister, Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulum, was relieved of his duties, an official said.

"The government has relieved Mr Bahr al-Ulum of duties for 30 days and put in charge Mr Chalabi who heads the energy council," the official said on condition of anonymity.

"The decision was taken because of Mr Bahr al-Ulum's objections to the early introduction of higher petrol prices," the official said.

The Iraqi government earlier this month announced a tripling of petrol prices in a bid to reduce subsidies, a move that sparked angry protests across the country.

-- December 30, 2005 4:00 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl: It is absolutely great
to see you posting again. The
T&B was not the same with you,
Sara and Robert. If I had anything to do with your leaving the T&B, I promise never to provoke you again.
You are back among friends.

I have been visiting the Rumors Section of the Investors Iraq Dinar and have picked up a couple of items which might be of interest. They use the term R/V for revalue instead of peg. The use the term thread instead of post.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi has assumed the position of Oil Minister is addition to his current job. The previous minister had too many problems exporting oil.

The general consensus is that the hike in gas prices in Iraq is a well planned strategy which puts the people in Iraq in such a desperate position that a peg of the Dinar will be necessary in order for the people to cope with the higher prices. (The average Govt worker makes $130.00 per month and most of the people who are subsidized by the Govt get by on $1.00 per day)

The new Govt is operating under the philosophy that subsidies take away the incentive of the people and create shortages of food and many other items.

The Sunni's are upset over the election, the remainder are upset over the price of gasoline, so in order to quell the unrest, an R/V is necessary sometime in January.

Most on the Rumor Panel think that once the new Govt is seated, a peg won't be far behind.

-- December 30, 2005 10:50 PM ∞

ryan wrote:

Hello everyone! I just found this site while researhing the ID. Its nice to see so many people interested in this. Cause I definitly am. Im currently in kuwait working and have a small stash of ID myself. Things are looking good by the way for 2006. just have to be patient. hope to make some new friends and to enjoy the conversation. happy new year

-- December 31, 2005 6:22 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bob
Thank you for the welcome, and kind thoughts. I have been reading the T&B but just not posting.
If you go back and review some of my past post and time lines since 2004, you will see that things are progressing just as Robert and I have posted. No crystal ball here, just using human nature and the natural steps that usually occur during the process of change. History usually repeats itself, regardless of culture. It is just done in different ways. Example: For years our own military forces were structured where we had individual white and black companies. We did not mix the races, and we ourselves caused our own problems within the military because of this. In Iraq, they presently have one mix battalion, of Shiite,Sunni and Kurds. The rest of the battalions are either all shiite, Sunni or Kurds. See the repeat. This within itself causes divisions and hinders progress.Just human nature in play. Nothing more. The prejudices shown are not only race but tribal also. This is why, I stated in previous post, that peace will come within Iraqi, but it will be necessary for all of the ole hardliners who hate each other to die out first, and allow the newly born to interact without taught prejudice, just as our own nation had to do. This will take at least two generations.

Note! I did not say the dinar would not increase in that time, because I believe the dinar will be moving upward in value, but will not reach its full potential and value for many years to come. How much and time line is a simple swag.

For some of you who have not read my post before, this is my desire. Read my post with a open mind. My post carry no more value than anyone else, and is simply my take on things that are happening. Take from my post what you deem valuable and discard the rest. I read numerous articles from all kinds of middle eastern rags, etc;; I will take information from each article that I deem important to us, the dinar investor, and post it in my own words,sometimes the reporter's words and with my own style of humour. I do not intend to plagerize anyone or take credit for any one reporter's article. They are there, I am not. So they are the ones who deserve the good work at gathering the information we can use as dinar investors. I am simply putting it all together, into a post that I hope you find informative and makes you smile sometimes.

Bob!
If reference to your post regarding Ahmad Chalabi. AT first glance and without indebt knowledge about Chalabi, most dinar investors would say this was a good move on the Iraqi government's part in getting the dinar value increased. I posted on the T&B in detail twice on Chalabi. Once on Feb 23, 2005, Titled "Did anyone smell that bullet "? and again on Feb 24, 2005 Titled, "if it looks like it, feels like it, smells like it and taste like it, here in the south we fiqure it is 100% probability ya don't need to swallow". If interested any dinar investor can go back and read the articles in detail. But I will give you some highlights here just to bring to the fore front of just what "appears" to be in play.
Frankly, my heart sank, when I saw Chalabi had been given the reins to the oil fields.
For those who don't know, Chalabi was one time the United States chosen golden boy to head the interium government, until we caught him in a bed with the Iranian government, spoon feeding them all of our intelligence. Our delta forces arrested him and that was the end of the little Prime Minister throne for him.
Chalabi, if anything is a survivor in a world of total turmoil. He is the perfect con man. By all accounts he is likable, and has a certain charm about him, that make the individuals he is dealing with believe what he is selling. This is his most valuable asset. But make no mistake about it... Our government, on the surface, is not on good terms with him. The Iraqi people do not trust him at all, as they know what and who he is. The first interium Ministry of Oil was removed, because of Chalabi. It is because the guy would not play ball as Chalabi saw the field needed to be played. So! Chalabi used his influence, in getting his own man in the slot. Yep! that is the one, he just replaced, with his own little self. Does it cross anyone's mind this was the plan all along ?
Well! you probably are asking yourself, how could he have gained such influence and power after being back in Iraq only since May 2003? Why are the other individual's within the iraqi government not standing up to this move, which places him in position to steal all he wants in the oil fields?
In that region, everyone is use to the shuffling of power, just as you would a deck of cards. The winning hand may not be in the same hands, at the next deal. So no one wants to take the chance at offending anyone else. Plus, it did not help either, that he somehow got his hands on information from Saddams Intellegence files, and it has most definitely become a instrument that has forged a lot of allowances, that would other wise not be formed.
It was he, who our government depended on in giving us most of the intel before the war on Saddam. Come to find out, most of that intel was bogus. (what was his motive? Was it to get us to remove Saddam, so he could move into the slot, once he was in position to do so? It almost worked !!!!!!) I could go on and give you more short shots about this guy, but you can read in for yourself in the past post. The fact is he is probably the worse person, that the Iraqi people could have placed in that bird seat, and it sure doesn't help us as dinar investors.
What you are about to see is a lot of underhanded dealing within the oil fields and their record of production. I know the king of Jordan's pucker factor has gone up by a level of 10, I know mine has.
As far as the information, that the rumour that the lances, etc are spreading on the other forums....look at what they have said in the past.....did anything they said come to past?.......past post of an individual will give you just how much value you should put into what they are posting...
Make up your own mind about their post and value...then place it where you see it needs to go.

-- December 31, 2005 8:25 AM ∞

ryan wrote:

carl-

nice script enjoyed it. i totally believe you. hopefully iraq can find a valuble succesor! it seems like everything is falling into plave these past 2 months. hopefully it willl keep up and our investments will pay off in the years to come!

-- December 31, 2005 8:46 AM ∞

skimanvann wrote:

Cral,

Great to read your posts. Lots of good information. What is your opinion for the value of the NID in 2006??

Over time the NID will gain much value.

Happy New Year!

ski

-- December 31, 2005 12:25 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Ski:
How can you place a value on something, that seems to have no bench mark for value?
The value of something is presently what an individual is willing to pay for something.
The dinar had a value of 1464 when I bought it...it is now 1475 according to the bank of Iraq.
But that is only in Iraq. Outside of that area the value is 0000000000000...
When any dinar investor purchased the dinar...they did not purchase because of its present value, but they purchased hope and belief that one day it would have value outside of Iraq.
What that value will be "NO ONE", not a individual, not a select group, etc... can tell you. If you think that, you will be disappointed time and time again with frivilous information and rumor.(by the way, I would love to be wrong on that statement)
Once the dinar bench mark has been set outside of Iraq either by the currency market, the future GCC currency countries, or what merchants or banks in other countries are willing to exchange for the Iraqi dinar...then you will know its true value...
When that will be is anyones guess...especially me, if I gave you a date... or prediction.
We have one thing in common....We have no control of any of the Iraqi events that will occur in the future, nor when the dinar will become legal tender in other countries. I am like you...hoping that it will be soon..

-- December 31, 2005 3:03 PM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

Hello For The Last Time This Year. As we wait for events to perculate for positive steps forward, I wanted to share information about a book I bought after seeing a recommendation on one of these blogs. The book called, "Sudden Money" by Susan Bradley has prepared me to comfortably handle what may in fact change our lives for the better.

Remember, it's not how much you have, it's how much you get to keep!

Thanks to all of our heros in theater that are making this world a better place.
A toast to all of us believers!

-- December 31, 2005 4:13 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carl,
I agree with ryan and Bob. You post some good info. Keep up the good work. I do enjoy getting info, and I like that Southern humor that you add to your posts. I agree with you on the "rumors" thing, also.

Bob,
It is good to talk with you again. I wanted to add that personally, I don't have one thing against the people who post these rumors. I just disagree with them on the dinar revaluing/pegging so soon.

For various reasons, rumors will be posted 'till the cows come home, concerning a revaluation/peg of the Iraqi dinar. But, I will keep the long-term outlook like Carl and ryan on this. It would be nice if we were wrong on this, but I don't think so..... Only time will tell, regarding the latest rumor. And we shall see real soon, according to the latest rumor.

-- December 31, 2005 4:55 PM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

I just wanted to post my thoughts on the latest rumor. I do not like the idea of the Dinar being released into the open market in January. I just do not think that the currency is ready for it. The Sunni and many Shiites have said that they might reject the new legislature and even if it does "peg" to oil or gas, many of the transportation workers are so afraid to drive that major refineries have been shut down and the nation is importing oil. I think that it is a good thing that the ID is not trading right now and I hope it stays regulated until things are under control and the new Government is accepted by everyone. I don't mind waiting. I have seen many rumors myself and so far virtually all of them have been laughable. My opinion is that we will not see any major move before March at least, hopefully. Just my opinion. Cheers

-- December 31, 2005 10:38 PM ∞

ryan wrote:

ok everyone, here is my thoughts behind everything. like everyone has been saying, this is president bush's legacy. the u.s. has given iraq billions and billions of dollars to iraq. not to mention all the other contries that have contributed as well. this country is and investmnent for everyone. pres. bush is an oil man period. he knows what he is doing. he is making a long term investment in the potential of iraq. that is why we still have well over 100000 troops over there still. will he continue to pull troops out of iraq. sure, but not in big numbers. 1 or 2 brigades at a time. until he feels that iraq is constantly improving then he will pull more and more troops out. the ID is a great investment. why? why would the united states of america give a country billions of dollars??? 90-91 the u.s. was going after it then. ah it makes sense. money money money. no matter who we protect or go after its always about the benifit of our country. im not sure the pace of the ID will be but it will make it in the long run. the u.s. tresury im sure has trillions of it. why, to cash in one day. alot of the money that iraq has been given they have used to u.s. tresury bills. everything is one big business. not countries. look at them as corporations. more people working, lower poverty, more money circulation= for a country that equals good business. the potentials there, lets just hope everything runs smoothly. yes it takes time, but pres bush has until his term runs out to keep it going the way he wants it too. hes not the pres. for nothing. he may not make all the right decisions, but he know how to make a buck off oil. i think everything will pay off in the long run so keep praying for the iraqi people to keep making good choices. once they all realize that they can all make money in the future without fighting it will be a wonderful thing, for the dinar. thanks everyone for reading and lets pray for a great new year and a strong dinar in the years to come.
from kuwait

-- December 31, 2005 11:12 PM ∞

stanley wrote:

I purchased 1000000 ND a few days ago and I finally found you poeple who have done the same!!!
I think thats great,and it gives me hope. Happy new year!!!!!! I love you guys, Let's toast.
OREGON

-- January 1, 2006 4:34 AM ∞

stanley wrote:

By the way is this a decent amount too have purchased? should I buy more?

-- January 1, 2006 4:45 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Stanley,
Regarding how much Iraqi dinar you should buy, I think that is a decision that you need to make on your own, IMO. As Iraqi dinar investors, we all hope that we can get a good return on our initial investments in the Iraq dinar. Personally, I think that it is a good long-term investment. Having said that, this (the Iraqi dinar) is still an investment. Like any investment, you could lose some, if not all of your money that you invest in this investment. I don't want to sound like "Mr. Negative" here, but we all are realistic about this. I hope that you keep this in mind.

-Howdy to Ski, Jimmy and ryan
and Nephillim

And, Happy New Year to everyone

-- January 1, 2006 12:09 PM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Hello NID Investors,

Referening to the posts in this thread if you read these lines:=

*Bush said in his speech we will leave Iraq with a strong Dinar.

*The U.S. has given iraq billions and billions of dollars to iraq.

*The U.S. tresury im sure has trillions of it. why, to cash in one day. a lot of the money that iraq has been given they have used to U.S. tresury bills. everything is one big business.

*US Soldiers in Iraq on duty buying NID it will turn out to be a special bonus, when USA leaves Iraq with a strong Dinar.

Further as per astrologers Year: 2006 and 2007 are the years of economic turmoil and confussion which will settle in Jan-2008 when Pluto planet of death finally leaves the positions creating economic disturbances, well NID investor kindly wait until Jan-2008 when NID will eventualy start to move in favour of NID investors towards the north direction.

-- January 1, 2006 1:50 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Shajee:
Your opinion is just as good as ours..
The best

-- January 1, 2006 2:42 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Ryan-I have total respect for your posts and your ideas on what is going on in Iraq. That is what I like about the T&B, people post their beliefs and are not offended when someone disagrees with them.

I wish you were right in Mr. Bush having a master startegy for our future oil needs, but I have a different take on this. In 1991, Saddam told our Secty of State that he was going to invade Kewait and if we would stay out of it that he would furnish us all the oil we needed at a bargain price. We rejected this offer.

We currently have a trade deficit of $70 billion per month and some $800 billion per year (almost a tillian).
We are in debt by 8 trillian dollars and for every penny of this debt, there is someone holding a treasury note or equivalent and is expecting to be paid someday.
Every man, woman, and child owes $28,000.00 to satisfy this nation debt. Of all the money that is being saved throughout the world, the U.S. is borrowing 42% of it.

If China, Japan, Saudia Arabia or South Korea were to decide to collect their debt and demand payment, then the price of gold would skyrocket, long lines would form at banks as people try to salvage some portion of their savings.

I do not see the U.S. Govt as a scheming, calculation power who is trying to take advantage of a situatiion, but as a loving, benelovent, caring country who is trying to do good but is giving away the store in the process.

This is my take on the situation and I know some of you will see it different, so please show me where I am wrong.

BOB.

-- January 1, 2006 10:48 PM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

I just want to throw my 2 cents into a few topics we are currently discussing.

As far as how many Dinars to buy, that is for you to decide. Remember that this is a very risky investment and that it could take a long time to mature. In my opinion, all this talk about a peg coming in January is absurd, we still have a ways to go before we see any solid return. A million is a decent place to be for the average investor, not to much, but you won't be ruined if it doesn't work out. Also, if it does peg next year at a penny or two, remember the golden rule of investing "You Should never regret making money" so enjoy the money you make rather than be upset about the money you could have made.

As far as the US benevolence to the world and banking system that Bob mentioned, you do have some good information. But one thing you have to remember about the international scene is that it is all about checks and balances. South Korea and Saudia Arabia are also EXTREMELY dependent on the United States and would never consider cashing in their debt all at once or risk serious consequences (ie Pulling our troops from South Korea and giving Kim Jong a free pass to invade or not selling any more technology to Saudi Arabia). Also, if you look at our history, there is a difference between actions where we are being "Humanitarian" and actions wnere we are protecting our interests. In Iraq, we are protecting our interests in my opinion because in pure Humanitarian cases we will leave when the people turn against us (ie Somolia). I think we have a vested interest in Iraq and will stay the course until things get more stable or until it looks like things will become more stable by our absence. This is why I bought the Iraqi Dinar and Why I think each one will, some day, be worth 2 or 3 cents.

-- January 1, 2006 11:33 PM ∞

Todd wrote:

Hello Carl,

Nice letter. I have been reading through the blogs for sometime now and your posts are some of the most reasonable and well thought out.
Do you have any comments on issues regarding the size of the notes? If the dinar starts to gain value, 25k and 10k notes will quickly become impractical. Any thoughts on the future of these notes?

-- January 2, 2006 1:31 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

To All of the Posters of T&B
What makes you different from any other blog on the dinar,is the fact, you do the one thing that all individuals should do.
YOU THINK FOR YOURSELF...YOU DON'T ALLOW ANY "ONE" INDIVIDUAL OR SO CALLED "INFORMED GROUP" TO CREATE YOUR OPINION...OTHER WORDS YOU DON'T "PARROT USELESS - WORTHLESS - GAB RUMORS".
Pat yourself on the back you deserve it!!!!!!

Bob!
In my opinion you are totally right about the USA's percarious financial position. This has weakened our nation more than any direct attack on our soil. Our congressional leaders have so over spent on entitlement programs, and other pork barrel programs that our deficit is out of control. The Iraqi campaign has cost us billions, on top of a deficit that was already bloated before the iraqi war. The only way we can keep the dollar from weakening is to raise the interest rates, which our government has done 13 times in the past 2 years. As the interest rates rise, so will the economic trend of the US start to slow due to the high cost of expansion capital. Presently the economic trend of the stock market, gold, etc has not been in the same positon since 1929, when we went into the great depression.I would not be surprised that we see a moderate recession in the year 2006, not only here in the US, but also in the World Economy. If this happens, the dollar becomes weaker,and the dollars purchasing power of any product lessens, including currency.
We, the people, of this nation, have done more damage to ourselves than any terrorist group. We are our own worse enemy. We have allowed our leaders to set up rules and guidelines,(nafta, etc;;) in order to export our jobs into china, and other countries. We allow other countries to come into the US and buy up our large corporations, and land, even tho, those same countries will not allow any US company or US citizen to owe anything independently in theirs.
We in our ignorance have allowed a uneven playing field among our larger trading partners, and we have no one to blame but our political party leaders on both sides of the isle.

That is why we have for the first time become a debtor nation. I agree with the ones who say we should get out of Iraq. Just not the same time line as they do... President Bush is right, we only exit when we can guarantee that the present Iraqi government can function independently without us. Bringing them to that stage quickly is paramount to our financial strength.
Defeat can come in many different forms. To win military battles at the same time weakening your nation to the point where its own financial position cripples that nation from being able to defend itself on other fronts is defeat regardless.
This our president should not allow to happen.

-- January 2, 2006 8:55 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Todd:
Let me ask you this question?
If it stands to reason the iraqi bank will recognize the currency of 100 dinar note, why would they not recognize the value of the 25k dinar?
Value is value...everything is the same except the number...
Presently, a 100 dinar or 25k dinar has the same value at any international bank outside of Iraq. The value is the same 0.
So when the dinar starts to be accepted on the international currency playing field, simply go in to the closest international bank, and exchange it for smaller bills, as you would exchange a 100 dollar bill to 100 single dollar bills.
It is in my opinion a "none issue", as to the value of the dinar note you holding.
I do not push my opinion on anyone else regarding this subject. You should make up your own mind about that issue.

-- January 2, 2006 9:28 AM ∞

ryan wrote:

question- i bought my dinars in kuwait with a local and i didnt get recipts for all the dinar i bought. out of 3 million i have a reciept for one. do you have to have the reciepts when you exchange the money if it pegs? to cash in the u.s.?? thanks for any help!

-- January 2, 2006 9:30 AM ∞

Stanley wrote:

On Saturday the largest oil refinery in Iraq opened back up. What is the direct effect possibility on the dinar?

-- January 2, 2006 11:59 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Nephilim,

I read your last post. It was a good one, IMO. I feel pretty well the same way.

-- January 2, 2006 2:05 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Ryan:
Just puzzled! Why would you think you need a reciept for your dinar?
All you did was swap your american dollar for Iraqi dinar...they are both cash money. The only difference is the american dollar is accepted for international currency...the iraqi dinar presently is not.
Its not like purchasing merchandise.

-- January 2, 2006 3:05 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Stanley:
First tell us what you think the affect will be..

-- January 2, 2006 6:02 PM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all
Hey Carl,it was a great surprise,to see a post from you."Iknew you were out there somewhere"We all have alot to look at and sort thru.I am still on the waiting list for our all aboard call on the NID train.
Good luck to all and Iraq
Ron

-- January 2, 2006 6:39 PM ∞

ryan wrote:

carl-

i was wondering about the reciepts cause everyone i wirk with in kuwait makes sure to get them. some say that you'll need it for exchange in the u.s. i didnt understand it either but i was wondering... thanks anyway. hope everyone is haveing a great new year. hopefully some gigantic fireworks go off this year!!!
-keeping the faith. hello to everyone out there following.

ryan

-- January 3, 2006 12:46 AM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

We have had some great posts in the last few days. Well, I am going back to the United States for a vacation so I hope I don't miss any good informaiton on this board while I am gone. Talk to all of you in a few weeks. So Robert, Carl, Ryan, and others please keep the accurate info (both good and bad) coming. Cheers

-- January 3, 2006 4:19 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

I thought that this was an interesting article. I know that BORROWING money is not a good thing at first glance. But, if Iraq is to succeed it will definitely need a bond market to bolster its financial position/exposure in world markets. This is definitely a step in the right direction, IMO.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4577942.stm

Last Updated: Tuesday, 3 January 2006, 14:30 GMT

Iraq returns to financial markets

Iraq is preparing to borrow money to repay some of its creditors. A $2bn (£1.16bn) bond issue would mark Iraq's return to the global financial markets after years of sanctions.

The return on the 20-year bond will be 5.8% a year, Mr Allawi said, adding that it would be traded in Europe.

-- January 3, 2006 10:52 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Does anyone know the current amount of Iraqi currency currently in circulation inside the country? Also, can anyone estimate how much Iraqi currency is in the hands of speculators which are outiside of Iraq?

-- January 3, 2006 2:06 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Rob:
What type of question is that??
What criteria would you use to determine how much currency is hands of speculators. I believe just about everyone who bought iraqi dinar, and not utilizing the Iraqi dinar to carry on a business inside or outside iraq is a speculator, including myself.
What information would you use to determine how much dinar is still in the country?
If I am not mistaken, once it leaves the bank, I really don't believe I have found a GPS tag on it, so how would you know if the dinar is still in the country or not?

-- January 3, 2006 2:51 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Carl:

The answers to my questions do not require a Global Positioning System. Instead, Both questions refer to Iraq's bourgeoning monetary policy.
Either a micro or macro economist with a background in mideast monentary policy should be able to provide some estimates regarding the amount of currency printed that stays inside Iraq vs. the amount that has left the country.
One other point to consider, a large amount of Iraqi currency introduced into the market place at one time can lessen the Dinars inherant value.
Our own monteary policy confirms this previous assertion. Currently, the US embraces a monteary policy that does not limit the number of bills and coins allowed to enter into circulation. The U.S. has the idea that if we need more we will print it. This type of monetary policy amongst other policies has lead to the devaluation of the dollar. If the U.S. influences the Iraqi government to adapt a similar view, the New Iraqi Dinar may find itself devalued before it ever hits the world market.

-- January 3, 2006 5:15 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Rob:
I now understand your question. Thanks for explaining it to this ole southern boy. I agree with your opinion on what could happen to the dinar re-valuation, or de-valuation depending on how the iraqi government treats the dinar. Since, I am neither a micro or macro economist in mideast monentary policy, I still don't have a clue where I, myself would begin in coming up with an answer for ya.

Good Luck!

-- January 3, 2006 6:03 PM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

Happy New Year Everyone.If you are looking for a dealer located in USA please check out our website.Please only buy what you can afford.We do believe the dinar is a good investment but long term and gradual increase.

IDD

-- January 3, 2006 7:51 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

AS A DINAR INVESTOR...THIS SHOULD SCARE THE HELL OUT OF YA!

I'm writing this post with very much thought and concern. Please bare with me as I put together some of these articles. A lot of this information is taken from direct quotes in many published articles since June 05. Some of these articles I will paraphrase in my own words as they are way too long and would make this post extremely long and difficult to read. One quote or article is simply that, however, when you place all of the quotes and articles
over a period of time, you start to see a pattern or trend.
Trends usually will give you a indication of things to come. If History teaches us anything, it is "nothing remains in a vacuum". Change is always in motion. This is especially true in Iraq and the surrounding countries in which the new found "Iraqi democracy" will affect and influence their populace.

IRAN is one of those neighboring countries. What is in the hearts of the citizens is one thing. What is in the heart of the leaders is totally another.

REMEMBER THIS...APPLY THE BELOW QUESTION TO WHAT YOU WILL READ IN THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES CONCERNING THIS SUBJECT OF IRAN AND WHAT IS IT THEY REALLY WANT TO ACHIEVE..PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHAT THE IRANIAN LEADER SAYS IN THE FUTURE..

I BELIEVE THAT WE, AND THE ENTIRE ARAB REGION IS IN A EXTREMELY DANGEROUS PERIOD WITH IRAN, AND WILL BE FOR THE NEXT YEAR...IF IRAN ACCOMPLISHES WHAT I THINK THEY ARE TRYING TO DO, WE CAN TAKE OUR DINAR AND USE IT FOR WALLPAPER OR IN YOUR OUTHOUSE, AS THAT IS ABOUT ALL ITS GOING TO BE WORTH...MAY WE GET THROUGH THIS CRISIS....

THE QUESTION: A known human trait: "Nothing is done without a reason or motive"
As you read, ask: "what is the motive or reason for this statement or group of statements, or action?"
Fiqure this out, and you will know what is to come in the next move or at least what the person or group is attempting to achieve.

I have always said, that god has given us three tools to create our reality...

THOUGHTS.. Nothing begins without this tool.All things are created first in the mind.
WORDS..... The visble appearance of what is in the mind and heart.
DEEDS..... The taking of those two above tools and creating them into your or my reality.
When put together, All three will reveal a visible event or action that you can see, feel and touch.

"WE DID NOT HAVE A REVOLUTION IN ORDER TO HAVE A DEMOCRACY"(thoughts made visible into words)
** Did he just tell us, that he does not intent to allow Iraq to exist as now structured as a democracy. If not, how is he going to try to change the structure?

"ISRAEL SHOULD BE WIPED OFF OF THE MAP" (thoughts made visible into words)
** condemnation only from european countries.Is he saying what most Arabs think, even in Iraq? I believe that most of the muslim public supports those statements, even inside our arab allies countries.

"IT IS A MYTH THAT JEWS WERE MASSACRED DURING WWII AND THEY HAVE PLACED THIS MYTH ABOVE GOD" (thoughts visible into words)
**If you noticed condemnation was largely absent from the muslim Islamic world. Mainly because any condemnation of those words would be a sucidal position to take in that part of the world, even from our allies. (this should give you some indication of "if sh-- hits the fan", what our arab allies may possibly do)

You should be concern as a dinar investor, as it is no doubt the above statements are a view that is closer to a "very popular view of the street from Cairo to Baghdad,from Ramallah to Karachi". These words of Iranian leader Ahmadinejad's words express a "very popular view indeed of the average arab" He is producing words to glue the masses...and hate of the Jew is the "common glue of the arab masses". It is my opinion, these words have a purpose..that is to bring into a mass... citizens of like thought and mind, regardless of borders between countries. It is my opinion... regardless...they are arabs first, and most will act as such.

Muslim Judeo-phobia roots are deep.Their hatred goes back to the Islam Prophet, Muhammad. Considering the Jewish populace and Arab Populace are from the same stock brings all of this into a black humor play. (Boy! the Hatfield and McCoy fued was nothing)

Muhammad's declaration, "That for a muslim to kill a jew, or for him to be killed by a Jew, ensures him an immediate entry into paradise and into the august presence of Allah"
This phrase is deep seated into a huge mass of muslims, regardless of borders, and has been for centuries. The Iranian leader knows this very well.The United States is considered a infidel, because we are the main defender of Israel, and stand as a protector of their most hated foe.
IE: Iranian, Jordanian, Syrian, etc insurgents on Jihad is now one of the the realities we have to experience in Iraq.

I will stop here and continue in the next post as it is getting way too long.
The purpose of these next few post is to bring into your radar, the threat that Iran is bringing to the stablization and increase value of the dinar. I will give my opinion about what I think can possibly be done to defuse this threat...will it work...?? Thats a million dollar question??

-- January 4, 2006 7:25 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Iranian President Mahmood Ahmadinejad

JUST SOME THINGS THAT ARE KNOWN ABOUT HIM...

The 49 year old served as a Teheran Mayor. He also served as a Senior Commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which was responsible for Iran's attempt to achieve the nation's missle and nuclear weapons programs.

He participated in the 1979 U.S. Embassy take over in Teheran, and is considered as the most anti-Western leader of the muslim world.

He is suspected as one of the participates in the killing of Kurdish dissidents in Europe during the 1980's and 1990's.

On June 24, won the seat of the Iranian Presidency. During that speech, did he tell us of things in which he is going to try to achieve...

There is going to be a islamic Revolution of "Global Proportions" "I will see that the wave of the Islamic Revolution will soon reach the entire world"
** Notice he didn't say just in Iran.
**Kind of reminds you of President Bush's speech on spreading democracy throughout the world.
I am sure the Arab leaders, found those statements just as chilling, as the Iranians above statement.

"In one night the martyrs of 100 years have strode down their path, and thanks to their blood, a new Islamic revolution has "arisen and The Islamic Revolution of 1384(this is their current year) will cut off the roots of injustice in the world". "The era of oppression, tyranny and injustice is not at its end"
** Thoughts made into words..visble for you the dinar investor to expect things to come from him that will be in totally conflict with the current government Leaders of Iraq.

This is the first time since 1980's that any Iranian Presiden vowed to export Islamic Insurgency throughout the world. He has told you the dinar investor he intends to revive the fire of the 1978 Islamic revolution.
** He just told you that he has no intention or interest in living in peace with the new Iraqi government or the U.S. He is going to send teams to cause death not only in the countries in which he considers to be infidels, but allies of the infidels. He just declared holy war on the present Iraqi Government.

-- January 4, 2006 8:01 AM ∞

ryan wrote:

hello again everyone_
somebody out there motivate me on when the dinar is going to peg??? its the new year so when are things going to get better. hopefully oil production speeds up in iraq...

-- January 4, 2006 9:12 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Ryan:
You addressed the issues of when the dinar is going to Peg? You also made an address about the oil production.
What do you think about the peg? Why? Give specifics as to why you have that opinion, not rumors.
Also I believe the oil production issue, as to what is happening presently with production is something that affects all dinar investors.
Could you do some research for us and post what you find, and what we can expect for the next 6 months or year?
Your input is as important as anyone elses.

-- January 4, 2006 9:44 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carl,
Those are two very informative posts - sobering...,but very informative.

Hey Ryan,
Glad to see you on the board this morning. I'm sorry that I don't have any good info this morning for you. I'm still recovering from reading Carl's posts about Iran's president. We are going to have to deal with Iran one way or another.

-- January 4, 2006 9:47 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carl,
Those are two very informative posts. Sobering...,but very informative.

Hey Ryan,
It's good to see you on the board this morning. I am sorry that I don't have any good info this morning. I am still recovering from Carl's last two post about Iran's president. We are going to have to deal with Iran one way or another.

-- January 4, 2006 10:04 AM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

We are dinar deals and we do not believe in the 'peg'. I know other people use the hopes and dreams of everyday people to promise you a rainbow of gold.But we are honest and feel that the dinar will increase in value as things improve but SLOWLY.You see all those postings of the peg anywhere from .32 -$1.00 ,if we were to give a estimate we will say at best 1/2 cent .Best case for 2006 i think is $1250 -$1500 per million.We sell this and make part of our living on this but we do not like the irresponsible actions of other dealers pushing these unrealistic numbers.

www.iraqidinardirect.com

-- January 4, 2006 10:39 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

In my humble opinion, investing in the NID is a long term position. For substantial gains on our investment we need to be prepared to hold the Iraqi currency for 5+ years.

A slow rise in the exchange rate for dollars, euros, or sterling pounds bode better for Iraq and their economy better than a quick peg.

I do not mean to beat a dead horse, but a well planned monetary policy is what Iraq currently needs to begin strengthening the NID.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 4, 2006 11:15 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Rob N:
Spoken like an informed, and pragmatic investor that understands the nature of how human nature, and process of change works.
My thinking exactly. You are indeed a breath of fresh air in total conflict with some pie in the sky post on other forums.

Dinar Direct:
Thank you for identifying yourself as a dealer. It appears you are trying to be realistic in your projections, unlike other dinar peg spreaders.
Glad to have you aboard.

-- January 4, 2006 11:56 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Rob N.

I agree with you, too. Long-term, I think it will be a good investment, too, IMO.
It will take some heavy discipline to hold this investment, IMHO. Like you, I am definitely holding onto to mine, looking for a long-term return.

And, I further agree with you, regarding the lack of a well-planned monetary policy in Iraq. That is one of the main keys to putting the Iraqi dinar on a solid financial footing. Thanks for you good posting

Hey Iraqidinardirect,
I wished that I had found out about you all when I started looking to buy the Iraqi dinar (Nov, 2004). I would've probably bought from you all. You are being realistic about this investment, IMO. Good job

-- January 4, 2006 1:47 PM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

We speak the truth and if you have ever invested in the last 5 years in the stock market or mutual funds , we have all seen losses of 10-20% never mind a gain.I am happy at with the 35% return we got in the past couple years.We do not have to lie to get business,check out our ebay feedbacks and our website.We also have to sleep at night and i wouldnbody borrowing $20,000 on a credit card hoping to get rich ,another reason we refuse to take a credit card payment.

-- January 4, 2006 3:36 PM ∞

aux wrote:

I'd buy that for a dollar

-- January 4, 2006 5:05 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

CONTI- OF IRANIAN PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD
Studying your opponent allows you to understand his strength. But most of all, it allows you to know his weaknesses, and how to defeat your foe if battle is necessary.

Ahmadinejad's statement that, "Israel is a tumor on the Islamic soil that ought to be "wiped off of the map" is just a reflection of the main stream thought of many arabs,and has been documented too many times throughout history. The world and you, the dinar investor should not be caught slumbering about Iran's intentions. The man truly means what he says.

In 1992, Israeli Prime Minister Ytzhak Rabin made the statement, that the U.S made a mistake in fighting Iraqi, but instead should have gone after Iran. This is the nation in which Israel even in 1992, considered to be "the mother of modern Islamic Terrorism." "It is time for Israel to say enough...we will call their bluff."

I would say it would be safe to consider Ahmadinejad as a radical muslim. The view of modern Islamic activists, is that "Islam must rule the world and until Islam does rule, they will continue to sacrifice their lives. That is why the Iranian leader said what he did regarding igniting a Islamic Revolution of Global Proportions.

Nuclear Fuel Research Resumes
Iran has restarted their research and development in producing nuclear fuel. They rejected a proposal by Russia, that they would produce it for them, and control its use, so the USA and Israel would be more comfortable with the nuclear program.
** Iran knows this would be totally unacceptable to the US and Israel,given Iran's radical Islamic view and hate for Israel, and anyone who protects the Jews.
**Does it cross your mind that Iran just may be trying to setup a confrontation with Israel and the USA? If so, why would they want to do that?

The former WMD inspector stated, that in his opinion, Iran was the biggest winner when the USA removed Saddam. The real truth is for the first time Shiites are in command of Iraq. The only difference between the Shiite of Iran and Iraq is that Iran has stronger fundamentalistic views.

The entire region has a major problem with the Iranian President.Political problems can be solved through diplomacy. Ideological underpinnings such as a hostile regime like Iran cannot. Some things are certain, no amount of diplomacy will convince Irans Clerical leadership to abandon the Islamic tenets, and policies rooted in their interpretation of the Islamic theology. The basis of the social and legal order and source of all obligation in Islam is the Kuran. It is the final revelation of Allah's will that is to be obeyed by "all creation" Allah's divine sovereignty is irreconcilable with popular sovereignty, the keystone of democracy, such as in Iraq.

Food for thought...
What is the golden prize of the Middle east? Could you say that one of the prizes would be the Iraqi oil fields and all its wealth.
Whoever controls the oil fields also controls power never before held by any country, given the fact, that it is known that Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc are at their peak production, and can do no more.

What would be the one thing that would unite all of the Arab countries under one banner?
Could it possibly be hatrid of Isarel?

Given the fact, that Iran is Shiite and Iraq is mainly Shiite, what do you think would happen if Israel and the USA were to attack the Iranian Nuclear Facilities?

Do you think Iran would use this as a catalyst to attack the present "Iraqi democratic Government" which he has already told you would not be allowed to stand?

Given the fact, Iran would then be attacking under a Jihad banner, or Islamic Revolution banner into Iraq,(after the attack) because the present Iraqi government is seen my them as infidels of the USA and indirectly Israel,.... how many other Arab Countries which are now considered to be allies, do you think would switch sides?

What do you think we could do, if they did?

Do you think the present Iraqi leaders could withstand the attack with the Army they have?

Given the distance of Iraq from our nation, lack of logistical support, lack of military personnel to repell a nation that has 70 million people, the lost of our arab allies in which we could launch a counter attack, the in fighting of our governmental leaders, our countries weak financial position, and weak willed american populace...just how successful do you think Iran would be be in that attack?

If that happens, What do you think will happen to your dinar investment?
Yep! me too!!!!

So do ya now see, why I think Iran is goating Israel and the USA in attacking with the new start up of their nuclear program. Its not the nuclear program the Iranian leader wants, it is control of the Iraqi oil fields, and you can rest assure he is going to make a play for it.

Lets pray, our leaders have recognized that play, and know how to counter it before it begins.

Know you know why I said, It is my belief we are in a dangerous period with Iran at this time.

-- January 4, 2006 9:49 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl:

After reading your last three posts, I am amazed by your in-depth understanding of the situation in Iraq and the Arab nations. I am also appreciative of the time you spent researching the information that you presented. You have restored the T&B back to the point that I check in on only the T&B and I am sure that many others feel the same.

I really do not understand our steadfast commitment to Isrial. If we were not backing Isrial, then nearly all of our problems would be solved. I know that Isrial is a good country who is trying to do right but so is Africa and Etheopia. The Gaza Strip was recently razed at a cost of two billion dollars and the U.S. was presented with the bill as we were the orchestrator of this action.

I know this is controversial talk and would be better off not said, but when are we going to get our nose out of other country's business and look out for our interests.

If the country's all around Iraq and Iran are not concerned about them and none of Europe's seem disturbed, then why should we, some 6000 miles away be shaking in our boots.

We should close our borders and institute control over who comes here and monitor those suspect people who are already here and let the world know that if they inflict harm upon us that we will inflict more upon them.

I know that loving, caring people will not subscribe to my take and philosophy but we seem to be digging a hole and maybe we should throw away the shovel.

-- January 4, 2006 11:00 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl:

After reading your last three posts, I am amazed by your in-depth understanding of the situation in Iraq and the Arab nations. I am also appreciative of the time you spent researching the information that you presented. You have restored the T&B back to the point that I check in on only the T&B and I am sure that many others feel the same.

I really do not understand our steadfast commitment to Isrial. If we were not backing Isrial, then nearly all of our problems would be solved. I know that Isrial is a good country who is trying to do right but so is Africa and Etheopia. The Gaza Strip was recently razed at a cost of two billion dollars and the U.S. was presented with the bill as we were the orchestrator of this action.

I know this is controversial talk and would be better off not said, but when are we going to get our nose out of other country's business and look out for our interests.

If the country's all around Iraq and Iran are not concerned about them and none of Europe's seem disturbed, then why should we, some 6000 miles away be shaking in our boots.

We should close our borders and institute control over who comes here and monitor those suspect people who are already here and let the world know that if they inflict harm upon us that we will inflict more upon them.

I know that loving, caring people will not subscribe to my take and philosophy but we seem to be digging a hole and maybe we should throw away the shovel.

-- January 4, 2006 11:05 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bob!
A simple sentence will answer your questions...

"When Good men do nothing...evil flurishes..."

I myself would have it no other way. I'm glad our president has the will and power to take names and kick ass if we have too. I would hate to think, that the USA would become another United Nations. You see most middle eastern cultures only respect strength and arm force. Without it you are just another animal or dog to them.(this is what they also call us non-belivers)
Appeasement never works with the fanantical jihadist. That is why you have to kill them, negoiation does not work, and only makes you appear weak in their eyes.

-- January 5, 2006 1:40 AM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

Awesome entries, Carl. I can agree that with a little coaxing this board is ready to "Rock" once again.

I remember a time when every other week people were begging Kevin for a new thread. I miss all that action, and still check in daily. I think we are closer now to our goal than we know.

I too trust in our President Bush and brave heros in the field.

Priortize, Focus, Execute!

-- January 5, 2006 3:00 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

To All T&B Posters:

I have been trying to find a way to describe the attitudes of the New Iraqi Leaders when they developed their constitution, and how they relate the formation of the new democratic government to their culture.
In my opinion, most americans believe the Iraqi constitution is written or should have been written similar to the USA constitution. Why? Because that is what our citizens can relate too.That is what we understand.

Nothing could be further from the truth.
In our constitution, religion and civil law are considered to be separate.

To the Muslim, the "Sharia" is not an addition to the "secular" legal code with which it co-exists. The Sharia is the "Only True Code" It is the "only basis of obligation"
To be legitimate in the muslim populace eyes, all political power therefore is granted and rest exclusively with those who enjoy the blessing of "Allah's" Authority.
Independent Politics is not a part of "Islam", as that would imply Civil Law and Islamic Law have equal footing. Even if the Iraqi leaders designed it that way, a majority of the Iraqi people would not accept it. In the Muslim's point of view, civil law will never exceed or never be allowed to conflict with the Sharia. Iraqi Courts will be conducted under civil law, guided by the Sharia.
That is their culture, and that is the atmosphere in which the worlds economic powers must operate in Iraq. That is the governmental atmosphere in which the Iraqi dinar will develop in.

-- January 5, 2006 7:44 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

WHERE YOU ARE POSITIONED RELATES TO YOUR VIEW OF THINGS

From Irans point of view they see the US occupying Iraq to the West, rebuilding Afghanistan in the East,and a large Fifth Naval Fleet to your South.
Our government at the same time has and is harshly criticising Irans foreign and domestic policies every chance they get. The US still has Iranian assets frozen since 1979, and is now pumping the UN Security Council to slam Irans efforts in their nuclear ambition.
In effect, the US has and is continuing to undermine any chance of significant foreign investments even remotely interested in coming to your country. Remember, Iran has a large population of 70 million. Unskilled labor is abundant, with very little opportunity for advance education for a majority of the populace. The results is extremely high unemployment and very low living standards, even for the middle east.
If you were an Iranian, just what do you think would be your attitude toward the US Government? Do you think that maybe distrust of the US's intention may have some play in your emotions? If Iran was doing the same thing around the US, and threatening our form of government with their view of Islam, would you as a citizen become alarmed? I think you would.

Forget the reasons for why our government has carried this type of Status Quo toward Iran. Both sides can show reasons and legitmate justifications for their actions. But the fact remains...the US is in a position where our status quo has placed us in a corner of dealing with a hardline government,and that government has intense dislike for our government.

This conflict has to be disfused, if nothing else for the middle east's speace of mind.

Do I think Iran is going to get nuclear capability? The answer is yes. It is a matter of time, not when, in my opinion.
Iran, the US and Israel must come to some type of mutual agreement in order for the potential conflict, which would ignite the entire region, to be removed.

Our status quo of coercion is proving to be uneffective with the current Iranian President.
The US must give a indication to Iran and our surrounding Arab Allies that we are willing to negoiate only, if the Iranians are willing to do the same with above board intentions.
Attacking Iran would and will the worst thing, that the United States or Israel could do. The resolution in my opinion lies within the influence of the Arab league of Nations, and the GCC Countries. As they have as much to lose as everyone.
What terms or conditions of the negoiation will be deal with by our Arab Allies. If this is not resolved in a manner of non-military conflict, you are going to see these things for certain....Israel,the US or both together are going to attack the nuclear facilities of Iran. Iran is going to retaliate in many different ways, including the taking over of Iraq.
Iran must be made to see, that joining the region in economic expansion projects is better that destroying not only their country, but the middle east.

Time will tell I believe within the next 12 months.

-- January 5, 2006 8:21 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carl,

Those are some good posts on the intentions of the Iranian President/government.

I had mentioned to you earlier about the supposed meeting between the CIA and the Turkish goverment last month. This was reported by the news media.

http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,392783,00.html

Interesting.......

-- January 5, 2006 9:10 AM ∞

donald wrote:

And what would a bombed Iran do? Would it abandon its nuclear plans or try all the harder to get a nuke - perhaps by attempting to buy one from, say, Pakistan? One veteran conservative observer, Arnaud de Borchgrave, suggested in a recent op-ed that Ahmadinejad actually wants the United States or Israel to attack his country as a way of cementing his standing with the dominant diehard-rejectionist faction.

-- January 5, 2006 10:03 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Donald:
I concur with you on Ahmadinejad attempting to provoke the US and Israel.

-- January 5, 2006 10:05 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Bob:

I would like to address breifly a statement you made in your previous post; "I really do not understand our steadfast commitment to Isrial".

The U.S. commitment to Israel stems from our nations Theological perspective. Without getting to indepth in Theological argumentation or Judeo-Christian religious tradition; I think right or wrong our government believes that Israel is God's (Jehovah's)chosen nation. Secondly, at Christ's second coming he will set up an earthly kingdom in Israel, specifically in Jerusalem. Generally, members of our government believe the Bible to be true and our foreign policy toward Israel is based upon Israels place in Biblical history as well as their future in Jehovah's economy based upon one interpretation of the Bible.

Viewing our government's actions regarding Israel through our over-ridding theological perspecitve, in my opinion, makes a little more sense when we discuss U.S. and Israli relations.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 5, 2006 10:36 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

SOMEBODY ASK ME THE OTHER DAY..

Did I have an opinion about all of the peg rumors being spread like barnyard fertilizer...

Of course I do, if you have not guessed by now...

Since I don't know personally the sprouters of the dinar peg rumors, I can only address the material or method in which they get their "super secret Information". This is not an attack on their character personally. I assume individuals apparently believe the peg information they are putting out is the truth, and do not have any hidden agenda or purpose.

The trouble with the purveyors of these peg rumors, is not that they know so little or a lot about something...., but the method in which they get their information, as it hasn't proven to be unreliable or accurate for several months. You would think that by now, they would have fiqured out they need to change their method of information gathering, and also discard the proven to be "unreliable informats". It has been my experience that someone is using someone
when this pattern continues.

In the South thats called Southern Insanity.... The process of continuing to do the same ole thing, all the time expecting to get different results.

-- January 5, 2006 11:12 AM ∞

MRS. TEMPLETON wrote:

THE BEST TO MR. CARL AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE ON T AND B
MY FREINDS YOU ALL SOUND LIKE MY HUSBAND. I AM EXPECTING A PEG ANYDAY NOW BUT MY HUSBAND SAYS IT WILL NEVER PEG.
MY HUSBAND SAYS LANCE IS FROM OUT ER SPACE MY HUSBAND SAYS LANCE HAS BEEN WRONG 45 TIMES AND COUNTING. I TOLD MY HUSBAND ANYBODY CAN BE WRONG EVERY NOW AND THEN. MY HUSBAND COMPLAINS CAUSE I MAKE HIM WORK THREE JOBS TO PAY FOR MORE DINAR. I ORDERED 3 MILION MORE ON LANCE'S LATEST PREDICKTION. YOU SEE LANCE IS A SPECIAL PERSON. MY HUSBAND SAYS THAT BANK ROBBERS AND PALM READERS ARE SPECIAL PERSONS TOO. OH HE CAN BE SO MEAN SOMETIMES.

MY HUSBAND'S NOT AROUND MUCH ANYMORE. I SUSBPECT THAT BECAUSE HE WORKS ONLY 20 HOURS A DAY AND I DON'T SEE HIM FOR THE OTHER 4 HOURS ON EVERY TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. HE SAYS THAT IT IS ONLY A COINCIDENCE THAT MY BEST FREIND HAS THOSE DAYS OFF FROM HER JOB TOO. I SAW MY HUSBAND KISSING MY BEST FREIND THE OTHER DAY. HE SAID THAT NO IT WAS NOT A KISS. HE SAID THAT MY BEST FREIND WAS HAVING A CULTURE SHOCK AND HE WAS HAVING TO GIVE HER MOUTH TO MOUTH RESUSITATION. WHAT IS A CULTURE SHOCK? OH WELL IT SEEMED TO WORK GOOD CAUSE MY BEST FREIND WAS SMILING AND ALL AFTER THE MOUTH TO MOUTH. I WAS GLAD THAT HE WAS ABLE TO SAVE MY BEST FREIND'S LIFE. HE IS A GOOD MAN SOMETIMES. HERES TO YOU LANCE!!! MRS. TEMPLETON BELEIVES IN YOU. I WROTE A CHECK TODAY FOR MY NEW MERCEDES, CAUSE I KNOW LANCE IS GOING TO BE RIGHT ON THIS PREDICKTION OF THE DINAR PEG. I TOLD THE SALESMAN TO HOLD IT UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH. I SHOULD HAVE MY MILIONS ACORDING TO LANCE'S LATEST PREDICKTION.
YOURS TRULY, MRS TEMPLETON

-- January 5, 2006 1:03 PM ∞

John wrote:

Is there any place one may purchase dinars and get physical notes and sell physical notes at market price, without getting smacked with a large purchase commission / sales commission or overvalued market price? Thanks for your input. current market price is $1 US Dollar = 1,474.60 Iraqi Dinars. That means One Million Iraqi Dinars would sell for 678.15 US Dollars NOW.

-- January 5, 2006 2:08 PM ∞

pedro wrote:

well im a soldier who took the bait early on. ive got alot of dinar, is there a bank that i can put it into so that when it opens on the trading market i can cash in on it. i havent hear a thing about it since i left iraq almost a year ago. enjoyed the reading, but really dont understand why you all or some of you have argued...we are shooting iraqis and and they are shooting us...that would put everything into speculation wouldnt it. anywho, any help on this would be great...let me say im a strong believer...when the guy sent to iraq to fix thier banks and implement the new money was buying it up like crazy..i thought it was a good idea, thats all, no other reason, but i got this feeling that some day, it will pay off. and if it doesnt...no big deal i just used the money that i would have spent drinking and going out, gas, car upkeep, well everything my normal life would have cost me in a year and invested that..so the money was gone either way...so please, no na sayers..just the believers.

-- January 5, 2006 2:11 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Mrs. Templeton,
I hate to break the news, but a culture shock is not an electrical shock. Your husband is pulling your leg. Are you being serious?

Hey John,
Sorry, but I don't know of any place that you can get the physical notes at exchange rate, unless you know someone who is stationed in Iraq. I know what you mean about the commission part. Some of these dealers are charging ridiculous rates relative to the exchange rate in Iraq. Personally, I wouldn't purchase Iraqi dinar from anyone offering pie-in-the-sky projections on the Iraqi dinar's future value.

I have a niece stationed over there, but I haven't asked her about buying Iraqi dinar.

Have you purchased any Iraqi dinar from one of the many dinar sellers in the U. S.? I'm afraid that I can't help you beyond this.

Hey Pedro,
First of all, thanks for your service to your country.

I don't know of any bank where one could actually deposit your Iraqi dinar, unless you want to use an Iraqi bank. Even then, I would think that it's very risky. There are a couple of banks that you can actually deposit your Iraqi dinar into. I would rather hold onto mine, and know that it is in my hands. That is my opinion, but others hold a different position on this.

-- January 5, 2006 3:57 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Hi All, Sara here.

I just read up on the posts for the past while. Bob, no, you had nothing to do with the "vacation" from the T&B board, no offense was taken because of you.

Bob, the difference you hear between a PEG and Revaluation or RV is interesting. A RV is where the Dinar appreciates but remains pegged to the USD as it is presently (except today it is at the 1460 to 1 dinar level and after the RV it would be a larger number, of course). The PEG idea is that the Dinar revalues against another currency, like the Euro, hence, PEGGING the Dinar to that currency. If you believe in a PEG/RV, the difference is really negligible in how you express it. One word is not more correct than the other unless you can prove it will be against the USD currency or not.

As for which view to believe, most who have lately expressed their views on this board are the slow, long term growth believers. I am not one of those, but believe it is possible to have a quicker peg. I believe that even as the Iraqi Dinar went from being around 30 cents US in trade before the US forces went into Iraq, to being worth what it is now (1460 to 1 Dinar), there will be a one time BIG Revaluation of the Dinar followed by a float regime which is stablized and well backed. In an earlier T&B post, I quoted an Iraqi Bank Manager who said that he felt it should at least PEG to the level it was at before (30 cents).
In this transcript..
http://www.aei.org/events/filter.,eventID.923/transcript.asp
you find these words....

"MINISTER MAHDI: Yes, okay. Inflation and exchange rate. Well, we are trying to float our currency. It's not a fixed exchange rate. It's a floating one. But it is stabilized. It's today around 1,460, the exchange rate, 1,460 dinar for each dollar. And it's stable. That's a very important issue."

That is why I think the aim is that once the RV happens it will be a floating currency, stabilized and backed by the many financial instruments Iraq has at its disposal today (such as the standby agreement with the IMF, etc).

For those who think that it is slow growth only and no PEG to a currency such as the Euro, you are free to believe what you believe. But this does not diminish from the viability or credibility of the Peg/RV position in my view and I do not appreciate the attacks and jibes against the position as though it has no merit. Parody on past rumors which have not materialized like Mrs. Templeton's (a parody is an intentional mockery), words like "laughable rumors", "parroting worthless gab rumors" and "all talk of a peg as sure is absurd" do not inspire confidence in me that you are open to any other viewpoint than your own. If you attack another person's researched and sincerely held position as worthless, absurd and laughable, I can assure you they won't feel welcome to contribute their two cents worth to this board.

I am hoping for more maturity from the board members than that and that, while you might disagree with my position or the position of any others on the board, you might do so with civility and respect, in which case, it would be great to post here again.

Sara.

-- January 5, 2006 9:10 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

'US planning strike against Iran'
Dec. 31, 2005 19:33 | Updated Jan. 1, 2006 6:38
By JPOST.COM STAFF

The United States government reportedly began coordinating with NATO its plans for a possible military attack against Iran.

The German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel collected various reports from the German media indicating that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are examining the prospects of such a strike.

Although Der Spiegel could not say that these plans were concrete, they did note that according to a January 2005 New Yorker report American forces had entered Iran in 2005 in order to mark possible targets for an aerial assault.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1135696369601&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

-- January 5, 2006 9:17 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:
Its great to read ya post on the board again. The board needs another point of view to balance some of us who have the long term view of the dinar. I, for one would love to see you carry the banner for the "Quick RV train of thought" on the dinar.
I believe I can speak for some of the posters on the board, and state your input has always been informative and well thoughtout.
Just for the record, If ya talk to Lance and the others,who lean toward the "quick RV dinar theory", I, for one, am inviting them to the board to lets say.."pick their brain" and
invite anyone of them to expound on the method and information they have used, and are presently using in their predictions, which renders contious projected dates when the dinar will Rv or Peg etc;;;;

Personal Character attacks on a poster, or group of posters should not be done. Challenges to information put forth predicting the day, week or the dinar value amount, are legtimate targets of discussion. These areas are subject to debate, and should be done fairly. Since I have not read all of these guys rumors and predictions they have plugged in the past, I am puzzled as to why someone or any group would continue to spread information of a dinar peg or RV dates, that has a long proven history of being totally wrong and unreliable.

I would love to hear what the purpose of all of these future RV or Peg dinar predictions are.

First rule of thumb...Things are never done in a vacuum..and always have a purpose. Just curious about theirs,and maybe they would like to expound on that purpose.
It brings to my mind, the ole addage.."If you want to know the real purpose of the players.... follow the money".

My best to ya...its like ole times..

-- January 5, 2006 10:44 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara, Carl, Robert and any others who have been MIA. Its great to have you back. It does my old heart good to see the family intact once again.

I, too, believe that we can all be more civil, but I also believe that we are in somewhat of a debate forum and disagreement in part of this. Lets all lighten up and roll with the punches.

Each night I come down to my office in my basement and tune in to the T&B and read your posts. I have a refrigerator with ice maker, a case of mountain dew and a few bottles of vodka. I have a couple of drinks and sometimes post what I believe rather than that which is politically correct. (this also accounts for occasional misspelled words).

I am so impressed with recent posts. The comprehensive, in depth thinking that went into the posts and the research. The T&B and you recent returnees are most of the reason. Sara and Carl, you are great, please don't abandon us again.

BOB.

-- January 5, 2006 11:14 PM ∞

Todd wrote:

Hello to all.

Regarding the debate peg vs float... I am wondering how it would be possible for it peg? Lets say it pegs at pre-war levels of .30 as Sara has suggested is possible. Would there not be a crush of people converting dinars to dollars? How would the central bank hope to handle this? There are probably enough people on this board alone to make a large dent.
Would it not make more sense that they let it float to what the market considers "fair market value". Then for every seller there would be a buyer?

-- January 6, 2006 12:12 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bob!
Always glad to read your inputs. Your opinion carries the same value as anyone on this board. Mountain dew and voka Hu!...Well! When I see ya...mixer up...I'll have a double.

Todd:
Your thoughts on the dinar value makes more sense to me...but I,m no economist and know very little about how many methods of monetary valuation one could use.

But I do know there are three facts that must be present in order for any county's currency to increase in value. Government Stability (not even close yet) Internal Security (investors have to feel their investment will be safe) Thriving Economy (The economy has and is improving but has a long way to go. {Utilities have to be better to support the manufacturing plants, which in turn hires the populace, which inturn improves the economic situation}

I believe the Iraqi Central Bank will increase the dinar value but it will be gradual. That valuation will be occur internally only, just as the dinar can only be used in Iraqi now.This valuation will not help us greatly and will not until the currency is accepted outside of Iraq. Then and only then can you and I,(dinar investor) from other countries can exchange the dinar for a profit. It is my view this will not occur until Iraq is excepted as a full member in the IMF, and complete all requirements required of the international banking industry.
ALARM:
I assure you, that if the situation with Iran is not settled, we will not have to worry about the Iraqi dinar valuation. I view that situation like I would a 10 million liter natural gas tank spewing gas, with the same unpredictable conclusion.

-- January 6, 2006 5:55 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

US expects more Iraq fuel price rises, privatisation
1/6/2006

BAGHDAD, Jan 5 (Reuters): US officials expect Iraq to make further cuts in subsidies that will generate more unpopular fuel price increases this year, and are also urging the new government to make a quick start on privatisation.

By the end of the year, however, he stressed that reductions in fuel subsidies, pressed on Iraq by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), would still leave heating, cooking and vehicle fuel cheaper than in neighbouring countries.

The doubling and tripling of fuel prices has provoked protests and some violence. Delare said he suspected some of the trouble was caused by black market profiteers deliberately trying to sabotage the reform. He said reducing subsidies, and with them the corruption that sees subsidised fuel being smuggled out of Iraq by black marketeers, was vital to improving government finances and would enable the country to invest in public services.

http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=1/6/2006§ion_id=8&newsid=12020&spcl=no

-- January 6, 2006 9:27 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Appreciate it, Bob.. and I will try to.. lighten up and roll with the punches. :)

Carl, my friend, I appreciate your post and will try to bring to the board a good and informed view. :)
To my mind, when the dates passed, most people just walked away and said the rumor posters were unreliable, so that they didn't care to hear the explanations given. I try to listen first before passing judgement and the explanations made perfect sense to my logical brain, and so I have remained in the PEG/RV camp of thought.

The main thing I felt was important to remember is that most of the intelligence (sources) these people had were on our side of the ocean, not in Iraq. And that the people doing the actual pegging of the Dinar are the Iraqis.. Iraqi politicians, Iraqi Bankers.. etc, so that, if the Iraqis said no go.. it all came to a standstill, no matter what the guys over here wished to be happening. The sequence of events which the big rumor posters have predicted have been predicted correctly. I expect the sequence of events continue to prove correct, even if delayed in the timeline. Having a smoking rocket on the tarmac.. just because it does not launch at the end of the countdown to zero.. does not make the rocket disappear. Liftoff was just delayed until the launcher presses the go button (the Iraqis).

The second thing is that God is in control and God will have this happen when He decides it is time, not before. :)
It doesn't matter who believes or disbelieves it, it will only happen when it is supposed to.
If current rumor predictions, such as Timsmith57 on the iraqidinarinformation site, here:
http://www.iraqidinarinformation.com/showthread.php?t=1226&page=1&pp=10
If that prediction is close to the fire (and it seems like there is a lot of smoke lately, seems logical that someone has to be close enough to see the fire) and he has it right that it is about to happen; no matter if people believe or not, it will simply RV at about the time he has heard that it will (give or take a bit for the inexact science of it being passed on through the imperfect vessels of men). But if God doesn't will it, no matter how many plans of Bankers or politicians, nor how well laid the plans, it will go astray and be overthrown.

Sara.

-- January 6, 2006 10:25 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Sara,
I wanted to chime in too. I respect your opinion too. You are a very intelligent person, and I always look forward to reading your posts. Keep it up. Let me say that, while I disagree with you on the long-term versus the short-term outlook regarding the Iraqi dinar's future value, I do AGREE with you on a whole lot more regarding the Iraqi dinar.

I also really like an honest debate, not full of parodies, that will hopefully show all sides of the debate. As I have mentioned to you before, you are an excellent source of information, and YOU GO, GIRL!!! And, regardless of which side is correct, we all think that we are going to make money eventually on our investment in the Iraqi dinar. Sooooo, let the FRIENDLY/RESPECTFUL DEBATE begin.

Hey Todd,
Your post is a real good question. I am still studying this currency valuation thing myself. But, what you suggest makes real good sense to me. And, your opinion on this shows that you are engaged in the debate. Good points and glad to be able to talk with you, too.

Hey Bob,
Thanks, and I look forward to discussing this investment with you again, also. I like T & B, because you can post today, tomorrow or whenvever. Yet, we can all come on, regardless of when we posted last, and still feel like part of the debate on T & B.

-- January 6, 2006 11:04 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Social security to cover 1 million families, official says

By Sameer Nasser

Azzamman, January 5, 2006

All Iraqis with no income or financial support will receive for the first time “meaningful” monthly salaries from the state, Finance Ministry Undersecretary said.

“We have established a network of social security protection for the first time in Iraq’s history under which 1 million Iraqi families on or below the poverty line will get monthly salaries,” Hmoud said.

He said each family will get 120,000 Iraqi dinars a month, approximately 86 U.S. dollars.

http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2006-01-05\147.htm

-- January 6, 2006 11:49 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all
Sara sure glad to here from you again.To all old and new people here on the T&B web,we will see and hear of a great difference that we the U.S.A. and others in this big world of ours,have help make in Iraq.We must be calm and collective and help each other with any and all news on the dinar and the improvement of Iraq/
Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- January 6, 2006 11:51 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Here is the link to Iraq's letter of intent to the IMF from sept 2004.

http://www.imf.org/external/np/loi/2004/irq/01/

I believe this document contains proof of a PEG.

In it, there are statements showing the CBI governor Shabibi and the finance minister laying out Iraq's medium-term intentions concerning Iraqi monetary policy.

Section #39 discusses Iraq's current exchange rate. It says that Iraq wants the exchange rate to CHANGE once the proper economic reforms are put in place.

"The current framework of broad exchange rate stability has worked well towards achieving price stability and we will preserve it for the time being. However, as the data situation improves and the CBI gains a better understanding of the transmission mechanism of monetary policy, the appropriateness of this policy regime as the best means in the medium term of delivering price stability will need to be reevaluated. The CBI would expect the exchange rate to be allowed to reflect the effects of structural changes in the economy and real shocks as needed. We will therefore be vigilant regarding developments that may call for greater flexibility of the exchange rate, including excessive downward pressure on the exchange rate that would threaten to reduce Iraq's foreign exchange reserves below a minimum acceptable level of $4 billion, or signs that inflation could exceed our forecast (as specified above)."

Then, Section #45 states that Iraq would like for their currency to become convertible.

"The government remains committed to an open trade and exchange system. In that regard, we are taking steps to become a full member of the World Trade Organization. Looking forward, the government will avoid imposing restrictions on payments and transfers for international transactions, to introduce new or intensify trade restrictions for balance of payments purposes, or resort to multiple currency practices. The government will also discuss with IMF staff the possibility of accepting as early as possible the obligations of Article VIII, Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the IMF's Articles of Agreement."

These to me show the ability of the Dinar to PEG/RV.

Sara.

-- January 6, 2006 3:28 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Large Institutions Buying IN to Dinar as we cash OUT.

Todd;

You asked about the peg.. and people cashing out swamping the system. This was my thoughts on it from my research..

For those of us here on this side of the ocean, we will all go to the local currency dealers or banks to have our Dinar cashed in. Before we do that, the Banks will buy large quantities of Dinar for their own stores so that they can do transactions in both directions. Banks make money on the buy/sell spread or commission when it comes to individual transactions like ours will be. The Dinar investments by the professionals and institutions, however, will swamp anything we little investors will cash in, both on the buying and selling ends.

We will be dealing with millions of Dinars, but the institutions will be buying and selling BILLIONS of Dinars. For every one of us little guys selling our 1 million Dinar for his own personal fortune, you will have a Bank or Commercial interest picking up 10 Billion at the current exchange rate. Yes, commercial interests will buy in too, and they will be speculating that the Dinar will go up as we did... only on the grander Commercial scale.

I believe it is a fallacy to believe that all the trading will be in one direction only or to believe that a few thousand individual investors will matter in a field with these large institutions buying in.

Sara.

-- January 6, 2006 5:05 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

If you do not mind, I am one of those that has a pragmatic view of NID investing. From my perspective a quick peg would ultimately devalue the fledging currency to the point where it might be scrapped for a non-coalition script.

The document you reference is well over a year old. The fulfillment of the IMF's letter of intent is dependent upon many factors. These variables will determine when the new evaluation will be done.

One factor (I know everyone is probably tired of hearing this) is the lack of a concrete Iraqi monetary policy. I do not see how the IMF can faithfully excute its intent until one exists. Therefore, I think to expect a peg prior to a monetary policy being in place is something that should not be expected.

A concrete monetary policy is just a single factor there are others, which I am sure have been discussed previous to my postings on this board.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 6, 2006 5:20 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:
Lets get this debate on..............
Shall we shake hands and come out typing....

First:
I understand your view of wanting to give anyone the benefit of a doubt, when posted
predictions go wrong or did not come to past. I think any fair minded individual would say Ok! apparently something didn't jell as they expected... So my question to the poster who projected the rumor, would be ...where did the weak link collapse the chain?.
You would then listen and make your decision if it was logical or not.
I believe this is what you have done with the person or persons who have floated peg/RV rumors.

Maybe you can explain it or let them explain, why were these rumors being posted in the first place? What was and is the purpose of those hyped peg/RV post? I mean this is not like inside stock trading here.
I guess better question is who is the most logical person or group to gain by hyping a dinar peg?

It comes to my mind if anyone of these persons were selling dinars or connected to someone selling dinars, then it would make some sense as to why Rv/Peg rumors were being spread on a regular bases.

Or just for thought, what if this person or persons were unknowingly being manipulated by their Iraqi sources in Irag, who are selling or connected to a institution or group that is selling Iraqi dinar...then it would make sense why this is being done. Feed misinformation on the hype of the dinar, and allow greed to create the demand from all who reads the bogus information.
I am not saying this is what happen, I am just saying this is a realistic possibility.

Now! The truth appears to be...the person or persons who were spreading the rumors are really not in a position to know for sure just what is happening with the dinar... The only way anyone would know for sure would be the person or be in a group of persons who are the ones who were and are actually setting the program for RVing the dinar. Being on this side of the ocean and parroting what someone else in a country 1,000 of miles away said...is just that, "Parroting"

Apparently whoever was feeding the information was not directly involved in the dinar valuation....because the informats who gave the information to the purveyors of the peg rumors by their own record had the information wrong,..... which within itself shows hearsay type information, and not reliable information.

Now! I understand that...is not uncommon for informats to have some details wrong on occassional bases. What is strickly out of the ordinary is for that information to continually be misleading, which inturn created false peg hype on a regular bases.

Whats even more disturbing is that the purveyors of the rumors continued to accept information from their informats as valid information, when nothing they said in the past regarding the peg or RV of the dinar prove to be true.

In fact, the purveyors of the Peg Rumors continued to post these peg/RV rumors apparently without question.

In fact as of this date, the information put out concerning the dinar peg/RV on dates given has still not be validated, nor come to past.

I would like someone to explain to the readers of this board, why would a person or persons would continue posting for weeks and months on end... information that by its on past history, was proving to be less that accurate.

Knowing that in order for a country to revalue thier currency, there has to be some basic elements present in order for that currency to revalue.

Just three of these 1. Must have a stable government 2. Must have internal security to protect investors investments 3. Must have the under lying manufacturing capabilities to support a trained work force and strengthen the economy. With the power grids running at 60% and less in most areas this difinitely can not be done.

What legitimate elements did the purveyors of the peg rumors use to validate the information that the informats were telling them.

Why did they continue to ignore the steady stream of less that credible information being fed to them, and then continue to post it. Was it just to create excitement.

Maybe this person or persons like to watch the excitement of people, just as someone likes to set fires and then watch the fire department put it out. It creates a fantasy excitement that livens up their life or lives for a while. I am not saying that is the case just wondering thoughts here.

Sara I know this is long, and there are a lot of questions. Some of these, I think maybe you should delegate to the purveyors of the rumors to answer if they will. If there is silence as a response from them, then I believe the readers have their answer.

-- January 6, 2006 7:02 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

No, Carl, I will not shake hands and come out typing.

As I said to you before, if you cannot treat me and my position of
belief in the short term view with civility and respect, I will not post
here. I do not think you would even have considered the issue of the Rumor
Posters if I had not brought up the fact to you that I was aquainted
with them and believe them. When you said, quote..

"Some of these (questions), I think maybe you should delegate to the
purveyors of the rumors to answer if they will. If there is silence as a
response from them, then I believe the readers have their answer."

I understood you to mean that I should use my friendship to try and
force them to answer you. I did not come to this board to have my
friendships manipulated in such a manner for your gratification. I
cannot and will not speak for them, and they have certainly not chosen
to post on this board. They are not accountable to you or anyone else
for their rumors. They do not have to justify themselves to you or
anyone. They put out rumors, take it or leave it as you will. They did
not deserve such ridicule as you or others (such as Aboutdinar) have
heaped upon them. I have taken very great offense that you would say,
quote:

Maybe this person or persons like to watch the excitement of people,
just as someone likes to set fires and then watch the fire department
put it out. It creates a fantasy excitement that livens up their life or
lives for a while. I am not saying that is the case just wondering
thoughts here.

When a man attacks others he does not know and has not met in such a manner, even after I had requested civility and respect... well, I will simply go to a board which has a little more
respect and civility for those who sincerely share and contribute.

Sara.

-- January 7, 2006 3:48 AM ∞

Todd wrote:

Hello to the group,

Carl…nice post …again.
Sara, thank you for your thoughts also.

Sorry in advance for this long post. Any one with ADD or on their lunch break may want to skip to the next one….

Occam's Razor (also spelled Ockham's Razor), is a principle attributed to the 14th-century English logician and Franciscan friar, William of Ockham. It forms the basis of methodological reductionism, also called the principle of parsimony or law of economy.
In its simplest form, Occam's Razor states that one should make no more assumptions than needed. Put into everyday language, it says
Numquam ponendo est pluritas sine necessitate. [Latin]
which translates to:
Multiples should never be used if not necessary.
or
"Shave off" (omit) unnecessary entities in explanations.
But a more commonly used translation is:
Given two equally predictive theories, choose the simpler.
For example, after a storm you notice that a tree has fallen. Based on the evidence of the storm and the fallen tree, a reasonable hypothesis would be that the storm blew down the tree — a hypothesis that requires you to suspend your disbelief very little, as there exist strong logical connections binding what you already know to this solution (seeing and hearing storms tends to indeed indicate the existence of storms; storms are more than capable of felling trees). A rival hypothesis claiming that the tree was knocked over by marauding 200-metre tall space aliens requires several additional assumptions, with various logical weaknesses resulting from inconsistencies with what is already known (concerning the very existence of aliens, their ability and desire to travel interstellar distances, their ability and desire to (non-)intentionally knock down trees and the alien biology that allows them to be 200 metres tall in terrestrial gravity), and is therefore less preferred.
“The simplest solution to the obvious is usually the most correct and accurate”
I am wondering….so far there has not been a peg of the currency. There has been a managed float. It would seem reasonable to me that with a history of a managed float the government would continue with a managed float. As time goes by…as the governement relaxes their grip the currency would eventually adjust to what the market will bear. There would be no big run on the central bank. There would not be a wild, free for all with millionairs running the streets. There would be some semblance of order in the process….something the markets could digest.
This is not to say that the Dinar would not make a great run.
Looking at the possibilites….some of the largest companies in the world (with some of the best analysts) are lining up deep to get into Iraq and are already laying groundwork for when the time is right… They see the tremendous oportunity to market to millions of people that have been oppressed for generations. Even Don King was on TV today wanting to promote a boxing match in Iraq! There is an opportunity to create an economy there that would be the envy of the entire region. With the country’s vast resources of oil, natural gas, water, and starved population, the place is a powder keg of free enterprise waiting to explode. It just needs the right spark.
I believe the combustion would already have taken off if it wasn’t for the fear factor of the insurgents and the damage they cause blowing up oil lines, assasinating pollitical figures, intimidating the people, etc. I also believe the days are numbered that the insurgents can hold the masses back and keep business and growth out. Tips to the millitary and police have gone from a few a day to hundreds a day. Today I was reading how hundreds were boldly protesting in broad daylight to stop the violence and get rid of the insurgents. They have gotten used to democracy pretty fast over there…try that a short time ago.
This is not to say there are not problems …we all know how many countless ways this train could get derailed.
I’m guessing it will take some time for it to settle down enough over there for the dinar to make a move, or for the government to let it move….and like Carl mentioned, there have to be certain institutions in place and events to happen…. but when the Dinar does begin to move people will be piling on and I think it move very nicely…
Some time may not be a long time either.
With respect to all...thank you all for the podium.

-- January 7, 2006 5:19 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Todd:
Very well written, and a good point of view.

-- January 7, 2006 7:41 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

HEADS UP FOLKS...

China dropped the financial hydrogen bomb
...as of yesterday announced they are going to dump $15 billion US dollars. The response was the dollar has began to weaken, the price of metal values are going to continue to rise even higher....

China and Russia and monetary officials have been meeting. Russia has stated, they will back Syria and Iran if there is a conflict with the US or Israel.(intentions made visible)

Is Russia going to be the next to dump US dollars, and no longer accept it has valid currency for their goods?

Remember, you can attack a country in several different ways. The most devastating is an economic attack. If china continues to dump, and along with some other countries, it will drive our dollar to where it is worthless on the international market.Iran has announced that in March 06, they will not accept any US Dollars for their oil.
Do they know something that we don't? Heads up here...mark this time period from March to about 3 months out, say June that Iran is going to pull something.

Is this an indication of something to come that will devalue or make our dollar worthless?

We have transported our manufacturing to china, and other countries etc...the only way we can get the material that we need for our country is to purchase it from those manufacturing plants, now setting in countries who are deliberately driving the value of the dollar down.

Can everybody look in the mirror and look for the scribbling that is across our forehead that says "Dumb Ass".

How could we as a nation, allowed our leaders to transfer the majority of our manufacturing capabilities over seas?

Have you forgotten, that China has placed itself in strategic positions throughout the world that would stop us in our tracks from responding to a international crisis, ie...China now has control of both ends of the panama canal, thanks to President Carter... China now has control of the largest container port in the world, they have set it up where we are now a dependent nation on outsourcing our raw materials, the old addage, from weak hands to strong hands does money flow.
Folks! I am in no way an alarmist..We have placed the security of our nation in a weak position of defense and offense.
Frankly I believe we have a real definitive reason to be scared about the dumping of the US Dollar.
Does this mean that the dollar in the future may not be accepted in Iraq.

There is a saying, "that when commodities do not cross borders....armies do....."

-- January 7, 2006 8:16 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

In reply to those who are asking me, no, I do not see the point of continuing to post on the T and B board. The post today which assets that believing the PEG is in the hands of the Iraqis and that the Iraqis are delaying is equivalent to believing in alien beings ripping a tree out of the ground instead of a hurricane, only shows me that I am dealing with irrational persons who will attack my position as ridiculous no matter what I say. It is not a level playing field but you are committed to your long term view and will not allow any opposition to it. It is like going to a Democratic convention and trying to speak for the Republicans. I perceive no reason to expose myself to such ridicule and jesting for the amusement of the forum.

Sara.

-- January 7, 2006 1:22 PM ∞

Willie wrote:

Way to go Carl, this posting room is done thanks to you and your ego. How do you feel now?

-- January 7, 2006 2:25 PM ∞

Todd wrote:

Hello to all,

Hi Sara.
The tree example was to illustate Occam's razor. It is a quote I clipped out, written who knows how many years ago.
Please accept my appology, as I have not meant to offend you.
If I start to see what I believe is credible evidence that points to a peg, I will gladly change positions and give you credit for your foresight. I'm not locked into the float idea...it just seems to be the best idea (based on actual) substance that I have heard yet.
Your post about how the banks will fund a peg was the first time I'd heard anyone say where the money would come from, and does seem reasonable.
I think that most anyone on this board would be thrilled if we woke up one morning and it pegged at a higher valuation.
Your points are valid, and reasonable and I will be the first to say to anyone that all posts should treated with respect.
If we do not have opposing ideas then we cannot have some of the great discussions that go on, on these boards.

Carl,

I think you are definately on to something regarding a looming economic attack. There has been a groundswell of talk lately regarding this....
Maybe one more reason to own another currency?
Here's a way out idea that I will throw out...they create a petro dollar and all petro nations convert to it...the Iragi dinar weighted similar to other nations in the region....(roughly .20 to .40)

-- January 7, 2006 2:44 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:
I believe todd was quoting a 14th century Friar and Logician who stated when given two choices, always choose the one with the least explanation, and most fact. If you do, it will usually be the correct one.
Then gave an example of logic selection...

I don't believe he was making a personal attack on you or your position regarding the short term RV dinar theory. He was just stating his belief, and debating a valid point.
After all isn't that what a debate is about...allowing both sides to be expressed, so all who read can see the view points of each?

Sara! You are an intelligent woman and have the ability to express your view point, or represent a group's view point very well. That is why I, for one, thought it would be a great opportunity to debate the issues. At that time, I could think of no one better to carry the banner for another view point.
To indicate I was trying to trick you, shows you had very little trust in my character. If you remember, I gave you my home and cell numbers so we might be able to discuss what we could accomplish with a series of debates. I didn't ask you for yours...The call never came!

Sara! if you think every time something that is written during a debate is a personal attack on you, and not addressing the viewpoint, then I was wrong in my evaluation of your abilities.

I, stand with you and confirm your decision, you should not be the one to debate different view points on this board. Emotional accusations, and outburst have no place in a debate. We need someone who can keep their emotions in check, and debate issues with a logical view point.

The purpose of this debate was above board, and in no way was there any intention or attempt to place you in a position that would force you to violate any confidence of information given to you by anyone. Nor, was our debate designed to put anyone in a tight position.
If things could not be discussed about certain things, then all that needed to be said, was this area cannot be discussed, and another issue would be moved on too. To think otherwise is a wrong conclusion.

Robert and I valued your in put, and looked forward to your contributions. You act as if you are among the enemy on this board. What the hell! brought that on. I know of no recent post on the T&B, or any private email I have received that has done nothing but say they are glad you are back to participate in discussions. Apparently, by your post, you do not have much regard for the individuals who post on the T&B, and suspect they will make personal attacks on you.
Sorry! you have that point of view. It would have been fun and interesting.
Wishing you the best
Carl

-- January 7, 2006 3:24 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I am somewhat mollified by your remarks, Carl and Todd. I just didn't see the point of continuing any discussion on the board when the views constantly expressed were aimed at attacking my position as untenable and stupid (yes, I took the alien example as such ridicule of the position of a peg). And yes, Carl, Todd DID mean it that way as is illustrated by his saying in his last post:

The tree example was to illustate Occam's razor. It is a quote I clipped out, written who knows how many years ago.
If I start to see what I believe is credible evidence that points to a peg, I will gladly change positions and give you credit for your foresight.

The example was directly related to the belief in a peg which I hold and I knew it and responded to it as the attack it was. Let's just agree to disagree on the positions for now and move on, then. There are a lot more issues we agree upon than disagree as discussion of the Dinar is a large area, so maybe we can discuss those instead on the board. I do wish to participate and think the discussion may be profitable to us all. Thanks willie for caring enough to comment. :)

Sara.

-- January 7, 2006 5:55 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraqi Leader Predicts Government Formation
By PATRICK QUINN, Associated Press Writer Jan 7, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's president predicted Saturday that a new government could be formed within weeks and said the country's main political groups had agreed in principle on a coalition of national unity.

He made the comments after meeting with visiting British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who said Iraqis remained optimistic about their future despite suffering through a particularly violent week...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060107/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- January 7, 2006 8:03 PM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

That is very good news!

-- January 7, 2006 8:20 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara:

You appear, from all I have read, to be a wornderful person and I would be the first to come to your aid if I thought anyone had offended you or undermined your position.

I consider your posts to be among the most intelligent, well researched statements that ever come across the wire.

I do not believe that anyone would intentionally offend you because we all care and respect you too much. This forum is about people posting their beliefs and showing other people where they disagree with their beliefs.

Sometimes, the responses to my posts indicate that they consider me something just short of an idiot, so please don't dampen one's spirit to disagree with your posts.

From my observations, Carl, Todd and the rest of us have total respect for you and believe that you are big enough to listen to an opposing view and not have your feelings hurt.

Sara, we love you, believe in you and need you so bad, so please go back to being the old Sara.

BOB

-- January 7, 2006 10:32 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran to Resume Nuclear Research on Monday
By NASSER KARIMI, Associated Press Writer Jan 8, 2006

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran said Sunday that inspectors from the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency would remove seals from some nuclear facilities by Monday, opening the way for Tehran to resume research on fuel production.

The development heightened concerns in the West that Iran was moving toward building atomic weapons.

Iranian officials said talks with the inspectors over restarting the research could wrap up by Monday, the official Islamic Republic News Agency said. Iran has not specified what research it will resume.

Russian officials were also in Iran for talks on Moscow's proposal that the two countries conduct uranium enrichment on Russian territory. The process can produce nuclear fuel for reactors or atomic weapons depending on the degree of enrichment.

Iran still has "questions on the proposal that the Russian side could not convincingly answer," the official news agency reported, without providing details.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060108/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_nuclea

-- January 8, 2006 7:32 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thank you, BOB, you are most kind; I shall do my best.

Sara.

-- January 8, 2006 7:34 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

French Hostage Freed by Captors in Iraq
Jan 8, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A French engineer taken hostage in Iraq last month was pushed out of a car near a checkpoint in a Baghdad suburb, apparently freed by nervous captors who then fled, Iraqi police said Sunday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060108/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_hostage_found

-- January 8, 2006 7:51 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Sara and all,

I thought that this article was interesting reading. For a while, Talabani was talking about not going for another term on the Iraqi presidency. He has changed his mind, thank goodness... Please read the entire article. It gives insight on how the Kurds are viewing this upcoming new government.

This lines up with Sara's earlier post, regarding the formation agreement for the new Iraqi government between the major groups. The link below will take you to the article that I have mentioned.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/KAR831182.htm

Kurds nominate Talabani for Iraqi presidency
08 Jan 2006 12:31:10 GMT

Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Iraq's powerful Kurdish Alliance has nominated Jalal Talabani to be the country's president for a second term, a senior Kurdish official said on Sunday.

-- January 8, 2006 11:02 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

PLUS,

I thought that this was interesting as well. Both main Kurdish parties have joined together to nominate Talabani. This is a good sign that the Kurds are going to take part in the ONE Iraq, not a divided Iraq.

http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20060107&hn=28401

The PUK authority, Mullah Bahtiyar, said the directors of the two big parties agreed on bringing the government of the autonomous region under one roof and nominating Jalal Talabani to the presidency of the federal state.

Now, this can only help Iraq in the long run, if this new unified Iraqi government can be established. So, in turn, this can only help the Iraqi dinar both short AND long-term.

-- January 8, 2006 11:10 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Typo correction on my last post.

I said, "if this new unified Iraqi government can be established". I should have said, "WHEN this new unified Iraqi government can be established. It is only a matter of time, IMO.

-- January 8, 2006 1:03 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Sand Or Stone?

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. In a specific point of the journey, they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face.

The other one, who got slapped, was hurt, but without anything to say, he wrote in the sand:

"TODAY, MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".

They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who got slapped and hurt started drowning, and the other friend saved him. When he recovered from the fright, he wrote on a stone:

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE".

The friend who saved and slapped his best friend, asked him, "Why, after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you write on a stone?"

The other friend, smiling, replied: "When a friend hurts us, we should write it down in the sand, where the winds of forgivenvess get in charge of erasing it away, and when something great happens, we should engrave it in the stone of the memory of the heart, where no wind can erase it."

-- January 8, 2006 1:14 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:
I am glad you reconsidered.

-- January 8, 2006 2:34 PM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

Sara, Me Too. I knew that this board was ready to rock. Any more hiccups?

I hope not, as this board has a certain value that is hard to duplicate ;)

-- January 8, 2006 2:56 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Jimmy,

I agree. More posts equals more info.

Sara,
That is one awesome post. I have never heard that story. I am copying it to my computer.

-- January 8, 2006 4:33 PM ∞

jo wrote:

how about a post-christmas party in Frisko ?

-- January 8, 2006 7:33 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl:

On two of your last several post, I found info that I agreed with totally and have been preaching for many years.
You said in effect that a Country can spend so much money policing the world that it does not have the financial capability to defend itself. I believe that we are rapidly approaching that threshhold.

Your comments about an economic H-Bomb were about as astute and accurate as I have seen. You have a way of saying things that is enviable.

I believe that we have made a grave mistake is trying to impose our ideals upon a world that hates us and wants to continue the life that they have become accustomed to. We are expending astronomical resources in trying to further our influence throughout the world.

NAFTA has to be the dumbest plan ever conceived. It helped Mexico but was detrimental to the U.S.. I know droves of people who were happy working in the textile mills and garment factories who are now on welfare drawing subsidized housing, food stamps, medicaid and any other Govt program available to
them.

This National debt, if brought down to a local level can be easier understood. If anyone on this forum could find someone who would lend them money, and then lend them more money as they paid interest on the total debt then they could live like a King until the lender stopped lending and wanted his money back. So far the countries lending money to the U.S. have not asked for their money back so we are still living big on borrowed money.

The statement that Russia will back Iran in a conflict with the U.S. is disturbing.
Russia is still just and dangerous militarily as they ever were even though they have dealt with somewhat of a financial meltdown. This meltdown that Russia has experienced could happen in this country.

President Roosevelt refused to get involved in WWII until we were attacked at Pearl Harbor. I subscribe to the philosophy of looking our for our interests first and that includes bring our manufacturing plants back to our soil. I am not advocating isolationism but I do believe that if it is not good for the U.S. then it is not good.

As Carl said, we may be giving away so much that there will be nothing left for us.

-- January 8, 2006 10:58 PM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

From My Heart, I Share This With Our Entire Group:

While We Hope And Plan For Our Future, Let Us Not Forget The Past !
Yes, we all check for daily input from our favorite sites on a daily or more basis, but I hope that you are planning to remember our veterans in one or more of the various veterans causes that seek help from worthy contributors. Yes, you too can be a worthy contributor by picking a cause that remembers out veterans.
After all, just where would we be if it weren't for courageous folks putting their buns on the line for us?
The 10% formula of giving off the top of our upcoming windfall is a small way to say, "Thank You Veterans !"

I have stated before, that my chosen recepient will be "Swiftboat Veterans For Truth" organization, and I hope if you have read this far, that you too will choose a veterans group to contribute to !

-- January 9, 2006 2:18 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Japan to resume yen loans to Iraq: Report
Web posted at: 1/9/2006 2:44:1
Source ::: Reuters

TOKYO: Japan is to resume yen loans to Iraq after a 20-year hiatus in an attempt to maintain local employment levels after it withdraws its troops from Samawa, in the south of the country, the Yomiuri Shimbun said yesterday.

Japan plans to come to an agreement with the Iraqi government on the details of the aid before the financial year ends in March, the report said.

It did not say how much aid was involved.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Business_News&subsection=market+news&month=January2006&file=Business_News200601092441.xml

-- January 9, 2006 2:25 AM ∞

Stanley wrote:

This country has become weak trying to kiss everyones ass to make the people happy outside and inside. I too wish to prosper from the Dinar while at the same time feeling guilty chasing the road of wealth like all of you, the same road that has aided in the corruption of this country. I think this country needs to get back to having the balls to piss off its own people LIKE THE HIPPIES , GAYS , Libralists Ect... Ect.... Then we might show Backbone within our selves to not even bat an eye at anyone! I appreciate all the troops and how they make the sacrifice for my family,neighbor and I. After all thats what this country was originaly made of FAMILY but now it wants to please the people1! Trouble is theres 500 diferrent kinds of people in our family. Piss on it we need another cival war before we go gettin into any body elses buisness. When It does peg I'm sure we'll all have fun spending our BLOODMONEY..
Well there you go
thats my own intoxicated oppinion but just so you know I love everybody here!!!! yyyeeeeeeeeeehaw for the Dinar!!

-- January 9, 2006 2:46 AM ∞

wow.... wrote:

just speechless...

-- January 9, 2006 3:46 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

WORDS ARE PICTURES OF THE HEART
Words can be more vilotile that a hydrogen bomb. They have been known to win and shatter hearts,cause the destruction of millions,destroy relationships of years,launch ships, and create empires. Words should be treated as whispers of smoke, for like smoke they in most cases foretell what is coming.

Since 1979 when Khomeini replaced the shah, all Iranian leaders have made it clear the objective is "Israel's destruction". In the last Irianian presidential race Rafsanjani who was considered in the West as a "Moderate" stated, "that one day soon, Islamic Iran would be equipped with nuclear weapons only Israel of the middle east presently has". "When that time comes,the strategy of the imperialists will reach a standstill because the use of even one nuclear bomb inside Israel will destroy everything."
Another considered to be "moderate" was former Irian President Khatami. He stated, "In the Koran, God commanded to kill the wicked, and THOSE WHO DO NOT SEE THE RIGHTS OF THE OPPRESSED"." (do ya think maybe, he was refering to us as the infidels?)"If we abide by the koran all of us should mobilize to kill."

ALL OF THESE ABOVE GUYS WERE CONSIDERED "MODERATES" AND GOT REMOVED FOR THE NEW PRESENT LEADER.

Having a nuclear weapon is fundamental to the Iranians. This would allow them to do as their now deceased leader Khomeini directed, and no amount of odes to world peace or world destruction will keep their Islamic leaders from carrying out that dictate.

Fundamental in the defense doctrine of Israel is that "no" nuclear weapon can be tolerated in any Middle Eastern arsenal.

Singapore's Lee Yew, who is considered to be a geopolitical sage of the Orient, stated, "the biggest threat on the horizon of 2010 is "an Islamist bomb, and mark my words, it will travel".

Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, now controlled by pro-Western President Musharraf, was developed by the same man who 18 years ago was assisting Iran in their endeavor. Israel knows that Iran now has the know how, and all they need now is the acqusian of weapons-grade uranium enrichment. Israel believes that March 2006 will become that month. (Note: this is the second time March 2006 has come to the fore front.Remember! this is the same month Iran stated, they would no longer accept the american dollar for their oil. (DO YOU THINK THIS IS JUST BY ACCIDENT, THAT THE IRIANIAN'S REJECTION OF THE DOLLAR OCCURS AT THE SAME TIME THEY BEGIN THE URANIUM ENRICHMENT PROJECT?)

All is not cozy in Pakistan either. The hardline Radical Clerics have just won a major victory against Mr. Musharraf by refusing to expel foreign student who attend their Koranic Schools, where hate of American and Israel is taught.

If you have any doubts of Iran's intentions, Intelligence assessments from French,(I know french and intelligence are a oximoran to some),German,British,German and Belgian agencies, All state that Iranian agents have and are scouring Europe for missile parts. Iran now has thoughtout Europe, and the old soviet union, front companies, and middlemen dedicated to gathering the expertise, training, and equipment for their nuclear program and missle development.

You can rest assure Israel, is not going to allow Iran to gather,create, or store weapons grade uranium. If they do strike, Israel will have to get permission from Iraq, because they will have to fly across their airspace. If the new Iraqi government gives permission, then this makes them a ally of Israel.(this gives the Iranians the excuse to attack Iraq) If they refuse, Israel is going to fly it anyway.(this then causes new insurgency agains't america or gives the new Iraqi government no option, except to turn their backs on the Americans, because america is an ally of Israel) Either way, Iraq is brought directly into the battle simply for being the next door neighbor. (do ya think, that maybe the Iranians have fiqured that out?)

-- January 9, 2006 6:59 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carl,

I agree with you. Whatever happens to Iran will directly affect Iraq and the value of the Iraqi dinar.

I have a few ideas for you that I do believe would bring down the Iranian government, or at the very least, get rid of their nuclear ambitions.

I think that we should beat Iran at its own game, and that is the psychological/economic way. Additionally, I would follow that up with military means,in varying degrees, relative to the "on-the-ground" situation in Iran.

The first thing that I would do is to put further public economic sanctions on Iran. Iran is far from an ideal economic model that any country would want to imitate.

At the same time, the second thing that I would start is a CIA counterfeiting operation of Iranian currency. I know that the Iranian currency (Rial), is currently trading around 8730 RI to 1 U. S. Dollar. But, one way to kill a currency's value even further is to print more of it. And, I would FLOOD the whole of Iran with this bogus currency.

The third thing that I would do is to encourage more internal dissension. Iran is not a solid monolithic society. There are a lot of Iranians who don't like this current Iranian government.

The fourth and MOST IMPORTANT thing, IMO is to get NATO involved. This is the key to a relatively fast solution to the problem of Iran. Iran is going to do what Iran can get by with. But, if NATO made a public pledge to back the U.S. and Israel, militarily, then Iran would be further isolated. Plus, I think that Saudi Arabia would stay with the U. S./NATO, if only for economic reasons. I think that if NATO was involved, Russia would run for the hills, figuratively speaking. Russia is a powerful country, but it would be no match against a NATO military matchup. If the further isolation didn't work, then I would have NATO institute "no-fly" zones over parts of Iran. And, I would use this as a psychological tool against the Iranian people. Put "no-fly" zones over major urban centers of Iran, and fill the skies around these urban centers with NATO military aircraft. When the Iranians hear the jets above, they will know that it is not their country's aircraft. They will know that it is NATO. Then, I would start limited military strikes on Iran - just like we did Iraq.

Now, if Iraq was invaded by Iran, then I do believe that the U. S. and NATO would be prepared for it. I do believe that the U. S. and NATO are preparing for this at the present. Plus, even if Iran did succeed in acquiring parts of Iraq, how long do you think that they could hold it? Remember Kuwait. Remember when the news media were saying that Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, had the fourth largest standing army in the world. Remember the media saying how battle-hardened the Iraqi army was then?

And, as far as Syria goes, they are hanging on by a military thread in their own country. I believe that you would have a whole lot of Islamic fanatics who would attack Iraq, through terrorist means. But, I don't believe any country would even think of attacking a NATO-backed military machine.

I know that all that the media show us are pictures of thousands of Iranian soldiers in their fancy military uniforms, marching in Tehran. I believe that is was John Wayne in "The Alamo" who said, "Fancy clothes don't make a fighting man." The current Iranian government will last only as long as its military can support it. That wouldn't be long, IMO, if the U. S. ALONG with NATO, was forced to attack.

I think that the U. S. learned from Iraq. They are going to get more international support this time, before they attempt anything against Iran.

Just my two cents worth

Go Iraq!!!!

-- January 9, 2006 9:42 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Have any of you visted this site: http://www.iraqieconomy.org/home/

-- January 9, 2006 10:37 AM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

Thanks for the link I will check it out.

-- January 9, 2006 10:55 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

A month and a half old.. but of interest to us who are debating the point.

Israel Preparing for Nuclear-Armed Iran, Sharon Says
By Julie Stahl
CNSNews.com Jerusalem Bureau Chief
December 01, 2005

Jerusalem (CNSNews.com) - Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons but is not leading the international efforts to prevent that from happening, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday.

"Israel and other countries cannot accept a situation where Iran has nuclear arms. The issue is clear to us, and we are making all the necessary preparations to handle a situation of this kind," Sharon told journalists in Tel Aviv.

Sharon said that Israel is not leading the international campaign against such a development but is "in close contact with countries that are dealing with the issue."

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said Israel's policy was that the diplomatic track was the way to deal with the Iranian nuclear policy.

But the head of Israel's military intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Aharon Ze'evi Farkash, told lawmakers on Wednesday that if the international community does not succeed in bringing Iran to the United Nations Security Council by the end of March, "diplomatic efforts will be pointless."

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=\ForeignBureaus\archive\200512\FOR20051201d.html

Have we any thoughts on why diplomacy might be pointless at that point?

Sara.

-- January 9, 2006 11:16 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Rob N:
Went to the site... A lot of good information. I like the way it is broken down in categories. No sweeting or garnishing on this site, just plain and dumped on ya plate for consumption.
Lays it out like it is, not what we would like for it to be.

Excellent reading site for the board to follow.

-- January 9, 2006 11:21 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:

Read your post on Israel's Intelligence talking about March being the demarcation point of closing down diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear issue that Iran has brought into play.
Note:
The Australian ambassador also thinks Iran is goating for a fight.

-- January 9, 2006 11:47 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:
This is third time March as been mentioned in the past two months.
I believe we need to watch from March to June...
For apparent and logistical reasons, War's hardly ever begin in the Winter...
This keeps building into what it appears to becoming, and we may not need to talk about short or long term dinar valuation.

-- January 9, 2006 11:52 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I think I will break my long post into bits.. and see if it posts it.. lets try.

Thanks, Carl.. I put together a bit of info I thought relevant.. here it is:

A Dinarian Viewpoint...

The greatest problem to a strong Iraqi currency is instability due to terrorist attacks. If the US were to strike Iran, it might actually create greater stabilization in the region, cutting back on many terrorist attacks (since much of the bomb making materials, terrorists and training are from Iran), lessening the insurgency and instability considerably. In other words, this may be HOW TO WIN IN IRAQ.

US believes Iraqi roadside bombs come from Iran: report
(AFP)
6 August 2005

WASHINGTON - Many of the new roadside bombs used to attack American and government forces in Iraq have been designed in Iran and shipped in from there, The New York Times reported on Saturday.

The paper said that unlike the improvised explosive devices devised from Iraq’s vast stockpiles of missiles, artillery shells and other arms, the new weapons are specially designed to destroy armored vehicles.

The bombs feature shaped charges, which penetrate armor by focusing explosive power in a single direction and by firing a metal projectile embedded in the device into the target at high speed.

Since they first began appearing about two months ago, some of these devices have been seized, including one large shipment that was captured last week in northeast Iraq coming from Iran, The Times said.

But one senior military officer said “tens” of the devices had been smuggled in and used against allied forces, killing or wounding several Americans throughout Iraq in the past several weeks, according to the report.

It quoted American commanders as saying these bombs closely matched those that Hezbollah has used against Israel.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2005/August/focusoniraq_August29.xml§ion=focusoniraq&col=

-- January 9, 2006 12:31 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iranian government is involved in the arming and training of insurgents in Iraq.

Insurgency Instructions
Updated on 28/08/2005 07:17:09

Many U.S. intelligence analysts say they are becoming more convinced by the day that the Iranian government is involved in the arming and training of insurgents in Iraq.

http://www.almendhar.com/english_5711/news.aspx

-- January 9, 2006 12:33 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Terrorists Hiding in Iran, Evidence Suggests
Friday, June 03, 2005

WASHINGTON — U.S. intelligence and foreign allies have growing evidence that wanted terrorists have been residing in Iran despite repeated American warnings to Tehran not to harbor them.

The U.S. and foreign officials said evidence gathered by intelligence agencies indicates the following figures are somewhere in Iran:

—Saad bin Laden, the son of the Al Qaeda leader whom U.S. authorities have aggressively hunted since the Sept. 11 attacks.

— Saif al-Adel, an Al Qaeda security chief wanted in connection with the deadly 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa.

—Suleiman Abu Ghaith, the chief of information for Al Qaeda and a frequently quoted spokesman for bin Laden.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,158567,00.html

-- January 9, 2006 12:34 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

'Iran lets insurgents cross its border into Iraq'
Friday, October 21, 2005 - ©2005 IranMania.com

LONDON, October 21 (IranMania) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington accused Iran and Syria of letting "insurgents" across their borders to join their "comrades" in Iraq, IRNA reported.

Also, Republican Senator Richard Lugar, Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in statements claimed that several of Iraq's neighbors, notably Iran and Syria, meddle in Iraqi internal affairs.

http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=36885&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs

-- January 9, 2006 12:35 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Egypt says wary of Iranian influence in Iraq
Nov 17, 2005
Reuters

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Thursday that Iranian influence is introducing alien religious ideas to Iraq, setting the stage for a sectarian civil war if U.S. troops withdraw too soon.

U.S. forces should stay in Iraq "helping to stabilise" the country, even if their presence attracts attacks, he told Reuters in an interview two days before a conference in Cairo seeking to reconcile Iraqi political factions.

"The Iranians are spreading a notion of behaviour in relation to life, to religion, the role of religion in the state, the philosophy of the marja'iya (Shi'ite Muslim religious authority). These are issues that Iraq didn't have over 100 years of building a nation," the minister said.

If U.S. forces withdrew, civil war would break out and because of "the foreign element", the war would take on a religious nature, he added.

http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_10952.shtml

In the case of the US striking Iran, it could prevent civil war in Iraq; perhaps even a religious civil war that would spread like a cancer to the entire region. In the end, our Dinar investment would be worth more.. but it means a long haul and looking at it as a long term investment, IMO.

Sara.

-- January 9, 2006 12:36 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I posted it in bits.. that was my thoughts on the matter, Carl.. and the board. :)

Sara.

-- January 9, 2006 12:39 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:
Good Information...I don't believe anyone was surprised that Iran has been assisting the insurgency, as you posted, and will continue to do so unless corrective action is taken.

The question is how do ya remove a "sparking high voltage wire" in a gun powder room without setting off the gun powder?

In my opinion, The GCC countries are at extreme risk. They need to be convinced that it is in their best interest to remove the problem, before the US or Israel has to do it for them.
Iran leadership can be taken out, but it needs to be done by GCC commando's,not USA or Israel forces directly.They can justify the strike, and most arabs would listen, thereby removing some of the risk in expanding the fight into other countries.

-- January 9, 2006 1:14 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Flash!!!
Iran solution resolved...well! I believe resolved...This is my idea...

Just read on drudge report Senator Ted Kennedy is now in the process of publishing childrens books. It will be called "My Senator and Me" It about how Washington is review through the eyes of a dog.
I believe that is a good title...cause I am sure Senator Ted Kennedy as been so blind running drunk sometimes, he needed a seeing eye dog..

Anyway, we could translate his book into arabic, and drop plane load after plane load into Iran.
Give them 24 hours, and they will be begging and pleading to resolve any possible conflict we may have now or in the future with them...
I'm not sure if the United Nations will allow us to do it thou, since it would be classified as a weapon of mass destruction.

just wanted to create a smile today

-- January 9, 2006 1:54 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

In response to your post regarding a U.S. attack upon Iran, I am wondering how will this be accomplished? I do not believe the US military has enough troops to sustain ongoing committments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran.

I also disagree that an U.S. attack upon Iran would prevent a religious civil war and promote the stability of the NID. An attack on Iran would do the oppoisite. If an attack occured, I can forsee the entire region becoming engulfed in a war that could last longer than Viet Nam and with troop losses rivialing those of lost in that war. I am talking about a war lasting a minimum of a decade. This is of course excluding Russia's involvement on the side of Iran. The various radical islamic factions could then justify a widespread regional Jihad upon the US. In contrast, the moderate islamic movement in the region would cease to exist.

If the entire region is at war, how is the NID stable? Consider the G8 for example, we are dependant upon the mideast for oil a U.S. attack on Iran could endanger the GDP and GNP of those nations too.

If the U.S. is indeed considering some kind of action against Iran, it may be advantageous to consider a covert operation, that including members of the G8 in the decision making process.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 9, 2006 5:56 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

How about it guys

Lets see what your opinion is

Subject: What should be done about Iran, and by whom.

Lets say by Friday of this week at 9pm will be the cut off date for opinions on this particular subject.
A tally will then be taken of which opinion won out.

Sara did a good job of posting published information on this subject. You already can see some the opinions on this subject. Come jump, give us your ideas and thoughts on this. Your opinion carries as much weight as anybody's.

Suggestion:
Do your research...think about what you are going to say in detail...be clear on your opinion and state why you have this particular opinion on this subject.

The more who participate the more interesting. If you disagree with another's opinion, simply state you disagree and give the reasons why your opinion is different. Good example is Sara's and Rob N's Post on their opinion.

-- January 9, 2006 6:59 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

http://www.thedailyjournalonline.com/article.asp?ArticleId=216504&CategoryId=13280

January 10, 2006

Iraqi oil minister reinstated in post

Well, Ibrahim Bahr al-Uloum, the Iraqi oil minister, got his job back.

-- January 10, 2006 6:58 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

http://ncr-iran.org/content/view/838/69/

Iranian Resistance urges immediate referral of Tehran’s nuclear file to Security Council

Tuesday, 10 January 2006

Hey everybody,
Here is an Iranian resistance group's website. Let's hope that these groups will grow.

It sure is funny that this wasn't on the major news media releases. I wonder why?

-- January 10, 2006 7:15 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S., Other Nations Rebuke Iran Over Seals
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer Jan 10, 2006

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran removed seals on its nuclear facilities Tuesday, ending a two-year freeze on work there despite warnings from the United States and other countries concerned about Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

The United States rebuked Iran for the move, calling it a step toward creating the material for nuclear bombs. British Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said the international community was "running out of patience" with Tehran.

"There was no good reason why Iran should have taken this step if its intentions are truly peaceful and it wanted to resolve long standing international concerns,".

In Vienna, the chief U.S. representative to the IAEA, Gregory L. Schulte, said that by cutting the seals, Iran had shown "its disdain for international concerns and its rejection of international diplomacy."

The United States has threatened to bring Iran before the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions if it doesn't cooperate with international mediators.

In Berlin, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Tehran had "crossed lines which it knew would not remain without consequences,"...

In a foreign policy address Tuesday, French President Jacques Chirac warned Iran it would be committing a "grave error" if it ignored the international community's repeated warnings and pressed ahead with its nuclear program.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060110/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_nuclear

-- January 10, 2006 9:20 AM ∞

soils wrote:

what website can I go to and start buying Dinar ty in advance

-- January 10, 2006 11:42 PM ∞

donald wrote:

to iraqdinardirect

how to put an address link on truck and barter so people can go to it.

1) go to the address partof the site that you are wanting to link to use your on screen pointer and put it on the address you want to copy.
use the right button on your mouse and click. a window should appear. choose the word "copy" and click. go back to t&b and place your pointer on the screen to where you want the address to be. right click your mouse again. a window should appear choose "paste" and use your right button on your mouse and click. this should do it.

-- January 11, 2006 9:14 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

In response to Carl's request for opinions on the Iranian situation ...here's mine.

1) Lets make certain this time that what we're doing is the right thing. Since our last debacle we've lost quite a bit of world clout, and a good majority of Arabs and Mouslims now distrust us with a passion, which is only helping to throw fuel on the insurgency's fire.

2) We need to have the concensus of the G-8, and a very good majority of the rest of the world, before we do anything. Geographically, Iran is surrounded by countries - East, North East, West, and to the South - that [like us] do not favor their nuclear ambitions. Bottom line: Iran cannot afford a conventional war type conflict [or any other type for that matter] and would be smart to cease and desist all of this nuclear hoopla.

3) Sanctions will work and certainly reduce bloodshed, but they'll take time. We just need to isolate Iran and be patient. And, with that we need to seriously strengthen the Iranian boarder with Iraq to stop their meddling in the rebuilding efforts in Iraq. This has to happen with Syria, and possibly Jordan too, if we want to isolate the issurgents already in Iraq and prevent others from reinforcing them, so we can stop the "rebuilding only to have it destroyed later cycle" we're currently in.

4) Lastly, the we can regain much of the international dignity we seem to have lost with the nations of the world by handling this situation correctly, and diplomatically, and using violence as a last recourse - to help prevent us from looking like a bully nation on a rampage in the Middle East, the consequences of which we don't even want to fathom.

...IMO

Welcome back Sara and Carl. To simply say we missed the two of you would be a huge under statement.

Take care all,

Bill1

-- January 11, 2006 11:15 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

To Soils:

I am puzzled by your post:"what website can I go to and start buying Dinar ty in advance"

I guess my question is in advance of what? There are a number of sites on the web that sell the NID. Just make sure it is from a reputable dealer.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 11, 2006 1:45 PM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

I tried to do a test and I got message that i was spamming .I will assume it would have worked.Thank you for the help.

-- January 11, 2006 2:13 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Bill1.
I think Iran going Nuclear is a forgone conclusion, myself.

I still hope there COULD be a peaceful solution to the Iran problem. This gives that view some hope.. a quote from an article I thought addressed this well:

Emerging Shift in Israel's Iran Policy
Friday, December 02, 2005

These remarks were preceded by a report in the daily newspaper Maariv, which quoted a senior security source as saying, "We shall have to put up with a nuclear Iran." The unnamed source added that, "I do not see any force in the world today that could reverse the situation -- namely Iran becoming nuclear ... and there will be no alternative but to put up with the emerging situation."

Regardless of how the Israelis actually would act, they have begun hinting that there could be circumstances under which they could live with a nuclear-armed Iran.

http://regimechangeiran.blogspot.com/2005/12/emerging-shift-in-israels-iran-policy.html

-- January 11, 2006 3:36 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

Whether we like it or not and whether it is the U.S. best interest or not, Iran is a soverign nation. If they choose to develop nuclear weapons do they not have a fundamental right to do so?

If we as American citizens believe in freedom, then is it not contradictory to want to stop them from having that capability. Is it not also contradictory to want them to have our form of government rather than the Theocracy they have currently chosen?

Let me be clear, I do not want an Iran armed with nuclear weaponary and I would also like to see the moderates in the country be wisked into power to end the radical regime currently endowed.

If we believe in freedom then we must allow the nations of the world to chart their own course. Food for Thought.

-- January 11, 2006 5:58 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

In response to the Question by Rob N. regarding the rights of Iran. I feel Iran can say or do anything they want to do. But they must also pay attention to the universal law of "your rights end where mine begin". They stand a very good chance of following in the footsteps of other countries that didn't follow this rule and ended up being blown off the face of the planet. They need to back off and consider their choices.

-- January 11, 2006 7:35 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Rob N

The issue whether Iran should have nuclear material is not the issue. The United States, Israel or any other country that I know of have no objection to them having nuclear material.

The objection is Iran developing their own nuclear grade material.
In 1968 when the Nuclear Polifiration came into being, it was agreed, that any nuclear material needed by other countries, would be done under the watch of the agency to prevent weapons grade material from being made.
Iran says they have the right to develop their own, without allowing anyone from monitoring them, as to what they do or do not produce.

That is the issue.

Iran has refused Russia's offer to develop what they need for their nuclear reactors, so the US, and the rest of the world would feel confident they truthfulness when they stated, all they wanted to do is develop nuclear material they can use in their power plants.

To allow them to produce nuclear material unchecked, in my opinion would be like drinking a glass of hemlock. you know it is poison, you know that it may make ya sick, or even kill ya.
But until it takes affect, you will not know the strength of the hemlock, and its outcome.

Ask yourself, can the world risk allowing Iran, who has leaders and groups who operate in Iran, with the same mentality as the 9-11 group, to produce nuclear weapon grade material. Do you have confidence in the dignity of the Iranian leaders, that you could rest at night knowing that Iranian Leaders are producing weapons grade nuclear material. Do have you no fear doubt that they would not sale one small gram of weapons grade material to other terriorst groups?
Remember! the Iranian leaders have already told you what they were going to do with it.

What is interesting is the silence you hear from the arab countries about Iran developing the nuclear grade material.
Sometimes, silence is the loudest sound you can hear.
Does that tell you something?

I believe some things are already in play.

Dec 15th, an attempt to kill the new iranian leader was made. His decoy convoy was hit. The car he was suppose to have been riding in was destroyed, along with driver and bodyguard.

Two days ago, a number of Irans top generals were placed in a lear jet, and took off for a meeting. As it left the airport, both engines flamed out and it went into the mountains. All aboard was lost.

Now ask yourself these series of questions?

Would you have allowed a lot of your top generals to climb onto one plane for a meeting?
Would it have been more prudent to fly each individually, for security reasons?
The plane had two engines...both flamed out at the same time... What do you think the odds are of this happening?

Did it cross your mind, that just maybe, the new irianian leader thought the generals who were selected for that special flight, were involved in the Dec 15th attempt to remove him from office.
So he decided to make the first vacancy.

-- January 11, 2006 10:01 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Just a couple remarks here.
1. Since Iraq is now a dependent client state of the USA, if the USA has trouble, how will it not?

2. Having spent 5 years in central asia, just closed an office there, I am very suspicious of the Kremlin. The Kremlin has, and stands, to bank hugely by disturbances in the oil patch. They have made moves in Georgia to the north that now have them holding 2 provinces, with troops within 15 miles of the new transcaucasus pipeline. That pipeline is the only exit now for central asian oil. Think about it.

Where is a graph of the dinar's history for 2 years?

-- January 12, 2006 2:24 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

BH:
It is my opinion you are correct in this supposition.
If the USA is involved in another military front such as with Iran, then men and equipment which are presently being used to secure Iraq will be diverted. This indirectly affects Iraq, even if Iran does not get into a direct confrontation with Iraq. This in turn allows more moveability of the insurgents, from within.

I really don't think you need a graph to see the present dinar's history. The only thing that counts is the date of the new dinar induction, to the present. It has remained stable, with minor adjustments in value.
It is my opinion, Iraqi has a lot of significant hurdles to overcome before you see any significant value change.
The Iraqi's definitely do not need an outside agitator, such as Iran, making the environment more violatile with their nuclear drama. This does nothing but delay, any investors who are poised and ready to go into Iraq with development projects. Therefore, the dinar is stalled at the starting gate, and who knows when the dinar will be allow to run its course.

-- January 12, 2006 7:23 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Folks:
You guys are doing some good thinking on the Iran issue. If you have not put your opinion in as to what you think should be done, do so now. It it will be interesting to see who was closer to being correct when the solution is resolved one way or another.

Bob! Haven,t seen your opinion yet.
Okie! do ya want to give us your solution to this Iran question?
BH! continue on with the your idea of the solution, ya are already thinking about it.
Iraqidinardirect, how about it, what do think will be the solution?

For you who have already given an opinion, you have the freedom to change it or modify it at any time.

-- January 12, 2006 7:31 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

So far, very good thoughts/comments by all on Iran and it's budding Nuclear Program.

Here's an article that may be of interest.

http://www.thebulletin.org/article.php?art_ofn=jf01benn

It seems Iran has had an up and running missle program [a very good one I might add] ever since the early/late 90's, and discussions concerning Iran obtaining weapons grade fission material to compliment it's existing long range missle program are not something new. These missles are more than capable of reaching/targeting every square inch of Israeli soil.

And, to assist them all along the way with their desire to become "nuclear weapon capable" has been the Russians. All of which only makes sense when you look as far back as the Iraq/Iran war - it was the U.S. backing Iraq and the Russians backing the Iranians throughout that conflict. So, their alliance still exists - no different than the one with China and North Korea.

Russia is the second strongest nation within the G-8, and it'll be keenly interesting to see what they are willing to say/do concerning discussions within the G-8, and with other world nations, of difusing Iran's nuclear program.

Bill1

-- January 12, 2006 10:16 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Hey Guys!

Sara! emailed me about the information I put out about some Irianian generals being killed in a plane crash. This crash that I thought had just occurred, actually occurred in 1995.
Sorry about the mistake. I misread the date of the accident. Thanks sara for pointing it out to me.

-- January 12, 2006 4:32 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

The long term poltical solution to the Iran problem is to do nothing. We should allow freedom to export itself to the Iranian people naturally. Iran is now sandwiched in between 2 fledgling democracy's, both of which we should be determined to see their success come to full fruition.

However something has to be done about Iran's President Mohammad Khatami. Here is a man insisting upon attaining nuclear technology who is out of touch with reality (denied the historical accurasy of the holocaust) and makes statements that he wants to wipe Israel off the map. With nukes he is a delusional hate monger with incredible power. That is a scary combination for the region. Therefore in the short term I beleive a surgical airstrike carried out by Israel upon those nuclear facilities is the solution. Militarily this is not achieved as easily as the strike on Saddam's nuclear facilities in early 80's, but none the less it can be done and in my opinion it must be done.

Well an Israeli airstrike certainly isn't doing "nothing" as I stated in my opening. But a quick strike followed by months and years of allowing freedom to do its silent work of influence is what I am talking about.

This will buy time for the impact of the new freedoms in Iraq and Afgahnistan to export themselves to Iran.

As for the Dinar, freedom in the region and free market economies in mulitiple countries in the Mideast will be beneficial to the stabilazation of Iraq and the IQD.

The pig roast is still on me.

Terrance-

-- January 12, 2006 7:11 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Terrace:
I think the Iranian president is baiting the USA and Israel. The Austrilian Ambassador, thinks they are baiting for a fight.
One of the reasons maybe that they are looking for an excuse to invade Iraq. What are your thoughts?

Do you think it would be better if Nato, EU or the Arab nations be in the fore front of the effort to solve the problem, instead of the Israel or the USA. If they is to be a Military strike wouldn't it be better for the tension in the region, if it was left to nato or the arab nations to lead the attack?

-- January 12, 2006 7:55 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Carl:

I agree with your last post that maybe we should take it slow and easy with Iran. "walk softly and be prepared to use a big stick" is my philosophy.

We have become so benevolent that that fighting a real war is abhorant to us. To say that we cannot use cohersive methods on terrorist and to imprison our soldiers who maybe go a little to far in guarding these savages indicates that we are not serious about protecting ourselves.

An example: My training on riot control was that you made a show of force and demanded that the crowd disburse. If they refused, you fixed your bayonet and started moving into them, pushing them back. As you marched up the avenue, you splintered them off into the streets with troops still pushing them with fixed bayonets. Once the march started, it did not stop. A riot was unheard of back then.

When Iran had our hostages in the 70's, Mr Carter was trying to get them back through diplomacy and when Mr Reagan was inauguarated, they were released the same day because they at least thought that Mr Reagan would bomb them if he had to and would kill the hostages in the process maybe, but he would take harsh and immediate action.

My thinking is that if we are going to get our nose into these Arab countries business, then we must be willing to get as tough as we have to achieve our goals.

I would not be opposed to finding wherever these terrorists are being trained and to bomb their site out of existence. I would neither be opposed to finding out wherever these nuclear refining stations are in Iran and bombing them out of existence. And as the old saying goes, let the rough end drag.

I say, if we are prepared to deal harshly with Iran, then leave them alone and let them seal their doom if they are determined to, but if we are going to pamper them, and try to be civil and humane as we attempt to stop them, then they are going to become more militant and cause chaos in the middle east.

As I have said before, the Geneva convention is a two-way street, and if we are dealing with terrorists who have probably never heard of the Geneva convention, then I believe that this frees us of any obligation to adhere to its provisions. Fight fire with fire.

BOB

-- January 12, 2006 10:05 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bob:
Good Post

-- January 12, 2006 10:19 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Well, I think you are just sort of hinting at the point with Iran. Russia is backing Iran, yes. Russia got in bed deeply with Saddam as well. Their embassy in Baghdad stayed during the invasion. But why?

Look at it this way. You are Putin. You want to lift your nation up. You are a former superpower that is in dire straits. How do you do it? What's in your country and nearby that's valuble? oil. You can get rich if the price of oil rises and if you can gain control of the territory holding it.

So, what to do? Stir things up. Get the USA to attack nations in the middle east that bled the USSR to death. Voila! Not just Afghanistan, but Iraq!

Wonderful. The Americans are bleeding themselves white and oil has doubled in price. Damn. How do we do THAT again?

Duh. Let's back Ahmedinijad! Let's get those loon-brain Ayatollahs who love war to throw nukes around! Yes! That will either bring the USA into yet another war in the middle east and central asia, or it will result in radioactive slag where Israel was, and the perfect opportunity for Russia to solemnly join the rest of the security council in a resolution authorizing force against Iran.

So it shall be. The Russians don't mess around when they invade. They could still be holding Afghanistan if the USA hadn't pumped billions in arms into it.

Guess what? That move will set up Russia as the richest nation on earth by 2020. Maybe by 2015.

-- January 13, 2006 12:58 AM ∞

Stan wrote:

Go Bob, I am with you. Most of the people from the Middle East have a very different understanding of how to "get-r-done". They are still living almost like they did a thousand years ago. They understand force and mite, a tribal mentality.
About the stuff I have read today on the Iraq Dinar, I am not sure I can agree on much of it. If you were to buy a carton of smokes in Bagdad a year and a half ago with ID, it would take a handfull. Many Civil employees of Iraq are being paid in ID, and it is gaining in value there is no doubt. I think that foreign trading of ID is what most are talking about. In the recent past it was up over 1700 to one(US) in Iraq because there was not any confidence in it. It is now around 1400 and the Government is building confidence rapidly in their people. Less than 3000 for a carton now, you do the figuring. I think the big gains will be after it is excepted on the Commodities Exchange and traded on a World market. Sure there are still alot of problems in Iraq, but then the Shekel of Israel is gaining strength and they have alot of problems as well. Many countries have big problems and their money remains attached to their GDP and Iraq has a very large untapped reserve. Bagdad is much like any Third World Capitol, large and unruly. If you know where not to go, it is livable and getting better.

-- January 13, 2006 1:18 AM ∞

JimmyP wrote:

My 10 Dinar worth on the Iran dilema is as follows:

Bush 41 had a quote, "Shots across the bow". It lends itself to securing one's attention. So far, both President GW Bush and Sec. of State Condi Rice have had verbal "Shots across The Bow"
regarding Iran's Ahmedinijad. He is 49 years old, with reported ties to the 1979 Jimmy Carter fiasco Embassy Kidnapping Calamity. (Thank you again Ronald Wilson Reagan for just being you).

Irans majority of population is approx.30 years old or younger, and is starving for input of Western culture and freedoms. And from what I have seen and heard can not seem to get enough of Britney Spears and the like.

China is importing a majority of Iran's oil. This they would like to continue.

Israel has not been willing to tolerate a nuclear threat in the neighborhood, and yes will act in their own defense.

My memory of biblical teachings as a youth remind me that the book of Revelations outlines the last great battle on earth as being between Russia and China at a river. Somewhere also is a memory of massive fires as well. (I am open for correction here, friends)

The Gulf Common Countries (?) do not wish to become part of Greater Persia (Iran) and so I surmise that one or more of the following may likely play out:

1. China will enter the picture as a "Sphere Of Influence" and convince Iran and the Hitlarian Ahmedinijad to cease the "Sabre Rattling", either by force or negotiations as they and not afford to lose a consistant source of oil.

2. Russia must defer to China, as they are not prepared to flex muscles in the face of their Chineese neighbors. I do hope that Putin and all can come to the table with legitamate and positive improvements for humanity.

3. Isreal has foot soldiers positioned to report all pertainent data to their decision making apparatus.

4. A majority of Iran's population consider their leader Ahmedinijad is an old fogi in need of removal.

5. All of the Gulf Countries that want Iraq to join the GCC are certainly capable of dispatching their own commandos into Iran to take care of business.

6. The beautiful and forward thinking people of Iraq will by example show other countries in the region that democracy is the last best hope for great achievement in the human experience.

-- January 13, 2006 5:04 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey everybody,

I am glad that Carl said that we can change our opinion on Iran at a later date. I reserve the right to change my military strategy about Iran on January, 2050. (LOL)

-- January 13, 2006 8:12 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Did anyone happen to catch Paul Bhremer (may have misspelled his name)on Charlie Rose last night on PBS-U?

The picture he paints of on going economic growth and monetary stability in Iraq is certainly positive. Unfortunately, this perspective is not often reported in the U.S. media.

Iraq's continued economic growth and monetary stability is good news for all of us who have invested in the NID.

Based upon his interview I think we can conclude that we are on the right track by investing in the NID.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 13, 2006 10:33 AM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Carl,

I thought about the possible posturing and threats of Iran being an excuse for entering a conflict with Iraq. It is a well known fact Iran is a main portal of terrorist entry into Iraq and that it is all sponsered and endorsed by the Iranian President.

However, logically it would be a suicidal move for him to make a reason for an open conflict with Iraq. The Bush admin. would like nothing more than to have an excuse to change Iran by force. If it did happen, it would be all out war. This one would be big time bloody on both sides. We would prevail, Iran's theocracy would end, but at a huge cost. The long term effects would be beneficial to us but it would be ugly. So I believe Iran is not baiting us, but rather playing a simple cat and mouse game in an attempt to become a nuclear power. Then they will be in a position like N. Korea and would influence the region in a far greater way.

But the real problem is it's impossible to guage for sure what the thinking is here on the part of the Iranian President. Primarily this is so because Mohammad Khatami is either out of touch with reality or pretending to be out of touch with reality.

Because of this uncertainty it is hard to sit back and do nothing. I believe it would be best to allow Israel, who has been openly threatened and has the only legimate political grounds for a surgical one time attack, to go ahead and strike, wiping out their nuclear facilities. This could spark a war, but it would be a conventional conflict and the allies would win and add another democracy to the region. If it did not spark a war then it would be time to sit back and pump Iranian air waves with the sounds of freedom and let the next generation of Iranian's do the work for us. In my humble opinion it would NOT spark an all out war. Iran would be foolish to do so knowing it would be the end of the regime. Even madmen usually understand the principles of self preservation.

The wild card in this scenario is Russia. Putin, who just had a secret meeting with the N Korean President, and who is allied strongly with Iran, could step in and really make the geopolitical waters muddy. And Putin may be motivated in part that the US may control the 3 of 4 main middle eastern oil fields.

I defintely agree with you that it would be preferable to have someone other than the US or Israel step up in this situation, but it is highly unlikely to happen and time is of the essence. The only country with a legimate reason to attack is Israel becuase of the oprn threat hung over its head, and this would be justification enough in the worlds eyes for the attack. The EU and everybody else would probably condemn the strike publicly, but behind the scenes they would all be saying "thank you" and breathing a big sigh of relief....

What do you think about the play that Russia could make in all of this and how does that influence what may or may not be happen?

Have a great Friday!!

Terrance

-- January 13, 2006 11:03 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I was thinking, when was the last time 94 journalists in the US needed to cover routine military maneuvers?

Iranian Military Plane Crashes; 119 Dead
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer Dec 6, 2005

TEHRAN, Iran - An Iranian military transport plane crashed into a 10-story apartment building as it was trying to make an emergency landing Tuesday, smashing a hole in the top of the building and setting it ablaze. At least 119 people were killed.

All 94 people on the plane were killed, most of them Iranian journalists heading to cover military maneuvers in the south, and 25 residents of the apartment building also died, with 90 injured, Tehran state radio said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051206/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_plane_crash

-- January 13, 2006 1:29 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Sara - it's so nice to have you back. >

-- January 13, 2006 1:37 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Russia wins. That's Putin's play.

If there's war, he wins as the price of oil goes up. Therefore there will be war.

Watch that space.

-- January 13, 2006 11:37 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Terrance:
Regarding Russia, I really don't have a definitive view yet of just how russia is going to act in this drama with Iran.
I know that in the past Russia has always backed Iran in its Nuclear efforts, because they always stated Iran's nuclear intentions were for electricity, etc; They are very slow to criticize Iran.
I do know they have several joint ventures on going, but not as many as they use to have. I believe Russia would like to continue to be an economic partner with Iran, but I also believe they themselves are starting to get a little concern about the new leadership of Iran.

Russia is still in talks with Iran about reaching a compromise, and trying to convince Iran it is in their best interest and the world's this be done. Presently, Iran doesn't see it that way.
Russia is now having some concerns and doubts about why Iran is intend on producing their own nuclear fuel, when Russia has offered to supply it to them.

Russia, has already told the US and the EU nations, that it would not stand in the way of a security council resolution if their talks broke down. However, I believe Russia, needs to be left to its own decision, and not be pressured by the US or any other country in regards to the security council resolution. I believe they will come to that conclusion on their own. Russia, has already stated,Iran should not be allowed to become a new member of the nuclear weapons club.

Despite this intense situation with Iran, Russia does intend to deliver $1 billion worth of TOR-M1 tactical short range missiles to Iran.These are not the S-300 missiles which have a much longer range. As of this morning, Russia is know saying they are starting to suspect that Iran has secret Military intent with the nuclear fuel. If Russia says this, you know they have now developed some information that has even raised the hairs on the back of their neck.

As of the past 3 days, the US has moved two fighter groups from the states into the middle east.

Sanctions, are not off of the table but, I believe will be used as a last resort. If this does not work in a short time period, you are going to see military action taken. I do not believe that we will see any strike without a full support of the UN or security council. I believe george has learned that lesson. Israel is another issue.
The fallout from a military strike is a SWAG, as to what will happen after that.
I believe all surrounding arab nations have already been ask what do they think the response will be if this happens.
I believe If Israel is in the attack you will see unrest develop rapidly.

Every intuitive feeling that I have, says, Iran feels they are in a position to be successful at whatever the purpose is of this instigated fight, and are intent on seeing it through.
(This is a replay of history of how the world acted when Hitler was starting his poland and other invasions.) Different issue, but same format.
You saw everything from attempting to compromise to outright appeasement.Nothing worked, because, hitler knew all along what he was going to do. I believe the Iranian President has the same game plan.
I hope I am so wrong on this, and level heads on both sides prevail.

-- January 14, 2006 8:38 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

That's a big event when this many police recruits show up....and it's in the Ramadi area which is a hot spot. Could be a turning point!!

http://www.aina.org/news/20060113114302.htm

-- January 14, 2006 11:37 AM ∞

BH wrote:

Iran is being told privately by Russia not to worry. Same thing the RUSSIAN neo-cons told Milosevic in Serbia.

The significance of this for the NID is that people need to think about where the dinar would go if Iran pushes until the USA decides to roll troops into Iran.

If the USA does that, it will do to Iraq what our attack on Iraq did to Afghans. Back burner, no huge stream of military dollars. Currency inflates like mad.

I think it's likely we will roll troops into Iran, particularly with this administration.

-- January 14, 2006 12:30 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran Threatens to Block Nuke Inspections
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer Jan 13, 2006

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran threatened on Friday to block inspections of its nuclear sites if confronted by the U.N. Security Council over its atomic activities. The hard-line president reaffirmed his country's intention to produce nuclear energy.

France, Britain and Germany... backed by the United States, said that nuclear talks with Iran had reached a dead end after more than two years of acrimonious negotiations and the issue should be referred to the Security Council.

Iran responded Friday by saying that if it were confronted by the council, it would have to stop cooperating with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

That would be, among other things, the end of random inspections, said Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060113/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_nuclear

-- January 15, 2006 12:21 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

A Landmark Debt Deal for Iraq
NEWS ANALYSIS
By Stanley Reed
JANUARY 12, 2006

Most of its big corporate creditors have agreed to a settlement giving them 20% of what's owed. It's a big step toward rebuilding the economy

Yet in the midst of Iraq's violence, Allawi is starting to impose order on Iraq's chaotic finances. In the latest milestone, most of the nation's largest corporate creditors, dating back to before the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, have accepted a deal to swap the bulk of Iraq's commercial debt -- nearly $14 billion -- for new dollar-denominated notes. The notes will have a face value of 20% of what the companies are owed. "This will make it easier for Iraq to start getting the type of credits it needs for trade and business," says William Rhodes, senior vice-chairman of Citigroup (C ), which arranged the debt deal together with J.P. Morgan (JPM ).

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/jan2006/nf20060111_2427_db039.htm

-- January 15, 2006 12:26 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

JUST A FEW MORE CLUES ....

I have always said, you may know what is on the horizon itself before it develops, if you pay close attention to what a person says and how he acts.

The Question: Why is President Ahmadinejad creating such a dangerous atmosphere?

Fact:
Iran feels stronger and more powerful because of the present price of oil.

Fact:
Iran feels the USA is now weaker militarily, financially, and has a weak willed populace, with no long term will to see a campaign through to completion.(Sadly, I must agree with him on that one)
This weakness is mainly due to the continued pressure from the insurgency in Iraq. Iran feels they have contributed to that weakness because they have been financially supporting, providing IED's, and setting up training camps for the insurgency fighters. (remember! did he not tell you earlier in a speech, that Iran would not allow democracy to stand, eventhou it is popular with the masses?)

Fact:
Like christians, who believe in a second coming of the messiah, so does the Iranian President. Only it is the Islamic version of the messiah. Some analystsw point to the fact, he has a sense of being on divine messianism mission. He felt that when he addressed the UN Council, he could feel the spirit of god enter into the leaders of the world as he spoke. (of course it was his concept of god, just as all other religions have their own concept) He has remarkable piety in his devotion toward the "Hidden Imam". This is the Islamic fiqure of Shia Islam, and he believes his government must prepare the country for his return.

Fact:
All streams of Islam believe in a divine saviour, known as the Mahdi, who will appear at the "End of Days."

Fact:
What is widely believed by some political analysts, which is also a popular rumour....which has been denied by the Iranian government is, the Iranian leader and his cabinet have signed a "contract" pledging themselves to work for the return of the Mahdi and then sent it to Jamkaran.

The dominant"twelver"sect in Iran, believes this will be Mohammed Ibn Hasan, who is regarded as the 12th Imam, or righteous descendant of the Prophet Mohammad. According to the story, he went into "occlusion" in the ninth century, at the age of five. NOW FOLKS THIS IS IMPORTANT, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS NEXT PHRASE..."His return will be preceded by ..cosmic chaos...war and bloodshed...after a confrontation with evil and darkness...then and only then will the Mahdi lead the world into an era of Universal peace." (This is similar to the christian vision of the Apocalypse)(has the Iranian president not called you and I evil?)

Here is the shocker: The Iman is expected to return in the company of Jesus.

Fact:
It appears some analysts believe the Iranian president thinks that the above events are close at hand. That ordinary mortals can "influence the divine timetable", and it is ok to do so.

Fact:
The Iranian political climate changed when this Teheran mayor won the presidential election.
The rift is no longer between reformist and the hardliners. He has now brought the Islamic clerical establishment into full power, just as the "Roman Catholic Church" had the same power centuries ago, as recorded by our world history. (for the protestant version, sort of like having Alabama's kicked off of the bench Judge Roy Moore, and Pat Roberson having the same power as President Bush. Wouldn't that be a kicker?)

Fact:
When the Iranian president addressed the UN he projected a image of the middle east fighting against an evil west that sought to promote "state terrorism" impose the "logic of the dark ages" and divide the world into "light and dark countries".

Fact:
When he as he finished the speech he stated the following, in an appeal to God "hastern the emergence of your last repository, the promised one, that perfect and pure human being, the one that will fill this world with peace and justice".

Fact:
An Iranian website in November, distributed a video where Mr. Ahmadinejad, states how a glow of light came around the president as he began his UN speech. He too felt the light, and noticed the atmosphere change, and for 28 minutes not one in the audience even blinked. He knows he says because he was watching. The audience was astonished, as if a hand held them there and made them sit, while he was addressing the UN. His speech has opended eyes and ears for FOLKS PAY ATTENTION HERE..the message of the "Islamic Republic".

Fact:
When he spoke of an investigation into the plane crash last month that killed 108 people, he also "THANK THEM" SAYING, "WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT THEY HAVE {SHOWN THE WAY} TO MARTYRDOM WHICH WE {MUST} FOLLOW."

Now if some of the above information has not given you a clue of just what this guy is thinking, then ya better read it again. Political differences can be resolved. When you have someone who is totally consumed by their Idealogy, who feels they are on a divine mission, they are carrying out the will of God to hasten the arrival of their Messiah, that in order to do that ...war, chaos, and bloodshed MUST HAPPEN before he can return, then I believe you may just have an idea of what is going to have to been done, before the world is set ablazed. It is my opinion this guy has every intention of killing as many of us and our children as he has the capability of doing.
If the world allows Iran to develop their own nuclear fuel,then the nuclear war head will follow.
He has already told the world of his intentions.

-- January 15, 2006 9:30 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Carl,

WOW!!

Unbelieveable!!!

Thank you for your detailed posts.

ski

-- January 15, 2006 11:00 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq: civil war in the insurgency?

BAGHDAD -- According to an American and an Iraqi intelligence official, as well as Iraqi insurgents, clashes between Al Qaeda and Iraqi insurgent groups like the Islamic Army and Muhammad's Army have broken out in Ramadi, Husayba, Yusifiya, Dhuluiya and Karmah.

In town after town, officials say, local Iraqi insurgents and tribal groups have begun trying to expel Al Qaeda fighters, and, in some cases, kill them.

"The tribes are fed up with Al Qaeda and they will not tolerate any more," said a senior Iraqi intelligence official. The official confirmed reports that a Sunni tribe in Samarra had tried and executed Al Qaeda members for their role in assassinating a local sheik.

Elders from the tribe held a trial in a local farmhouse and interrogated the men for days. They said they worked for a fighter from Saudi Arabia who bankrolled the attacks, Samarrai said.

He said local insurgents had changed allegiances, lured away by Al Qaeda's money.

It is unclear how deeply the split pervades Iraqi society, but in most Sunni cities, Iraqis defied Al Qaeda's threats and turned out to vote in large numbers Dec. 15.

http://www.aina.org/news/20060114110025.htm

-- January 15, 2006 12:34 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Reasons for Optimism, But Dangers Still Ahead for Iraq
Posted GMT 1-13-2006 17:41:5

As the Haj holidays end Iraqi politics is expected to shift into high gear with the formation of a new government top of the agenda.

Although all the parties intend to play hardball there are at least three reasons for optimism.

The first is that the numerous parties and groups that contested last month's general election are coalescing into four big blocs, reversing a tendency towards fragmentation caused by personal and sectarian agendas.

The second reason for optimism is that the terrorist-insurgent alliance may be losing whatever support it had among the Arab Sunni community.

Arab Sunni parties ignored an appeal by Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Al Qaeda number-two, and Abu-Mussab al-Zarqawi, the Al Qaeda chief in Iraq, to boycott the general election. Last week the two terrorist leaders returned with another appeal to the Sunnis, this time to withdraw from the political process. The Sunni response could not have been more damming for al-Zawahiri and al-Zarqawi. The Sunni parties backed Allawi as the leader of the Maram bloc. And Allawi, of course, is the man who, as prime minister, organised the US-led operations that flushed Zarqawi and his gang out of Fallujah in 2004.

Iraqi Sunnis are beginning to realise that, provided they build alliances, they could win a major share of power through the new democratic system. They now see that the Zarqawi scenario has failed. Over the past three years terrorism, conducted in the name of the Sunnis, has claimed some 30,000 Iraqi lives, mostly civilians, without securing an ounce of power. A single election, however, has put the Sunnis back at the centre of Iraqi politics as a major power bloc. Arab Sunnis now understand what Iraq's Shiites and Kurds understood soon after liberation: no single community could impose its rule on Iraq as, from now on, power-sharing is the name of the game in Baghdad.

Although the Iraqis voted largely on ethnic and sectarian grounds it is now clear that the new parliament and government will be shaped on the basis of broader national political considerations, especially the controversial issue of federalism.

Despite having suffered half a century of despotism Iraqis seem to be learning the ropes of democratic politics fairly fast and, more importantly, appear to like it. And that certainly is also cause for optimism about the future of Iraq.

http://www.aina.org/news/20060113114105.htm

-- January 15, 2006 1:38 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:
Good informative post..

-- January 15, 2006 2:12 PM ∞

Todd wrote:

Carl,

You are absolutely right on, regarding the direction that President Ahmadinejad plans to take the country. I wish the European community would wake up and get real with what is going on in Iran.

-- January 15, 2006 6:14 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Sara,
Good info on your posts. I do believe that we are indeed seeing a change in the Sunnis' attitude for the better. Hopefully, this will carry through in regards to the upcoming parliament negotiations and constitution negotiations.

Carl: I agree with Todd. You hit the nail on the head with your breakdown of the Iran president/situation. Good job

-- January 15, 2006 6:50 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

YOU NEED US MORE THAT WE NEED YOU...
ALL OF YOU TODAY NEED IRAN...

Flexing his Oil muscle, the Iranian President, told the World just how he sees the situation and what he intents to do if pushed...
Sanction us, and we will shut down the oil flow in the middle east. Finance Minister Davoud Jafari stated, Iran is in a strategic, geographical region, and any disruption to its political and economic status will spark the Iranians into action. Some observers believe Iran intends to block the Strait of Hormuz by sinking several ships in the channel, setting oil fields on fire in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,Iraq and other oil producing countries. They intend to obstruct all oil exports from the Persian Gulf.
The Finance minister went on to state, it is Iran's position that Western threats of sanctions are just part of a publicity stunt, and Iran will not be intimidated.
We will drive the price of oil beyond what anyone ever imagined. It is suspected that the price of a barrel of oil could reach as high as $100.00, if this conflict with Iran is not settled with a diplomatic solution.

Manouchehr Takin of the Centre for Global Energy stated, Supply and demand are very tightly balanced, and veiled threats from Iran can and will upset that balance.

It is suspected Iran has been directing the insurgency to go after the Iraqi oil production sites, and distribution lines to prevent more oil from being placed on the market. If Iraq gets their oil production up to the level they have projected, this takes away the oil muscle of Iran. The Iranians are not going to allow that if possible.

FACT:
Germany's deputy foreign minister stated, "we are seeing desperate measures being taken by China, India and others to get hold of energy resources. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION AS THIS WILL START TO GIVE YOU AN INDICATION HOW THINGS ARE GOING TO LINE UP..Iran is a partner they cannot do without. He continued to say, it is dangerous to put restrictions on trade relations, which will hurt yourself, more than the other. SO THIS TELLS YOU CHINA, INDIA, AND SOME OTHER COUNTRIES ARE GOING TO BE RELUCTANT EVEN DEFIATE ABOUT PLACING SANCTIONS ON IRAN.

FACT:
The United States has had their hands full with Iraq, Afganistan, and domestic issues at home. The lead to settle the nuclear issue with Iran was left to the three main countries of the EU organization, Britain, France and Germany. They have been in talks for over two years without making any head way in getting Iran to voluntarily limit its nuclear activities. They have offered increase trade and other incentives, and have been rebuffed at every offer.

We know as of today the situation. But what if Iran decides to go for broke. How long would it take the Iranians to have in their hands the capability of producing a nuclear warhead. This is of course is assuming that Iran does not at this time, have their hands on a nuclear device. Keep in mind, Russia has been helping Iran build nuclear reactors for their power plants. Since the collapse of the Russian Empire, it is widely known, that nuclear devices from that country are missing.
Some estimate that Iran is about 6 months away from the "technical independence to make nuclear warheads, and about two years from actually building the weapon.
Another estimate from the Institue of Science and International Security in Washington is 3 - 5 years away. The CIA recently projected 5 to 10 years away.
Just pick a number if you want, pick the high number if it makes you feel better, but regardless of the pick, keep in mind to depend solely on estimated timelines can be a deadly mistake.

FACT:
Saudi Arabia criticised President Ahmadinejad's Administration yesterday, warning him that he is continuing on a path that could bring disaster to the region. Price Saud al-Faisal stated, he was speaking for many arabs in that region, when he cautioned the Iranian president, that it is better to forgo atomic energy, to moderate his foreign policy and to stop interfering with events in Iraq. He went on to state, " We are urging Iran to accept the position that we have taken in order to make the Gulf, as part of the Middle East, nuclear free and free of weapons of mass destruction.We hope they join us".
the Prince went on to say that the Saudi's had hoped his administration would be a stablising force not a destablising force. But that will have to be tested with time.
The Saudi's went on to say, that Iran should stay out of Iraq's development. They are concerned that Iran is in the process of attempting to exploit its influence over the Shia Muslim Political Parties, and any attempt to split off its oil-rich south into a Shia region with closer ties to Iran would be a grave mistake.

FACT:
During the last two years, oil prices have brought the middle east countries treasuries to overflowing. There have been several influences on oil prices, but none other than the simple increase of economic growth, and industrialization of many countries thoughtout the world. This has increased the demand for oil, with China now being the world's second largest oil importer.
A significant part of this increase has been caused by the USA's policy of outsourcing our manufacturing capabilities overseas, especially in China. According to one report, the rapid expansion of the chinese industry, has created such a demand for oil, that even our own USA facilities prefer to sell their oil production directly to the chinese instead of here at home.
This policy of USA outsourcing has now brought Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos into the picture, and their demand for oil has jumped significantly.

FACT:
The situation of what is happening in Iraq has and will have a direct affect on the oil industry.
Some of the ongoing concerns:

When will the flow of Iraqi oil get steady enough to affect the price of oil on the world market? Iraq may have all the oil in the world, but if you can't extract it, refine it, move it safely, and get it to the market it is worthless.

The Democratic Baby of Iraq has been delivered, however, it is far from being able to survive on its own, at the present time. What is going to be the repercussions in Iraq if there is a military conflict with Iran?

How can the Iraqi government protect its oil facilities,transportion of oil, and pipelines in the event of war with Iran? It is already recognized, that Iran is not going to allow a increase in oil production to help the Western Nations.

I believe this post is long enough, so I will close it. However, I hope some of the above information gathered gives you a better understanding of what the situation is presently, and what may be on the horizon.

-- January 16, 2006 7:15 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

HEY! UNCLE SAM! WHAT IS THAT TIRE AROUND THE MIDDLE?

I write this short post on this subject, because the Iraqi Dinar and the US Dollar are directly related. What happens to the value of the dollar also reflects the purchasing power of the dollar against the Iraqi Dinar in the event it goes on the currency market.

$400 Billion deficit for 2005, and gaining pounds daily, is the stark reality of the USA's present fiscal situation. The U.S. continues to keep adding to its flabby budget middrift, endangering our nations economic health.

If this budget growth continues on its present trend this is going to lead to higher borrowing cost for consumers and companies, thus the economy will start to slow down. It is my opinion, in the next few months we are going to see major increases in mortgage rates, car loans, credit card interest rates, etc..

We have got to get our financial house in order. If congress still keeps giving us bloated budget deficits, it will endanger the U.S.'s economy,and put us into a recession. The only plan we see so far is the "hope" that it can be brought under control by 2009 or at least we start to see some reduction. According to the present reports coming out, the Federal debt is now $8 trillion dollars over all. Measured by the Gross domestic product, this debt now accounts for aprox. 63.2% of the GDP. When it reaches the 75% ratio a yellow flag should be flying.

The annual budget deficit is caused simply by spending more than your income for the year. When this happens the U.S. has to sell treasure securties to domestic and foreign investors. Sell too many securities and you now have your foreign investors controlling your nations financial strength.
If they dump your dollars, as china did last week at $15 billion back into the market, it delutes the value of the dollar, ie; the dollar weakens against the iraqi dinar.

Like anybody's weight gain, it didn't happen over night. It slowly creeps up the scales until one day you look down and say, Hey! where did that tire come from?

Anybody looked in the mirror lately?

-- January 16, 2006 7:56 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

IRAN TELLS THE WORLD THIS MORNING....

" NO ONE IS GOING TO STOP OUR NUCLEAR PROGRAM!"

How much credibility do you put into those words?

-- January 16, 2006 10:59 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

UN Security Council powers meet on Iran nuclear crisis
(Reuters)
16 January 2006

LONDON - Key UN Security Council powers met on Monday to discuss how to curb Iran’s nuclear programme and President Vladimir Putin said Russia had moved “very close” to the West’s stance, which backs diplomatic action.

China has said resorting to the Security Council might ”complicate the issue”, citing Iran’s threat to hit back by halting snap UN inspections of its atomic plants.

OPEC giant Iran, the world’s fourth largest exporter of crude oil, has also warned that any attempt to isolate it could drive up world energy prices, damaging industrialised economies.

If the Western powers find Russia and China receptive to referral, Monday’s talks could yield a date for an IAEA board meeting well ahead of its next scheduled session on March 6.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2006/January/middleeast_January421.xml§ion=middleeast&col=

-- January 16, 2006 12:46 PM ∞

Willie wrote:

Wow! Anybody got anything good to say? I don't know about you guys but I don't live in fear. God has not given us this SPIRIT. As the scriptures saids..As a man thinketh he becomes. I know Sara knows what I'm talking about.

-- January 16, 2006 1:58 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Willie:
The post written are not to instill fear, but to instill knowledge of the environment as it is developing. It is facts as they are laid out, and develop. I understand optimism, and prefer it to even my pramagtic views. But that still does not change things as they appear to be or could become.
If you would like to put in your opinion on the Iran situation and how to you think it will be resolved please feel free to do so.

-- January 16, 2006 2:26 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S. Wounded Rate In Iraq Down In 2005
by UPI Wire
Jan 16, 2006

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- While the death rate of U.S. troops in Iraq held steady in 2005, the number of forces wounded fell by 26 percent, the Defense Department reports.

Army Lt. Gen. John Vines, commander of multinational forces in Iraq, said that violence has ebbed some because some of the Sunni Arabs who make up the backbone of the insurgency decided to participate in last month's elections.

Army Maj. Gen. William Webster, the commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, said the number of suicide car bombs and roadside bombs also fell by half during 2005.

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_2123589.shtml

-- January 16, 2006 5:29 PM ∞

Carter wrote:

1 MILLION DINAR EXCHANGE RATE TO PROFIT RATIO ( $790 investment)

1USD - 1500IQD = $666.667
1USD - 1400IQD = $714.286
1USD - 1300IQD = $769.231
1USD - 1200IQD = $833.333
1USD - 1100IQD = $909.091
1USD - 1000IQD = $1,000
1USD - 900IQD = $1,111.111
1USD - 800IQD = $1,250
1USD - 700IQD = $1,428.57
1USD - 600IQD = $1,666.67
1USD - 500IQD = $2,000
1USD - 400IQD = $2,500
1USD - 300IQD = $3,333.33
1USD - 200IQD = $5,000
1USD - 100IQD = $10,000
1USD - 90IQD = $11,111.1
1USD - 80IQD = $12,500
1USD - 70IQD = $14,285.7
1USD - 60IQD = $16,666.7
1USD - 50IQD = $20,000
1USD - 40IQD = $25,000
1USD - 30IQD = $33,333.3
1USD - 20IQD = $50,000
1USD - 10IQD = $100,000
1USD - 9IQD = $111,111
1USD - 8IQD = $125,000
1USD - 7IQD = $142,857
1USD - 6IQD = $166,667
1USD - 5IQD = $200,000
1USD - 4IQD = $250,000
1USD - 3IQD = $333,333
1USD - 2IQD = $500,000
1USD - 1IQD = $1,000,000

This is how much I bought one million Dinar for, I hope this helps some of you out in tracking your dinar profit.

-- January 16, 2006 8:13 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT IF IRAN IS REFERRED TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL?

FACT:
The European nations are calling for an emergency meeting to cover the Iranian nuclear drama.
They have requested the meeting be moved up from March to around Feb First. Presently, the Russians and Chinese are not toO keen on referring Iran to the Security Council. They most certainly are not on board with ordering sanctions at this time. Even thou, the European Countries are calling the emergency meeting, they are reluctant to see the case escalated into a direct confrontation with Iran, as they too have extensive interest in dealings with the Iranians.
It is well known the Europeans are enjoying a good trading relationship within the Iranian markets, especially since American companies are abscent in Iran.

The Fran (France) oil companies have made agreements for oil exploration and exploitation activities in the Persian Gulf that are at a min of 25% over and above normal prices of this type of activity. They Charge Iran a premium price for disregarding the American sanctions against the investments place in the Iranian oil industries.

The Russians are having a field day selling all kinds of merchandise, plus helping build a Chernobyl style nuclear reactor in Iran.

The Chinese just signed a $50 Billion agreement with Iran for their Oil and Gas.

FACT:
Now! lets assume things progress a little further, to the point where the members of the IAEA's board make ready to send the case to the United Nations Security Council. If that happens then the IAEA will issue a "Final Warning" for the Iranian government to observe the commitments of the previous Iranian leaders.
If Iran then refuses, this will then lead to the actual referral.

FACT:
Once the case in active with the United Nations Security Council, they will issue another request to the Iranian Leaders to comply with the Security Council's orders.

FACT:
If the Iranian leaders continue to thump their noses at the world, then the Security Council can start to take action. You can most assuringly expect the actions to be gradual.
Just what would some of those actions be:
1. Curtail travel of diplomatic contacts
2. They may stop flights of the Iranian Airlines to other countries or even stop foreign countries from flying into Iran.
3. Stop the flow of gasoline into Iran
4, Stop the Export of Iranian Oil
5. Could issue a declaration of war

FACT:
If an attack is made on Iran, a decision has to be made before hand.
Is this attack going to be a limited strike, designed to remove the nuclear threat only?
Is the attack going to be a surgical strike designed to remove the leadership of Iran?

It is my opinion that if a strike is made, it will have to be a go for broke strike. To allow this Iranian leadership the ability to survive will bring retaliatory actions, which will pludge the entire region, and maybe even Iraq into a full scale protracted war, which will set the price of oil soaring, and the dinar sinking like the titanic.

Then you have a problem of a leadership vacuum, as we had in Iraq. This in itself will bring internal fighting among tribes, which could quickly erupt into a civil war, and the consequences of that situation.

Diplomacy is by far the best solution.

-- January 16, 2006 10:01 PM ∞

Carter wrote:

To carl and whom it may concern. Do you think that if Iran does not comply with the national security council, will we have another Iraq situation going on. Thanks for a very informing article.

-- January 16, 2006 10:49 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Willie: We need some optimists like, but you really need to bone up what is going on in this world and the problems facing this country.

Carl: I would vote for you for President. You have a better grasp of the world situation than Pres Bush and his advisors.

It is time for us to realize that oil is king and any action which take that impedes the flow of oil will detrimental.

We have rushed into Iraq like a bull in a china shop and expended our resources, spread our troops too thin and brought the wrath of the world down upon us. We are fighting terrorists in two countries and this is about all that military planners previously thought we were capable of doing well.

Iran holds too many cards for us to unilaterally take any action against them. When the oil is slowed significantly, then chaos starts in the U.S.. I remember the long lines when OPEC was flexing its muscles.
This time, it will be much more severe as every country is at capacity.

This country had better wake up and start looking out for our long range survival. The beautiful land in Alaska will not seem so beautiful when we start to get hungry and there is no gas in the auto.

I see us giving up our way of life in this country for the survival of Israel. I know that in order for the bible to be fulfilled that Israel must continue to exist.

If we abandoned Israel, all of our problems in the middle east would be solved. I know this sounds absurd, but never before have we been faced with an economic meltdown, a shutdown of the country because of lack of oil and the chaos that either of these things will cause. Show me the right way.

-- January 16, 2006 10:56 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carter,

Thanks for the table on the breakdown on the Iraqi dinar!

It will be a handy tool to use as a reference when we are having discussions regarding the future prospects of the Iraqi dinar.

-- January 17, 2006 6:35 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

WHAT WERE THE SIGNALS THAT IRAN WAS PLAYING WITH A DOUBLE DECK OF CARDS!

When parties have Negoiations both sides have to make the assumption that each is playing with same amount of cards, and doing it fairly.

FACT:
The United States handed off the job of coming to an agreement with Iran on their nuclear energy program to Germany, France and Britain. After two years of talking, nothing had been accomplished. In fact, while the Iranian diplomats talked, their technicians:

Improved Irans enrichment program.
Built secret nuclear centrifuges underground
Blocked snap inspections
Refused to explain why traces of weapon grade uranium was found on Iranian centrifuges.
Stone walled, then flat refused to answer any question about what type of assistance did the Iranians receive from rogue Pakistani nuclear scientist Khan.
Refused to show any material given to them by the scientist.

FACT:
Since September 24, 2005, the Iranians have been declared in non-compliance. Four months later they are still in non-compliance, and have refused Russia's suggestions on how to resolve this diplomatically.

FACT:
The Iranian leaders do have a problem though.Their ideological venom does not carry much weight with a majority of the Iranian people. Indeed some of the real ire of the ordinary Iranians is addressed at their own government leaders.
The Iranian youth do not want to live under a theocracy form of government, no more than it would be accepted by the masses in America or Europe. Recent polls taken show that 80% of the citizens have very little faith in the Islamic Republic.

FACT:
Despite elections in Iran, the people themselves have very little say about their government and who can be candidates for office. The Supreme leader of Iran has total autocratic power and rules for life.
They have a Guardian Council who screens the candidates for political office.In the 2005 elections, the Council refused to allow over 1000 individuals from putting their name on the ballot, and approved only 8 for the race. All of these 8 endorsed theocracy and opposed any radical reforming of the existing government structure.

FACT:
The Iranian Religious Leaders recognize their closeness to Iraq is a major problem for their form of government. Any type of reform for them, threatens to weaken their power structure. Democracy seating next door in Iraq, scares the hell out of them, and they know given time, it can be the hemlock, that brings down their form of rule. The popularity of Democracy is irrelevant, as legitmacy comes not from the Iranian people but from God, who channels his will through their selected Mullahs.

FACT:
Even the leaders who were considered moderate, stated in speeches, "The knowledge of God must be the foundation of life." They go on to make statements such as, The People are not capable of comprehending God's will through the verses contained in the Quran and Sunna. It requires years of study by the selected Clerics. Only they can tell the people what the verses mean.
Some of their leaders have said, "Liberal Democracy is the source of all human torment".
These statements are no longer having the same affect as they did years ago under Khamenei, and are now being recognized for what they really are by the youth. "mind control"

FACT:
Since 1999, the Iranian students are staging more and more street marches demanding more freedom. State control has been eroding for quite sometime. Trade with Europe has tripled and the influences of this trade is changing the mind set of the youth and people in Iran. This internal trade pressure has brought the modern world light to what has been secular society for years. This is starting to shake the foundations of the old establishment.

FACT:
There appears to be no magic formula here to solve the problem. The European nations and some Western Senators like an abused spouse are beating themselves up for this crises. It is the oh! what did I do wrong, if I could have only done it better, they wouldn't be so mad, and act this way, syndrome that brings the Iranian leaders to view the Western and Europe Leaders as naive and weak. Some of our leaders have not realized that the middle eastern culture only respects strength and power. They have operated like that for centuries, don't expect them to have a different view over night.

FACT:
We saw what Iran was doing, during the two years the European nations were attempting to get Iran to agree on some type of program to satisfy everyone regarding their nuclear program. Iran was working as fast as they could to complete the centrifuges before we found they were there.
Diplomacy is by far the best solution. But our leaders need to recognize, that is also our weakness, and is observed as one by the Iranians. Diplomacy will appease the doves, but will it actually solve the problem, and only allow the Iranians time to put the nuclear warhead together.
I hope we are not so naive to believe like one of our ex- presidents who dealth with Iranians in the hostage situation, that goodwill and faith is all you need. President Reagan brought to the table a kick ass attitude, and things changed rapidly.
The world may have to take that position again. But then again, the ball is in the Iranians court, and their fate depends on their decision.

Israel is in the background waiting,and watching, and they will allow the world leaders to do their thing. You can bet your last dollar, when they feel the talks are fruitless, and are no longer productive, they intend to pick up the slack. That slack will be decisive and deadly, and the Iranians will not have to guess as to what is happening.

-- January 17, 2006 6:50 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Carter:
Your scale is easy to read and gives us dinar investors the information needed to value our investment as time progresses. Thanks for the time it took to post.

-- January 17, 2006 7:00 AM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

Thanks Carl for the great post about the US dollar , I believe the US dollar will still lose some ground in 2006 .But wouldnt the same be true if everyone dumped the dinar at same time?I guess if it repegs we have to be the first to cash in!

-- January 17, 2006 11:15 AM ∞

BH wrote:

Moscow Not Ready to Back Iran Strategy

Updated 11:04 AM ET January 17, 2006

By GEORGE JAHN

MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's foreign minister indicated Tuesday that Moscow was not ready to support moves by the U.S. and its European allies to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear program, while the West stepped up pressure on Tehran.

Duh. Of course they aren't.

Putin is behind this crap, that's why Ahmedinejad is thumbing his nose at the USA, daring Bush to attack. Ahmedinejad is a fool. But, I think Bush may be a bigger fool for not seeing this trap laid for us.

Putin's strategy is dead simple. Get the stupid giant to overextend itself. Worked on the USSR. It's working on the USA.

-- January 17, 2006 11:28 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

I agree with you BH. And, I would add that part of the reason the Ahmedinejad is thumbing his nose at us is because of the European "3" gang (Britain, France and Germany) who were negotiating with Iran.

British foreign secretary, Jack Straw pretty well wasted years of effort, when he said a while back that Britain had taken the military option off the table in regards to Iran's nuclear program. And, of course, Iran took that as a sign of weakness, and has been exploiting the Europe "3" ever since with these "negotiations". Maybe, the Europe "3" gang will see their mistakes, and jump on board with the military option as part of the negotiation. We have to incorporate the "military option" in this, or Iran will just keep on bookin' with their nuclear program, IMO. I agree with Carl that a diplomatic agreement with Iran would be the best way on this. But, if we can't come to terms with these ideologues in Iran, then we should slap the sanctions on Iran if they don't agree to start "earnest" negotiations. And, we get to decide what "earnest" means, not Iran. Give Iran a short timetable to come back to the table, and stop their nuclear ambitions, or we start racheting up the inevitable military pressure/strikes (either limited or a full-blown NATO backed military strikes) no-fly zones,etc.

I like the way that Senator John McCain put it when he said that there is only one thing worse than having a military confrontation with Iran, and that is an IRAN WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

Even New York Senator, Chuck Shumer, the outspoken critic of Bush on Iraq, has just recently said that we are going to have to play,
"hardball" with Iran.

Hopefully, the Europe "3" is now starting to realize the futility of dealing with this guy Ahmedinejad. Start the sanctions in March, and let's get this thing going. C'mon NATO, and get your act/resolve together on this!!

-- January 17, 2006 1:04 PM ∞

BOBBY FLOYD wrote:

We are a great nation but we are not the "Almighty" who is the strongest, smartest, richest and has the best solutions.

We have been a rich nation, but we are now a nation with a great credit rating whose credit card about to tap out.

With each new venture, we become weaker and less revered. NAFTA, CAFTA, Iraq, Afganistan, Katrina, Medicare prescription drugs, the Roadmap, homeland security, border patrol and a myriad of other projects which are good if we had money to support them.

When are we going to let some of the other countries take some responsibility for the problems of the world. Many of the problems are in their backyard and, we, thousands of miles away are concerned when they don't seem to care.
Our tactics and actions seem to be making enemies rather than friends as our way of life is probably better but they prefer their's.

How much longer can we borrow money at the rate we are going now until it becomes a catastrophy. We have built a powder key and are sitting on it and the first country that demands their money and can't get it will set the keg off.

That is what makes this country great is what I think or say probably won't change anything but it feels good to be free to say it.

BOB

-- January 17, 2006 8:11 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Mr. Bremer appeared as a guest on the Diane Rheme Show on NPR. Again, he rehearsed the positive attributes to the Iraqi economy the Dinar is slated to bring. Did anyone listen?

Rob N.

-- January 17, 2006 10:32 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Rob N.,

I didn't catch that. Did he say anything about the Iraqi dinar directly?

-- January 18, 2006 7:39 AM ∞

Carter wrote:

What is going to happen, if Iran continues to build nuclear weapons? Could Iran be planning another attack on Iraq? Sorry for all of the questions, but this is starting to scare me; to think that Iraq will be attacked in its weakest state, and the Dinar to become worthless.

-- January 18, 2006 4:06 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carter,

I would not worry about this. Iran knows that it can run its mouth, but those mullahs and their little puppet president know that they wouldn't have a chance against the U. S. and a coalition of other countries.

Right now, Iran is thinking that it is the big kid on the block, with Iraq being defeated. In fact, Colin Powell said today that the Iranian government is running down the same lane as Iraq under Saddam Hussein did. But, we all remember what happened to Saddam Hussein.

Donald Rumsfeld has just said this past Sunday, that the U. S. already has contingency plans to handle situations like Iran. Now, people can say that we are stretched too thin, and that we cannot handle two wars at once. I say that we can. That's just my opinion - one that is open for discussion.

-- January 18, 2006 7:49 PM ∞

Carter wrote:

That sounds like a very good opinion, I am not going to worry about Iran any more. If Iran has not thought of the concequences of starting another war with America, and our alliances, then they probably are going to end up like Iraq. Thanks for the answer.

-- January 18, 2006 8:12 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

The Iraqis were going to begin selling bonds tomorrow.. The news was touting this as meaning the world could comment on the Iraqi's job economically.. here:

Markets can soon pass judgment on Iraq's economy
Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:17 AM ET
By Daniel Bases
LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly three years after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, financial markets will soon have the opportunity to pass judgment on the country's rebuilding process.

On Thursday, Iraqi sovereign debt will begin formally trading in the global marketplace after $14 billion worth of commercial claims were restructured into $2.7 billion of bonds.

Ahead of their formal debut, investors have bid up the bonds in the 'when and if' gray market and now consider Iraq a safer bet with their money than putting it to work in Ecuador, for example.

Iraq's bond is trading 537 basis points over U.S. Treasuries in the gray market.

"It will be useful to the world at large in addition to the markets because that will give a feel for the first time about how, in general, the world thinks Iraq is going," said Richard Segal, chief strategist at the Argo fund management group in London.

http://today.reuters.com/business/newsarticle.aspx?type=reutersEdge&storyID=2006-01-18T111708Z_01_L18473271_RTRUKOC_0_US-MARKETS-IRAQ-DEBT.xml

-- January 18, 2006 10:25 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

But then.. NOW.. they have delayed selling the bonds due to "technical reasons", until the 23rd..
And they also are suprised at the STRONG INTEREST being shown on selling the bonds. :)
Obviously many are seeing the bonds as a good investment, relative to other similar ones..
Sara.

UPDATE 1-Iraq delays commercial debt offer to Jan. 23
Wed Jan 18, 2006 7:11 PM ET

WASHINGTON, Jan 18 (Reuters) - The Iraq government said on Wednesday it had delayed the closure of its commercial debt-for-debt exchange offer to Monday, Jan. 23, 2006 due to "technical reasons."

Iraq's bond has been trading 537 basis points over U.S. treasuries in the grey market. The bonds mature in 2028 and carry a coupon of 5.8 percent. . The bonds began trading in the grey market around the 10.75 to 11 percent yield maturity range, but in the last week yields have dropped to the 9.87 percent area, showing strong interest, traders said.
http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=newIssuesNews&storyID=2006-01-19T001121Z_01_N18237773_RTRIDST_0_IRAQ-DEBT-UPDATE-1.XML

-- January 18, 2006 10:28 PM ∞

BOBBY FLOYD wrote:

Thanks for these good, well-researched posts. I don't do much research and I am very appreciative of you that do. I learn a lot just reading each posts.

I consider almost any activity in the middle East to be of significance to the Dinar. I am capitalistic enough to apply the test to each post (how does this affect the Dinar) and I find that each posts has some bearing on the longrun outlook for the dinar.

I am one of the strongest Hawks on this forum but were it not for my investment in the Dinar, I would probably be saying "Get those troops out of Iraq" and let those people handle their problems. We have enough of our own.

I hope some of you are involved for more noble reasons, but I just can't see us continueing to stir the pot in the Middle East as being in our best interest, with oil being our only hope of continuing our way of life.

Iran is no different from Russia, if they develope nukes and elect to use them, then they will be wiped off the face of the earth. This scenario is the only thing that restrains Russia or China.

Until we come up with a better solution, we need to strive for as much peace and harmony as possible in the ME.
The alternatives are not good in my eyes.

I hope someone can show me where my thinking is awray.

-- January 18, 2006 10:29 PM ∞

Stanley wrote:

YEH !!!
I think were losing the edge as one of you said,it is impposible to resume a constant vacume! The tables must be turned, someone will step up to the plate and Dominate. WE couldnt do it forever. The fall of our empire is inevidible, But realistic. It is not such a money loser though, If our Dollar plumets, we dinar hollders will gain yet !! Is that what the government is secretly predicting?
Still with all the love in my heart for everyone!!!!
CHEERS to capitalisim it drives life as we know it!!!

-- January 19, 2006 12:38 AM ∞

Espresso911 wrote:

Hi All, I've been following this fourum for quite awhile and I'm amazed at the amount of work and research done here. I spent 12 months in Iraq from the Invasion till the end of March 2004 and purchased 2.5 million while I was there. Although at the time in and around Abu-Ghraib the exchange rate was 1250 IQD to the Dollar. (I still think that Titan Translator was skimming off of us.) Still, I'm enjoying the ups and downs of the Dinar. It's a wild ride. Anyway I thought I would finally put a post up. Keep up the good work!

-- January 19, 2006 3:15 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey everybody,

Sara: That is some GOOD research. You sure are a lot of help to the forum. Confidence in Iraqi bonds does show that there are other people out there who think that Iraq will succeed.

Glad to have you posting, Expresso911. I agree with you. There are a lot of good posts on this board. Some are positive for the profitable outcome of the Iraqi dinar investment, and others grade it as a flop.

I also wanted to say to Ski, Stanley, Carl, Carter, Rob N., BH, Todd, Bobby Floyd, BOB,Outlaw, Okie, Bill1, Michael, Mike, soils, Iraqidinardirect, Terrance, JimmyP,RON, Ryan, Bronson, Shajee, Anthony R, Jason, Nephilim, lazyasl, pedro, john,Chris, Ruth, Snafu, Mrs Templeton, Roll Tide, Elvis, johnnyhavedinar, aux, Ziarian, whyques, Paulqe, James, JB Smith, Loko, gramma Ruth,S, snowball, bruceleeroy, Dean, Sherry, Nayster, mannymanuel00, Tyler, William J. Torres, Bherouz, cash, Larry Wilson, loko12, Kandahar Guard, millionaire2be71,
SGT SPOD, 1lt, Paul G. Eberhart, ARFM, wishful dinar, Jim, BK, Femme, dinardingo, exssg, smcquiller, IAN, gripman, allen, albert, dave, tkwright, amadullah, vic, mega_raptor1, , curious cat, all Anonymous, and any other people that I may have missed, that their input in the forum is needed and appreciated. This is quite a long list. And, this is just the names from people who posted on this page of the forum. Hopefully, everybody can jump in and post some more.

Whether you think that the Iraqi dinar is a good investment or a flop, let us all know. Any info on the Iraqi dinar would be appreciated.

-- January 19, 2006 9:04 AM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

Maybe they needed to upgrade the computers to handle all the orders for this bond?Or maybe the dinar will be revalued before they are issued?

-- January 19, 2006 11:09 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq government sending clear signal to investors Iraq is open for business

Iraq government faces economic tests: US Treasury
Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:16 AM ET
By Lesley Wroughton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iraq's new government, facing important economic tests, should send a clear signal to donors and investors that the country is open for business, the U.S. Treasury's No. 2 official says.

In an interview with Reuters late on Wednesday, U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Robert Kimmitt said the new government would need to quickly ensure that its laws promote a vibrant economy, particularly when it comes to foreign investment.

"We have reached a point where it is appropriate to give the Iraqis the time they need to form the new government, and then I'm sure they'll be as interested as we and others in quickly engaging in discussions on the economic front," Kimmitt said.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticleSearch.aspx?storyID=63310+19-Jan-2006+RTRS&srch=Iraq

-- January 19, 2006 1:50 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Robert, you are right.. there are signs both ways.. one leading to chaos and destruction, others leading to peace and rebuilding. :)

Maybe this is nothing, but here is another thought for the mix.. what happens if there is a plague in the Middle East (spreading globally?) which breaks out and kills millions? You see, from a faith perspective, if you believe God has ALL THINGS in His hands (including plagues), though there might be many innocents killed, yet, the Balance of Power might shift in the Middle East with the death of many, many, MANY radical terrorists in the region. What effect might such an outbreak have if it happened? Definitely an unexpected wildcard.. And of Global import concerning the War on Terror. If this happens, I believe it shows the Balance of Power is in God's hands so that God through it ordains.. that the survivor takes all?

Cortez didn't really conquer by war the Empires of the Inca and Aztecs, they died by the millions of chickenpox (same of many, many of the Indian Tribes in North America). That is why we are now here, not because of war. Plagues change the world forever. How frail we human creatures really are.

Sara.

Iraq Investigating Possible Bird Flu Death

Health Officials Investigating Whether 15-Year-Old Girl in Northeastern Iraq Died From Bird Flu

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq Jan 18, 2006 — Iraq and the World Health Organization are investigating whether bird flu killed a 15-year-old girl who died in a region that is a stopover for migratory birds from Turkey, site of a recent outbreak of the disease, officials said Wednesday.

The teenager, who lived in Raniya, just north of a reservoir in Kurdistan, died after developing a severe lung infection. If she did have bird flu, it would be Iraq's first reported case.

Experts worry the virus could mutate into a form that would spread easily among humans, triggering a pandemic capable of killing millions.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=1518870

-- January 19, 2006 2:17 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Iraqdinardirect,

I think that they will just need to upgrade their computers or it may be that they are getting the final financial details completed. It shows that there is definitely a lot of interest in this new Iraqi bond.

-- January 19, 2006 2:21 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Another sobering development this morning is Bin Laden threatening the US he is planning large coordinated strikes against the US. I am sure none of us wishes to underestimate such a threat, as we once did with SCUD missiles in the Gulf War...

Bin Laden Warns of Attacks on US, Offers Truce
By LEE KEATH, Associated Press Writer Jan 19, 2006

CAIRO, Egypt - Al-Jazeera on Thursday broadcast portions of an audiotape purportedly from Osama bin Laden, saying al-Qaida is making preparations for attacks in the United States but offering a possible truce to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan.

The voice on the tape said heightened security in the United States is not the reason there have been no attacks there since the Sept. 11, 2001, suicide hijackings.

Instead, the reason is "because there are operations that need preparations," he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060119/ap_on_re_mi_ea/al_qaida_bin_laden_7;_ylt=Ah6SvsE721FqkuwbZT3jGx8wuecA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

-- January 19, 2006 2:26 PM ∞

Robert Sebring wrote:

I have read the post for about the last year concerning opening an account in an Iraq bank. I have seen no post for sometime concerning this. Is this still a good idea?

Thanks all for your information.

-- January 19, 2006 5:19 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Robert Sebring,

That is a good question. The answer could go either way.

Personally, I can't get myself to open an account at an Iraqi bank at the present time. However, there are two choices that I know of.

One is Al Warka bank in Iraq. I have read that a number of folks on Investors Iraq and other folks have opened an account at Al Warka in Iraq. And, they swear by it being a good idea. According to the folks who have said that they opened accounts, Al Warka pays interest on your funds. I have read that you can open a U.S. dollar account and an Iraqi dinar account. From what I have read, you will want an Iraqi dinar account to set up to immediately buy stocks in the Iraqi Stock Exchange when it becomes open to the foreign public. Al Warka is a member/participant in the Iraqi Stock Exchange, and I have read that a lot of these folks are waiting for the ISX to open to foreign investors, so they can be the first to open ISX investment portfolios directly through Al Warka Bank. I have heard that the ISX will allow certain types of foreign co-ops to open investment accounts, but I must admit that I am lost on this part. In my OPINION, a negative to opening an account at this bank is that you have to send them copies of documents to open an account. Personally, I just don't feel comfortable sending any documents to a foreign bank that I have never done business with. I have read that Warka bank is updating to online banking, and that they are almost complete on this.

Another bank that I had contacted a good while back was National Bank of Iraq, in conjunction with Export and Finance Bank in Jordan. I contacted Export and Finance Bank a while back, and this is what I found out at that time. This bank has internet banking. And, they will accept Iraqi dinar as deposits. You must first give them two weeks notice that you are sending Iraqi dinar for deposit into your account. There is a charge to forward your Iraqi dinars to the National Bank of Iraq. Export and Finance Bank has bought 49 per cent shareholding in the National Bank of Iraq.

The negatives are that the Export and Finance bank pays no interest on an account that you may open with the National Bank of Iraq. Plus, they require more information/documentation that I was wanting to furnish. They require a copy of your passport, 6 months bank statements from your current bank and I believe that I recall the guy saying that they require a copy of your drivers license.

I am sorry, but I have deleted all the emails regarding this correspondence with Export and Finance Bank. I wasn't interested, so I didn't keep the correspondence. But, if you're interested, then email them, because things may have changed since I had last corresponded with them.

All I did was email Export and Finance bank, and asked them about opening a foreign account. The guy that emailed me back answered all my questions, and was very thorough on each answer to each of my questions.

Overall, I just think that I would rather have my Iraqi dinar where I can see them at the present time. Eventually, HSBC and other international banks will open banks in Iraq, and I will feel more confident in opening an international account here in the United States.

I think that I have pretty well covered these two banks. But,if anyone in the know sees any discrepancies in my descriptions of the banks mentioned above, please feel free to correct me. I would appreciate it.

I hope that this helps you, Robert Sebring.

-- January 19, 2006 7:05 PM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all,just been reading all the posts for awhile now.The main goal is to continue to pray for the will of GOD to be in the forefront,and all will be better for it.
Good luck to all and Iraq.
Ron

-- January 19, 2006 7:14 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara:

Good info on the bonds and the fact that they are demanding a lower interest than originally thought indicates that there is confidence in the Iraqi economy.

If there is confidence in the bonds, then there will be confidence in the Dinar when it pegs. When countries/people believe that they can invest their money in Iraq and reap some profit from it, then I believe that we are on the road to success.

This is terrific news from my prospective.

Bob

-- January 19, 2006 10:50 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Here's how to think about Iran.

If Iran throws a nuke at someone, what do we do? You see, if we throw nukes back at them, or if we make serious war on them, then we knock down the world supply of oil. Iran is the fourth largest oil producer in the world. Knock that out and you spike the cost of a barrel of oil to $100, easy.

Also, please note that if Iran throws one nuke, the USA has a huge amount of its armed forces within easy range of other nukes. That includes some aircraft carriers, etcetera.

Another thing Iran can do is simply point a few missiles at Saudi Arabia. If Saudi Arabia and Iran go down, there goes the ball game folks.

What would happen after that is that the western economies would crash. We couldn't absorb oil at $300 - $400 a barrel.

But, Russia would become rich off of that scenario, regardless of what we do. It's just a matter of how rich they get.

Understand why Russia is not reining in Iran now?

By the way - the Mullahs are completely capable of taking down their nation for principle. Don't kid yourself. They do NOT think like you do.

-- January 20, 2006 2:23 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey BH,

I agree with you on your post regarding Iran. These mullahs in Iran could care less what happens to the nation of Iran. They are interested only in their polluted view of their religion. And, this is indeed dangerous. That is the reason that I also agree with what I said about Colin Powell in one of my posts.

Colin Powell says that Iran is heading down the same road as Iraq did during Saddam Hussein's rule.

The Iranian president is nothing but a little puppet for these mullahs-they jerk one string one way, he says/does this. They jerk the string the other way, he says/does that.

Iran wouldn't have a prayer of a chance against the U. S., in a military confrontation, but like you say, these mullahs don't think in a rational way.

And, regarding Russia, I agree also that they are playing the opportunistic card here. But, Russia is getting ready to lose another major trading partner (Iran), if Iran's mullahs keep on their current path. Russia was a big player in Iraq, too, while Saddam Hussein was in power. Now, they are on the bottom rung of the ladder in the eyes of the new Iraqi government.

One of the many unfortunate things already with these Iranian mullahs' actions, is that the price of oil is going back up. So, the mullahs' regime in Iran is making even more money from this potential disaster. This is the reason that I hope that the international community can get together on sanctions as quickly as possible. I say that we cut off their oil exports. Sure oil will spike. But at this point, what choice do we have? These irrational mullahs are literally forcing us to do a major move like this, IMO.

I read this morning that the Iranian government/Central Bank is shifting its assets to an undisclosed location. They know what is coming. It is possible that Russia and China have told them that they will either abstain or vote for sanctions. I may be wrong on this, but this move that Iran has just made regarding their assets, says to me that they are not going to stop their nuclear ambitions. They are preparing for sanctions, IMO.

-- January 20, 2006 7:33 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Robert:

Paul Bremer made no specific reference to the Iraqi Dinar except to say (paraphrasing) the NID was designed to help Iraq move forward economically.

Besty:

How is your co-worker buying a car for $51438 significant to this post?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 20, 2006 10:17 AM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

I personally would not open a bank account in Iraq ,this is just me though.I do not see the need for it , we excahnge foreign money every day with no need of bank accounts overseas.I took some australian money to my bank this week knowing they do not carry it .The teller put it in a little envelope with my bank number on it and looked up the exchange.She put that in my account and sent the physical money to their foreign exchange department.I believe this is how simple the process of exchanging Iraqi money will be if/when Iraq becomes a world traded currency.Why would they treat the dinar different than any other currency?Something to think about.

-- January 20, 2006 10:57 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Sara and Rob N.,

Sara: You bring up an interesting observation concerning the devastation of plagues. I do agree with you.

We can travel worldwide now with no problem. This only helps the spread of a disease like the bird flu that you have referenced. This is going to take an international effort to set standards to control and hopefully eradicate this disease.

Rob N.: It is good to see that Bremer thinks the Iraqi dinar is a positive thing for Iraq. He has "on-the-ground" experience there. And, I do believe that he is a straight-shooter. If he had a problem with the Iraqi dinar's future, he would have said so, IMO.

-- January 20, 2006 11:14 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Shia alliance wins Iraq elections
Friday January 20, 2006

An alliance of Shia parties won the most seats in the Iraqi elections but did not secure enough to govern without a coalition, it was confirmed today.

The United Iraqi Alliance won 128 of Iraq's 275 parliamentary seats - 10 short of the number needed to win an overall majority in the December 15 poll.

It will now build a coalition to form Iraq's first fully democratically-elected government - a development keenly awaited by the US, which led the 2003 invasion of the country and the toppling of Saddam Hussein.

The Kurdish bloc won 53 seats, while two of the main Sunni groups won 55 seats in total - a much better showing than Sunnis had managed in last January's interim elections, in which they won 17 seats.

Officials believe greater Sunni involvement in the political process could help reduce the Sunni-dominated insurgency in Iraq.

Parties now have four days to contest the vote, and some Sunni politicians have made allegations of fraud in the past.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1691278,00.html

-- January 20, 2006 11:17 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Pie Chart of Iraqi election results.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41238000/gif/_41238432_iraq_elect4_pie203.gif

-- January 20, 2006 11:52 AM ∞

donald wrote:

i dont need a bank account from iraq i will keep my iraq money until the time comes to cash in donald

-- January 20, 2006 1:16 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran moving its foreign currency reserves
Posted 1/20/2006 9:14 AM

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran is moving its foreign currency reserves out of European banks as a pre-emptive measure against any possible U.N. sanctions over its nuclear program, the Central Bank Governor said Friday.

European powers have drafted a resolution that calls for referring Iran to the 15-nation council but stops short of asking for punitive measures against Iran. The International Atomic Energy, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, will meet Feb. 2 to discuss the draft.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2006-01-20-iran-currency_x.htm

-- January 20, 2006 1:51 PM ∞

Luke wrote:

Rob,
I am a long time reader and a 1st time poster with 1mil dinar.
I did hear Bremer on NPR. He said, "the dinar has been free floating against international currences for 2 years."
My question is what's the difference between "free floating" and "pegging", if any?
Anyone?

-- January 20, 2006 2:39 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Luke:

From my understanding "free floating" of the NID has reference to it not being openly traded against other world currencies while being used internally within Iraq as only medium of exchange. In other words, the NID is in a state of limbo concerning its value relationship to other currencies.

Now to your second question regarding the NID "pegging." Some on this very forum believe the NID will open high verses my personal belief of a slow rise in its price.

I hope I have summarized this correctly, anyone else have any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 20, 2006 4:07 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Turkey says Iraq will pay oil debt in two weeks
Fri Jan 20, 2006 7:08 AM ET

ANKARA, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Iraq will pay off its $1 billion overdue debt to Turkish firms for imported oil products within 15 days, Turkish Foreign Trade Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Friday.

Ankara has warned its southern, crude-rich nation that it would stop the flow of oil products on Jan. 21 if debts to Turkish firms for oil products such as gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas are not paid.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticleSearch.aspx?storyID=136531+20-Jan-2006+RTRS&srch=turkey+and+iraq

-- January 20, 2006 9:16 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

SILENCE.............

The Medical profession will tell you, it is the silent illness, that is the most deadly.

If you are hunting wildgame, this first requirement of the hunt to assure a kill is silence of the hunter as he goes to the kill point and waits.
When you are setting a trap, the first action is to slip in without scaring your prey. Once everything is in place or you are assured that the prey is in the kill zone, then you make the racket to spook the prey.
Now! time is on your side, not the prey's.

Bin Laudin made the statement once, "I intend to bankrupt the United States". He knew that his organization could not defeat us in a military fight. But also knew that our kill spot is our economy. Collapse the economy and you have slayed the giant.

Recently, the Iranian Leader hinted in a statement of his mind set as he made a speech in Iran. Begin to Imagine a world without the United States!

How is it possible Iran can think they can bring down the United States, and the allies of the Western Countries in a military defeat?
It is my opinion, the Iranian leader already has keyed in on the kill spot. Collapse that Nations Economy, and you will collapse the military strength of the nations you are fighting.

FACT:
The final Oil Crisis has begun. It begin silently years ago in 1970's. The oil experts told our government and populace over and over. They were ridiculed and laughed at.
What do you mean the world is running out of oil? How stupid to you think we are to believe such nonsense?
However the old habit of being reactive to a crisis rather that proactive to a coming problem, was the path our politicians took over the years. Why? that was the easiest way to stay in power. They realized the citizens of the United States have some traits like small infants. When they start to scream about something just fix them a bottle. The problem didn't go away, but they did stop the screaming and it would be quiet for a while longer.
Now! a bottle will not be the magic solution. That time has passed.

FACT:
There is a debate on whether we went into Iraq as a knight in shining armour to remove saddam because he was such a bad ass for the world, or did we use it as an excuse to have access to the oil fields of Iraq.
Did our President Bush, realize that our one kill spot was if we could not get oil, our economy would slowly spiril down and collapse the government itself?

Given the situation as it is starting to develop, and what you now know, what are your thoughts on our actions now?

Was President Bush wise in his effort in his attempt to remove our kill spot, or was it a stupid blunder that has weaken us financial even more?

I believe the real answer is going to be played out for you, and revealed to the entire world in the not too distant future if events keep on the same path.

FACT:
Richard Kekaser, chief economist at National City Corp made this statement." For every $10.00 increase in the barrel price of oil, it shaves off a .005% point of the United States growth rate. As oil prices climb higher, the economy is going to slow and adjust in merchandise cost, service cost and stock supply cost. The derail of the economy will not be fast, but slow and silent. Once the price of $100.00 a barrel of oil emerges, a recession is going to tiggered, and a recession at that magnatude is called, "demand destruction" Then begins the "Great Decline"

FACT:
When the sea rises, it floods low-lying shores, and renders them valueless or reduces there value. Rising oil does the same to countries with weak economies. Just like a rising sea, it slowly takes more of the countries economic power to keep their industry functioning. But the prices do not recede. Then they start to rise even higher taking more of the countries treasury and reserves. It will be the countries that have a totally oil dependent economy or those who do not have the economic strength- either as a nation, or as individuals, that will begin to falter and have trouble coping with the price demand.

FACT:
Take the oil away from a nation, and you have dealth a major blow to its stablization. You have just taken busy streets, full restaurants, 24 hour factories, etc and emptied them. The damage and affect in a country's ability to grow its own food supply, process its food supply, package and ship its food supply,irrigate land,etc has been shutdown.

FACT:
Without a robust economy, there are no taxes, without taxes, their are no funds to purchase oil from oil producing countries who have tripled their prices, or even higher. You don't have to shoot a Giant to kill him. Simply cut off his water,food and life giving air and he will die. Time is own the adversary's side.

FACT:
Some of you who have read the above think this guy is dramatising the current oil and Iran situation. I am far from dramatising, and will give you some examples of what I am referring to above in the next post.Pay close attention to the next post's examples as they are fact, and you can do the same research that I have done. Then make up your own mind. I am just giving you the facts from several different sources and articles. Once they are pooled together a trend or atmosphere starts to develop. It is sort of like hearing a rumble and a train whistle. A prudent individual doesn't want to be standing on the train tracks just in case.

-- January 21, 2006 9:24 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Carl,

You definitely have a way of cutting to the core of any problem.

I enjoyed reading your post. As usual, it is a very good analysis. It was also very informative, as usual. Just when I think that I have pretty well got things figured out on a particular subject, you come and post with even more good information on that subject. Keep up the great work!

-- January 21, 2006 10:51 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Although I realize some of the Countries in the Middle East currently have the "upper hand" related to energy supplies, don't sell the US short. The US has a leading position on energy in the form of coal and shale oil that's more than all the Middle East crude oil. Right now it's less expensive to to use the crude supplies rather than our own resources. Eventually, as the crude oil supplies are depleted, the US will switch to our own resources. IMHO this is how it will play out.

In the meantime, I'm still on the trail of the Dinar and just sent some more cash and my ISX picks to Warka Bank......COM'ON DINAR!!!

-- January 21, 2006 11:27 AM ∞

William J Torres wrote:

Causing FEAR Carl? Of what spirit are you?

-- January 21, 2006 1:26 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Okie,
I agree that we should not sell the U. S. too short on this.

Further, I also agree with your point regarding coal and shale deposits here in the United States. I was watching a financial program this morning, and they were saying that coal will be the "oil of the future"
for the United States. Because, coal can be used to help produce hydrogen that could possibly be the ultimate alternative- fuel for automobiles.

I think that we can use the "clean-coal technology", and make a big dent in the fuel markets' needs of the future here in the U. S.

William J Torres: Howdy, and thanks for posting. Please keep those posts coming. Your opinion counts, just like anybody's. Even Carl would tell you that.

-- January 21, 2006 2:15 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

William Torres:

If you smell rain in the air, hear thunder with dark ominous clouds approaching, and you are about to go camping, does that mean you still go without a tent or rain gear?

If you hear a hurricane is coming and should hit by tomorrow morning, do you cancel your plans to go fishing 50 miles into the gulf, or still go fishing?

Personally, I don't think I can create anything in you. How you react to my post are your reactions, not mine. I have no control how anyone responds to my post, and do not wish to influence how you percieve any of the post on this board.
I attempt to take a pragmatic and common sense view of what is happening. I'm not sure I succeed always.
I am the person who gathers the information, I don't create it. Being spiritual or not being spiritual,having strong reliqious beliefs or having no reliqious affliation at all, doesn't excuse anyone from not using their common sense. I believe that is why our creator gave us that trait.
You opinion or take on your views of the present Iranian situation are welcome. so don't be bashful,and keep to a one line questions. No one is going to throw rocks at ya.

-- January 21, 2006 2:40 PM ∞

donald wrote:

way to go carl
donald

-- January 21, 2006 5:42 PM ∞

donald wrote:

hope i did this right

Sunnis call for government of national unity in Iraq
21/01/2006 - 19:21:50
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=170084578&p=y7xx85z84
Sunni Arab politicians called today for a government of national unity and signalled they will use their increased numbers in parliament to curb the power of rival Shiites who have claimed the biggest number of seats in the new legislature.

-- January 21, 2006 5:48 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl:

You are a brillant man and have my utmost respect. You have a way with words and with the way that you present a situation that is enviabel. I have a tendency to just blurt out in a concise statement what I am thinking.

You are 100% correct in your analysis of the economic situation in this country. You are like a modern day "Paul Revere".

We have backed ourselves into an oil corner. I wish I could believe that Mr. Bush had some kind of ulterior motive, when we went into Iraq, that would give us some degree of oil security but I do not believe that he had any other purpose than to dethrone Saddam and avenge his father's screw-up.

If we take any action that takes the Iranian oil off the market, then the chaos begins.
The post that mentioned our shale oil is the only glimmer of hope that we will have to maintain our way of life. The bleeding hearts in this country that love everyone except conservatives will turn into savages when the oil stops flowing.

We, as Dinar holders, will profit from this doomsday scenario as the dollar will drop out of sight.

-- January 21, 2006 8:22 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bob:
Thank you for the kind words, but keep in mind I am reporting the research of several different articles, and the information comes directly from those articles. True I put my spin on what I have found, but all of the information given are facts presented by reporters from all over the globe.
By doing this, we on the T&B have a better perspective as to what is really happening. Having knowledge is to be fore warned.

NOTHING EXIST IN A VOID.....ALL THINGS...EVENTS...PEOPLE... ARE AFFECTED EITHER BY THE ACTIONS OR IN-ACTIONS OF THE OTHER.

As I told you in my last post, I do not deliberate dramatise anything.My desire is to instill you with knowledge so you can come to your own conclusion about a person, event or situation.

If a person tends to panic, or become fearful about something, that is a natural emotional outlet. Unfortunately, that emotion tends to hinder progress instead of helping.Using knowledge in a way that advances your position is the best way to use any information given by me or anyone else on this board.

Signs are nothing but indications of a condition, an environment, an atmosphere, etc;. Signs tend to lean in one direction or another. The interpretation of the signs are left up to you the reader.

FACT:
The present relationship of the United States and Venezeuela Government has created antagonism towards one another. This conflict has affected oil prices in the past 2 years.

FACT:
Nigerian civil unrest and border disputes are all oil related. Nigerian oil is important for the international oil trade, and plays a part in the price of barrel oil. Presently, you have insurgents attacking the Nigerian oil fields with devasting results, this has caused widespread shutting down of oil production.

FACT:
Anytime you have especially cold weather it increases the demand for natural gas and affects the level of the oil reserves. Damaging weather such as hurricanes tend to disrupt oil distribution, production, and refinery levels. The oil market is very hypersensitive to these disruptions, and this causes the oil market to react in a volatile way, as we have experienced here in the US.

FACT:
The Iranian situtation can get out of hand very quickly. Even thou, the USA does not import any Iranian oil, the Iranion fields are extremely important to other countries such as China, Russia, Germany, France, etc; Any disruption or stoppage of Iranian oil will drive the price of oil upward rapidly, as they is no other fields that can replace the Iranian oil taken from the market.

FACT;
Indonesia is starting to feel the pressure of rising oil prices. This country is now a net exporter of oil, due to declining oil production and lack of new exploration investment. Presently, Indonesia is providing some subsidies to its people on fuel cost, but the pressure has mounted to the point where it appears they are going to have to remove all of the subsidies. The strain of subsidizing is draining the country's treasury.
The Indonesian government is between A rock and a hard place, for when they allow the fuel cost to reflect its true cost at the pumps, it is predicted they are going to experence civil unrest, and the experts are predicting the Indonesian economy will take a large downward turn.

FACT:
Philippines President Arroyo is already talking of rationing oil if the prices continue to rise.The present oil prices are starting to take its toll on that country's economy. Companys are now cutting back to a 4 day work week. Supermarkets are closing earlier so less fuel will be used after work. Business lighting is now being restricted, and service stations are no longer staying open 24 hours daily. They are now in the process of setting up mandatory and voluntary measures to restrict fuel demand on the use of electricity. Traffic programs are now being put in place where cars can only travel at certain times. You can imagine, what type of devasting effect these restrictions have had on the per capital income of the philippine people.

FACT:
North Korea no longer has the fuel to run its irrigation systems or power tractors for its farming industry.Its factories are almost at a stand still. They are no longer able to get fertiliser or farm machinery. Why? Russia use to provide a vast amount of oil into North Korea. Russia can no longer afford to support the infrastructure of the North Korean Government with oil, and have stopped all shipments. Thus their infrastructure has become weak, and people are starting to starve.

FACT:
The United Kingdom and European Nations are already starting to experience oil pressure.In some places the price of fuel is now $7.00 a gallon.
The Trucking Owners in Britian and Europe are now adding fuel surcharges to their deliveries, some even starting to reduce their fleet because of the rising fuel cost.(ie: Job lay offs.)

The Price of Fertiliser has risen by 30% in just a few short months. The Farmers are now having to reduce their crop fields because of the inability to pay the price vs the going sale price of the crop.(less food to feed the masses, ie; rising prices for what does exist.)

The Plastics Industry has been staggered by the rising cost of oil throughout Europe. The cost of producing plastic packaging has jump significantly, causing the in the end for the consumer to pay more for the product. Thus less funds to buy additional merchandise that at one time would have been sold. This is starting to slow down Europes economy.( cutback in factories, reduce pay, less money in circulation.)

Individuals throughout Europe are starting to suffer as one said from, "Fuel Poverty". This is where it is taking more of their family funds to just heat their homes. Presently, the experts say there are 2 million homes across Britian alone, that can no longer afford to heat adequately. Not only does the lack of heat kill in the coldiest of winters, but it also creates inflationary prices, which in turn raises interest rates, which in turn wratches down the economy. Britain is now in the process due to political pressure before the oil squeeze of shutting down 14 of their nuclear power plants.(WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY THINKING !) This within itself increases the demand for more oil for electricity.

The Housing Industry throughout is starting to feel the effects of the oil being squeezed, as they can no longer qualify for the houses that once sold like hotcakes.

France just recently stated, "Our refining capacity is saturated and cannot adequately cope with the French demand even now." France knows any squeeze on the shipment of oil due to any conflict with Iran will be devasting to their economy and stabality.

FACT:
When Russia cut off gas supplies to Ukraine on Jan 1 over pricing disputes, shortages were reported throughout Europe within 24 hours. Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and Serbia immediately put together a gas rationing plan. The Gas shortage in Europe is so acute, that within 24 hours it sent shudders of insecurity throughout the country.In the end the price jumped five times its old price, and that is without any blockage of oil from the middle east. (So you see
when experts say $100.00 a barrel or more if a War starts with Iran is within reason.)

FACT:
If you did not know, most of the guaranteed oil flowing from the middle east comes from Saudi Arabia, surround Gulf States and yep! you guessed it..."IRAN".

FACT:
The press has not reported on this much, but Saudi Arabia is scared Sh--less of what we have done with Iraq. Saudi Arabia knew that eventhou Saddam was some sorry ass, he was also a stabalizing force and kept the ethno-reliqious geopolitical mullahs in line. How did he do that? Well! I believe you already know that answer. Now! not only does Saudi Arabia have to deal with max capacity output of oil, and trying to increase it, but also now signs that their own restive Shi'ite population is starting to stir. They like what their fellow kinmen are starting to experience in a more Iraqi society that has a lot more freedom than they do. Yep! the new Iraq has now caused internal and external pressure on the Saudi Kingdom to make some changes for their people. Now! from our standpoint that is good for democracy. However, this does not help our relationship with the Saudi's when it looks like we may need them real soon.

FACT:
It is suspected by some, that Iranian President Mahmound Ahmadinejad had a little powwow with the Russian Government. Guess what the Russian Government showed him he could do, and they did it by example?
Remember the gas shutoff to the Ukraine and them getting 5 times the price over the old price. Remember the panic of Europe in just 24 hours.

Well! they just showed the Iranian President, that he has a weapon that is more powerful than the Nuclear Warheads. Iran has in its hands the ability to fire "The Energy Geopolitic Warhead" Shut down the Oil traffic in the middle east and you will cripple Governments world wide. If their debt ratio (like America) is out of wack, the damage will be magnafied ten fold. Use the threat, and you will hold America, Europe and all other oil dependent nations hostage to your whims.

The Iranian president knows that America does not have the military manpower, equipment, logistical support, or treasury to fight in Iran, as we have Iraq. Unfortunately, he has pegged that correctly. (do you think maybe the Russians and China has sort of whispered that in his ear) America has put itself in a position of weakness both militarily and financially.

Here in the South anyone who walks into someone's yard knows that the smallest barking dog, will get ya attention, but the danger lies with the bigger dogs coming up behind your back.

FACT:
The Energy Geopolitic weapon has already been fired by Iran. Just the tension of a war is driving oil prices upward, and our stock market falling this week alone.
Expect more tension globally, and oil prices to keep rising as the pressure builds. Believe me, there are is not going to be any shortage of protagonists to create further sparks.

Israel just today raised the bar, when they stated, they were waiting for the world leaders to reach a diplomatic solution, but they would not allow Iran to have the ability to create a nuclear warhead. Just with these words, you may see oil prices go to $75.00 a barrel within the next two weeks.

FACT:
The Iranian President may have out foxed all of the world leaders. He is playing the oil shutdown, go hamas, and lets wipe Israel off of the map to the hilt. All of this saber rattling is good theatre, and increases the drama just like a play. The World leaders have taken the bait, and reacted just like he thought they would.

You see the most powerful weapon you have is the "threat of something, not the actual using of it". Example: hostages threatened to be killed, Bomb threats in schools or public buildings, etc;

FACT:
Iran is a major supplier of oil to China, which is the World's second largest economy, and with no strategic petroleum reserve to speak of. Look at how much business just the USA does with China. America is a debtor nation to them. Europe has placed itself in the same boat, but not as bad. If the Chinese Economy suffers, you can rest assure, THE GLOBAL ECONOMY WILL GO DOWN. If that happens, Iran has just exploded the missle of "DETENTE WORLD ECONOMICS"
This melt down will do more damage to weaken nations than any nuclear warhead.

FACT:
Can the USA or Europe look for backing from Russia. On the public side you will see voice action, but behind the scenes things will be and are different. You see Russia is part of the power alignment with China and also like China has a real vested interest with Iran. Russia may not be happy with the energy competition of China, but they are not going to mess with the power welded by their alignment.

As the Energy Tension increases, you are going to see each China, Russia, Europe,USA and other nations start to align. Each nation will view the situation as to what is best for its own survival during this energy-related tension. Remember! I have told you in previous post, that there is no such thing as international friends, but only countries with international mutual interest. I believe you are going to see what countries will align with each other when they think this thing is starting to unravel into a shooting war.

China in a smart move, has now formed an economic relationship with India, Nigeria, Venezuela
and now Bolivia. The USA has nothing but a conflicting relationship with all.

I am going to stop here, as this post has become way too long. I hope you are starting to see that this Iran conflict, is starting to become a Geopolitical chess game. I will give you more signs in the next post.

-- January 22, 2006 10:22 AM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

Carl where do i send my tuition check?I feel like i am in school lol .Thank you for your insight into these important issues!

-- January 22, 2006 11:41 AM ∞

donald wrote:

go carl.... good [post~

-- January 22, 2006 11:55 AM ∞

Outlaw In Iraq wrote:

Check this out gang...

Iraq takes another step toward conquering debt Jan 18, 2006

It won't make anyone forget the car bombs and kidnappings, but Iraq soon will take an important step toward financial stability. New government securities are scheduled to begin trading Monday for the first time in two decades.

www.usatoday.com/money/world/2006-01-18-iraq-usat_x.htm

-- January 22, 2006 1:28 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Good points about Iran making money off raising the price of oil.

A note that is not discussed in the USA much because journalists are mostly idiots. The fundamental alignment in the middleast and central asia is the Shia-Sunni schism.

Shia are heretics to Sunni. Sunni are heretics to Shia. The Koran, revered by both, says clearly that heretics must be killed - period. They are worse than infidels.

You have the two radical poles of both sects in charge. One is in Iran, the other in Saudi Arabia. So, the Taliban were committing genocides in western Afghanistan, clearing out Shia villages. (Human Rights Watch.)

This is why Al Jazeera (otherwise known as "Voice of the Sunni") always slants their stories as they do. The real problem for them with the USA invasion of Iraq is establishing this thing called democracy and fairness. It is almost impossible to convey to Americans what the attitude is in that part of the world. The best analogy is to take David Duke, head of the KKK, and his best buddies, put them in charge of a nation - a nation where they are the middle ground.

The USA will withdraw from Iraq because we can't afford to stay there. When we do, Shia will take it over because they are the majority in Iraq. There is evidence that Chalabi was in the pay of Iran's Pasdaran, and pulled the biggest intelligence coup in world history. CIA tried to arrest him, but Bush and his boyz quashed it. Too embarassing to have it be known that our nation is run by a passel of dupes.

That's why I'm not investing in Dinar. It's a hollow currency. It won't get on the regular exchanges any more than Georgian Lari every will.

-- January 22, 2006 7:35 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

BH:
I think your opinion of Chalabi is correct. He did snake the USA, using the Iran Intellengence Agencies to feed fabricated information to the CIA. It has crossed my mind that the entire Iraqi Invasion was totally created by the Iranians. Otherwords, the USA did their dirty work, and now they are about to take Iraq in an Islamic Revolution move. They are just baiting the USA and Israel with this nuclear ploy in an attack. Once the attack takes place, this gives them the excuse and backing of the Islamic region to take Iraq. The sad thing is, we can't do a damn't thing about it conventionally.

The more I watch this senario with Iran play out, the more I am starting to believe George Bush and Toni Blair were sucker punched and just now starting to realize it.

I pray I am entirely wrong in this senario for all of our sakes. The USA is not going to allow Iran to take Iraq. It is my opinion the USA will not hesitate to use Intercontinental Missiles with nuclear warheads if that is our final option. The Iraqi dinar will make good toliet paper if that happens.

-- January 22, 2006 8:04 PM ∞

William J Torres wrote:

Carl, Carl, Carl...you just don't get it.

-- January 22, 2006 9:29 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Hey! William:

Well?

-- January 22, 2006 10:17 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl:

Sara made a post a few weeks back that I thought was the best I had seen but I believe that your latest post tops that. BH is not far behind you with his understanding.

Oil is the key to everything now and the sooner we realize that our every action has to consider how it will affect the oil supply, the sooner we will be able to proceed with a logical plan.

Ideals, philosophies, beliefs, traditions, desires, and humanitarian endeavors are good when they can be pursues in a logical way but when these ideals cause us to take actions that we know will be detrimental to our way of life, then it seems like common sense should enter the equasion somewhere.

We (the USA) has acted like a "big shot" for so long, offering our dollars to solve any situation in the world, that, like Carl said, we have become overextended militarily and financially and are not in too good a position to dictate to anyone anymore.

We can wipe almost any country off the map with little problem but simultaneousley cripple our way of life. When will we start to look out for our country and make decisions which will keep the oil flowing at an affordable price? As I have said before, Oil is King, and every major decision made by this country now should consider how it will affect oil.

Please, someone who is optimistic, show me a brighter side.

BOB

-- January 22, 2006 10:37 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

You ask a difficult thing, BOB. I will give the only optimistic answer I can see, and it must necessarily be a religious one. If men turn to God when they see themselves to be in difficulty, God turns the situation around. He subdues the enemies and difficulties before them and their time of prosperity and blessing endures. That is the only hope I see for how to make this turn out right.

Psa 81:13 Oh that my people had listened to me, and walked in my ways!
Psa 81:14 I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned My hand against their adversaries.
Psa 81:15 The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves to him: and their time should have endured for ever.
Psa 81:16 He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied you.

Sara.

-- January 23, 2006 12:14 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran warns West over UN nuclear referral: report
Jan 23, 2006

LONDON (Reuters) - Iran will resume industrial-scale uranium enrichment if it is referred to the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear standoff with the West, a senior Iranian official was quoted on Monday as saying.

"If the negotiating route is open, we prefer to reach a conclusion through talks," Larijani told the newspaper. "But if this route is closed, we are obliged to follow up our other scenario. Everything depends on the way we are treated."

Asked if there was a timescale for uranium enrichment on an industrial scale, he said: "Yes. We have a plan for resumption.

"If we are referred to the Security Council, the government is obliged ... to lift all voluntary measures."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060123/ts_nm/nuclear_iran_larijani_dc

-- January 23, 2006 5:07 AM ∞

JJ wrote:

This is an Iraqi DINAR discussion. Lets get on topic.

-- January 23, 2006 8:57 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

USE WHAT GOD GAVE YOU...

Each person has congnitive abilities with some having more than others. Paying attention to detail is the key to recognizing what appears to be developing.

First Rule of human nature: Every action or inaction has a purpose. The trick is fiquring out what is that purpose.

First Rule of Observation: Pay attention to even the smallest of details. Who are the parties having meetings with, do the parties have the same reliqious, political mind set, do they mutually benefit from business transactions with each other, what is either gained or lost if decisions have to be made,What do you think will be the short or long term gain of the parties if they take certain actions. Ask yourself, what would you do in a situation, and would the benefit outweight the risk, what statements have been made toward a particular subject, as this will give you indication of a direction the party or parties are leaning toward, pay attention to refusal to comment on a particular subject, as sometimes silence tells you more than words.
These are just some of the things you as a reader of articles, newspapers, listening to commentaries, or news programs should be doing.
After you gather the information and pool them, use your common sense. Do the above and last, never leave out your intuitive instinct. Do this and you will be right in your opinion of what is coming the majority of the time.

WHATS AT STAKE IS GREATER THAN IRAN
There is more at stake here than Iran's Nuclear Ambition to develop their own nuclear fuel. It is the entire program, and enforcement of the nuclear safeguards being tested. If the world loses on this one, then other countries will follow suit with their demand to develop their own nuclear fuel. Allow this to happen and it will be like having a gun shop on every corner.
Eventually, there will be some country who will sale their nuclear material to make a warhead to some group somewhere.
QUESTION: CAN THE WORLD TAKE THIS CHANCE?

FACT:
China and Russia both have too much riding on Iran's energy sector to allow the West to slap Iran with sanctions. China alone has multibillion-dollar oil and natural gas projects on going and in the planning stage with Iran. With China being heavily dependent on Iranian oil,and in the process of signing a major oilfield deal to give China's Sinopec a huge stake in the giant Yadavaran oilfield in Southern Iran any disruption would unbalance their economic model. China is presently importing about 300,000 barrels per day from Iran alone.
History tends to repeat itself, so look at this little bit of history. China has blocked in the past, efforts to sanction countries like Sudan, where China has a huge oil interest. Do ya think maybe that is why, Iranian officials stated last week, that there would not be a referral to the UN Security Council, as China as a Veto to do so?

As the Geopolitical chess game continues to play out, China has decided to divest itself of $15 Billion U.S.Dollars with the past three weeks. If push comes to shove in this little chess game, China has enough clout with other Southeast Asian banks that it can exert pressure on them to dump their american dollars on the currency market in mass also. Now! What do you think the affect would be on the U.S. Dollar, if that happened?
Considering the amount of debt, that the United States has allowed China to hold, do you think this economic extortion pressure would be used if it had to be. If China played that card behind the scenes do you think it would have some influence on how we proceed with this Iranian situation?

QUESTIONS: HOW DO YOU THINK CHINA WILL VOTE ON ANY REFERRAL TO THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL?
DO YOU THINK CHINA WOULD PLAY THE U.S. DEBT RATIO CARD IF PUSHED INTO A CORNER?
FACT:
The Turkish Refining Company Saturday announced that Iran was their primary supplier of crude oil in 2005, with 7 million tons. Turkey imported more than 23.5 million tons of crude in 2005 with Russia and Iran being the suppliers. Russia is now the second largest importer of oil to Turkey, and gaining fast in that market.
Iran has now replaced the Saudi's the primary supplier.

Turkey has also stated, that Iranian natural gas is now flowing at 1.599 billion cubic meters in 2005. Turkey's exports to Iran also increased in 2005.

Turkey in the pass has allowed the U.S. to fly through its airspace for military purposes, provided intel, and allowed some land to be used by our forces for launching sorties into Iraqi, and other countries.

QUESTION: WHO DO YOU THINK TURKEY WILL ALIGN WITH IF A SHOWDOWN DECISION HAS TO BE MADE WITH IRAN?

FACT:
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki made this statement, "Tehran supports the formation of a new government in Iraq." "We hope future "developments" in Iraq with contributions from the Iraqi Political and ethnic Groups, will be followed in an evolutionary process within the framework of public interests and sovereignty based on the votes of the public."

QUESTION; DO YOU THINK HE WOULD HAVE SAID THIS IF THE MAJORITY ELECTED WERE NOT SHIA, BUT SUNNI?

Sadr, the radical Shiite mullah (who hates the USA), stated in his meeting with Mottaki, We have constantly been supporting stronger ties with Iran and our neighbors.

QUESTION: DOES THIS GIVE YOU ANY INDICATION OF WHAT SADR HAS BEEN DOING SINCE WE REMOVED SADAM,

QUESTION: DOES THIS GIVE YOU ANY INDICATION WHERE HIS SUPPORT WILL BE GIVEN IF IRAN GOES INTO CONFLICT WITH THE USA.

*Sadr whether we like it or not, has a strong influence in the presently elected Iraqi Government.

FACT:
Sadr just met with Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani. After the meeting, Sadr came out with this statement, " Jeish al-Mahdi" will defend the interest of both Iraq and its Muslim States". "If Iran is subjected to aggression, Jeish al-Mahdi will support them".(meaning Iran and its allies)
Sadr said, Jeish al-mahdi has been formed to defend.."Islam"

QUESTION: WHY DO YOU THINK THE TOP NUCLEAR NEGOTIATOR OF IRAN WOULD BE MEETING WITH SADR?

QUESTION: DOES ANY OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS GIVE YOU ANY INDICATION WHERE SADR WILL DIRECT HIS MILITIA IF IRAN IS HIT EITHER BY USA, ISRAEL OR NATO?

QUESTION; HAVE YOU FIQURED OUT WHAT BANNER THEY ARE GOING TO RALLY THE MASSES UNDER?

QUESTION: JUST WITH THE ABOVE INFORMATION, SHOULD WE CONTINUE TO PULL MILITARY FORCES OUT OF IRAQ OR START BUILDING OUR MANPOWER, AND EQUIPMENT AS FAST AS WE CAN?

FACT:
Iran Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani stated Sunday during his meeting with Sadr, " Iran and Iraq are natural allies, and have always stood by each other." "We will continue to side with Iraq until the establishment of a broad-based and popular government." Larijani went on to say, " The Islamic Republic of Iran finds nothing more important than having a secure neighbor with stable economic conditions". He went on to say in some statements, An establishment of a popular government is the key to the security of Iraq.
Sadr made the following statement, "If the unity is further consolidated,Israel and the US will not be able to have constant presence in Iraq." He went on to say, that the American enemies have targeted Iraqi Islamic thought.

QUESTION: WHY WOULD THE SUPREME NATIONAL COUNCIL OF IRAN BE MEETING WITH SADR?

QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT lARIJANI WOULD HAVE MADE THAT STATEMENT ABOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE NEW IRAQI GOVERNMENT, IF THE IRANIAN GOVERNMENT DID NOT AGREE WITH WHAT TYPE OF POLITICAL GOVERNMENT WAS BEEN ELECTED, AND FEEL THINGS ARE FALLING IN PLACE AS PLANNED?

QUESTION: DID SADR JUST TELL YOU OF SOME THE IRAQI LEADER AND IRANIAN LEADERS INTENT TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN A MUTUAL UNITY BETWEEN THE TWO NATIONS?

QUESTION: WHICH OF THE THREE, IRAQ, IRAN OR UNITED STATES IS GOING TO BE THE THIRD PARTY WALLFLOWER FROM READING THE ABOVE INFORMATION?

I am going to end this post an allow you to think just on these few areas. Your thoughts would be appreciated on the above information and questions.

-- January 23, 2006 9:49 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

JJ:
If you don't think the Iranian situation, and its outcome will not effect the value of the Iraqi dinar, I for one would like to hear your reasoning. Please feel free to espouse your thoughts.

The entire post regarding Iran, and the threat of the Iranian oil extortion move is about the direct and indirect effect on the Iraqi dinar. When a region is unstable, the investors tend run for the hills. Without investors in Iraq, the dinar is going to falter.
Just plain and simple economics 101....

-- January 23, 2006 9:56 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I would like to offer another perspective concerning the U.S. dependence upon foreign oil.

In my opinion, our dependence upon foreign oil is a mixture of bad economic policy and greed. Be not mistaken, dependence on foriegn oil by the United States is self-imposed. Though we may not have the volume of oil as does the middle east, we do possess enough oil (without drilling in the Alaska refuge)to sustain our way of life for generations.

I do not believe the world is about to run out of oil. Nor, do I believe that Iran has any direct or indirect influence to alter our way of life as we know it. The U.S. is still in charge of its own destiny.

The U.S problem lies not with the availability of raw materials, but with the inability to refine crude into gasoline, home heating oil, etc. I do not think the U.S. has built a new refinery in 30yrs crippling our ability to refine our own oil.

Greed exhibited by Exxon/Mobile and Shell/Texaco has resulted in gouging the American people out of millions of dollars. Our government and those conglomerates know both cost and profit would plummet if the U.S. refined its own gasoline and home heating oil.

It is profitable for the conglomerates to shout shortage when in reality there is not a shortage. Since the present administration is pro big business, what incentive is there to alter the current course of record profits for oil companies?

Whether the discussion is textiles, steel, crops, or oil; the U.S. chooses to pursue a bad econimic trade policy a of importation rather than production, which explains our very high trade deficits.

What a game!

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 23, 2006 3:41 PM ∞

JJ wrote:

Well, i think a conflict with Iran would make the price of oil push $100 a barrel, thus improving Iraqi revenues.

-- January 23, 2006 6:02 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

JJ:
You have a debateable point. I too believe that if Iran is attacked not only will the price of oil go to $100.00 but more than likely hit $200.00 a barrel. Is that good for Iraq?
In my opinion, I think not. It will hurt the dinar not help it. Why? Very simply the economy will be in shambles due to the high price of oil. The cost of heating, transportation, goods, etc will skyrocket. This in turn takes the money that was once used to purchase cellphones, TV's, Washer Dryers, Homes, Auto's, etc and turns it into basic necessity money. When this happens jobs dry up, restuarants close, clothing shops shutdown, etc...
Plus, the major weapon of Iran is oil and its restriction. Do you think Iran is going to allow Iraq to produce oil to counter act their eco-weapon?

I believe there is a high probability you will see Iran, Invade Iraq if a strike occurs, and attempt to take over the oil Iraqi oil fields.
If this does not happen, you will see the Shiite Iraqi Government align itself with Iran.
Either way, the conflict will drive the value of the dinar to toliet level.
What are your thoughts on my opinion?

-- January 23, 2006 9:19 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Rob N:
I agree part of the problem is refineries or lack thereof. The problem is everybody wants one in your back yard, not theirs. There is the rub. The American public has not seen the price of oil go out of sight, or even worse no oil at all, and the results of that.

I disagree with you on Iran not having any influence on your lifestyle. If Iran shuts down the transportation of oil from the middle east, you are going to see first hand just what power is carried by a country that controls 40% of the World's oil. We, the US have nobody but us to blame on being held hostage to threats of an oil embargo, and the economic devastation it can bring.

Anytime you allow yourself to be dependent on another country for energy, raw products, and you have become so endebted to another, that if that country or countries cash any significant amount of your outstanding bonds or treasury notes with devasting effect on your currency value, you have just given up your independence and being in control of your own destiny.

In my opinion we have allowed ourselves to get into that position. Thank about it...What can we do if Iran pushes the envelope into a conflict. We have the power to strike, and strike hard. But after that strike, what can we do? We are struggling presently just to rotate the troops in Iraq, much less put troops in Iran. We had a difficult time in just supplying armour vehicles, and body armour to our own troops in Iraq. Do you think we have the equipment for our troops, even if we could come up with them? The sad truth is, our military is now stretched so thin, that any new major conflict we could not handle on a long term bases. Believe me, with Iran, it would be a long term bases. It is in my opinion, that we are totally dependent on the other Nato countries regarding what is going to be done with Iran. We can not act on our own. We know it and the Iranians know it. That is why they are so cocky.

What is your opinion on some of the areas I covered?

-- January 23, 2006 9:45 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Ostrich:
Are you going to help, out of the goodness of your heart and love for man kind, or will there be a tiny, wee, little fee attached?
I don't mind if you charge a fee just what to know and if so, what it will be for the board readers to be informed.

-- January 24, 2006 5:35 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

GET READY TO ROLL.....

That was the order given in so many words to the Israeli Armed Forces. They have orders to be ready for possible strikes on the Iranian uranium enrichment sites by March, 06. Israels high command has stated without hesitation, that Iran will not be allowed to produce Uranium Enrichment which would lead to a nuclear warhead.
Presently Israel has stated, they have no intention of acting alone, without first giving the world leaders a chance to difuse the situation, but...and they mean this...the Iranian leaders will make the final decision as to what we do...

WHAT IF THE DIPLOMACY FAILS?
Many analysts say that an attack on the Iranian sites would be relatively easy. The question is what comes next?

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS THE IRANIANS WILL USE TO COUNTER?
The Iranians regardless of what you have been told are in a lot of ways a sophisticated country, with a wide range of unpleasant retaliatory options.
(1)Missle Attacks. Iran presently has thousands of Shahab -1 and 2 missiles. These missles have the range of hitting U.S. Bases in Kuwait,Qater, Oman and Iraq. The Shahab-3 can strike Israelli cities without any difficulty.
(2)Intelligence Agencies from all of the major powers are saying without question, Iran will send troops to attack in Iraq and Afghanistan against U.S. Targets. The experts are saying, that it is almost a certainty Iran now has Iranian agents infiltrated not only in the Iragi military, but also in positions of authority in the new Iraqi Government.
(3)Iranian agents throughout Iraqi will immediately stir the masses among the Shiite population, with which Iran has a kindredship, and religious ties.(spurred by our friend Sadr)
(Do you think just maybe those meetings with the Iranian leaders last week was to give him a heads up to get his forces together?)
(4)Attacks on the oil lines and transportation routes throughout Iraq will increase dramatically.
(5)The proamerican Iraqi government which is shiite will be between a hard place and a rock when their own populace starts to rise up in arms against the U.S. forces. It is believed you will see mass rebellion in the military and police forces. Why? Their culture requires their first allengence is to their Cleric, second is Tribal, third may or may not be the government they are employed with.
What do you think our politicians would do here in the USA if american citizens started to rise up against Iraqi forces that are here as a military unit? Do you think our politicians would play to the masses and fold like a piece of wet tissue paper to the wishes of the american people? I believe you have your answer as to what to expect from the Iraqi Politicians.(its all about human nature)
(6)Look for Iranian agents to stir the masses in Lebanon, Eqypt,Saudi Arabia,Indonesia,etc;
(7) Look for bombing attacks throughout the USA.

I haven't even touch the most devasting options yet, as those will be the economic missiles.

HOW WILL THE WORLD ACT TO THE BOMBINGS?
First you have to look at what is the real Iranian Issue?
The present issue is not Iran's capability of using a Nuclear weapon. The real issue is their "intent" on making Nuclear Fuel, to make a Nuclear Warhead in the future. By all intellegence sources, Iran is at least 2-3 years and as much as 10 years away from actually having a nuclear missle.
It is most certain, that if the USA or Israel acts alone or jointly, the world reaction will be varied. The actions of the USA and Israel would be seen as the aggressor without the back ing of the UN Security Council. (Yep! the same UN Council that John Kerry said he would take all of our security issues too...Yow! Boy! that same little bunch of 200 plus countries and 2400 companies in those countries that were on the payroll of Sadam with the Food for Oil feeding trough, that was going to show Sadam just how tough they could be. (no wonder he kept thumping his nose at them after 17 resolutions and what 12 years later), You Betcha!..the same upstanding diplomats who have now been discovered to have stolen billions through the procurement program at the UN ) It truly looks like the USA and Israel is going to have to play the A--kissing card with those guy's before any real action can take place.
HOW IN THE SAM HELL DID OUR POLITICIANS ALLOW US TO GET IN THIS MESS?

If the attacks are seen as undue aggression, then this raises the stature of the Iranian leadership, and gives them more credibility in needing the nuclear weapon for protection against future attacks.

It also raises the stature of the Iranian President with the Muslim Countries and with some of our allies.

Any military attack, and the people are going to respond to the "rally around the flag of that country, and like countries".(That is human nature...we did it here with 9-11, why do you expect them not to do it? Even the moderate Iranians and other moderate Islamic countries will join.) I believe you already know that the rallying banner flag will be "Protecting Islam"

Are you starting to see how the trap is being set, and the public needling from the Iranian leader is just that...needling...poking...trying to get the adversary to respond?
If we respond the wrong way, the trap will spring.
Lets hope our leaders we are smarter than that. What scares me is we took the bait from Chalabi with his frabricated fed Iranian intell stories. Have we learned?

GOTTEN SMARTER
The Iranians have gotten smarter since Israel attacked their facilities in 1981. They have now build sites, not only above ground but also deep underground, by the hundreds. Just in one area there is estimated to be 50,000 gas centrifuges. These are spread out throughout Iran. So it will take numerous strikes to remove the threat of the centrifuges.

The post is getting long, so I will end here. I hope this post has got you thinking? Remember! Its all Human Nature. Think of what you would do, or how our people would react to any given provation, and you will have some idea of just how your adversary will react, and plan for it.

-- January 24, 2006 8:17 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Rob N:
For your information, I heard on Coast to Coast AM radio show last night, that a oil field has been discovered in Canada with some of it stretching into the USA. They are saying there is enough oil there to provide energy for the next 100 years.
Given it takes on the average 7 years before the oil is extracted and put on the market, I believe someone needs to get busy.
Don't you?

-- January 24, 2006 9:34 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Carl,

You are a wealth of information. Keep it up!!

My take in Iran is that we can not trust them nor should we. Will the world's newest fledgling democracy survive it's first test???

Our country did it...I am banking on the fact freedom is a pretty powerful motivator and the Iraqi people will need to fight for it versus what they had prior with Saddam like maniacs.

I believe Israel will take the first shot at eliminating the nuclear threat because they are the most vulnerable to an Iranian attack.

Russian and China will need to step in and take a leadership role and squash the Iranian nuclear issue. If everyone is vaporized no one will be able to buy those cheap chinese made products. The world's countries need to look outside of individual interests and do the right thing so we can prevent Iran from making a catastrophic mistake. I guess a total nuclear attack on Iran now is presently not good timing.
Hell, we've got the missles, does Iran forget our firepower??

G'Day!

Ski

-- January 24, 2006 12:30 PM ∞

JJ wrote:

Carl-

I believe oil in Iraq is subsidized to the extent that a gallon of gas costs an Iraqi, dont know the exact figure but i think $.50 per gallon may be close. Yes I too think Iran would like to creep in on Iraq in a conflict. However if this thing happens while Bush is still president, i believe he will want to make a quick and massive destruction of Iran's capabilities. Doesnt bible prophecy say something about Babylon being the greatest nation in the end times? Well it sure isnt yet, but with all the money Bush wants to spend to rebuild, Iraq with the US pulling the strings could well become the greatest nation before the 'big fall' at the end.
Thats why i see the Dinar becoming very strong as the next couple of years push forward.

-- January 24, 2006 1:44 PM ∞

donald. wrote:

INVESTORS IRAQ FORUM IN THE NEWS.... this articel tells it lik it is

"As to RUMORS about "big announcements," well, it doesn't surprise me at all that there would be all sorts of gossip circulating about this currency (the dinar). After all, you've got conditions that are perfect for creating a rumor mill: people who sell the currency stand to gain if there's a promise of good news on the horizon, and the people who bought the currency are eager for even the slightest scent of information that suggests their investment might pan out. Throw in the general uncertainty surrounding the economic and political future of Iraq, and you'll hear all sorts of buzz. But buzz doesn't make a good foundation for evaluating an investment."

"If you want to track the latest RUMORS about the dinar, feel free to go to sites like Investors Iraq Forum,"
http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/pf/expert/ask_expert/

-- January 24, 2006 5:18 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Some good news..

There has been notable progress in areas such as telephone and Internet service, the availability of automobiles, and the number of students in school. Not only are more schools being rebuilt and health clinics reopened but water and sanitation services also are gradually improving, irrigation canals are operating at prewar levels, and almost 90 percent of the demand for household fuels for cooking and heating is being met. Their own oil provides an important source of revenue that has helped the economy grow by nearly 50 percent in the past three years and Iraq's gross domestic product has been restored to the 2002 level. Public opinion polls indicating that Iraqi optimism about the future is anywhere from 50 to 70 percent.

http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2006-01-23T221600Z_01_N20586042_RTRIDST_0_MARKETS-EMERGINGDEBT.XML

Meanwhile, Iraq concluded the issue of a new bond worth $2.7 billion in the settlement of $14 billion of commercial claims against the former regime of Saddam Hussein, marking the country's return to the debt market.

The new Iraqi bond , which matures in 2028, rose to a bid price of 70.250 from a Friday's closing of 68.880 in the gray market .

-- January 24, 2006 5:23 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq's new bonds started official trading yesterday at prices below earlier indications but amid forecasts that future demand could be underpinned by investor demand for higher-yielding emerging market investments.

The bond issue, which has a face value of about $2.7bn, accounts for about $14bn of commercial debt dating from the Saddam Hussein era. The bond has had strong gains in trading in the so-called grey market on an "if, as and when issued basis".

"If the story in Iraq pans out and the security situation becomes better, the country could experience very fast improvement in creditworthiness."

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/fb01f8dc-8c7e-11da-9efb-0000779e2340.html

-- January 24, 2006 5:24 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

dont buy dinar
this is piramid scam
only selers mak dollars
why wuld i by dinars
it is scam
peepul trys to mak dollars from gud peepul
keep yur dollars
investor iraq is bulcrap

-- January 24, 2006 6:10 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Greetings all,

Last Thursday was the Al Jezeera release of Bin Laden's latest audio tape. Here is the translated text of that message in it's fullness. Read it carefully - it is a bit sobering.

BEGIN MESSAGE:
My message to you is about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and how to end them. I did not intend to speak to you about this because this issue has already been decided. Only metal breaks metal, and our situation, thank God, is only getting better and better, while your situation is the opposite of that.
But I plan to speak about the repeated errors your President Bush has committed in comments on the results of your polls that show an overwhelming majority of you want the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. But he (Bush) has opposed this wish and said that withdrawing troops sends the wrong message to opponents, that it is better to fight them (bin Laden's followers) on their land than their fighting us (Americans) on our land.
I can reply to these errors by saying that war in Iraq is raging with no let-up, and operations in Afghanistan are escalating in our favor, thank God, and Pentagon figures show the number of your dead and wounded is increasing not to mention the massive material losses, the destruction of the soldiers' morale there and the rise in cases of suicide among them. So you can imagine the state of psychological breakdown that afflicts a soldier as he gathers the remains of his colleagues after they stepped on land mines that tore them apart. After this situation the soldier is caught between two hard options. He either refuses to leave his military camp on patrols and is therefore dogged by ruthless punishments enacted by the Vietnam Butcher (U.S. army) or he gets destroyed by the mines. This puts him under psychological pressure, fear and humiliation while his nation is ignorant of that (what is going on). The soldier has no solution except to commit suicide. That is a strong message to you, written by his soul, blood and pain, to save what can be saved from this hell. The solution is in your hands if you care about them (the soldiers).
The news of our brother mujahideen (holy warriors) is different from what the Pentagon publishes. They (the news of mujahideen) and what the media report is the truth of what is happening on the ground. And what deepens the doubt over the White House's information is the fact that it targets the media reporting the truth from the ground. And it has appeared lately, supported by documents, that the butcher of freedom in the world (Bush) had decided to bomb the headquarters of the Al-Jazeera in Qatar after bombing its offices in Kabul and Baghdad.
On another issue, jihad (holy war) is ongoing, thank God, despite all the oppressive measures adopted by the U.S Army and its agents (which is) to a point where there is no difference between this criminality and Saddam's criminality, as it has reached the degree of raping women and taking them as hostages instead of their husbands.
As for torturing men, they have used burning chemical acids and drills on their joints. And when they give up on (interrogating) them, they sometimes use the drills on their heads until they die. Read, if you will, the reports of the horrors in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo prisons.
- 3 -Confidential 1/21/2006
And I say that, despite all the barbaric methods, they have not broken the fierceness of the resistance. The mujahideen, thank God, are increasing in number and strength -- so much so that reports point to the ultimate failure and defeat of the unlucky quartet of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz.
Declaring this defeat is just a matter of time, depending partly on how much the American people know of the size of this tragedy. The sensible people realize that Bush does not have a plan to make his alleged victory in Iraq come true.
And if you compare the small number of dead on the day that Bush announced the end of major operations in that fake, ridiculous show aboard the aircraft carrier with the tenfold number of dead and wounded who were killed in the smaller operations, you would know the truth of what I say. This is that Bush and his administration do not have the will or the ability to get out of Iraq for their own private, suspect reasons.
And so to return to the issue, I say that results of polls please those who are sensible, and Bush's opposition to them is a mistake. The reality shows that the war against America and its allies has not been limited to Iraq as he (Bush) claims. Iraq has become a point of attraction and restorer of (our) energies. At the same time, the mujahideen (holy warriors), with God's grace, have managed repeatedly to penetrate all security measures adopted by the unjust allied countries. The proof of that is the explosions you have seen in the capitals of the European nations who are in this aggressive coalition. The delay in similar operations happening in America has not been because of failure to break through your security measures. The operations are under preparation and you will see them in your homes the minute they are through (with preparations), with God's permission.
Based on what has been said, this shows the errors of Bush's statement -- the one that slipped from him -- which is at the heart of polls calling for withdrawing the troops. It is better that we (Americans) don't fight Muslims on their lands and that they don't fight us on ours.
We don't mind offering you a long-term truce on fair conditions that we adhere to. We are a nation that God has forbidden to lie and cheat. So both sides can enjoy security and stability under this truce so we can build Iraq and Afghanistan, which have been destroyed in this war. There is no shame in this solution, which prevents the wasting of billions of dollars that have gone to those with influence and merchants of war in America who have supported Bush's election campaign with billions of dollars -- which lets us understand the insistence by Bush and his gang to carry on with war.
If you (Americans) are sincere in your desire for peace and security, we have answered you. And if Bush decides to carry on with his lies and oppression, then it would be useful for you to read the book "Rogue State," which states in its introduction: "If I were president, I would stop the attacks on the United States: First I would give an apology to all the widows and orphans and those who were tortured. Then I would announce that American interference in the nations of the world has ended once and for all."
Finally, I say that war will go either in our favor or yours. If it is the former, it means your loss and your shame forever, and it is headed in this course. If it is the latter, read history! We are people who do not stand for injustice and we will seek revenge all our lives.
- 4 -Confidential 1/21/2006
The nights and days will not pass without us taking vengeance like on Sept. 11, God permitting. Your minds will be troubled and your lives embittered. As for us, we have nothing to lose. A swimmer in the ocean does not fear the rain. You have occupied our lands, offended our honor and dignity and let out our blood and stolen our money and destroyed our houses and played with our security and we will give you the same treatment.
You have tried to prevent us from leading a dignified life, but you will not be able to prevent us from a dignified death. Failing to carry out jihad, which is called for in our religion, is a sin. The best death to us is under the shadows of swords. Don't let your strength and modern arms fool you. They win a few battles but lose the war. Patience and steadfastness are much better. We were patient in fighting the Soviet Union with simple weapons for 10 years and we bled their economy and now they are nothing.
In that there is a lesson for you.
However, what prompted me to speak is the repeated deceptions of your president Bush.
In respect of his comment on the opinion polls in America, which alluded to the fact that the overwhelming majority amongst you are in favor of withdrawing the troops from Iraq. However, he objected to this wish and said that the withdrawal of troops would send the wrong message to the enemies and that it would be better to fight them in their own lands, rather than to have them fight us on our own lands.
And in my response to these deceptions I say: Indeed the war in Iraq is ablaze relentlessly and the operations in Afghanistan are on constant escalation in our favor, with the grace of Allah. The figures released by the Pentagon indicate an increase in the number of your dead and injured, in addition to the tremendous material losses.
Just to reiterate, I say: the result of the survey does satisfy the wise people; and the objection of Bush to them is wrong.
Anyone can testify that the war against America and her allies is no longer confined to Iraq as he claims. Iraq has rather become a point of preparation and mobilization of the qualified capabilities.
On the other hand, the Mujahideen have with the grace of Allah succeeded in breaking through all the security measures undertaken by the transgressing nations time after time, and the evidence for this is what you saw in terms of explosions in the most important capitals of the countries within this belligerent alliance.”
END MESSAGE

Concerning the "Offer" of a “Truce” in this madmans message consider this:
Much talk and speculation by media analysts has been focused on the purported "truce" that is referenced by Osama bin Laden in this latest message. Many analysts have suggested that it illustrates desperation and weakness of the al Qaeda terrorist organization, and others have drawn the parallel between this truce proposal and the truce that bin Laden offered Europe in a previous message.
What many media analysts and intelligence experts have failed to reference is the fundamental religious “requirement” contained within the ideology of Islam that mandates the Islamic “jihadist” to first offer a truce or “warning” before attacking the enemy. Osama bin Laden is fulfilling that Quranic requirement by presenting the U.S. with the “opportunity” for an unconditional surrender, and “admitting” the same to avoid further terrorist attacks. This tactic essentially absolves bin Laden and his terrorist operatives from any Muslim condemnation resulting in causing a mass casualty event.
To illustrate this requirement, the following are selected verses taken from the Quran:
(Ref. Spoils of War)
19. (O Unbelievers!) if ye prayed for victory and judgment, now hath the judgment come to you: if ye desist (from wrong), it will be best for you: if ye return (to the attack), so shall we. Not the least good will your forces be to you even if they were multiplied: for verily Allah is with those who believe!
38. Say to the Unbelievers, if (now) they desist (from Unbelief), their past would be forgiven them; but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already (a matter of warning for them).
39. And fight them on until there is no more persecution, and religion becomes Allah's in its entirety; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do.
61. But if the enemy inclines towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is the One that heareth and knoweth (all things).
Again, it is important for all readers to completely understand that the offer of a truce is likely not an offer at all. Rather, it serves to absolve Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network through the tenants of the Quran from any subsequent condemnation from attacks, even if the victims are Muslims.

Terrance

-- January 24, 2006 7:13 PM ∞

Steve wrote:

If anyone is thinking that the dinars they purchased are going to make them rich when the world bank puts it on the exchange rate will most definitely be dissappointed. The news that comes out of Iraq these days is more bad than good. If you speak to Iraqi's that live here in the US, they will tell you that most if not all of the elite citizens of Iraq are leaving that country because they fear for their lives. I'm talking about Doctors, lawyers, and successful businessmen. These individuals have been targeted by insurgents and this will not stop. My next door neighbor who is a cardiologist at UCSF in San Francisco is from Iraq. He tells me that his colleagues from Iraq have been leaving since last May because it is getting too dangerous for their families to stay. They have been going to Jordan and Egypt to start anew. This is not good news for that country if they want to develop that economy and a new way of life. Couple this with the conflict we now have with Iran and you're looking at many years down the road if their currency is going to be worth much of anything. So, in conclusion, if you have purchased any dinars expecting to make a killing you will probably need to hold onto to those for about 10 years IMO. Good luck to all that possess them!

-- January 24, 2006 7:27 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Terrance:
Thanks for the full message, but what did ya expect from this guy, accolades for our troops for kicking the sh-t our of him and his thugs in Iraq, and afghanastan, then making his little sorry ass hide in a cave since 9-11.
We've killed so many of his henchman, he probably feels like he is playing musical chairs,I'll sit here,no I'll sit here, well! maybe over here....oh! no! that is too close to the window!

This piece of human garbage, who was the instigator of murdering thousands of our citizens who were doing nothing but trying to make a living, expects us to reach a truce with him.
This self serving pious piece of sh-t dares talk to us about honor, peace and security.

Then he wants to threaten us with vengeance, well I got news for him, he is going to see vengeance just as soon as Uncle G.W. Bush finds his address. A truce went out of the window for this sucker along time ago. He has been stamped... "bought and paid for", courtesy of the good ole U. S. of A, and we aim to collect his camel back riding butt.

So if he thinks he is frightening someone, he needs to pay attention to where he is living.

-- January 24, 2006 9:56 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

JUST A THOUGHT...
Remember! I have always said nothing is done without a reason. The trick is fiquring out the reason. During this process, several different options are alway present, however, it is best to pick the ones that seem to be the most logical, reasonable, and can be successfully executed within a relative amount of time.

Ask yourself this...Why would a President of a small middle east country be baiting larger countries to a fight?
It doesn't make sense unless you have a real good reason for it. Like something up your sleeve.

Let me give you some back ground information here:

Iran is having economic problems, with a population that has a high employment rate. The education rate of the masses is considered to be low.

Place yourself in the Iranian President's position for a minute...

Your main income for the state coffers is the oil that you sale....however, there is one little problem.... You have been told that within 20 years, your oil fields are going to be depleted or in the final stages of being used up. After the oil is gone, your country will start to decline. Something has to be done quickly... What do you do?

Now! In 1922, the British when they left, divided up the old Persian Empire, and Iraq, along with Kuwait was born. In reality, Iraq, and Kuwait use to be part of the Persian empire,ie; Iran, which was shiite. Iraq is mainly shiite, with the same religious affilation.

If you, as the president could get the US of A or Israel to attack you, this would give you the excuse to attack the USA bases in Iraq. You could then move your military into Iraq and guess what, you now have just solved your oil depletion problem, and now have enough oil to last for centuries.

You have also under the banner of Islam, just reunited the Old Persian Empire that existed centuries ago. Thus the joining of Iraq and Iran under the the "New Persian Empire" would unite all muslims under a banner of a National Persian Pride.

You are now the president of the "New Persian Empire", ie; which just so happens to be the country with the richest resources, newly build infrastructure, new airpoint, new roads, new shipping ports,new irrigation canals, new date fields,etc.

All bought and paid for with $80 billion dollars from good ole US of A. "Thank You Very Much Uncle George".

Does it sound logical to think maybe this is why the Iranian Intel was feeding chalabi the fabricated information to us, so we would remove sadam?

Does it sound reasonable to think maybe this is why the Iranian leaders have just met with our ole buddy Sdar.

Does it make you wonder if there a coup in the making for the new Iraqi Government?

Is it too far fetched to think that maybe all of the chess pieces have been put into place already with the recent election, under the guidance of Iran.
Once the fight starts, the new Iraqi government will align with Iran, and kick the coalition forces out. Either way Iran is the winner...

If that is the case...brilliant move by the Iranians...

-- January 24, 2006 10:47 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Terrance;

As I read through the post you made, I noted how he often spoke about the US statistics and polls as giving him comfort that the war was going, in his view, his way. However, the suicide rate among the troops is no higher than is in the general population over here in the USA.

Army: Mental health better for soldiers in Iraq
Wednesday, July 20, 2005; Posted: 12:41 p.m. EDT (16:41 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The overall mental health of U.S. soldiers in Iraq has improved from the early months of the insurgency, with a significant drop in suicides...

The number of suicides for the full year 2004 had declined to nine from 24 in 2003. Three possible suicides from 2004 are still being investigated.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/07/20/military.health.ap/index.html

If the SUICIDE RATE encompasses for the entire year NINE SOLDIERS TOTAL for the year 2004, this is not a huge factor in the forces as he seemed to be saying it is.

====

-- January 24, 2006 11:37 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Also, his saying that the US approval rating has deteriorated is incorrect. Support for the war started and ended the year at statistically the same point.

Vote may have big impact on views of Iraq war
By Susan Page, USA TODAYPosted 12/14/2005 10:35 PM
WASHINGTON —

Consider:
• After the initial Iraqi elections on Jan. 30, views that the war was a mistake dropped to a yearlong low of 45% and stayed below 50% for three months as a government formed, albeit haltingly.

• As violence by insurgents continued through the summer and questions intensified about the justification for the U.S. invasion, those seeing the war as a mistake increased to more than 50% from August through October. It reached an all-time high of 59% in mid-September.

• As elections approach and Bush delivered a series of speeches defending the war, those viewing the decision to invade as a mistake dipped again, to 48%, in the survey taken Friday through Sunday. Opinions about the war at the end of the year are almost precisely where they were when the year began.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-12-14-bush-polls_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA

OPINIONS ABOUT THE WAR AT THE END OF THE YEAR ARE ALMOST PRECISELY WHERE THEY WERE WHEN THE YEAR BEGAN, this says. That means that there was no overall widespread deterioration in support for the war as he alleges.

===

-- January 24, 2006 11:38 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Also, this article states that the Defense Department stated that last year (2005) the number of forces wounded fell by 26 percent. Army Maj. Gen. William Webster, the commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, said the number of suicide car bombs and roadside bombs also fell by half during 2005.

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_2123589.shtml

-- January 24, 2006 11:39 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Public ignores Iraq war naysayers
By Jennifer Harper
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
November 24, 2005

Negative press coverage of the war in Iraq in recent weeks has emphasized rising pessimism among the American public about the conflict. But a new survey found that 56 percent of the public thinks that efforts to establish a stable democracy in the country will succeed.

http://washingtontimes.com/national/20051124-121037-1013r.htm

If he listens to statistics, he should listen to the story these ones tell.

-- January 24, 2006 11:40 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

As for attacking the US, this viewpoint still is valid in my view as a deterrent. They would be foolish to think this will not be considered.

Tancredo: If They Nuke Us, Bomb Mecca
Monday, July 18, 2005

DENVER — A Colorado congressman told a radio show host that the U.S. could "take out" Islamic holy sites if Muslim fundamentalist terrorists attacked the country with nuclear weapons.

"Well, what if you said something like — if this happens in the United States, and we determine that it is the result of extremist, fundamentalist Muslims, you know, you could take out their holy sites," Tancredo answered.

"You're talking about bombing Mecca," Campbell said.

"Yeah," Tancredo responded.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,162795,00.html

===

-- January 24, 2006 11:40 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I noted this morning that one of these could be Sadr's candidate for the office of PM..

Shiites Name Four PM Candidates
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer Jan 25, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite leaders have launched talks with Sunni and Kurdish politicians on a national unity government, proposing four candidates to be the next prime minister, a Shiite official said Wednesday, nearly six weeks after Iraq's parliamentary elections.

The four include the current Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Adil Abdul-Mahdi of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, nuclear physicist Hussein al-Shahrastani and Nadim al-Jabiri of the Fadhila party, a religious group whose spiritual leader is al-Sadr's late father, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060125/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- January 25, 2006 10:39 AM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Carl and Sara,

My thoughts in regards to your comments concerning Bin Laden's full audio message last week are as follows:

Carl - You had great comments. I feel like you do about this jackass..... Osama. We obviously would never entertain any thought of a truce with this murderer as you stated, but this offer of truce was actually not given to sue for peace, but as a preemptive act to an attack. Bin Laden's offer of a truce was not at all intended to bring peace.

In his eyes this offer is mandated by Islamic Law before an attack can be made. It is his belief this offer of truce absolves him from the killing of people. Therefore, there are many in the intelligence community who believe that this audio message is actually a precursor to attack in the continental U.S., not an overature of peace at all. A similar tape emerged shortly before the Madrid train bombings and this may be a pattern of activity. This offer of truce could be a mere formality before attack. Just as Captain Hook would always accuse Peter Pan of fighting with "bad form", Bin Laden doesn't want to be accused by his Islamic brothers as having "bad form".

Sara - fantastic follow up info with the stats refuting Bin Laden's claims. All I can say about Bin Ladens remarks (concerning our military suicide rate, torture methods, and his assessment of the American people and their resolve), is that it shows he is obviously insane and/or using these outragous statements for propoganda and a recruiting tool.

(On a sidenote: there have been rumors in the past from Saudi and Egyptian medical sources that Bin Laden suffers from a detiriorating frontal lobe of the brain. This of course is what happens when one suffers the effects of Syphillus. Could it be a clinical insanity he has?)

The question I have and I would like your opinions on is: Do you think Osama Bin Laden is merely posturing with these statements, or do you think there really could be an attack planned inside the U.S. just over the horizon?

I would like your thoughts....

Terrance

-- January 25, 2006 6:29 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Terrace:
Considering there was 450 lbs of dynamite, 1,000's of detonators, around 1600' of blasting Cord stolen last month in Texas that has never been found, and now the cellular phone companies have just reported an unusual run on throw away cell phones, I would say highly most likely.

You are right, I forgot about the radical muslim's little truce dance, to make them feel better about murdering somebody.

Good Job Terrance...

-- January 25, 2006 6:55 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Retaliation would be decisive and swift, with unthinkable results.

Terrance asked:

Do you think Osama Bin Laden is merely posturing with these statements, or do you think there really could be an attack planned inside the U.S. just over the horizon?

Short answer: Because the US would use MAD (mutually assured destruction) of what these men hold most dear, I do not believe they would be so foolish as to do this.

To me the real question is, why haven't they attacked before? What now has changed to make it possible for them to attack? The statistic that Carl quoted of dynamite, detonators, cord and cel phones is sobering, but I have also heard before credible intelligence about Nuclear Suitcase bombs in the US and in the hands of our enemies and that was some time ago - posted previous T and B thread here:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/06/iraqi_dinar_dis.html#13005

The real question is, why have they NOT attacked, what restrained them so far.. and will it continue to hold? I believe the possibility of attack has been present with us for years; does this new tape change that and make the danger MORE possible or imminent? I don't think it does. What has restrained them up until now was not a lack of desire to kill or opportunity to do so. It wasn't moving things into place for a well coordinated military attack, as you conjecture in your posts, Terrance. It was the fact that the man in the Whitehouse will threaten that which they hold most dear, and he (along with all the Americans which supported him) had the guts to go to war in Iraq after 911.

Do you think that Americans would not do anything if they struck on US soil? The terrorists are not so foolish as to believe this. They must reckon that they have seen carry through and retaliation which has been and would again be decisive and swift. The terrorists could strike a blow on US soil, but they would not cripple the retaliation against them. They cannot possibly see the US response as weak, for they see that America has done what they pledge to do, they keep their promises. Osama lamented how the President would do what was unpopular and stay the course even in the face of strong opposition among his own American public. They cannot believe him to be a man who would be swayed by any other consideration than that which is in the best interests of the USA, and that means goodbye to Mecca. I believe President Bush could rally enough support of angry and frightened Americans to nuke Mecca. I believe he stands between us and their plans as no John Kerry could ever have. It is why the Homeland is safe.. America chose a leader who will defend, serve and protect with his soul and life. The oaths he swore to uphold he will do with all his might. This cannot be mistaken.

-- January 26, 2006 12:14 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/06/iraqi_dinar_dis.html#13106

Also, even if they managed a large amount of nuclear attacks against many cities and military targets in the US (Osama calls for this, see post, above), there could not but be a nuclear response against Mecca (and/or Medina) because they cannot get ALL the nuclear submarines, not to mention EVERY possible US nuclear base from which to launch a Nuke against Mecca. Also, there are nuclear allies such as Israel to consider, how would they react? Might they not Nuke Mecca as allies of the US?

Attacking the US and causing nuclear retaliation which would cause the destruction of Mecca would not cause Osama to be thought a good Muslim but he would go down in history for destroying that which the Muslim faith holds most dear. Many would say he went to hell for this, for Mecca would be uninhabitable (due to nuclear fallout) for a thousand years, and during that time, no pilgrimmages to Mecca could happen, sending millions of souls to hell. If you think Osama is interested in "good form", then this consideration must weigh strongly in his mind - what must happen to his memory after he is gone? HIS legacy would be as bad as Judas who betrayed Jesus. Sure his name would be remembered, but it would NOT ever be with honor or dignity. I cannot think the man would do something which is such utter folly against his own name. This is why they have not attacked and why they WILL NOT attack.

Sara.

-- January 26, 2006 12:16 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Think About It...

The fact that some in the MSM (mainstream media) paint a picture of GW Bush as just as deeply religious and so just as crazy as the Muslim extremists is actually in our favor. Miscalculation concerning what actions GW Bush would make when faced with such a decision would obviously cost the Muslim faith everything. GW is deeply religious and the President for this time in history for a reason. The strength of his faith COUNTERACTS and acts as a deterrent to those who understand how faith can motivate a man's actions, even if the MSM don't get it.

When all is said and done, if the US were attacked and GW Bush ordered the nuking of Mecca, which person receiving that order would disobey it in order to receive clarity about whether he had the power and authority from Congress to do so? Even now, the wire tapping controversy the MSM is bringing up which says GW Bush will go against the law in order to do what he feels protects the country of America and what he sees as upholding his solemnly sworn word to protect the people in the USA goes in our favor from this perspective. The enemy cannot be certain he would not nuke Mecca. And..

The enemy cannot afford to be wrong about this.

We haven't yet been attacked for a reason and it isn't lack of preparation, opportunity or blasting caps. The risk to Mecca outweighs the potential benefit of such actions. And I don't see that risk getting any smaller anytime soon.

Sara.

-- January 26, 2006 6:50 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

HOW DO YOU NEGOIATE......
With someone who considers the vice of lying a virtue?

The Iranian officials have proven by their past actions of not being reliable. History shows they have been caught numerous times doing what they said they were not doing.When caught they simply change the wording and call it something else.

FACT:
Recently a Swiss Oil development Company pulled out Iran, not because of the escalating conflict, but because when the company signed at agreement with the Iranian government, the contract stated the company would be paid a profit of 15% net on production. Once the company had invested $81 million dollars, the Iranians changed the rules and would not agree to the terms of the original agreement.

FACT:
Another Company just recently ceased doing business in Iran. Why? According to the president of the company, we could not agree on terms of the original agreement. The Iranian Government will not call a "spade" a "spade". We found it to difficult to carry on business with a government that kept changing the difinition of a clause or word.

So when the world community says lets continue talks with Iran, the question comes to mind, for what purpose? Why continue if the other side keeps dealing itself a different set of cards to match the subject of discussion?

Still...is a Military option the only solution? In my opinion, it should not be taken off of the table, but is absolutely the last option to be utilized.

So here we are with a Catch 22 situation.... continue to discuss issues with a side you already know is untrustworthy in anything that they say or do, should you use sanctions or embargos, have the arabic nations apply external pressure, and the final solution military action.

BUT FIRST, YOU HAVE TO DETERMINE WHAT IS THE "REAL ISSUE?"
We know "what" the Iranians say the issue is. The right to produce their own nuclear fuel.
But is that really the "Real Issue" or just "the provocation Issue?"

Secular types tend to think of religion as something separate from everyday life...it is a pleasant or not so pleasant sideshow, that has very little to do with modern everyday life or history.
However, when you have someone like Ahmadinejad who wants you to believe he is a hard shell muslim whose fevor leans toward messianic, then you do have a problem. It brings to question, is the "real issue" of all the poking and needling of Israel and the West, to bring into play chaos.
This Chaos will in his mind and his spiritual leaders minds speed up the return of their Mahdi. We know they have just recently completed the temple in Iran where the "Islamic messiah" will dewell upon his return. If this is the case, then understanding the Islamic apocalyptic train of thought is "essential" to understanding the present day Iranian Leaders. Especially when the West is seen by the Islamic version of Iran as the modern day Anti-Christ. Someone of this mind set, looks entirely through different eyes than most of the worlds inhabitants.These radical Muslims tend to be obsessed with their version of the end-times theology, and present day geopolitical events take on apocalyptic meaning with them.
Their interpretations require action of them to assist in the bringing back the Messiah. If that is the case, then the die has already been set, and no amount of talking is going to change their minds. Its like having a play written centuries ago,the stage is now set, the actors are backstage and been given their roles,the auditorium has a full house, and the beginning of the first act is just about to begin. All the audience is waiting for now is the curtain to open, and the suspense builds as the curtain begins to move backward...

OR IS THE REAL ISSUE ...
Not the return of the Messiah at all. But the completion of a plan that was set up by the Iranians when they first fed the Americans fabricated information through Chalabi on Iraq. Is this entire game all about saving Irans economic butt, 20- 30 years down the road? Has the true Grand Prize, has and always been "IRAQ" all along, with all of its oil fields and resources? Is Iran is just playing out the rest of the game with a provocation from Israel or the USA, to justify what they intended to do all along?
I believe you are going to see within the next 6 months. In my opinion if some action is not taken in March, there will be world actions of some kind against Iran by the end of June 06.

Last night, I heard a military analyst state the pentagon has reviewed at least 70 different options as to what Iran will do if certain things are done by other powers to force them to comply.
One of the senario's was using the belief that Iran already has its hands on some types of nuclear devices. We know that Russia has in Mothballs old diesel style submarines that are capable of firing certain missles. Has Russia secretly equipment Iran with some of those submarines? If so, just how close can the Iranians get to their selected targets before being detected? Would they have time to launch those missles, before being hit by USA or other countries forces?

Regardless, the pentagon has recognized the probability is high Iranian forces will move into Iraq against American bases. It is estimated the coalition force losses will be high.

Regardless of the true purpose of the Iranians goal, it is a fact they are picking a fight. Nothing would tickle the Iranians more than to have more propaganda material and reason to gather the masses. The International communities goal should be to undermine the Iranians plan, not give it strength.
In my mind this can only be done with quiet, silent pressure to choke the Iranians, into compliance with the Worlds requirements.Anything less will bring Chaos to the middle eastern region and the world.
If that happens, we can plan on keeping the Iraqi Dinar in our safety deposit boxes for a long, long time.

This post is getting too long, so I will stop here.

-- January 26, 2006 8:58 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all,Sara what great thoughts and work went into your post.I also believe that we have a great man in charge of the U.S.,and is not afraid to use all his powers to protect and keep us safe.I am also very sure that the the rest of the world knows this also.Good luck to all and Iraq.Ron

-- January 26, 2006 9:27 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

First of all, I want everybody to know that today is my "off-topic" day regarding the Iraqi dinar. I am mad as heck, and I guess that this is my one way of venting my frustrations. If you don't want to read off-topic discussions, skip my posts for today.

Hey Sara: First of all, I do agree with you that President Bush was and is a better choice than John Kerry to run our country. And, before I go any further, I want everybody to know that I VOTED FOR PRESIDENT BUSH.

BUT, I do have some MAJOR problems with this president that I want to express my opinions about.

HEADLINES: HAMAS WINS ELECTIONS

Here is a major failure for President Bush and his "road-map for peace." In his zeal to spread democracy throughout the Middle-East, he made ONE BIG MISTAKE. And, that mistake was LETTING A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION run for elections in the Palestinian elections.

Did President Bush even calculate what would happen if Hamas did win? I don't think so. Did he forget about the rabid Arafat? Did he not realize that the MAJORITY of the Palestinians want ISRAEL WIPED OFF THE MAP? This was one of the biggest blunders of history, IMO. Now, we are stuck. Do we, as a democratic country, deal with a terrorist organization?

Now, some are saying that if Hamas is forced to actually govern, then they will tone down their idiotic rhetoric. Well, I have another country where religious fanatics took over, and the world is seeing the outcome. That country is Iran. In fact, it is the main SUPPORTER of Hamas.

The Hamas victorious leader now says that the Palestinian territories will be run in strict compliance with the Koran. Now, I don't know about you, but the last time that I checked, Israel was "item # 1, on the destruction of "infidels", according to Hamas. This same Hamas leader also said that Hamas would not tie Abbas' hands when it comes to negotiations with Israel. Abbas will either resign or become a puppet for this organization's whims. Does anybody actually believe that this terrorist organization will leave the negotiations process alone totally? This road-map for peace that President Bush has embarked upon, just ended into a 300 foot drop-off.

This entire fiasco falls on the heads of two people: President Bush and Ariel Sharon (with all due compassion/respect to Sharon's current medical condition). These two government leaders were so desperate to get "peace" with the Palestinians that they gave everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink to the Palestinians. And, let's not forget about the hundreds of millions of U. S. dollars that we have recently poured into these Palestinian territories. Both of these leaders said that after the Gaza giveaway, that Israel was headed for a "LASTING" peace. What do you think, now?

Now, the reason that Bush and Sharon give for doing this is the following: The International Community views the two-states solution as the only possible one to the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis. The main argument of the Israelis is that their state must be with a clear Jewish majority.

I have read that in less than 20 years, Jews could actually become the MINORITY in Israel. Israel's reasoning is that if it can give away the Gaza Strip and some of the West Bank territories, then it's Jewish majority will be ensured in the future. Now, Israel has already given the Palestinians the Gaza strip. And, I heard this morning that the acting Prime Minister Olmert, has said that MORE of the territories would have to be given to the Palestinians. So, Olmert is getting nervous that he cannot give the lands back as quick as he would like. This is a result of Israel's failed immigration policy.

I never thought that I would see the day that Israel was trying to GIVE land to the Palestinians, but it has most assuredly, arrived. Israel's negotiation stance rests on the idea of: How much do you want, and how fast can I give it to you?
I wonder what Genghis Khan would have thought about that strategy?

I have to run for now, but I am going to post another post today about another one of President Bush's failures, IMO, and that is the joke that he has an immigration policy, regarding Mexico.

-- January 26, 2006 10:54 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Let me start by saying that my wife and I voted for George W. Bush twice. I do not regret those decisions, especially when we considered the alternatives.

Our problems with Iran stems from George W. Bush's failure to fulfill his promise of capturing Osama Bin Laden dead or alive. Standing at ground zero after the towers came down, George W. made a pledge to hunt down the terrorist.

The President in my opinion, has failed in his promise. He and the Congress have wasted time and precious resources in Iraq instead of hunting down and exacting justice on Osama Bin Laden.

Now that we are in Iraq, we must be willing to see it through to the end. The American people historically have not had great patience with on going conflict. We must finish what we started. This is in the best interest for all of us who have invested a little into Iraq's currency.

Iran I think is right regardless of what Donald Rumsfeld says. Our military is to thin to overtly attack another mideast country, unless we participate in a covert operation inside Iran.

Now, regarding Hamas. If the faction wins a majority of the Palenstinian vote and whether the U.S. Government likes or not the majority has spoken. It is contradictory for the U.S. to promote democracy in Iraq but complain if the Palestinians freely elect Hamas. In my opinon, the U.S. must accept the decision that has been made and learn to deal with it.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 26, 2006 10:57 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Robert and Rob N;

About your discourses - I believe it is easy to be an armchair critic. What exactly would you have done, and what would you do now in the situations you see as being handled poorly by President Bush? Picking fault will not correct the situation - have you a solution or merely ridicule? For, as the terrorists have shown us, it takes a long time to build (a pipeline, a building, a life) and only seconds to tear down.

Sara.

-- January 26, 2006 11:18 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Remit To Mecca.

You know, I don't know if the law say GW Bush can actually order a nuclear strike if the US is attacked with Nuclear bombs, or whether he has to get permission first. In my discourse called Think About It, above, I went with thinking he could retaliate quickly and decisively as the Commander in Chief with no one else having a say so (and, I argued, the terrorists cannot discount the possibility he would nuke Mecca if it were up to him). But, depending on the amount of destruction and if there were Congressmen left to consult, he maybe would ask Congress, other governmental bodies, and maybe even a public vote for approval first. If so, he did something like that post 911 and this would also almost as surely result in the same outcome.. WHY would it be such a sure bet? Here are my thoughts..

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

These words are the chorus from the song God Bless America. Notice that these lyrics state of America, "Stand beside HER, and guide HER thru the night with a light from above." America is like a woman, and more than that, like a WIFE to those who love her.

That sentiment rests in the bosom of every patriotic American, no matter their disagreements politically or their party affiliation. Patriots love America as a man loves a woman, and as a husband loves his wife. That kind of relationship and bond of love, the Bible says, is strong as death, and as CRUEL as the GRAVE. It cannot be bought.

8:6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which has a most vehement flame.

Sol 8:7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

If the terrorists were to attack America, the feelings that would generate within the hearts of those who are committed to America are as deep and as loyal as a man whose wife was harmed sexually. We saw that post 911. I think those attempting to harm America, if they were to attack her, are like the adulterer - they lack understanding and if they did this, they would get to themselves the adulterer's fate.

Pro 6:32 But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding: he that does it destroys his own soul.

Pro 6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

Pro 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

Pro 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.

I think it should be clearly understood that if the terrorists attack America, it would be like they harmed a deeply beloved wife. It would arouse in the breast of every patriotic American - whether Democrat or Republican - that sentiment which would not spare in the day of vengeance nor regard words nor ransom nor gift. It would require a full repayment of those who perpetrated the attack, for "love is strong as death; jealousy as cruel as the grave." America would also not "rest content, though you give many gifts". Would the response be measured and level headed? Well, we have historic precedent, do you think it was post 911? Would many words and appeals to do nothing in response to such an attack from those at home and abroad appease such anger? No, as this says, "HE WILL NOT SPARE in the day of vengeance". I think the reality would be such that..

Should you require the address of what the repayment for such folly would be, you would have to stamp the bill Remit To Mecca.

Sara.

-- January 26, 2006 11:44 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Opposition Blasted Away..

RON;

Thank you for your kind words about my posts. :)

And as a footnote, if the terrorists really did decide to attack the US, the Senate and Congress would be prime targets. It is, therefore, likely that there wouldn't be any Kerry or Hillary Clinton to protest nuking Mecca left. Just their grieving, Patriotic American relatives and friends.

Sara.

-- January 26, 2006 12:00 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Longer Term View..

As for your comments about the Hamas winning the election, the people who voted them into power have been told that if ONLY these people were in power, they would finally have all their dreams come true. They now get to eat those words as they will see the political reality is far different than the campaign promises. And next time, for you see, Democracies have CONTINUING elections and not just one election, the next time the people will choose differently. :)

The only thing the West must do is ensure they are truly voting uncoerced, as it was in Iraq. The Hamas has said they wish to govern as Iran does, by dictatorial rule. The people will not see that as particularily good, even as the MAJORITY in Iran do not see it as good, in time. If TRUE Democracy and freedom to state their opinion by voting has been given to the people, they will learn from their mistakes who to elect next time in government. Until then, the amount of damage Hamas does may be severe, but the blame for it can go right back on the Hamas, because they are governing. Given time, freedom will win. We just need a longer term view. Truth does not need to fear lies, nor Democracy fear people will choose to be enslaved.

Sara.

-- January 26, 2006 12:27 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

THE MIDDLE EASTERN CULTURE HANDLES DEMOCRACY DIFFERENTLY

You have just seen that in action with the Hamas win. In the West,most individuals will vote their conviction individually.
In the middle east, some will vote how their cleric tells them to vote, some will vote tribal, some will vote ethinic race, and the minority will vote individually.

What if you have a bunch of killers, thiefs, extortionist, who are hell bent on killing another race or culture of people and they are large in number? What if that group buys the hearts of supporters by building better schools, stadiums, medical clinics, and then is allowed to run as a legitimate political organization? Do you think you might get the same results as you now see with the Hamas?

Just because the USA does not like the outcome, does not make it any less a valid government, regardless of their character. After all, did the USA support this election.

Do you think this is where out of control zealousness to spread democracy in areas where democracy can be manipulated might just come to bite you in the butt.

Yes! The intentions were good, to bring freedom of choice to all people on how they govern themselves, but the end product may sometimes have a bitter taste. I believe Israel and United States is going to need lots of sugar and flavoring to get that Hamas drink down.

We have set up democratic elections in Iraq. We pushed, we supported the present form of government, as we said that is what the majority of the Iraqi people want.
What if, that election or coming future elections put individuals in power that want to align with Iran?

What if that alignment brings the two countries closer together, with like goals and styles of government?

What if those duly democratic elected leaders decide to merge into one Persian Nation later on?

Do you think the United States could really say or do anything to prevent it? Just because we don't like the outcome does not make it illegitimate. The end result is there would be no military invasion from any given country, just a merging of like minds.

Why would the Iranian leaders say we will not allow democracy to stand a few months back, and then just recently the head of the Iranian Council made the statement, Iran supports the new iraqi government?

What has changed? Do you think it was possibly the results of the recent democratic, USA supported elections that has changed Iran's view of the Iraqi Government?

Like the election with Hamas the winner, has Iran become the winner of the Iraqi Government?

-- January 26, 2006 12:54 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

YOU MIGHT WANT TO WATCH FOR

Pretty quickly now the Iraqi's are going to pick the new prime minister. Surprise but oh! surprise one of those is Nadim Al-Jabiri. He is of the Fadhila Party, a religious group connected to Al-Sadr's late father. Yep! the same Al-Sadr who just met last week with Iran's top Nuclear Negoiator and Irans Top man in the Iranian Islamic Council.(you know the same one who after meeting with Sadr stated, Iran now supports the Iraqi Government)

It is my opinion, that if Nadim Al-Jabiri is appointed as the prime minister or in the cabinet of the prime minister, you have just seen an Iranian Coup in action.

-- January 26, 2006 1:18 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Carl: Not just your idea about Chalabi - That is internal CIA analyst conclusion, with evidence - suppressed by Bush admin as too embarassing.

Of course Fatah won. All of those factions are proxy warlord/gangsters paid for by Iranian and Saudi money, mostly Iranian. All the heads are from outside Palestinian territories. Arafat is now dead, so his group is moribund.

A proxy warlord leader must guard his connection to his client state ferociously or he will be deposed by new guy. (i.e. be killed) So he will surround himself with less competent to prevent that. When kingpin dies, his organization isn't competent anymore for a while. It may fall apart, it may collect a new vicious creep nasty enough to run it.

What never appears in Western press is not just lack of arabic translations (yes virginia, they say different to their people) but no reporting on the endless murders of native Palestinians required to keep proxy warlords in power.

-- January 26, 2006 2:29 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Iraqi dinar is a potemkin currency. It has nothing real to back it. No stable government, light GDP, etc.

Will say regarding US Army in Iraq that if you look at CDC web site you will see death rates in population segment in US Army in Iraq. If you do the math you will see that actual net deaths in Iraq above background expected is at most a few hundred.

What you will also see is that if you do the analysis by ethnic group, it is safer in Iraq if you are black or hispanic than if you stay home as a civilian.

The US Army is doing about as good a job as it can. Without spoilers it will succeed to a point there. But the problem is the Kremlin, Peking and others reaching for the brass ring, taking advantage by guile and manipulation of the situation.

As Carl has pointed out, France is also a quiet part of that, and Germany. Both tilting toward Russian axis now. Why do you think England is with us and France/Germany are not? Because England can't get energy or help from Russia by playing games.

Consequently, dinar is a potemkin currency. Sell out. USA leadership are not smart enough to deal with this I'm sorry to say.

-- January 26, 2006 2:36 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Sara,

I do love the good ole' USA. And, overall, I like President Bush's conservative philosophy. BUT, that doesn't mean that I am going to totally agree with or worship the ground that the man walks on.

I am not being an armchair critic, either. I am however, a critic, regarding this issue. I am questioning/criticizing my government's foreign policy's decision, relative to the Hamas/Palestinian question.

I don't have an answer to the Palestinian question. But, then again, I am not the one who ran for President of the United States, and put forth this so-called road-map for peace "plan" that was to finally have a "lasting" peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. I voted for President Bush to handle the foreign affairs of this country. I have every right to criticize him when I think that he has done something dumb. President Bush should have to answer to dumb foreign policy blunders, such as this one, IMO.

And, of course, we will accept the decision of the Palestinian elections. But, then again, what choice do we have now?

We could have simply said, before the elections, that there would be no terrorist organizations allowed to run in the elections. We could have done this with ease. Do you know why we didn't? It is because we thought that Abbas would win handily. So, it is evident that we made a big-time MISTAKE here by making a baaaad judgement call, relative to Hamas's participation in the elections. That is the blunder and flip-flopping that I am talking about.

Remember: We don't negotiate or deal with terrorist organizations. That is what our government just said, when Bin Laden offered us a so-called "truce". Are we now going to change our policy, just because a terrorist organization that we recognize as such, has taken over the reigns of the Palestinian territories? Oh, and don't forget that we will be pumping hundreds of millions of U. S. dollars to help/support this same terrorist organization.

Do you know why the U. S. does not recognize Hamas right now? It is because HAMAS is a TERRORIST organization - JUST LIKE AL QAEDA. I didn't see President Bush allowing Zarqawi/Al Qaeda to run in the Iraqi elections. There are a whole bunch of religious fanatics in Iraq right now, that would vote for Zarqawi-though I admit that it would be a relative minority. In fact, President Bush wouldn't allow former Baathists to run in the Iraqi elections. He called the Baathists supporters/participants of the insurgency in Iraq. And, I agreed with him on this. He then turns around and flip-flops on the Hamas issue, because he figured that Abbas would win. Isn't it amazing how he acquiesced to allow Hamas to run in these elections?

One could say that it was the rest of the international community's fault, and I would agree. So, I am hereby criticizing the international community too. President Bush is not the only head of state to make this mistake. But, he is the one that represents my country.

Let me see now: Al Qaeda is calling for the destruction of Israel. Hamas is calling for the destruction of Israel. This sounds like a good tag-team AGAINST Israel's interest. Oh, I almost forgot that Iran is calling for the destruction of Israel, too. President Bush has just help allow three different groups to come together on Israel's doorstep. Thanks, President Bush!

There are reports that Al Qaeda is now in the Gaza Strip, planning attacks against Israel. It sure becomes a lot easier for them now, because their tag-team partner, Hamas, is leading the government there.

-- January 26, 2006 3:22 PM ∞

BH wrote:

I meant Hamas, not Fatah up there. Misspoke.

Pasdaran - Iran's secret service.

Our journalists had damn well better get one hell of a lot more sophisticated or we are going to be in a very nasty situation here in the USA.

-- January 26, 2006 4:43 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bush Was Right: Syria Hides Saddam WMD
by J. Grant Swank, Jr.
Jan 26, 2006

US President George W. Bush was correct in saying there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq under the Saddam Hussein two decades-plus murder rule. Recall that numerous Democrats prior to Mr. Bush's election to the Oval Office said the same. Further, many said the same after Mr. Bush moved into the White House.

Now we have proof.

It comes from none other than Hussein's General Georges Sada. The nub of his data is this: Hussein flew WMD into Syria before Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were loaded onto civilian planes with seats removed to make room, so states Hussein's second in command official in Hussein's air force.

"Saddam's Secrets," is the name of his recently released book. There details are exposed, according to The New York Sun's Ira Stoll.

http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_2124562.shtml

-- January 26, 2006 5:40 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Hey! everybody!

Good reading tonight from all. Good comments with lots of different views and thought provoking material.
Educational stuff....makes ya smarter...

-- January 26, 2006 6:58 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

I am the least bullish after this last week in the Dinar than I have ever been.

The House of Cards which is the Middle East appears to be on the verge on falling down.

The pressures are growing exponentially in the region. With each new factor emerging it seems we may be one or two steps away from an all out melt down in the region.

Consider where we were 2 months ago:

Fighting an Iraqi insurgency

Consider where we are today:

Fighting the Iraqi insurgency which is supported indirectly by Iran as they funnel jihadists across the border.

We also listen to Bin Laden audio tapes which are possible precursors to attack.

Iran is insisting on attaining nuclear weapons and has a madman for a leader.

Iran is spewing rhetoric of hate about the annialatin of Israel.

Hammas, who also wants to wipe Israel off the map, wins elections in a landslide in the Palestinian elections.

Hammas is almost totally funded by Iran, who also funds Hezbollah which is in Lebonon, and Hammas West which is based in the West Bank (Judea and Samrai).

6 Jenin-1 rockets have been fired by Hammas in the past 2 weeks into Jewish territory which has not made our media news cylces yet (because they hit no targets), but they will in the weeks to come - and we will all be seeing this as the new wave of terror because the Israeli security fence is keeping the car bombers out.

All these factors coupled together seem to indicate that what Carl is saying has validity. Iran has got there hands into every bit of unrest in the region.

Now imagine this:

A "moderate" terror attack here at home killing say 150-250 people.

And - Hammas committing an act against Israel that does the same.

With a solid linkage established to Iran as at least a peripheral facilitor of all of this what would happen?

With our troops deployed in Iraq to the tune of 150K could we extend the effectiveness of our military into Iran if need be while still safeguarding the fragile gov't in Iraq?

What does Israel do now that it has pulled out of Gaza and many pockets of the West Bank since the Oslo accord creating bases of terror that is in some cases 1,000 yards from Israeli soil?

All I can is - It looks to to be crumbling in the mideast.

Pray the Likud party and Binyamin Netanyahu win in this upcoming Israeli election. From 1996-1999 their hardline approach to terror worked. Right now Israel and the rest of the region needs someone tougher than nails on terror.

It looks like we can all put our Dinar in a shoebox for a while.....

Until the pigroast - whenever that will be.

Terrance-

-- January 26, 2006 7:32 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Terrance:
I was hoping you could find something that I was over looking that would make my view of what appears to be in process less likely to occur.
I haven't given up on the dinar, and feel I personally made the right choice in my purchase and support of the Iraqi people. I have no intention of selling any of my dinar.
I believe the Iraqi people will eventually achieve a governing process that is more civil in nature, than theological.But the middle eastern culture in order to achieve that goal has to change their view of democracy and realize just how special it is.
Time will be the one which proves us right or wrong in our judgement, as it takes decades for a culture to change its views.

I am also pragmatic enough to realize that unless the Iranian card is removed, the time period for the Iraqi Dinar to increase in value has been extended greatly.

-- January 26, 2006 9:26 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey all,

I found this article while browsing. It looks like the Iraqi bonds are trading at a very brisk pace, with a bullish outlook.

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/c4007746-8dd7-11da-8fda-0000779e2340.html

Bullish investors chase new Iraqi bonds
By Joanna Chung in London
Published: January 25 2006 19:22 | Last updated: January 25 2006 19:22

To understand how big the appetite is for emerging market debt these days, one should look at what has been happening to prices of bonds newly issued by Iraq, a country that has suffered one of the worst economic and political upheavals in recent history.

Since the bonds started trading officially at the beginning of the week, prices have jumped from about 70 to a high of nearly 74 this week. Andrew Chappell, associate director at Exotix, the London-based broker, says: “We are still seeing a lot of demand chasing very little paper.”

This is only part of the article. I thought the rest was very interesting, as well. Investor sentiment is a big requirement for any investment. It looks like that Iraq has done well on its first "out-of-the-gate" exposure to world financial investors.

-- January 26, 2006 9:40 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Posts presented on 26 Jan 06 are indeed education and sobering.

How can we so blindly walk into a trap like this. It seems that all the countries are posturing themselves to profit monitarily for these actions and are willing to cut any king of deal to insure the continued flow of oil and no terrorism on their shores.

I have been saying all along "when in the hell will we get our nose out of other countries business" and try to promote and protect our own interests.

We are still dominant militarily but we are in a terrible situation financially as Carl so eliquently pointed out.

I do not feel good about our present situation or about the future of the dinar/

We are dealing with people who do not share our philosophy of life or government and are going to revert back to whatever tribe or habitat that they came from as soon as we stand down.

When I saw all those beautiful houses on the Gaza strip being razed because the Palistanians preferred it that way and the U.S. Govt paying the bill to the tune of $2 billion dollars, I from my simplistic viewpoint knew that we were going down Pimrose Path and the Palistinians could not be trusted and Israel was being placed in a weaker position.

Instead of jumping in everytime two countries start arguing and throwing dollars at their problem, lets let them fight, wherever they are and lets stay home and get stronger so that we will be prepared for any eventual conflict.

BOB

-- January 26, 2006 10:27 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Yes, Sharon did that as an old man in his dotage. He was not of sound mind when he gave up Gaza. The relation of Israel to neighbors is purely military. Now they will have to take it back.

My position on Iraq's WMD is - I have never said I thought WMD were in Syria, but I have maintained the position throughout that with UNSCOM inventorying, for instance, 4 tons of VX in 1992, (minimum figure ~250 tons max) and VX degrading (without stabilizers, i.e. best case from our side) at 5% per year, 0.95 to the 14th is about 50% activity left. No records, no facilities, no person has ever accounted for its destruction. So where are they? Kay's testimony to Congress, which I read, did not say WMD did not exist as commonly misquoted by the popular press, he said they wouldn't be found by him with the resources he was given and that anyone who contacted him kept getting shot within hours. We will eventually find out what happened I suspect. My concern is that once the secrecy is over, these weapons may be used in American and European cities. In this instance I'm not feeling confident right now calling that one either way when I put on my red team hat. I do think that the Syrians will want to offload them soon. That could set interesting things in motion. We shall see.

-- January 26, 2006 10:33 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Not WORSHIP

Robert wrote, quote:
... overall, I like President Bush's conservative philosophy. BUT, that doesn't mean that I am going to totally agree with or WORSHIP the ground that the man walks on. I am not being an armchair critic, either.

I don't agree with you that agreement with the President's position concerning this particular decision about Israel constitutes WORSHIP or total agreement with everything the man says, and as a deeply religious person, I take the accusation of misplacing the act of worship (which is only toward God, not men) very very seriously. Nor do I believe that a lack of objective reasoning or critical thought accompanies anyone agreeing with some of the policies of President Bush.

Sara.

-- January 27, 2006 8:14 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Ladies & Gentlemen,

With regard to the recent posts, concerning the current state of events within the Middle East, I think we should stop being concerned in any way, shape, or form, with the value of our IQD. As things stand now, there's no need of putting the Cart before the Horse - our Iraqi Dinar will sink or swim according to what "WE" do next in the Middle East, and that is what I believe we should be supremely focused on at this time.

IMO what we need to do now is get a handle on Iran and do it ASAP, before the opportunity for a preemptive strike on that country slips away. It is, and has always been, "Iran", who's responsible for the extreme level of friction we're experiencing with our rebuilding efforts taking place in Iraq, and it's time to do something about it! If we opt to do nothing, then we may as well be hampsters running on those wheeled treadmills that we put in their cages - ultimately throwing good resources after bad, and going absolutely nowhere, save the poorhouse.

If we rein in Iran, and I mean decisively [this is no time to be pussy-footing around], then we can basically control the outcome of a majority of events currently disrupting the peace process in the Middle East, and from there the rebuilding efforts in Iraq can go forward at a breakneck pace. And, again the increase in value of the IQD will be a welcomed byproduct of our bold efforts.

At any given time we can place a million of our armed forces in the field - even more if necessary. So, the 150,000, or so, cuurently in Iraq and Afghanistan is a mere drop in the bucket. This is something we can do, and have trained to do for a long, long time.

Basically, all of our Pacific Forces go on allert and stay in place should North Korea contemplate getting froggy - as they always seem to do when our attention is diverted elsewhere. Kind of like a child that gets jealous of another child getting more attention than them, so they begin to act up. All remaining forces, save a good portion for homeland defense, are equiped and ready to deploy to quell Iran.

I'm no war monger - far from it - but, enough is enough! Think of how much progress we could have made in the last 2.5 years rebuilding Iraq, if Iran had stayed the hell out of our business, or even decided to help us instead???...

Irregardless of what the decission concerning Iran turns out to be, SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. At this late date, doing nothing is a luxury we cannot afford.

Just my two cents.

Bill1

-- January 27, 2006 10:51 AM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Sara,

I think Robert was using that as a figure of speech. "Worship the ground he walks on" would be akin to a phrase like "all hell is breaking loose" or "It's raining cats and dogs". He was only making a point that some Bush supporters will never admit he can make a mistake. His statement wasn't meant to offend.

T-

-- January 27, 2006 10:53 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Sara,
You wrote: "Nor do I believe that a lack of objective reasoning or critical thought accompanies anyone agreeing with SOME of the policies of President Bush."

Well, I AGREE with you. In fact, it is in my post. In my FIRST sentence of the FIRST paragraph, I used the word "overall", to describe my "LIKE" of President Bush's conservative philosophy. I thought that this was pretty clear in establishing that I would naturally AGREE with President Bush on "some" of his policies. But, does that mean that I should agree with him "TOTALLY"? Of course, not. I thought that this was pretty clear.

Now, when you said that you take the word "worship" very seriously, I can understand that. So do I. That is the reason that I mentioned it in the same sentence with not totally agreeing with the president on his conservative philosophy. I mentioned it for EMPHASIS for MY opinion. In other words, I thought that my words were pretty clear: That "I" would NEVER "totally" agree with President Bush, or that I would NEVER "worship" the ground that President Bush walks on. I implicated noone else in my sentence/post. Your take of this is mistaken.

I thought that in expressing MY opinion, that people could understand where "I" was coming from. I never mentioned you or anyone else. Furthermore, there were no insinuations/condemnations directed to anyone else on my post, regarding their opinion(s) on President Bush or Hamas. In fact, I am perplexed, regarding how you would assume this.

Respectfully,
Robert

-- January 27, 2006 11:33 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Terrance,

You are exactly right. I was meaning it in that way - that some people would never admit that President Bush could make a mistake. I was simply using the old saying"worship the ground that he/she walks on" to emphasize my point in linking with not totally agreeing with President Bush.

And, you are further correct that I definitely didn't mean to offend anyone.

Thanks!

-- January 27, 2006 11:47 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

TY, Terrance and Robert, for the clarification on that point. I am sorry I mistook your meaning, Robert. I apologise.

Bill1, that is an interesting perspective, and one which I believe will weigh strongly in the deliberations about what to do about Iran. I think that Carl was arguing we should do everything possible NOT to fall into what appears to be a direct trap to provoke the US into war. That Iran is intending to win by provoking the US into an open stance of war does seem obvious. You just don't do what the enemy sets you up to do until you are certain every factor is in your favor. Even better, don't do what the enemy expects or is provoking you to do at all. One unforseen event can change the tide of a battle or a war, so those planning must be cautious. You are saying we still can win if we are forced into that position, and I sincerely hope you are right and we have forseen every eventuality - That is, that we know ALL the cards they are holding and do not miss one. I just think we should not be as fools "rushing in where angels fear to tread" (another figure of speech).

Sara.

-- January 27, 2006 12:30 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Sara,

Thanks. I also apologise to you for not putting things in the right context. Sometimes, I sling around these old sayings, without saying that they are, well-old sayings. I will be sure to mention it next time. Sorry about that.

Now, I wanted to let you know that I agree with you on the Syria connection. These Iraqi generals knew that there were WMD inside Iraq. I agree that Syria is holding these weapons in storage, somewhere within their borders.

-- January 27, 2006 1:44 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Roger Sara,

And, you're right. We shouldn't be too hasty to rush at them head first.

Our country's battle plan in the 21st Century is "Shock & Awe". Shock and Awe prevents the opponent from effectively reacting to the offensive maneuver we're employing. In other words - decide what the absolute correct course of action should be, then execute it with a vengenace, and keep the pressure on until they submit. So far, it's worked twice in both Iraq wars, and elsewhere too.

The people in the Middle East have short memories, and now that we've allowed the insurgency to have the amount of success it currently boasts, they think that they've discovered the chink in our armor - which only serves to embolden them that much more.

Even if we do not attack Iran; if our plan is to continue to attempt to rebuild Iraq, then we need to secure it first, and stop wasting our time and money, while the insurgents disrupt it all and bleed us dry ...["bleed us dry" is in refernece to the monetary cost of rebuilding the infrastructure in Iraq].

The insurgents knew from the outset that the longer we allow this war to continue the better the odds for them that the American People will rise up and say, "Enough is enough", and that's exactly what they're hoping for.

They have complete faith in our Right-Wing Media to work on their behalf and broadcast their every minor victory, to the point [they hope] that the folks back home will eventually loose the stomach for it.

IMO we cannot allow that to happen.

This makes for great debate. Any other opinions out there?...

Bill1

-- January 27, 2006 1:53 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

CONTROL
A person's source of information, and education.....and you will control their mind's and destiny.

I believe the Mullahs and certain Arab Leaders have learned that technique well.

-- January 27, 2006 2:00 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Robert;

Don't worry, I understood it was a saying, however, I thought the way you MEANT it was direct and literal, not indirect and merely as a saying. It was difficult for me to tell by your sentence structure, my mistake. That is the difficulty with print, sometimes. But, you won't have to explain any sayings, I got that part fine, ty. :)

It was just when you said, "I like President Bush's conservative philosophy. BUT, that doesn't mean that I am going to totally agree with or worship the ground that the man walks on." I thought you were saying, unlike you.. I don't worship the ground he walks on. I took it as a slur. A character mistake, one I won't make again. However, you might remember, friend, that I have had such intentional verbal attacks made to me on this board (which Kevin has graciously deleted, I might add). Also, I have been under some attack recently for my views from some on other boards, but I didn't mean to bring my baggage here. Sorry.

Sara.

==

I thought this article interesting today:

IRAQ: Protest against alleged al-Qaida violence in Samara

SAMARA, 26 Jan 2006 (IRIN) - More than 1,000 protesters hit the streets of Samara, some 125km north of the capital, Baghdad, this week to demonstrate against al-Qaida militants blamed for killing more than 100 local police recruits this month.

The demonstration on 24 January, organised by the Iraqi Islamic Party and the Muslim Scholars’ Association, is the first of its kind to specifically condemn the al-Qaida group for alleged terrorist attacks.

“They have to stop killing innocent people like recruits, journalists and children,” demanded protest organiser Kamal Ahmed. “If they don’t stop, we’ll fight them directly,” Ahmed added angrily.

“We will kill the militants to show how far we will go to save the lives of innocent people,” Abu Omar added.

http://www.irinnews.org/print.asp?ReportID=51341

-- January 27, 2006 3:34 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

It is obvious, from most of the recent posts, that much time and effort go into these informative and well thought-out statements of your thoughts and beliefs. It is also obvious that the participants are well educated and learned. I do not believe that there can possibly be a better site than the current T&B. Keep those posts coming in the words that you prefer to use, and if you misstate something, we may fuss at you but you will continue to be an esteemed member of this fine group.

I am the most likely to irritate someone as I read your posts and sometimes add my two-cents worth while thinking as I type with no edit after I finish.

I, too, back Mr. Bush on almost every issue, but he has made some blunders in his handling of several things. I keep preaching that we cannot take responsibility for the world. We are no longer that powerful especially since a large portion of the world has united against us and now it seems that our every action will cause more countries to join our opposition.

When we say that we will not use cohersive force with prisoners and will punish any soldier who does not treat our enemy with respect, when the enemy knows that when we bomb one of their building that we build a new one in its place, when a terrorist knows that he can kill 10 USA soldiers and if he holds his hands up he will not be harmed but put in a place much better than where he came from, then I say we are not serious about dealing with those who oppose us. This ado about wiretapping and I could go on and on.

Thanks for letting me vent my frustrations, you are all terrific people.

BOB

-- January 27, 2006 10:43 PM ∞

BH wrote:

I think Bush is not smart enough for this one. We are in very serious trouble, and show no signs of being willing to bite the bullet and acknowledge that Russia is not our friend. I know for a fact that the CIA is looking the other way. It's pervasive for agents at every level. Nobody wants to accept that Russia is playing games to bring us down and Russia up. Nobody wants to go back to that.

Now is the only time we will have to deal with Iran. But if we do, the price of oil will rise precipitously. If we don't the price of oil will rise and Iran will control the middle east. They will, like a Pakistan controlled by Al Qaeda, be able to hold the entire world economy hostage.

This is no game. You are going to hurt, and hurt badly. Nobody in the world will give a rats ass about your problems then either.

-- January 28, 2006 12:13 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

TY Bob.. kind words to us all. :)
I think we all understand the level of frustration with the issues.

And BH.. it isn't about Bush being smart enough. It is about whether we have enough counsel being given from smart, godly and wise people.. the best in America should be helping to do this, for their own safety, and ours. Wars are not won by Presidents alone, but all those who support him. From the military strategists out of West Point to the ordinary guy on the street, you really do think that among all of the diverse population in the melting pot of America they should have a few good ideas, you know?
Pro 24:6 For by wise counsel you shall make war: and in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Sara.

-- January 28, 2006 12:43 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq: Sunni Insurgents Turning Against Al-Zarqawi
By Kathleen Ridolfo, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

26 January 2006 -- Six armed groups in Iraq have tentatively agreed to enter into national reconciliation talks aimed at ending the insurgency, amid increasing reports of growing conflict between nationalist-oriented resistance groups and Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi's Al-Qaeda-affiliated movement.

In another indication of Al-Qaeda's increasing weakness in Iraq, the group called on Muslim clerics to support its movement. In a videotaped message posted to the Internet (http://www.almeer.net) on 17 January, the group asked Muslim clerics why they have failed to support the mujahedin in Iraq. "Isn't our jihad in Iraq a legitimate jihad?" the unidentified speaker asked. "If the answer is yes, why did you leave us in Al-Qa'im, Al-Rawah, and Hasibah the way you left us in Al-Fallujah, Samarra, and Tal Afar," referring to the sites of intense fighting between Al-Qaeda insurgents and multinational forces over the past two years.

Al-Zarqawi has fallen out of favor in recent months with tribal leaders in the Al-Anbar Governorate, presumably because of divergent views as to how to conduct the resistance. Local and tribal leaders in the governorate have objected to attacks by insurgents that inflict harm on the civilian population, while al-Zarqawi's group has sought to justify such attacks in the name of jihad.

On 23 January, tribal and nationalist insurgent leaders in Samarra announced that they would send armed groups to hunt down Al-Qaeda members in the city in a campaign similar to one launched last month following the assassination of Albu-Baz tribal leader Hikmat Mumtaz, London's "Al-Hayat" reported on 24 January. Hundreds of Iraqis demonstrated in Samarra against Al-Qaeda on 24 January, and reports indicated that many Al-Qaeda loyalists had fled to nearby Diyala Governorate.

"Al-Hayat" also reported on 25 January that six insurgent groups have reached a tentative agreement with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani for their participation in national reconciliation talks. The report indicated that Talabani and his National Security Adviser Wafiq al-Samarra'i have issued guarantees for the security of the groups to participate in the talks. The Albu-Baz tribe, along with the Al-Dulaym, Al-Janabi and Al-Jubur tribes have reportedly supported the agreement.

The daily reported that the Islamic Army in Iraq, the 1920 Revolution Brigades, the Mujahedin Army in Iraq, and the Al-Anbar Revolutionaries are among those groups party to the agreement. In return for their participation, the groups would publicly renounce al-Zarqawi and his movement.

-- January 28, 2006 12:45 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

http://www.truthnews.net/month/2006010052.htm

-- January 28, 2006 12:46 AM ∞

BH wrote:

That's good.

I should say for the record, that in the Clinton years, we, America, totally screwed over the Russians. The devastation and terrible difficulty in Russian is beyond anything that Americans can imagine. Katrina was nothing at all by comparison.

What we should do, we the American people, is demand that our nation enter into a treaty of mutual passport recognition, just like we have with England and Germany. We should give them most favored nation status.

Yes, there are problems. But if you leave a nation to starve, well, we deserve to have games played to even things up.

We must demand that our leaders do this.

-- January 28, 2006 2:18 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Paul Revere

Because of his warning, the Minutemen were ready the next morning on Lexington green for the historic battle that launched the War of Independence.
http://www.ctssar.org/patriots/paul_revere.htm

Paul Revere gave a warning at the right place and time to help others to be ready for the enemy. When we seek to inform and educate about this investment and our speculation about a greater engagement of war in the region (which will affect our investment), we are acting much like Paul Revere here. We are crying out warnings to others - warnings like.. maybe there is a trap the enemy is trying to lure us into.. maybe we should think carefully before we leap. But though we are a warning to others, we cannot do the whole job on our own, any more than Paul Revere did on that day when he rode his horse - and even as the President cannot do the entire job of winning this war on his own. We are only part of the picture, not the entire thing. But we have our place as Paul Revere did, our role to play in the real life drama unfolding before us.

Let us seek wisdom and understanding, and let us do it in faith, hoping and expecting that we do not do this alone, but that we are guided and cared for by One much larger than ourselves - One whose Grace and Goodness extends to all mankind and whose timeless message still brings the news "peace on earth, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).

Sara.

-- January 28, 2006 2:47 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara:
Very good information on some of the insurgency groups. It remines me of the old saying, How do ya climb a real steep mountain? Ans: In small steps, one at a time.

-- January 28, 2006 7:32 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

THE KEY:
To any peace between nations is a common interest in each others state of security, and commerce. Without mutual trade and commerce, war has the tendency to follow. We have not had what you would classify as a good relationship with Iran since the 70's.

Do you remember when president bush made a speech that America was going to spread democracy throughout the middle east?
Ask yourself this, if you were the leaders of one of those middle eastern countries that governs by whatever means, and you know democracy would be the one thing that would weaken your position, by giving the people too much power, would you feel threatened? Of course you would?

Would you sit by and let democracy take hold or would you start to do things that would stop the spread before it developed, and removed you from power?

Do ya think maybe, just maybe, this might be one of those reasons Iran is acting up now?

One of the major issues of any relationship is "Trust". If you do not think you can trust your spouse, business partner, or even other nations to have your best interest at heart, it is certain you are going to have tension in that relationship. Thus Tension is present between the West,European nations and Iran. Unbridled emotions, and uncontrolled actions will lead to the devastation of a relationship and bring destruction to the surrounding area.

I know why President Bush made those remarks, and so do you. He and the American people felt democracy is the way all individuals should live. I was one of those.
But I must tell you, after seeing the Hamas group use democracy as their tool instead of their adversary, to gain the government of the palistinian people, gives me second thoughts on democracy being the best solution for some areas of the world. Especially, when you take into consideration the restricted resources of knowledge, and the control of information allowed to be given to the masses.

The biggest controllers of a person's mind is not the government, but the religious leaders. Why do you think the Islamic Nations have Spiritual leaders in office, and they work jointly with the Civilian leaders? (Its like Coke and Potato chips,...remember the ole southern phrase "a great pair said the bear".)

This statement is also true here in America.
It doesn't take much for someone to fiqure out why a leader has put Rev. or mullah in front of his name. That simple abrevation to some people, gives those individuals power, they would not have been given otherwise. They will follow that particular leader like cattle to a slaughter house, totally believing that person was doing the bidding of God instructions.

Control the information, control the type of knowledge,limit the education to the ones who have like mines, setup guidelines and restrictions by the ones that you control under the banner of religious law or government law and you have total absolute power.
History has shown this to be true over and over, through our own government,through christian leaders, through Islamic Clerics or Mullahs, etc;
Is this good or bad?
Time has a way of showing us what was truely in the leaders hearts, then all of the world will know.

-- January 28, 2006 8:24 AM ∞

Shajee wrote:

Hello,

Anybody can comment on recent issue of Iraqi Bonds in the international market, what will be its effects on Iraq economy and Iraqi Dinar

-- January 28, 2006 10:25 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I wasn't posting here when this came out a while back.. and I thought it relevant enough to post now as a counter to the post which quoted Bin Laden. It also is just plain nice news, so I thought you might like to see it.
Sara.

Iraq's a lost cause? Ask the real experts
November 23, 2005

WHEN IT COMES to the future of Iraq, there is a deep disconnect between those who have firsthand knowledge of the situation — Iraqis and U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq — and those whose impressions are shaped by doomsday press coverage and the imperatives of domestic politics.

Yet in a survey last month from the U.S.-based International Republican Institute, 47% of Iraqis polled said their country was headed in the right direction, as opposed to 37% who said they thought that it was going in the wrong direction. And 56% thought things would be better in six months. Only 16% thought they would be worse.

American soldiers are also much more optimistic than American civilians. The Pew Research Center and the Council on Foreign Relations just released a survey of American elites that found that 64% of military officers are confident that we will succeed in establishing a stable democracy in Iraq. The comparable figures for journalists and academics are 33% and 27%, respectively. Even more impressive than the Pew poll is the evidence of how our service members are voting with their feet. Although both the Army and the Marine Corps are having trouble attracting fresh recruits — no surprise, given the state of public opinion regarding Iraq — reenlistment rates continue to exceed expectations. Veterans are expressing their confidence in the war effort by signing up to continue fighting.

Since the Jan. 30 election, not a single Iraqi unit has crumbled in battle, according to Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, who until September was in charge of their training. Iraqi soldiers are showing impressive determination in fighting the terrorists, notwithstanding the terrible casualties they have taken. Their increasing success is evident on "Route Irish," from Baghdad International Airport. Once the most dangerous road in Iraq, it is now one of the safest. The last coalition fatality there that was a result of enemy action occurred in March.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-boot23nov23,0,1306469.column?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

-- January 28, 2006 2:07 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl, you said:

What if, that election or coming future elections put individuals in power that want to align with Iran?

What if that alignment brings the two countries closer together, with like goals and styles of government?

What if those duly democratic elected leaders decide to merge into one Persian Nation later on?

===

What you propose here appears to me to be a merging of Iraq and Iran into a Joint Empire.

My thoughts on that from recent news articles..

====

Talabani receives 10 million dollars Iranian grant, one billion loan

TEHRAN, Nov 23 (KUNA) -- Iraq is expected to receive a ten million US dollars grant and a long-term one billion dollars loan from Iran, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani announced here on Tuesday.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=790050

====

Pro 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Those who borrow are servants to those who lend. Here you see the potentially richest nation of the Middle East (Iraq) being hobbled into servanthood to the radical Islamic regime of Iran to the tune of one BILLION plus ten million US Dollars. Perhaps you are correct, Carl, and they are indeed seeing it as helping develop a joint empire.. "Ties" indeed:

-- January 28, 2006 2:38 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

===

Al Talebani: We Have Several Ties with Iran, which are Deep-Rooted in History
23/11/2005

The statement quoted the Iraqi president saying, "Our ties with Iran are various and deep-rooted. There are religious and sectarian ties, in addition to long borders between the two countries."

http://www.almendhar.com/english_7905/news.aspx

===

-- January 28, 2006 2:39 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

US official says Iraq economy growing
Gain of 4 percent expected this year
By Chris Tomlinson, Associated Press | December 9, 2005

BAGHDAD -- Iraq's economy is expected to grow by 4 percent this year and by double digits in 2006 as reconstruction efforts begin to bear fruit, a US official said yesterday. Speckhard said, Iraq's ''fundamentals are there."

''Iraq's economy will grow at 4 percent this year and accelerate into the double digits next year," he said. ''Per capita income is nearly double what it was two years ago, [and] sales of consumer and durable goods are booming."

Although unemployment remains a problem, more than 30,000 new businesses registered with the government in the last year, Speckhard said.

A study by the Brookings Institution estimates that as of September, unemployment stood between 27 percent and 40 percent nationwide -- down from 60 percent in the months after Hussein's fall in April 2003.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/12/09/us_official_says_iraq_economy_growing/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z

-- January 28, 2006 6:00 PM ∞

BH wrote:

Loans to Iraq from Iran are good I think. Why?

Simply - the more trade between nations, and the larger the penalty to the banking and commercial sectors on both sides for going to war, the less likely war becomes.

The middle east is full of hotheads who don't care. But it should be noted that for Iran, loaning that much money is a much bigger deal than it is for the USA to loan as percent of GNP. I would bet the bankers of Iran are passing around the debt load, reselling it o China and other nations. That will motivate those countries to prevent real war, regardless of what Ahmedinejad says.

So, I'm all for that.

-- January 29, 2006 9:13 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

ABOVE ALL ELSE....
KNOW WHO IS ACROSS THE TABLE....

Iranian President: Ahmadinejad
FACT:
All of those who know him state he is viscerally anti-jewish,and anti-west. He has a fasicination for Hasan al Bana, Gama Abdol Naser and "Third Worldism", the founder of muslim brotherhood and was once the flag ship of developing muslim nations.(This gives us his view of leaning toward muslim expansionism or combining of muslim nations. Expect him to attempt take other muslim countries under the muslim faith banner)
FACT:
He also has a total fanatic belief in the "Shi'a doctrine". He really believes in the doctrine of the Mahdi or the Shi'a's twelfth Imam, who will come back when the world is saturated with injustice and corruption. Some has said, he also believes he is a direct descendant to this Imam(Read the Shi'a doctrine and that will give you the boundries in which he will operate)
FACT:
He refers to Israel as the "Zionist Entity".(This is a common phrase used in Iran for the Israelies)He also refers to the Israelies as "Tumours", that always cause tension and conflict.
FACT:
He states there should be a Palestinian vote on just what to do with the Israelis. The results of that vote will be the action taken against the jews. He goes on to state that resistance and force against the jews is the best policy for the palestinians. Considering the Iranians are one of the major supporters of Hamas, and they have now become the Government of the Gaza strip, and West Bank,controlling the police and Army, you can just imagine what comes next.
The USA is threatening to cut off our 300 million plus dollars to them if they don't back off of their annilation stand on Israel. That suits Iran, and plays right into their hands, as this just solidifys the financial and military position of Iran next to Israel. Since we have allowed the Hamas group to become a government, they now carry certain international governmental privileges. One is they can allow Iran to bring in military units, build training camps, increase military hardware, etc, all under the banner of now being a legitimate government, where before they could not. The Hamas government can now, under the control of Iran, do things in the open, where before they were considered a terriorist organization and would have been attacked.
FACT:
All who know him state he is virtuous of progaganda. He knows very well how to get the ear of and play the religious card with the ordinary peoples religious superstitions.
Nothing he does is accidental or sponstaneous, and for him everything has a purpose. He boast of breaking the clan of senior officials wo have occupied key post in Iran since the creation of the Islamic Republic and replaced them with new ones, who are considered to be young, revolutionaries,educated, and according to him honest and hardworking. It does not matter if they have no experience in the position they have been place in.
Initially, the old influential Clerics were working behind the scenes to have him removed, as they are deeply concern about what he has done since being put into power. The see that Iran is going to become more isolated if he continues on his present path.
However, this move was killed, when 82 old leaders were brought into the council, and told in no uncertain terms that if they continued things would start to happen.
Questions concerning:
Why does Iran still have 40 billion owed to the USA?
Why does Iran have 16 billion in internal debt?
Why are there 3 million unemployed with most being college educated?
Where did the 680 billion dollars go that Iran earned from oil that seems to be missing?.
FACT:
He has hatched a team of experts and advisors around him, that he listens to very closely. Those advisors have the aim of making the Israel a major issue, as this stirs the fire within millions of Arabs, not only in Iran, but also in other Arab Nations. It their intent to create the zill of "Khomeini's Revolution", and bring it back to life. In the process of doing this, he has done several things:
(1) broke the taboo and started attacking the jews, and the claims of what occurred to them during WWII.
(2) He has started shutting the door to the outside world,banning western music, movies, books, shutting down papers, radio and television stations that do not espouse his thoughts.
(3)In brought up the nuclear conflict, not to reach any agreement, but to use it as an excuse to get our of the NPT, which is its only purpose, then to continue the development process of the nuclear weapon without UN, USA or European eyes.
Example: He wanted to over shadow the proposal of King Abdallah of Saudi Arabia, who was about to ask the Islamic Summit in Mecca to take a moderate stand on the Arab-Israel conflict, and work toward more peaceful means. He upstaged this message with the statements of "Israel should be wiped from the map".(indication of having no problem using force or killing to achieve his goal or idealogy)
FACT:
What is troubling, is that most of the Arab countries at the conference did not come out and say anything against what he said. Why? In the Arab world, "Silence" is considered acceptance of that position, or statement.(Gives you their lean in case of major conflict with Iran)
FACT:
What is also troubling is, only a few Arab media picked up his speech and printed it. The majority ignored it, as it was old hat to them. After all, this has been the Iranians position since the 1979 Revolution....Not until the Western Media Giants picked it up and started to Hype it all over the world did his speech spread like wildfire among the Arab Nations. Thanks to the Western Media, Millions of Muslims learned of his speech, and it created a following of millions from the "Simpletons" and "have not's", as they are referred to in the Arab World. Since that time, his popularity has soared among the fanatical followers of Islam. He has now become the Champion in many surrounding Arab Nations.
How ironic, it was our own American Media who threw the gasoline on his speech, that created such an explosion of popularity for the Iranian President.
FACT:
Since his coming into power, the Iranian city of Jamkaran, which is a small locality near the holy city of Qom,which is considered by many to be the cradle of militant Shi'ism and believe this is where the Mahdi will re-emerge has become a popular tourist site. So far it is estimated 15 million "Have Not's" have come to those cities to ask for miracles, since he has come into power.
FACT:
Political analyst are saying that he is in direct contrast to the mild minnered intellectual president he replaced. He is building a power base within Iran, and the surrounding Arab Nations so strong among the "Have Not's" that even the most powerful and influential will have difficulty bringing him down.

Leader of the Iranian Islamic Republic: Ali Khameneh'i
He is also leader of the Prateorian Guard and Basij (mobilitzation )militias connected to the Revolutionary Guards.

-- January 29, 2006 10:29 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Exclusive: Direct Talks—U.S. Officials and Iraqi Insurgents

Feb. 6, 2006 issue - American officials in Iraq are in face-to-face talks with high-level Iraqi Sunni insurgents, NEWSWEEK has learned. Americans are sitting down with "senior members of the leadership" of the Iraqi insurgency, according to Americans and Iraqis with knowledge of the talks (who did not want to be identified when discussing a sensitive and ongoing matter). The talks are taking place at U.S. military bases in Anbar province, as well as in Jordan and Syria. "Now we have won over the Sunni political leadership," says U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad. "The next step is to win over the insurgents." The groups include Baathist cells and religious Islamic factions, as well as former Special Republican Guards and intelligence agents, according to a U.S. official with knowledge of the talks. Iraq's insurgent groups are reaching back. "We want things from the U.S. side, stopping misconduct by U.S. forces, preventing Iranian intervention," said one prominent insurgent leader from a group called the Army of the Mujahedin, who refused to be named because of the delicacy of the discussions. "We can't achieve that without actual meetings."

An assortment of some of Iraq's most prominent insurgent groups also recently formed a "council" whose purpose, in addition to publishing religious edicts and coordinating military actions, is to serve as a point of contact for the United States in the future. "The reason they want to unite is to have a public contact with the U.S. if they disagree," says the senior insurgent figure. "If negotiations between armed groups and Americans are not done, then no solutions will be found," says Issa al-Addai al-Mehamdi, a sheik from the prominent Duleimi tribe in Fallujah. "All I can say is that we support the idea of Americans talking with resistance groups."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11079548/site/newsweek/

-- January 29, 2006 9:51 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Could I get you help me figure this one out?
Two conflicting reports here.. and the distinction is very important as to which is correct.
FIRST, this one..
It says Iran at the earliest could get a nuclear bomb by 2009.

Planned research could help Iran get bomb: experts
Fri Jan 13, 2006 10:29 AM ET
By Boris Groendahl

VIENNA (Reuters) - Tehran's new ambassador to the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Friday that Iran would only enrich uranium on a small scale for research, but a U.S. think-tank warned that this could help Tehran acquire get a bomb by 2009.

David Albright and Corey Hinderstein of the Institute for Science and International Security, a U.S. think-tank, said successfully operating small cascades of centrifuges, which purify uranium by spinning at supersonic speeds, would give Tehran the know-how eventually to mass produce atomic fuel.

"Once Iran overcomes the last technical hurdle of operating its test cascade, it can duplicate it and create larger cascades. Iran would then be ready to build a centrifuge plant able to produce significant amounts of enriched uranium for peaceful purposes or for nuclear weapons," they wrote in a new analysis.

They said Iran could have 1,300-1,600 centrifuges by late 2006, which would be enough to begin producing bomb fuel. Tehran would then need another year to install and test them.

"Given another year to make enough HEU for a nuclear weapon and a few more months to convert the uranium into weapons components, Iran could have its first nuclear weapon in 2009.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2006-01-13T152925Z_01_DIT355541_RTRUKOC_0_US-NUCLEAR-IRAN-URANIUM.xml&archived=False

-- January 30, 2006 1:19 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Then, this article, which says they can make the bomb in only a few months.

El Baradei: Iran only months away from a bomb
By JPOST.COM STAFF Dec. 5, 2005 9:44

IAEA chairman Muhammad ElBaradei on Monday confirmed Israel's assessment that Iran is only a few months away from creating an atomic bomb.

If Teheran indeed resumed its uranium enrichment in other plants, as threatened, it will take it only "a few months" to produce a nuclear bomb, El-Baradei told The Independent.

On the other hand, he warned, any attempt to resolve the crisis by non-diplomatic means would "open a Pandora's box. There would be efforts to isolate Iran; Iran would retaliate; and at the end of the day you have to go back to the negotiating table to find the solution."

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1132475683499&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

So.. which is the truth? Are we looking at 2009 or could they have a working bomb by the summer? I do think the distinction is very clearly important to know, don't you? If they do have one by THIS SUMMER, where and when might they logically be thinking of using it? (Presuming, of course, that they would wish to use it.) Or would they use it as leverage to force concessions?

Sara.

-- January 30, 2006 1:23 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Sara
The complexity of the entire problem is not when they will have the bomb, but learning how to make the nuclear warhead fuel. The centrifuge to make nuclear warhead material has greater requirements, and we are not 100% certain they do not have that equipment now. Intellengence agencies differ on the time period of gaining the knowledge, material, and equipment before they would have the capablility of producing a nuclear warhead.
Some estimates are a whole lot shorter than some. The solution is to assist them in having fuel to make nuclear power, yet under no circumstances should they be allowed the ability to produce the fuel. "Trust" is word that would be wrongly misused in their case. There lies the high voltage naked wire, that the world has to repair with ungloved hands.One uncalculated move and the world will never be the same.

-- January 30, 2006 6:31 AM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Debt with Iran: good or bad?

IMO opinion that debt in and of itself is neither. On one side, a loan of this magnitude could allow reconstruction of infrastructure vitally needed over here. As stated, Iraq could quickly become the richest country in the Middle East and payback of a measly billion would hardly be missed from the coffers, thus ending any financial hold Iran had over them. (I fear the religious bond much more than the financial bond.) Where I feel this loan becomes negative is in the fact that the current level of known corruption could easily see that 1 billion and 10 million squandered, leaving a country in debt and lacking any significant improvement for it.

Thus, IMO, good or bad depends on whehter honesty / financial auditing beat out corruption.

Thanks for the post folks.

From an avid reader based in Iraq who chooses to listen.

-- January 30, 2006 8:02 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Optimism For Iraqi Economy In 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

04 January 2006 (Baghdad: Al Sabah newspaper) -- Various economic experts are looking favorably at the expected performance of the Iraqi economy in 2006. With the general rate of inflation decreasing to 15%, the country's foreign exchange reserves amounting to over 10 billion dollars in 2006, and the huge financial debt burden, estimated as being in the region of 120 billion dollars, finally being settled and agreed upon, which was followed by the success of the general election that is expected to produce a national unity government, optimists are looking at the future in a very favorable light, despite the remaining hurdles of security, unemployment and an absence of services.

Dr. Allawi expects an economic growth rate of about 12% in 2006, compared to 2.5 % in 2005.
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/4604

-- January 30, 2006 8:15 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

BH:
I think your observation is totally correct, as to trade removes the risk of war between nations. If Iran had not been involved in the mix of keeping Iraq unsettled, the progress of the rebuilding of the oil fields, and its development would be further ahead than it is now.

Remember! first human rule: Nothing is done without a purpose or goal!
The question comes to my mind is "What has changed?"
Why is the Iranian government now doing a 180 degree course with Iraq.
Why are they now extending $1 billion dollar loan,plus to Iraq, when months before the statement from the Iranian president was ..."Democracy will not be allowed to stand in the middle east"
The only thing that has changed is the "Iraqi Election" that I am aware of.
Then the thing that keeps nagging at me is,What do the Iranians know that we don't?
Why after the election all of a sudden the insurgency is wanting to negoiate?
Time is going to give us the answer, that I am certain of.

History is a great teacher.Ignore it and you or any nation is destined to repeat blunders over and over again. Books are full of Great Powers who over stretched their military to the point where it drained their economic resources and was the first chink, that weakened the nation. This initial chink was the beginning of the collapse from within. History shows most nations will not go to war for human rights issues. The benefit does not exceed the cost. You only go to conflict when you know your nation is vulnable to something, and the benefit of the gain is greater, that the cost of war. The lost of life is hardly ever the deciding factor on whether to go to war.
That is why I have always said, we went to Iraq for the oil. Remember! Sadam was our boy, and he was doing the same thing under our banner for years, before we called him a "Mad Man". What changed?
One would be Sadam change purchasing the Iraqi oil to the Euro. This strengthen the Euro greatly and weaken the dollar. When we invaded, Iraq's oil could no longer be bought with Euro Dollars, but was switched back to US Dollars. This caused the Euro to weaken, and the dollar again gained strength on the world market. So the Iraqi move, caused two things immediately. The Dollar increased in value on the world market, and it gave us larger access to the Iraqi oil fields of any nation.
THE IRANIAN OIL BOURSE
Iran in a move that some refer to as the "Nuclear Economic Weapon", has created a system that some say has the ability to swiftly destroy the financial system holding up the USA.
It takes affect in March 2006.( March again shows up on time lines of events)

It has been set up to operate on the Euro-oil trading mechanism that implies oil for Euro payment only. This allows anyone to circumvent the dollar when they want to buy or sell oil on the exchange.If the price of oil through out the world is no longer peg to the US Dollar, but to the Euro, what affect do you think it will have on the strength of the dollar?

Will this also cause the Iraqi's to change their oil back to the Euro or even peg the dinar to with the Euro Dollar, further weakening the position of the American dollar on the world market?

This allows the European nations who once had to hold american dollars in order to purchase oil, to no longer have to do so. They can now purchase with their own currency. This will increase the reserve status of the Euro currency instead of the American dollar.
Once this takes affect in March this allows the Chinese and the Japanese to sell their dollar reserves, and diversify with the Euro Currency, thus protecting themselves again the coming depreciation of the american dollar. I do not believe they will dump all at once. More than likely it will be broken up into percentages. Hold some, dump some and some they will use gradually without replenishing american dollars for their reserves.

Russia has a major economic interest in investing with the Euro instead of the american dollar, as most of their trade is with Euro to begin with.Plus they really don't like holding the american dollars due to its volatile value swings.

A large majority of the Arab Oil Countries will start to invest more and more into the Euro, as most of their trades are with European nations anyway. This will also hedge their bet against holding a mountain of US Dollars that depreciates, and eliminates even further currency value risk.

How much will this weaken the American dollar is anybody's guess, but most say, America is going to be economically weakened even further by this new Iranian Exchange.

If America does anything that further alienates other powerful nations, they can dump all of their American reserves back on the market. (Especially China, India, Russia,who Iran has entered into agreement with called the Shanghi Cooperative Group), Japan, and some Arab Countries. This will collapse america's ability to finance any internal or external ambitions if no one is buying the american dollar any longer.

Whatever America does, the path being set by the Iranian Exchange Market has been set. If it gains momentum the economic pressure will start to build on the US Government. Inflation in the USA will accelerate and long term interest rates will leap upward. This is when some say the dollar will be in danger of collapsing.

In order to counter this, the FED will find itself in a very difficult position between deflation or hyper-inflation. Either way action will have to be fast.
If they deflate by raising interest rates, the real estate industry is going into the doldrums, the internal economic situation will start to slide into a deep depression with an a implosion in the bond, stock, and derivative markets. Financial institutions will start to collapse by the hundreds if not thousands.
If they inflate, they will print more dollars flooding the market with more long-bond yeilds in liquidity, and bail out the financial institutions. This inturn will hyper-inflate the economy, which has just as bad of results. Either way, the Iranian Market has just exploded the Economic Nuclear Bomb right in the middle of the ole US of A.

It brings to my mind, what bin laden said a few years back..."I intend to bankrupt American"

How can this be prevented?

Stop the Iranians from creating the Exchange and the oil peg to the dollar.
I will stop here and let your mind now wonder as to is there another ulterior motive than the nuclear fuel issue...what is "really the purpose of the Iranian hype?" Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!

-- January 30, 2006 8:17 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Carl and Sara,

Thanks for the schooling!!

The "Economic Bomb" is the real threat!!

The US must let go of our dependency on Middle East Oil.....New fuel sources must be found to support our cheap fuel life style. Alt energy is here but we are too arrogant and short sighted to pursue.

G'Day!!

ski

-- January 30, 2006 10:42 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Another Paul Bremer citing: He was on my local Fox 4 Morning show in the Dallas/FT. Worth area.

More comments from him regarding Iraqs internal hope for the future. Coupled with Sara's post regarding Iraqs economic growth, I think we are on the right track.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 30, 2006 10:45 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl, you asked:

"What has changed?"
Why is the Iranian government now doing a 180 degree course with Iraq.
Why are they now extending $1 billion dollar loan,plus to Iraq, when months before the statement from the Iranian president was ..."Democracy will not be allowed to stand in the middle east"
The only thing that has changed is the "Iraqi Election" that I am aware of.
Then the thing that keeps nagging at me is,What do the Iranians know that we don't?
Why after the election all of a sudden the insurgency is wanting to negoiate?

I am wondering if this far right opinion column which I ran across might show us the answer?

Iraq: Our Iranian Policy
By Christopher Hitchens

Nonetheless, everything I can glean from friends and contacts in Iraq makes it ever-clearer that the Iranian state and its clerical proxies made a huge intervention in the Iraqi voting earlier this month, most especially in the southern provinces and in the capital city of Baghdad. It was probable that the Shiite parties would have won anyway, but they made assurance doubly sure by extensive fraud and by using both militias and uniformed policemen to exclude, coerce, or intimidate voters. So, the regional dilemma is now as follows: Will the Iraqi model be one day followed in Iran, or will Iran succeed in imposing its own "model" on Iraq?

http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=20701

This man thinks the reason the attitudes in Iran CHANGED is that they GOT POWER through the electoral process, just as Hamas has done. The Iranians, he believes, are NOW IN POWER in Iraq through the election process. Why wouldn't they warm to their own spies? He thinks they defeated the US interests using the electoral process, as Hamas has done. It made me wonder.. what do you think, is it possible?

Sara.

-- January 30, 2006 1:02 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Al-Zawahri Mocks Bush Over Terrorism War
By NADIA ABOU EL-MAGD, Associated Press Writer Tue Jan 31, 12:32 AM ET

CAIRO, Egypt - In a new video aired Monday, al-Qaida's No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri mocked President Bush as a "failure" in the war on terror, called him a "butcher" for killing innocent Pakistanis in a miscarried airstrike and chastised the United States for rejecting Osama bin Laden's offer of a truce.

Al-Zawahri, wearing white robes and a white turban and speaking in a forceful and angry voice, also threatened a new attack in the United States — "God willing, on your own land."

Al-Zawahri said in the video that he had a number of messages in the wake of the airstrike.

He said he had a message "to the American people, who are drowning in illusions. I tell you that Bush and his gang are shedding your blood and wasting your money in failed adventures."

"The lion of Islam, Sheik Osama bin Laden... offered you a decent exit from your dilemma. But your leaders, who are keen to accumulate wealth, insist on throwing you into battle and killing your souls in Iraq and Afghanistan and - on your own land," he said.

Al-Zawahri warned Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to stop cooperation with the United States, saying "your time of judgment is approaching."

Mark Ensalaco, an international terrorism expert at the University of Dayton, Ohio, said the tape's release may have been timed for Bush's State of Union address. "Al-Qaida is very conscious of such things," he said.

"Having bin Laden and al-Zawahri appear in quick succession in these tapes underscores the fact that they're alive and well and still plotting attacks," he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060131/ap_on_re_mi_ea/zawahri_tape

-- January 31, 2006 5:00 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Sara and all,

I am baaaaack!! I got back in and I wanted to check the board. I was having my wife check it while I was gone. She gave me updates. I must be addicted.

I just wanted you to know that you all have some nice informative posts going. Keep 'em up!!

-- January 31, 2006 10:27 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

When I started coversing on this post, I had bought $2,000,000 Iraqi Dinar. Well, I received them via Fed Ex today.

As before it is wait and see to know whether my small investment will pay off. As stated before, my instincts tell me I will be holding these notes for a long time. Regardless, if my small investment pays a return five or ten years from now, I will still think it was worth the investment.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 31, 2006 12:23 PM ∞

Joy wrote:

Iraq isnt gonna do anything, Dinar is a waste of time, Britan and Amercia are to blame.

-- January 31, 2006 5:29 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Rob N.,

I like your outlook. I agree that it is worth it to see how things are going to go.
Here's hoping that it is worth the wait. I think that it will be.

I think it wise that you invested for 2 million. I always say, "never invest more than we can afford to lose". Even though, I don't believe that we are going to lose on this investment.

Hey Joy,
Thanks for posting!! I must say that Iraq has already done a lot. Iraq's newly-elected representatives are in the process of forming a new representative government.

As far as your comment on the Iraqi dinar, you may be right. Or, you may be wrong. I am hoping that you are wrong on your statement concerning the Iraqi dinar.
Nothing personal!

-- January 31, 2006 7:31 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Joy:

I must take exception to your pessimistic outlook on Iraq and the NID. What evidence are you privy to that the rest of us are not which would lead you to such a conclusion?

I agree with Robert, Iraq has done quite a bit including free elections, a constitution, factions coming together to govern, a new currency, amongst other noteworthy items.

The U.S. continues to poor money into the country for reconstruction. Obviously, the congress probably needs to allocate more funds. The major economies of the Industrialized nations have extended to Iraq money and has forgiven past debt.

I do not mind an opposing viewpoint, but evidence to back up such statements would help "iron sharpen iron".

From your comments I would assume you have not taken the opportunity to purchase the NID.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 31, 2006 11:10 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Once the NID is introduced into open market trading, we as investors must be prepared to see some volatility in the currency markets related to the NID.

Here is what I mean. For this illustration lets say hypothetically the Dinar opens at $0.01 (a penny). Some people who currently hold the currency will cash in causing the NID's value to fluctuate downward in the short-term. In the long term, the NID will eclipse the $0.01 ceiling and moving slowly upward to a new ceiling.

If the currency then climbs to $0.02, the events outlined above will reoccur, resulting in more investors cashing out. This will cause more volatilty. Continued short-term loss, but long-term gain. This process, as I have breifly stated, will be the only way to secure long term value of the billions of Dinar issued and allow the Iraqi government to subside the massive cash outs inevitable at each rate hike.

Once the small investors and speculators are out, I think the currency will then trade unencumbered going on to be an established currency. Make sense? Any other thoughts? Hang on, we are all in for a ride.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 31, 2006 11:35 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

I read all of your posts and appreciate everything you have said. Being here in Iraq gives me a front line view that things are truly improving, slowly, but improving they are. One thing that has become abundantly clear after reading all of your posts on Iraq, Iran, and the Middle East and this fact has led me to one question...

Do you think that the Iraqis have come to realise that our future is tied to their future and could that be one of the big reasons we are now getting more cooperation from many of the insurgent groups? Two things I've learned over the past year in this country is that the people here are much more street smart than most Americans give them credit for and they are definitely willing to fight to the death for what they believe in. So, could it be that a form of MAD / mutually assured success has sunk in with some of the Sunni groups and convinced that that a strong, unified Iraq is in OUR best interest as well? Your thoughts?

-- February 1, 2006 2:18 AM ∞

carl wrote:

Joy:
I find it interesting you blame america for the dinar having the value it presently has.
I can see you are not a student of history or even current events of the Iraqi people for the past 4 years.
But keep reading the T&B and you will gain some knowledge about current events in the middle east, mulahs, Islam, hate, racism,liars, backstabbers, politics, war, death,life,hope,dreams, the future and ones who want to steal the future.
After reading the T&B for a while, it might even lift your IQ a little. Every little bit helps you know. But first, in order to do this you have to get your face out of john kerry's, Ted kennedy's, and Howard Dean's Crack.
Besides I believe if you do, the air will smell a whole lots better for ya.

-- February 1, 2006 7:13 AM ∞

carl wrote:

Turtle:
Its like the puppy dog sale. Give someone something that improves their life, and let them keep it for it awhile. Come back later, and say, We have to take it back now, or you have to take responsibility for it, and pay from here on out.
100% guarantee sale rate.... This is just like the Iraqi people and their new way of life. Yes the bombings are still there, but now islolated. A whole lot of the country is progressing and moving forward. They fight you to keep what democracy has brought them. Two of the greatest gifts mankind can have....hope of a better life and that one day their dreams will no longer be dreams but a reality handed to them by the american spirit. This Spirit gave them the liberty to be who or whatever they choose to be.
This is something that was totally foreign to them under Persian history.

Hey! Joy!
If you think sadam was so great living under, why not take a little trip to Iran or saudi Arabia and get a first hand taste of it. Then come back and tell the american people how bad they got it.

-- February 1, 2006 7:26 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey everybody,

Maybe Joy will become
"JOYOUS" if he/she takes Carl and Rob N's advice.

Turtle: It is good to have your opinion on the board. By being there in Iraq, we can all get a good view of what is going on. I hope that Outlaw will post some more too.

Rob N.: I think that we can expect a roller-coaster ride on this thing for quite a while too. Let's hope that it is the kind of roller-coaster ride that we can survive the end of the ride and still have the contents in our stomachs, LOL.

-- February 1, 2006 10:37 AM ∞

Robert wrote:

Just thought that I would include this article on our discussion on Iran. The cat is out of the bag: Iran has been caught with nuclear weapon design papers. OH, WELL! So, much for their "peaceful nuclear program".

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=945bf629-92b2-4a1d-bd33-b94b3d65be65&k=14351

Documents in Iran's possession are for making nuclear weapons, watchdog says

George Jahn, Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Austria (AP) - An extensive document obtained by Iran on the nuclear black market serves no other purpose than to make an atomic warhead, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday.

-- February 1, 2006 10:45 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bush: No new state unless Hamas recants
Terrorist group must renounce aim in charter to destroy Israel
Posted: February 1, 2006

There will be no Palestinian state if a Hamas-led government does not renounce its established aim to destroy Israel, President Bush declared today in an interview... but "conditions for peace and the conditions for a settlement will be up to Hamas to make the right decisions."

Bush ... says his administration's position is clear, "Hamas must renounce its desire to destroy Israel, it must recognize Israel's right to exist and it must get rid of the armed wing of its party."

"In order for there to be democracy and in order for there to be two states living side by side with peace, you can't have the party of one state intending to destroy the other state," he told the AP. "And secondly, in order to participate in a democratic society, you can't have an armed wing available to enforce something a party decides to do," Bush added.

The terror group's chief Mahmoud al-Zahar told WorldNetDaily Hamas might soon offer Israel a long-term cease fire but will not recognize the Jewish state's right to exist. Al-Zahar's comments followed a WND exclusive interview in which a top Hamas leader said his group will soon make public a "peace initiative" in which it will offer to trade strategic land with Israel, cease attempts to capture parts of Jerusalem, and sign a 10-year renewable truce with the Jewish state with the aim of later destroying Israel.

"I am not ruling out a long truce period with Israel during which we will hold back armed confrontation as long as the Israeli soldiers respect the truce and do not commit violence against the Palestinian people," said al-Zahar, speaking to WND by cell phone from the Gaza Strip.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48614

-- February 1, 2006 6:16 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

US troops: Woodruff more important?

Some US troops question Woodruff coverage
By PAMELA HESS
UPI Pentagon Correspondent

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- The American media stood up and took notice when an improvised explosive device grievously injured an ABC News crew Sunday.

In Iraq, and throughout the military, there is sympathy and concern for anchor Bob Woodruff and cameraman Doug Vogt, but there is also this question:

"Why do you think this is such a huge story?" wrote an officer stationed in Baqubah, Iraq, Monday via e-mail. "It's a bit stunning to us over here how absolutely dominant the story is on every network and front page. I mean, you'd think we lost the entire 1st Marine Division or something. "There's a lot of grumbling from guys at all ranks about it. That's a really impolite and impolitic thing to say ... but it's what you would hear over here."

"The point that is currently being made (is that) that press folks are more important than mere military folks," a senior military officer told UPI Tuesday.

"It's just a bit frustrating to see something so dramatized that happens every day to some 20-year-old American -- or worse to 10, 30-year-old Iraqi soldiers or cops alongside us. Some of the stories don't even mention the Iraqi casualties in this attack, as if they're meaningless," wrote the officer in Baqubah.

http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20060131-041958-8164r

-- February 1, 2006 7:12 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Turtle, I agree with you that it is GREAT to see the insurgents cooperating and moving toward what is good for them and their country. I think you are right that they see that cooperation is the way to mutual success. An Arab paper put out a wonderful article which I quoted last year and it helps us to see why this course of action was their wisest course of action and predictable. I think you will find it informative. The entire article is worth your time reading. Here is the url to where I posted it already on forum. It is well worth your time reading the full thing, note the title of the article is:

WHY THE INSURGENCY CAN'T WIN

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/000502.html#11571

-- February 1, 2006 7:50 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Joy, obviously some people can see the worth of an investment, and others cannot. In this case, you do not see the worth in the Dinar. Sorry you will miss out, but, oh well that is your choice. Some people thought that Microsoft was a waste of time as an investment too. Just because we discuss negatives which might impact the investment of the Dinar does not mean we don't believe in its prospects. Iraq has done a lot, as Robert said, and Iraq will win.

President Bush summarized this beautifully yesterday when he said, quote:

We're on the offensive in Iraq, with a clear plan for victory. First, we're helping Iraqis build an inclusive government, so that old resentments will be eased and the insurgency will be marginalized.

Second, we're continuing reconstruction efforts, and helping the Iraqi government to fight corruption and build a modern economy, so all Iraqis can experience the benefits of freedom. And, third, we're striking terrorist targets while we train Iraqi forces that are increasingly capable of defeating the enemy. Iraqis are showing their courage every day, and we are proud to be their allies in the cause of freedom.

Our work in Iraq is difficult because our enemy is brutal. But that brutality has not stopped the dramatic progress of a new democracy. In less than three years, the nation has gone from dictatorship to liberation, to sovereignty, to a constitution, to national elections. At the same time, our coalition has been relentless in shutting off terrorist infiltration, clearing out insurgent strongholds, and turning over territory to Iraqi security forces. I am confident in our plan for victory; I am confident in the will of the Iraqi people; I am confident in the skill and spirit of our military. Fellow citizens, we are in this fight to win, and we are winning.

===

Our investment is also a tangible vote of confidence in Iraq winning. And, as Iraq wins, so will we.

Sara.

-- February 1, 2006 8:09 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

A Managed Float...

Robert, you are thinking in terms of what they call a straight float concerning the Dinar. A straight float is one which is totally subject to market forces outside the country. What that means is that the foreign exchange banks on what is known as the interbank market drive the value up and down according to what the market thinks the rate should be. That is extremely volatile and can change based on interest rate fluctuations and political concerns such as we have noted here with Iran lately.

But I believe after the Revaluation Iraq would continue to have a managed float, very similar to what it has now. A managed float is one where the country lets its exchange rate vary but only within a set range. One example of a managed float is China. They "manage" their currency's float by intervening - sometimes even intervening on a daily basis - in order to force the currency rate to stay in the range they have predetermined it to have. They do this by selling T-bills, adjusting the interest rate, and using other measures. Basically, they manage it using various "monetary instruments". There are many different monetary instruments a country can use, and Iraq will simply do what these other countries do. Iraq will use their monetary instruments to manage their money's float.

Sara.

-- February 1, 2006 8:48 PM ∞

carl wrote:

Sara:
Coodo's on your post about president Bush's speech on Iraq.
I could not have said it better myself.
To all of the Dinar Investors who have stuck it out even during this trying time. I am proud to be on the train with ya.
Sorry! ya missed out Joy! All seats are full on this train.

-- February 1, 2006 8:59 PM ∞

MJ Baghdad wrote:

well

-- February 2, 2006 12:06 AM ∞

MJ Baghdad wrote:

Just a lil info for u guys on here. If you look at the negative reports in the news you can see good in them to. In the news recently you might have seen "the war buget closing in on 3 trillion dollars". I believe that is true. Bush might not be able to talk well on camera or make any sense, but he aint no fool. And neither is his advisers. I bet he is sitting on some dinar right now. And i bet not all of that 3 trillion dollars is for what the news says its for. I would like all of you to do some history. WW1 WW2 Korea and other small conflicts. All of witch had countrys to get new currecny. This is all above our heads. You guys think that we really were scared of what iraq was gonna become. Dont think so. Saddam just gave us a good reason to go in. The bottom line is the iraqi dinar will go up. there was talks of it jumping to .30-.40 cents over night. That I dont think will happen. give it 10-15 years and the dinar will match the dollar. Just sit back and relax. And if ur worried that the currency will change, dont be. itll be years before that happens. Iraq dont have that ability yet, and they wont for a long time. If u dont believe me just ask some KBR workers who was in Iraq in 91. Ask them what the Kuwait dinar was going for and see how much it is now. Also if you to invest. listen to Bushs speech and thatll give jus a few ideas. Solar, coal, hydrogen etc... people have natural talents in things like investing, but you have got to be an idiot if you dont see where this dinar is going as well as parts of the investing world. But then again you have the old people like my mother n father that say, "son nothing in this world is free" then i say mom dad ur right, but how often do we go to war and change a countrys currency and spend a few trillion dollars during post war. n like our goverment YOU WILL GET PAID... but to all. dont buy dinar. none at all. save it all for me.

-- February 2, 2006 12:44 AM ∞

Iraqidinardirect wrote:

I apologise if I am offending anyone by posting this here.We are having a sale this week on my website http://www.iraqidinardirect.com/
You can buy the 5,000 notes , 10,000 notes and 25,000 notes for the same price $787.00 USD per million.
This is the lowest price you will find for the 5,000 in North America , maybe even the Planet.We will ship 5-7 days maybe sooner as we have planned in advance for this special promotion.Our number is 817-996-5000 .

Iraqi Dinar Direct

-- February 2, 2006 9:24 AM ∞

Turtle wrote:

You answered my question but I left out part of my thought process. Consider the Sunni choice - join the US backed government, follow Al Qaeda, or fight everyone. Syria and Iran are no friends to the Sunnis so what support will they have on their own? The US has killed innocents when trying to kill other warriors, believe it or not this culture understands even if it doesn't like it. Al Qaeda offers death to EVERYONE who opposes their point of view including killing innocents and religious figures (something they tend to highly disapprove of even if the leader is not of their denomination). These people are smart enough to know all of this. The only reason they would consider continuing to fight is if they felt we were here to destroy them and their way of life. I think the responses I received tell me that you agree, Sunnis have realized what the Shia know, that they have to thrive for us to succeed and that carries back to the US. Their destruction would only mean very bad times for the US. Suddenly we may be forming alliances due to mutual enemies and mutual needs for long term success.

When things are heating up with Iran, Sunnis are coming to the table with the US. I wonder if that is because Sunnis see an extra bargaining chip on the table or because the US is pushing harder because they know they need matters in better condition here before Iran explodes?

I'm sure everyone is aware that we turned over Mosul and another territory south of Baghdad to Iraqi control. I agree with whoever said that the IEDs have become significantly limited in geography. I have pretty solid info on that. Unfortunately, far more creative and destructive. It just seems to me there we are suddenly making incredible improvements. All is not golden by any means but the snowball is growing.

Anyway, I love the insite you all bring to this board and I'm just wondering what you guys think on some of these issues. Has Iran helped us here after all? If so, could improvements take some of the steam out of their sails since they are going on the belief that the US military is too preoccupied here to handle them? That kind of thing.

Thanks Sara. I'll read that when I get a chance.

-- February 2, 2006 10:25 AM ∞

Ryan wrote:

Hello to all the posters again. havent been on in awhile. i'm finally back home in the states. so happy. i have been keeping up with the posts though. i must say there are always things in the way of our investment dreams. confict will always be there. i remain very excited about the investment that i made with the iraqi dinar. 3 million. one day i will be looking up these archives on google and showing my friends and family how it began. this is what i believe. hope you do too. i am writing to a bunch of millionaire's who havent become snobs yet. maybe never become them either. we are all normal people with hopes and dreams. thats the way life was intended to live. it may not happen this year of the next, but one day we will all be reading this blog and smirking at it. if we where right or wrong. but hopefully in the long run who cares who was right. just another longtime investment that worked out is all i hope for. keep working hard for info cause its what fuels the fire today.. ryan

-- February 2, 2006 3:50 PM ∞

Robert wrote:

Hey Ryan,
It is good to see you back on. WELCOME BACK!! (~:
I hope to see you posting more. Let's keep our nose to the grindstone on this.

Hey Sara,
I like the way you put it on one of your posts when you said: "Our investment is also a tangible vote of confidence in Iraq winning. And, as Iraq wins, so will we."

MJ Baghdad: Welcome and we look forward to your input. I agree that we should wait on this Iraqi dinar. I am banking on it breaking out eventually, and maybe make some money from it.

Turtle: Good Post! I heard on the tv that the area that was turned over to the Iraqi army was about the size of Kentucky. And, that was just one of many turnovers to the Iraqi army.

-- February 2, 2006 5:01 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran's referral to Security Council is virtually certain

Broader Support Sought for Iran Referral
By GEORGE JAHN, Associated Press Writer Feb 3, 2006

VIENNA, Austria - U.S. and European delegates at an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency worked Friday to broaden support for Iran's virtually certain referral to the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear program.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog is considering a U.S.-backed resolution sponsored by Britain, France and Germany that would open the door to possible Security Council action against Iran.

Diplomats said it was virtually certain the agency's 35-nation board would adopt the resolution. Support for Iran has shrunk since Russia and China lined up behind the United States, Britain and France during overnight talks with the three other permanent Security Council members earlier in the week.

U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the number of nations expected to vote against referral were in the "low to single digits."

"It is time to send a clear and unequivocal message to the Iranian regime about the concerns of the international community by reporting this issue to the Security Council," said Gregory L. Schulte, the chief U.S. delegate.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060203/ap_on_re_mi_ea/nuclear_agency_iran

-- February 3, 2006 9:03 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq casualty rates falling: U.S. general

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- The casualty rate in Iraq is at its lowest for nearly two years, a senior U.S. general said Thursday.

For most of January, the casualty rate in Iraq was at the lowest rate since the spring of 2004, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman told reporters in a televised briefing from Baghdad.

"You can see a significant trend line down in the number of casualties: coalition, civilian and Iraqi security force casualties," Lynch said.

http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20060202-064920-6535r

-- February 3, 2006 9:26 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

I believe that the good times are about over for the USA.

We are now experiencing confrontations and crisisees on so many fronts and it looks like any one of several could erupt at any time into a catastrophy that we will be hard pressed to cope with.

Consider the problems that we have with Venezuala, Cuba, Mexico, China, Russia, N. Korea, Palestine, Syria, Iraq,
Afganistan, illegal immigrants, terrorists and especially Iran.

The situation with Iran leaves very few viable options
that will not take oil up to $200. per barrel or more. It seems our every well-intentioned move causes another country to hate us more.

The Muslims are hell-bent on making their religion the dominant religion in the world and are willing to crush anyone who opposess them. When will we let these other countries have their way of life and us have ours.

We need to bring our troops home, get out of other countries business, protect our borders, bring our manufacturing jobs back and continue to build militarily with weapons and technolegy, not troops. Ten million troops are no match for a nuclear bomb.

We are not making any friends and are certainly not enhancing our prestege running all over the world trying to change people's thinking and way of life.

BOB

-- February 4, 2006 9:56 PM ∞

BigBake wrote:

Yet isolationism is far from the answer. You say that we have no business being where we are. But you fail to realize you and every American citizen has placed us where we are. You cried when gasoline went over $2.00, you spent our tax dollars to investigate why. Right now you are doing it again because two petroleum based companies posted 4th quarter earnings. Once again you the American consumer are the cause. You think 9-11 is an isolated event that will never occur again. Read history, we did not want any involvment with WWII, we were an isolation nation. By doing nothing at all makes situations worse, nothing works itself out on its own. Some kind of leadership is involved in one step or another to solve a problem. But taking no steps ensures failure. We are committed and now have to follow through, if we do not, we will bring it back on ourselves. It is not going to go away, and will be back on our doorsteps. Isolation leads to more problems then when you left it to work itself out.

-- February 5, 2006 11:04 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bob!
I understand your frustrations. But the last time I looked it was the Radical Muslims who are hell bent on world domination with their faith. If you noticed I didn't say all muslims. It is that group of the muslim faith, that has no tolerance toward anyone who does not believe as they do. They by their own mouths are racist, bigots, and haters of different religions.
They have no intention of leaving you or I alone. They have told you they are coming to "Kill"
you. Whether you defend or don't defend yourself and your family they have the intent to wipe you and all americans, along with the Jews, and other races off of the face of the earth.

I am in total amazement at my fellow Americans. Some are so wrapped up in their own little world they have no clue what is bearing down on them. Either they cannot believe, or don't won't to believe we are in a "War". Here in the South, you have a large majority of the folks who do not keep up with the news about Iraq, Iran, or anything else. "It depresses them so they don't want to hear it". It reminds me of a child, who covers his head with the bedsheet to remove the boggie man from his sight.In some small Southern Towns, convience stores will not allow the USA Today Newspaper because it is considered a liberal rag.

President Bush has said "WE ARE AT WAR AND WE WILL BE IN IT FOR A LONG TIME".Some think that if we just circle the wagons then everything will go back to normal. History shows us that the USA, England, France, and other countries thought that also, when Hitler was threatening Poland.
So we stood by and allowed Hitler to kill millions, We watched Poland fall and hundreds of thousand slaughtered, yet we circled our wagons, hoping the Indians would leave us alone. History shows that was not the case.

Again! We are at "WAR" ....Plain and Simple!...I hate it, don't want it, but do not intend to pretend it doesn't exist as the liberal media would love for you to do.

The Cindy Sheehans,Jane fonda's and other individuals who would not fight for OUR way of life, would be Radical Muslim Slaves, if not dead in a matter of weeks.

I "BELIEVE" what the radical muslims say. They intend to kill you, your children and all Amercians if they can. They hate us with a passion.
So! With that said, it is my intention, that I will support my government in "anything" they want to do to protect our country and my family. If they want to line up all of the captured radical muslims who are hell bent on they hate mission of death, and shoot them down. I'll past the ammunition.

You can not negoiate a peace agreement with a group or individuals who have no compromise position. WAR is death, War is about killing, War is about KILLING THEM FIRST before they kill you, WAR is not Nice,Kind, Gentle, Clean, Peaceful,Socializing,or trying to get along, Its about cutting throats, Stabbing,Killing from a distance, and killing so close you smell the hot iron smell of blood as you inflict the wound on your opponent, and watch his body twitch in its dying throes.
Its about seeing your buddy next to you explode in a splatter of muck, hearing the crying on both sides of the dying. It about getting new fighting buddies each day, as the battle continues, to the point where you don't want to know anything about them, as you or they will probably be dead within the week.

Sound! too graphic! Well WAR is graphic, watching someone die is graphic, it smells of sweet, hot blood, of urine and fecal as the body relaxes, of screams from the pain or the gurgle as the lungs release the last bit of air through the throat, and I can go on and on.

Do I want my family to experence that...no! Had I rather fight the foe in his land and not mine, you betcha!!
Circle the Wagon's ! HELL! NO! I have the mind set of ATTACK- ATTACK- ATTACK don't let them regroup, don't let them rest, shoot them in the back as they run, kill them sleeping, kill them eating or on the toliet,
Sounds Cruel , inhumane, without feeling for another human being,heartless, coldblooded, you betcha!! Do I want to be that way?, NO! Should we Americans get that way? If you want your family to survive and live free you better!

I don't like killing. In my career, I have seen too much blood, heard too many die, and watched too many die.
But I had rather watch my foe die instead of my family or fellow American.

I agree with you on bringing our vital manufacturing facilities home. NAFTA, CAFTA were and are disasters to the United States Economy. But we, Americans love the cheap goods from China,Korea,etc;; It brings back in to focus, you create your own reality by your own Thoughts-Words, Deeds...no one allowed this to happen but us, we are too blame...no one else to point a finger too...WE CREATED IT OURSELVES AND NOW WE ARE LIVING WITH THE RESULTS.

We should shut our borders completely with soldiers and fences.

We need to increase our financial strength by reducing our debt ratio drastically. We can no longer either financially or military be the leader or cavalary to the rescue at all of the hot spots of the world, Nor is Uncle Sam any longer "MR. MONEY PANTS".
We have got to allow other countries take the lead,and stay back as support.

We should insist the United Nations clean up its act or dissolve. Presently, its waste of money.

-- February 5, 2006 11:12 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

President Bush from his Feb 1, 2006 State of the Union Address:

Abroad, our nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal -- we seek the end of tyranny in our world. Some dismiss that goal as misguided idealism. In reality, the future security of America depends on it. On September the 11th, 2001, we found that problems originating in a failed and oppressive state 7,000 miles away could bring murder and destruction to our country. Dictatorships shelter terrorists, and feed resentment and radicalism, and seek weapons of mass destruction. Democracies replace resentment with hope, respect the rights of their citizens and their neighbors, and join the fight against terror. Every step toward freedom in the world makes our country safer -- so we will act boldly in freedom's cause.

Far from being a hopeless dream, the advance of freedom is the great story of our time. In 1945, there were about two dozen lonely democracies in the world. Today, there are 122. And we're writing a new chapter in the story of self-government -- with women lining up to vote in Afghanistan, and millions of Iraqis marking their liberty with purple ink, and men and women from Lebanon to Egypt debating the rights of individuals and the necessity of freedom. At the start of 2006, more than half the people of our world live in democratic nations. And we do not forget the other half -- in places like Syria and Burma, Zimbabwe, North Korea, and Iran -- because the demands of justice, and the peace of this world, require their freedom, as well.

No one can deny the success of freedom, but some men rage and fight against it. And one of the main sources of reaction and opposition is radical Islam -- the perversion by a few of a noble faith into an ideology of terror and death. Terrorists like bin Laden are serious about mass murder -- and all of us must take their declared intentions seriously. They seek to impose a heartless system of totalitarian control throughout the Middle East, and arm themselves with weapons of mass murder.

Their aim is to seize power in Iraq, and use it as a safe haven to launch attacks against America and the world. Lacking the military strength to challenge us directly, the terrorists have chosen the weapon of fear. When they murder children at a school in Beslan, or blow up commuters in London, or behead a bound captive, the terrorists hope these horrors will break our will, allowing the violent to inherit the Earth. But they have miscalculated: We love our freedom, and we will fight to keep it.

In a time of testing, we cannot find security by abandoning our commitments and retreating within our borders. If we were to leave these vicious attackers alone, they would not leave us alone. They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores. There is no peace in retreat. And there is no honor in retreat. By allowing radical Islam to work its will -- by leaving an assaulted world to fend for itself -- we would signal to all that we no longer believe in our own ideals, or even in our own courage. But our enemies and our friends can be certain: The United States will not retreat from the world, and we will never surrender to evil.

America rejects the false comfort of isolationism. We are the nation that saved liberty in Europe, and liberated death camps, and helped raise up democracies, and faced down an evil empire. Once again, we accept the call of history to deliver the oppressed and move this world toward peace. We remain on the offensive against terror networks. We have killed or captured many of their leaders -- and for the others, their day will come.

-- February 5, 2006 1:09 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Q&A: Iran nuclear stand-off

How long would it take Iran to make a bomb?

Several years, according to the experts. First, Iran would have to master the enrichment process. This involves engineering thousands of centrifuges which spin a gas made from uranium ore, a difficult operation. Then it has to learn how to trigger a nuclear explosion and make a device small enough to be carried by an aircraft or missile.

However, Israel is worried that Iran could learn the enrichment technology sufficiently within a year or so and that achievement, Israel believes, would be the point of no return.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4031603.stm

-- February 5, 2006 1:14 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl and Sara:

You make such an intelligent and detailed explanation of your point of view that I fell somewhat inadequate trying to get my point over.

I perceive the the biggest pitfall for the USA is the economic situation. I own a lot of homes, many of which I purchase on the Courthouse steps through foreclosure (please don't think of me as heartless as someone was going to purchase the house and evict the occupants). When I go to a foreclosed house and tell the owners that they must vacate, that is the saddest occasion that anyone can be involved in. Their world as they know it is crumbling.

I contend that the USA is in the position of the previously mentioned occupant.
When China forecloses or demands its money, we will be in the same predicament as the people who were foreclosed.

I see our soldiers as sitting ducks, not knowing who to fight and trying to be friends with the people, some of which may be the terrorist, who we are trying to bring to justice.

There is no such thing as a nice, friendly, benelovent war. I certainly do not contend that I have the answers to the problems but I can point out what I see as a problem.

BOB

-- February 5, 2006 11:09 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl and Sara:

You make such an intelligent and detailed explanation of your point of view that I fell somewhat inadequate trying to get my point over.

I perceive the the biggest pitfall for the USA is the economic situation. I own a lot of homes, many of which I purchase on the Courthouse steps through foreclosure (please don't think of me as heartless as someone was going to purchase the house and evict the occupants). When I go to a foreclosed house and tell the owners that they must vacate, that is the saddest occasion that anyone can be involved in. Their world as they know it is crumbling.

I contend that the USA is in the position of the previously mentioned occupant.
When China forecloses or demands its money, we will be in the same predicament as the people who were foreclosed.

I see our soldiers as sitting ducks, not knowing who to fight and trying to be friends with the people, some of which may be the terrorist, who we are trying to bring to justice.

There is no such thing as a nice, friendly, benelovent war. I certainly do not contend that I have the answers to the problems but I can point out what I see as a problem.

BOB

-- February 5, 2006 11:11 PM ∞

Joy wrote:

What is this the Dinar sellers club? Lets paint a rosy picture and sell loads of Dinar to everyone. You talk more propaganda then your government does.

-- February 6, 2006 5:54 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

THINGS AS THEY SEEM ....
I read an article that brought another view of the Iranian situation my mind. The article described the characteristics of the Iranian Leader, his actions, his replacement of seasoned politico's with young inexperienced ones, his believe that a cataclysmic confrontation between good and evil will hasten the return of the Mahdi, etc;;
Then I asked myself this question? What steps would have to be taken to create the "Ultimate Sucide Run Of All?"
It is almost certain your target WOULD NOT be a building, ship, or even a particular location.
It has to be bigger, something spectacular, the ultimate of all targets.
Just like the ones that took the planes into the towers, and the flight in an attempt to hit the white house,back on 9-11, all of the group has to be of like mind, with the same ultimate goal.

The Iranian President Ahmadinejad, a Ph.D. engineer turned political leader will be Fifty in October, and believes the apocalypse will be in his lifetime.

He has gathered around him a group that believes just like him, that mankind can hasten, and even has the duty to hasten the awaited return of the 12th Imam. But according to that belief structure, he cannot not return until there is chaos, of war, bloodshed and pestilence.

He is close to the Hojjatieh Society which is ruled by the believe of chaos before the 12th man returns. Since his taking power, he has allowed this society to gain in membership and power. He has said many times, the Imam's return is at the most two years away.(Did he just tell us his timetable for Iran to have the Nuclear Warheads?)

We know the first thing Ahmadinejad did was replace key government positions with individuals of like mind. That is key, for if you intend for a nation to commit suicide in order to bring home the Imam, you don't need anyone trying to stop you from your ultimate ascent to the 72 virgins.(I'm sure he believes they will give him the prettiest of the herd)(If I was him, I would be wondering why they are still virgins.I suspect nair and denistry must be in demand up there!)

Now that you have everyone on board with the same intent to "nose dive this sucker", you have to start a ruckus of fear, to draw attention to yaself. What better way to do that than by calling names and making outlandish remarks toward the US, Israel and Europe that will draw the western press like ants to a sugarcane pile. (Every decent sucidist knows that you can't have a good ascent, unless you have excellent press to cover it)
Has he fiqured it out, that if he can get either Israel, the USA or even the European nations to make a pre-emptive strike against his nuclear facilities, this will trigger massive anti-Western mayhem throughout the middle east, thus the beginning of his instigated chaos.

Like he just said about referring Iran to the the security council, Go ahead, knock yourself out if that will make you feel better, you are not going to stop us from our nuclear goals.(another kick and push to the super powers)After all if he and his group, believes they you are headed to a mother of all orgies with virgins, and bringing in the reign of the new magi, wouldn't the 12th man greatful and allow the Iranian Nation to survive this manmade apocalypse. After all he got the 12th man out of the well faster, so his feet could dry off.

Some analyst say, that he is just waiting for the strike, so he can move at least 3 Iranian divisions into Iraq and activate the Shi'ite suicide squads. From a country that has in the past had no problem in sending 5 year old children across minefields into the arms of virgins, this would be a cake walk. Recently Iranian Brig. Gen Kossari who heads the Security Bureau of Iran, stated, we have already identified the U.S's weak points.

You have to stir the masses. Recently, the Iranian Television stations started having Iranian children glorify the suicide bombers. Then the instigators of Islam started the ruckus about the cartoons of their great one.
It amazes me, that the Radical Islamist seem to have two standards. First they teach love, honor, family etc;, but in the same breath teach their children to hate the Jews and others who do not believe as they do.(this makes them no better than the SS of WWII)
Second, their cartoons depicting horrible attrocities by the Jews in their papers are viewed as normal and OK. I guess it depends on whose Ox is getting gored?

You have to have a Spiritual leader. The Present Spiritual leader Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi seems to have the president's his butt covered on this adventure. As his ideology is the same as the president's that the return of the 12th man is now imminent.

-- February 6, 2006 8:11 AM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Joy : Maybe I have missed something but so far all I have seen is you open your mouth with nothing coming out. Please add content to your discussion or we will simply ignore you as someone to ignorant to comprehend your own ramblings not to mention actually bring content to the board. As a minor response to your dribble, I am currently in Iraq and I buy dinar (not sell). To help you understand what this means, I back up my words by putting both my money and my life on the line. I suspect you lack such convictions. That said, please add more content to you next post and I am certain many will be happy to provide an adequate response.

Anonymous: I understand what you’re saying. I won’t go so far as to say you’re advocating isolationism but even a tactical withdrawal would not work in this case. For those who don’t know, that is the method used by the Marines in Korea where they executed a fighting retreat, regrouped, and executed an offensive that would have taken all of Korea if the Chinese had not threatened to join in. It is a very valid technique in conventional warfare. The problem here is that we are not dealing with a conventional enemy. ANY form of withdrawal is viewed as weakness and strengthens THIS enemy morally and physically via increased man power. I think it was April 2003 when our military, under political pressure from back home, changed rules of engagement to don’t shoot unless trapped. I’ve hear stories of soldiers watching insurgents walk around carrying RPGs and not being allowed to fire until fired upon. The result was one of the deadliest months here and a stronger, bolder enemy. Backing off and thinking that offering peace will result in peace as a response have been proven wrong over and again with this enemy. Not just in Iraq, but also in the US where we chose to not respond to the 1993 WTC bombing and other similar events since. As stated by others, this enemy will not attack us from the front. He/She will try to kill you and your family while you’re sleeping. The positive is that the extremist is a minority. Islam has gotten a very bad name because of these people but it truly does not represent the general populace here. The thing is that the extremists are so brutal that they suppress the majority. Think of it as the 1 or 2 bullies on the playground that keep all the other children in fear. How do you deal with this enemy then? The answer is through respect gained through both kindness and cruelty. You have to show kindness to all who stand with you and destroy all who oppose with extreme violence. Go back to the playground days and think about this, how many times growing up have you been screwed over by friends? How many times by someone who truly respected you and / or feared your ability to make them regret it? For the most part, we have been trying to implement such a relationship here in Iraq. We’ve offered aid to everyone we can by rebuilding schools, supplying hospitals, etc. Funny side note, our greatest success has come from providing schools with soccer balls. When we get constant attacks from certain area, we try to isolate the source of the problem. If we can do that, we’ve done surgical strikes either in the form of bombing or sending in soldiers to make arrests. In the days to follow we send soldiers back to those areas to offer aid to the people who have done nothing wrong. The people here have had a very positive response to this type of action as it has taken the bullies out of their school yard. We have had quite a few instances where locals have begun turning in their neighbors, Sunni Sheiks turning in his own ”bad” people, etc. If you saw the news of the recent incident in Afghanistan, they interviewed the surviving son of the man who owned the house. When being questioned he responded that he did not know who to blame. Thus you have a glimpse into the psychology of the average person here. The whole world was saying the US had carried out the attack, so why did the son not know who to blame? The reason is that people here view things not by who carried out an act but by who caused it. The attack would not have happened if the Al Qaeda figures had not been there. Thus, the blame goes on the attacker, the men who caused the attack, and the father who allowed those men into his home. Understand that logic and you’ll understand part of what I think is the key to victory here. Where we have had failures is when we have been unable to isolate the source and have had to send troops in to do sweeps. Not knowing what they are walking on to, they have had to resort to SWAT type tactics and this has created some hard feelings by innocent civilians being shaken up. This is the “bad” behavior you sometimes hear Sunnis speak of. Unfortunately, this is war and as noted above, we are more concerned with gaining respect than we are making friends.

As for Iran, as noted, this culture understands strength. If the people of Iran thought President Ahmadinejad was weak or did not have the answers, they would take him down before we ever went there. Of course, I am certain he has some answers that will likely cause deaths for us if/when such an attack occurred. Suicide attacks would do minimal damage and would only press us to destroy his military in Iran. Any mass of troops crossing into Iraq would be destroyed by our air force within days. They could attempt an attack on our flank, i.e. Kuwait, but that would require an amphibious assault which would most likely find the entire force at the bottom of the Gulf soon after leaving Iranian shores. Any military conflict would probably involve trying to force us to split our forces by having Syria attack Israel while they attack Iraq. That’s something of a stretch but it’s the only military solution I can think of that could cause us problems and they do have an alliance that states they will support each other in event of war. They could try using our trust of our allies against us by having some covert scheme with Russia and China but that sounds a little too cloak and dagger for me. I suspect they would choose to attack by cutting off oil supplies and trying to hurt us economically. In short, he has to present a face of strength to his people and allies and he may even have a plan. But then again, I am quite certain we have had our own plans should such a thing happen for some time now. In fact, I would guess we’ve had such plans since they began planning the Iraq invasion. Any bets? Side note, we do have the military capability to confront ground events in Iraq and fight Syria and Iran if we had to. When we say we are stretched thin it is because we are keeping reserves in the rear in case something like that does happen.

Bob: Offer a friendly handshake but trust no one. It makes the “who’s a friend, who’s an enemy” thing real easy. This has been the outlook as presented by every one of my soldier friends.

-- February 6, 2006 12:23 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thank you, Bob, for your posts. I appreciate your viewpoint and discussion. :)

You said, "I perceive the the biggest pitfall for the USA is the economic situation. When China forecloses or demands its money, we will be in the same predicament as the people who were foreclosed."

The monetary problem is a big one, yet, if China forcloses on the US, they harm themselves greatly due to the advanced amount of trade which they have with the US. So to do this they would have to be willing to destroy not only the US economy, but their own. A bit like a suicide bomber, they would have to have greater goals in mind, like the infiltration of the US by their troops and global domination. One could make the case for just such a scenerio for some time in the future, of course, and that is a threat we need to be cognizant of as a future possibility; yet I think we must deal with the immediate Islamic extremist threat now. The tyranny of the urgent makes the economic concerns less likely to be heeded in the near term. If your house is in immediate danger of burning down from a fire, you don't worry quite so much about the possibility of a flood happening sometime in the future.

You said:
"I see our soldiers as sitting ducks, not knowing who to fight and trying to be friends with the people, some of which may be the terrorist, who we are trying to bring to justice."

Although I agree it is a difficult task, and one where I continue to pray for the troops to have discernment to know friend from foe and act accordingly; yet I think the threat to the troops are not immediate from being friendly toward the Iraqi people. The majority of deaths and injuries to the troops (90%, according to an article I read yesterday) is the IEDs, not the people of Iraq the soldiers are making friends with. And the diplomatic overtures by the troops have been winning them very real support from the people there, as turtle noted (thanks turtle, great post!). I also believe that MOST Iraqis are not bloodthirsty extremists out for global domination and to bring chaos and bloodshed upon the earth, but that they are peaceloving and wishing a better life for themselves and their families. They are just being bullied into fear and submission by the extremists.

Here is that article quoting that 90 percent of the casualties are the IEDs and the blank check being given to the Army to address this threat. Note IRAN's involvement in the IEDs, too.

Pentagon Widens Program to Foil Bombings in Iraq
By ERIC SCHMITT
Published: February 6, 2006

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 — The Pentagon is tripling its spending, to about $3.5 billion this year, on a newly expanded effort to combat the rising number of increasingly powerful and sophisticated homemade bombs that are the No. 1 killer of American troops in Iraq, military officials say.

In the next few months, the Defense Department plans to double the number of technical, forensic and intelligence specialists assigned to the problem, to about 360 military service members and contractors in the United States and Iraq. Hundreds of other experts are being called in, including more than are currently involved from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency. New technology and training techniques are also quickly being pushed into service.

Army officials say new tactics and equipment, like more heavily armored vehicles, are reducing the lethality of the bombs. But Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said at a forum of more than 800 industry and military experts last month that nearly 90 percent of the Army's casualties were caused by the devices.

Some of the most deadly bombs use shaped charges, which penetrate armor by focusing explosive power in a single direction and by firing a metal projectile embedded in the device into the target at high speed. American intelligence officials say the most potent of these new weapons have been designed in Iran and shipped to Iraq from there.

"Tehran has been responsible for at least some of the increasing lethality of anticoalition attacks by providing Shia militants with the capability to build improvised explosive devices with explosively formed projectiles similar to those developed by Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah," Mr. Negroponte told senators last week.

The military is working with about 80 contractors on some 100 technology initiatives to detect, defuse and defeat the makeshift bombs. Troops are using microwave blasts, chemical sensors and radio-frequency jamming devices to thwart some bombs and detonate others before the insurgents can.

Every day throughout Iraq, scores of American troops are involved in hunting for hidden roadside bombs.

General Meigs's organization, called the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Task Force, had its origins in a 12-person Army office in October 2003. The organization soon was elevated to a Pentagon office, and its budget grew to $1.2 billion last year from $600 million in 2004. The details of this year's budget are still being refined, at about $3.5 billion, but senior officials say they essentially have a blank check.

"We will have the resources we need to pursue the programs that we need to pursue," said Brig. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn of the Army, the task force's deputy director.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/06/politics/06military.html?ex=1139806800&en=a2b1c6cb229c8069&ei=5040&partner=MOREOVERNEWS

-- February 6, 2006 1:11 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

After reading the previous post, I would like to offer a bit of good news. The following article is taken from another website I often visit.

www.iraqieconomy.org
Basra oil exports resume February 6, 2006 - Iraqi crude oil exports from its southern oil terminal have resumed after bad weather halted operations earlier in the day, a port agent based in Basra said.
Rough seas and high sea swells forced port authorities at Basra to suspend berthing operations early yesterday, but vessels at the terminal continued to load at about 72,000 barrels per hour (bph), he said. The weather has since improved, he added.
The terminal, which has been shipping about 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd), often faces disruptions resulting from poor weather during winter.
Tankers waiting to load at Basra are already grappling with delays of at least a week due to a backlog of vessels waiting to berth.
A total of five vessels are waiting to load at the terminal, while another 11 are expected to arrive over the next 10 days.

-- February 6, 2006 3:19 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

One more article from www.iraqieconomy.org. I find this one quite interesting.

Iraq, Iran sign industry cooperation deal February 4, 2006 - Iraq and Iran have signed several agreements to boost industrial cooperation, Industry and Minerals Minister Usama Abdul-Aziz said.
Aziz made the remarks following a visit to Tehran which he described as “fruitful and positive.”
He said the agreements cover “industrial fields of ceramics, detergents, cooking oil, dairy products and vehicles.”
He said under a deal with Iran Khodro, Iraq’s biggest automobile manufacturing company, the Iranians have agreed to start a truck division in the country.
Iraq will import more vehicles from Iran Khodro, including ambulances, he said.
Iran Khodro is reputed for its Samand brand of which $200 million are exported every year.
Aziz said the ministry and Iran’s enterprises, whether private or state- owned, will each have 50% ownership of the divisions to be constructed in the country.
Iran is the only country which has agreed to start cooperating with Iraq despite mounting insecurity and violence.
Aziz said his ministry presented similar joint projects to countries like Jordan, Malaysia, the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates but these countries said they would start cooperating in earnest when security improves.

-- February 6, 2006 3:25 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iranians over the past few days have been saying that they won the Iraqi elections... Note the paragraph which begins.. "Over the last few days, the Iranians have said repeatedly they won the Iraqi elections..."

Stop Iran in Iraq
Monday, 06 February 2006
By Abdollah Hasan Rashid Al-Jubori

The Washington Times -

The Iranians like to portray Iraqi Shi'ites as seeking an Iranian-style regime. However, developments in the last two years, particularly the last 10 months, must be seen as an organized bid to spread Iran's influence in Iraq by taking advantage of a gap in U.S. policy and political imbalance in Iraq.

For the last 28 years, Iraq's political balance had prevented the Iranian regime from taking control of it and utilizing the country to carry out its strategic goals. In the last 10 months, Iran staged a massive campaign in which it employed paramilitary forces to dominate all of Iraq's security and political agencies.

Hoping these forces would eradicate terrorism, the Multi-National Force and U.S. officials turned a blind eye on this other form of terrorism and religious fascism.

As a result, an imbalanced situation emerged that gave Iran the upper hand in many Iraqi political and social matters. Everybody knows the Iranian regime will use this to overcome the crisis it created by its confrontational policies inside Iran and with the international community. And, once again, Iraq and its people will be the victims.

The Iranian regime has decided that, with its progress meddling in Iraq, it has paralyzed and neutralized the international community.

Over the last few days, the Iranians have said repeatedly they won the Iraqi elections, just as they have repeatedly said the international community can do nothing about Iran's nuclear activities.

Iran is using Iraq's political imbalance for its own purposes, exposing the Iraqi public to more bloodshed and danger.

Stopping Iran's progress in Iraq requires use of all balancing factors against the Iranian regime's meddling. To stop Iran's nuclear projects, Iran must be stopped in Iraq.

http://www.ncr-iran.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=992&Itemid=0

-- February 6, 2006 4:41 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

OK.. my two bits worth..

Carl, I was reviewing your posts.. and putting it together in my own mind, shortening the points, fine tuning it to make it easier to see what the key points are, and then adding my two cents worth at the end..

You stated the religious viewpoint of the President of Iran:

Fact:
Like christians, who believe in a second coming of the messiah, so does the Iranian President. Only it is the Islamic version of the messiah. Some analysts point to the fact that he has a sense of being on a divine messianic mission. He felt that when he addressed the UN Council, he could feel the spirit of god enter into the leaders of the world as he spoke. (of course it was his concept of god, just as all other religions have their own concept) He has remarkable piety in his devotion toward the "Hidden Imam". This is the Islamic figure of Shia Islam, and he believes his government must prepare the country for his return.

Fact:
All streams of Islam believe in a divine saviour, known as the Mahdi, who will appear at the "End of Days."

Fact:
What is widely believed by some political analysts, which is also a popular rumour....which has been denied by the Iranian government is, the Iranian leader and his cabinet have signed a "contract" pledging themselves to work for the return of the Mahdi and then sent it to Jamkaran.

The dominant "twelver"sect in Iran, believes this will be Mohammed Ibn Hasan, who is regarded as the 12th Imam, or righteous descendant of the Prophet Mohammad. According to the story, he went into "occlusion" in the ninth century, at the age of five. NOW FOLKS THIS IS IMPORTANT, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS NEXT PHRASE..."His return will be preceded by ..cosmic chaos...war and bloodshed...after a confrontation with evil and darkness...then and only then will the Mahdi lead the world into an era of Universal peace."

Here is the shocker: The Iman is expected to return in the company of Jesus.

Fact:
It appears some analysts believe the Iranian president thinks that the above events are close at hand. That ordinary mortals can "influence the divine timetable", and it is ok to do so.

Fact:
The Iranian political climate changed when this Teheran mayor won the presidential election.
The rift is no longer between reformist and the hardliners. He has now brought the Islamic clerical establishment into full power, just as the "Roman Catholic Church" had the same power centuries ago, as recorded by our world history.

Fact:
When the Iranian president addressed the UN he projected the image of the middle east fighting against an evil west that sought to promote "state terrorism" impose the "logic of the dark ages" and divide the world into "light and dark countries".

Fact:
When he as he finished the speech he stated the following, in an appeal to God "hastern the emergence of your last repository, the promised one, that perfect and pure human being, the one that will fill this world with peace and justice".

Political differences can be resolved. When you have someone who is totally consumed by their Idealogy, who feels they are on a divine mission, they are carrying out the will of God to hasten the arrival of their Messiah, that in order to do that ...war, chaos, and bloodshed MUST HAPPEN before he can return, then I believe you may just have an idea of what is going to have to been done, before the world is set ablaze. It is my opinion this guy has every intention of killing as many of us and our children as he has the capability of doing.
If the world allows Iran to develop their own nuclear fuel, then the nuclear war head will follow.
He has already told the world of his intentions.

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#107713

AND then you elaborated on the National Suicidal Intentions of Iran:

THINGS AS THEY SEEM ....
I read an article that brought another view of the Iranian situation my mind. The article described the characteristics of the Iranian Leader, his actions, his replacement of seasoned politico's with young inexperienced ones, his belief that a cataclysmic confrontation between good and evil will hasten the return of the Mahdi, etc...

Then I asked myself this question? What steps would have to be taken to create the chaos that he seeks to usher in this return.. the "Ultimate Suicide Run Of All?"
It is almost certain your target WOULD NOT be a building, ship, or even a particular location.
It has to be bigger, something spectacular, the ultimate of all targets.
Just like the ones that took the planes into the towers, and the flight in an attempt to hit the white house, back on 9-11, all of the group has to be of like mind, with the same ultimate goal.

The Iranian President Ahmadinejad, a Ph.D. engineer turned political leader will be Fifty in October, and believes the apocalypse will be in his lifetime.

He has gathered around him a group that believes just like him, that mankind can hasten, and even has the duty to hasten the awaited return of the 12th Imam. But according to that belief structure, he cannot return until there is chaos, war, bloodshed and pestilence.

He is close to the Hojjatieh Society which is ruled by the belief of chaos before the 12th man returns. Since his taking power, he has allowed this society to gain in membership and power. He has said many times, the Imam's return is at the most two years away.(Did he just tell us his timetable for Iran to have the Nuclear Warheads?)

We know the first thing Ahmadinejad did was replace key government positions with individuals of like mind. That is key, for if you intend for a nation to commit suicide in order to bring home the Imam, you don't need anyone trying to stop you from your ultimate ascent to the 72 virgins.

Now that you have everyone on board with the same intent to "nose dive this sucker", you have to start a ruckus of fear, to draw attention to yaself. What better way to do that than by calling names and making outlandish remarks toward the US, Israel and Europe that will draw the western press like ants to a sugarcane pile. (Every decent suicidist knows that you can't have a good ascent, unless you have excellent press to cover it)

He has figured it out, that if he can get either Israel, the USA or even the European nations to make a pre-emptive strike against his nuclear facilities, this will trigger massive anti-Western mayhem throughout the middle east, thus the beginning of his instigated chaos (to help usher in the Mahdi's return).

Like he just said about referring Iran to the the security council, Go ahead, knock yourself out if that will make you feel better, you are not going to stop us from our nuclear goals.(another kick and push to the super powers) After all if he and his group believes they are headed to a mother of all orgies with virgins, and bringing in the reign of the new magi, wouldn't the 12th man be grateful to him and allow the Iranian Nation and ultimate goal of extremist Islam to survive this manmade apocalypse he will create? After all he helped get the 12th man out of the well faster, so his feet could dry off.

Some analyst say, that he is just waiting for the strike, so he can move at least 3 Iranian divisions into Iraq and activate the Shi'ite suicide squads. From a country that has in the past had no problem in sending 5 year old children across minefields into the arms of virgins, this would be a cake walk. Recently Iranian Brig. Gen Kossari who heads the Security Bureau of Iran, stated, we have already identified the U.S's weak points.

To make the country ready for mass suicide, you have to stir the masses. Recently, the Iranian Television stations started having Iranian children glorify the suicide bombers. Then the instigators of Islam started the ruckus about the cartoons of their great one. It amazes me, that the Radical Islamists seem to have two standards. First they teach love, honor, family etc;, but in the same breath teach their children to hate the Jews and others who do not believe as they do.(this makes them no better than the SS of WWII)

Second, their cartoons depicting horrible attrocities by the Jews in their papers are viewed as normal and OK. I guess it depends on whose Ox is getting gored?

For this to occur, you have to have a Spiritual leader endorse it. The Present Spiritual leader Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi seems to have the president's butt covered on this adventure because his ideology is the same as the president's -that the return of the 12th man is now imminent.

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#113497

-- February 6, 2006 8:05 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Let us suppose that we have the success of this endeavor. Iran has been bruising for a fight, provoking the world powers with everything from outlandish statements about destroying Israel to pursuing Nuclear technology to claiming victory over the Iraqi elections. Suppose they manage to commit national suicide by provoking the world to take their bait. The USA goes into Iran with guns blazing. What if Iran then set off a nuclear bomb or two.. or three that they have hidden in Iran? (We don't know they don't have them, indeed, an insider in the Iranian regime smugly said they do have them on the investorsiraq forum's thread in current events called Tehran's New Cocky Attitude Page two post 32, where he says, "Have you ever thought that they may already have nukes? hey we already have the technology, isn't that what all the fuss is about these days. As to why does Iran have independent nuclear technology." What if he isn't bluffing, and knows they do have some of their own or some suitcase nukes they aquired from their buddies the Russians? No one believes Iran HAS nukes now, so obviously it is an indefensible position to say Iran did it to themselves. Obviously, the conclusion would be that the USA nuked Iran.)

-- February 6, 2006 8:14 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

So, let's suppose the Iranians blow THEMSELVES UP with nukes as the USA goes into Iran to do a surgical strike operation (committing national suicide which they are priming the people to receive, the leadership having no conscience about killing their own people because it was all for the Mahdi's cause). Would the world believe the US dropped it or that the Iranians blew themselves up? (Remember, they don't even believe the Iranians have the nuclear technology now.) If MILLIONS of Iranians died, how would the world look at the USA? Would there be a call for retaliation by the terrorist networks? You bet there would be. (Maybe the President of Iran would be found alive in a nuclear bomb shelter to rally the troops afterwards?) Would the Middle East turn against the USA? If you think there was unrest caused by having some disquieting cartoons published in papers, imagine what the deaths of millions of Iranian Muslims would do to create unrest among the Muslims of the world!

-- February 6, 2006 8:15 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Now, how exactly do you prove the bomb(s) weren't yours? When the press gets an idea going, and they would, they go with it, right or wrong. How could you diffuse that in the press here and particularily over THERE? I ask you, doesn't this satisfy the goal of ushering in the Mahdi's return by creating chaos and war? Are we prepared to gamble this isn't their move? A move to attempt to embroil the entire world to usher in the Mahdi? It is toying with the lives of millions of Americans. I say we should not take their bait. The cost could be too high. We must not go in to Iran as an armed force.

Sara.

-- February 6, 2006 8:29 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

How could Iran have nukes?

As for my thought about Iran already HAVING nukes.. wouldn't the Al-Qaida help them if they thought it would help their terrorist cause? For instance this quote from a previous post:

Al-Qaida has obtained at least 40 nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union ? including suitcase nukes, nuclear mines, artillery shells and even some missile warheads. In addition, documents captured in Afghanistan show al-Qaida had plans to assemble its own nuclear weapons with fissile material it purchased on the black market.

In addition to detonating its own nuclear weapons already planted in the U.S., military sources also say there is evidence to suggest al-Qaida is paying former Russian special forces Spetznaz to assist the terrorist group in locating nuclear weapons formerly concealed inside the U.S. by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Osama bin Laden's group is also paying nuclear scientists from Russia and Pakistan to maintain its existing nuclear arsenal and assemble additional weapons with the materials it has invested hundreds of millions in procuring over a period of 10 years.

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/06/iraqi_dinar_dis.html#13005

-- February 6, 2006 10:47 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Turtle:
Good Read! It is written at a eye level point of view from a soul that is on the ground there. I enjoyed the post. It was informative, and brought home all of the good our soldiers are also doing.
You are right about the insurgent being the focus of the media. After all its hard to sale papers when all you have are stories of success by the individual Iraqi people, who are just attempting to survive.

-- February 7, 2006 2:51 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran offers to stir up more dissent...

NATO Troops Fire on Afghan Attackers
By DANIEL COONEY, Associated Press Writer Feb 7, 2006

KABUL, Afghanistan - NATO peacekeepers exchanged fire with protesters who attacked their base Tuesday in the second straight day of violent demonstrations in Afghanistan over the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, Afghan officials said. One demonstrator was killed and dozens wounded.

More than 3,000 protesters threw stones... About 5,000 people clashed with police... Police in about half a dozen other towns and cities across Afghanistan reported thousands of people protesting. Demonstrations have been held across Afghanistan since last week, with the size of the crowds progressively swelling. On Monday, four people were killed and at least 19 hurt during clashes.

In neighboring Pakistan, 5,000 people chanting "Hang the man who insulted the prophet" burned effigies of one cartoonist and Denmark's prime minister. And a prominent Iranian newspaper said it was going to hold a competition for cartoons on the Holocaust in reaction to European newspapers publishing the prophet drawings.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the West's publication of the Prophet Muhammad cartoons was an Israeli conspiracy motivated by anger over the victory of the militant Hamas group in the Palestinian elections last month. "The West condemns any denial of the Jewish holocaust, but it permits the insult of Islamic sanctities," Khamenei said.

Chief Minister Akram Durrani, the province's top elected official who led the rally, demanded the cartoonists "be punished like a terrorist."

"Islam is a religion of peace. It insists that all other religions and faiths should be respected," he told the crowd. "Nobody has the right to insult Islam and hurt the feelings of Muslims."

The Iranian newspaper Hamshahri invited foreign cartoonists to enter its Holocaust cartoon competition, which it said would be launched on Feb. 13. The newspaper is owned by the Tehran Municipality, which is dominated by allies of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is well known for his opposition to Israel.

Last year, Ahmadinejad provoked outcries when he said on separate occasions that Israel should be "wiped off the map" and the Holocaust was a "myth."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060207/ap_on_re_mi_ea/prophet_drawings

-- February 7, 2006 9:08 AM ∞

BOB wrote:

If I were President, I would definitely have Carl and Sara in a cabinet position. I would also have Turtle as an advisor. Turtle, your last post was very educational. We need someone on the ground to keep us abreast of how "things really are".

As I have stated many times, I do very little research but I do have a grasp on economics. This past year, we have a trade deficit of $2.2 trillian dollars which coupled with our budget deficit was a whopping hit on our economic capability. Regardless of how nobel a cause is, when you run out of money to support it, it is over. I contend that we are approaching that threshold.

BOB

-- February 7, 2006 11:20 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bob:
That is why the Muslim plan to keep stirring the pot works so well, they understand our finances better than us americans.The USA is like the man who has no savings, no money in his checking account, has already maxed out of his credit cards, but has called them to increase his limit several times, so he can continue to carry all of his relatives out to eat on a regular bases.
What kind of fiscal plan is that? The Ford and GM layoffs are just the beginning.

Bob! I and I know Sara appreciates the vote of confidence, but I don't believe Sara or I would get past the questioning level of the senate to make the cabinet positions. She and I both would already jumped Ted Kennedy, and a few others like him, if they started talking down to us, as they have the most recent Federal Judge appointees. The majority of our Congress has become a disgrace on both side of the aisle. No wonder we are in the shape we are in.

-- February 8, 2006 7:14 AM ∞

Terrance wrote:

These cartoons of mohammad have brought to light something that is troubling in our quest for success in the IQD game. What is troubling is not so much the violent protests but the lack of any vocal opposition to them from within Islam.

Pundits in the western media in Europe and here at home always talk about the need for mainstream muslims to rise up and speak out against the violence of the radical jihadist muslim factions. I've heard this said after 9/11, after the Madrid bombings, after the London bombings, and now I am hearing it again with these cartoons.

But....the more I see, the more I wonder....Is there such a thing as the mainstream muslim population? I am getting the feeling that there is no such thing in significant numbers. The cultural divide between Islam and the West's idea of freedom seems to be so big the chasm may never be bridged. When kids in that region grow up reading textbooks in school about the USA being the great satan and Israel being the little satan, or read about the glories of blowing yourself up to be a hero and get your 72 virgins, we have a serious problem and are fighting a battle of the mind that I fear may be impossible to win.

If true....if there is no mainstream muslim population out there in significant numbers, then it doesn't bode well for the outlook of the IQD because of the inherent conditions in the Middle East.

My questions for you IQD bloggers?

Is there a truly sizeable moderate muslim population somewhere in existence?

If so - why are they silent?

If not, what does that mean for our prospects with the IQD?

Comments please...

Terrance

-- February 8, 2006 10:55 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Terrace:
In the Middle Eastern Culture silence is a sign of acceptance. It is apparent the muslim Cartoon riots, the burning of buildings, clerics making death threats,and generally acting like 2 year old children throwing a tandrum is an acceptable way to behave within that culture. You are right, our standards of acceptable behavior definitely does not match the middle eastern mind. I don't believe we should lower our standards of civil acceptability for any culture.

Not only does it appear this culture can get manipulated by any exciteable event, but corruption appears to be the standard way of doing things in the middle east. I get this opinion by reading so many articles referring to the huge amount of corruption in the Iraqi oil ministry.
I'm starting to get the impression our faith in their culture bringing themselves into the 21st century was misplaced.
It appears it is going to be a long haul before the bitterness of the Iraqi corruption seed disappears and the dinar reaches a making our investment worthwhile.

-- February 8, 2006 11:48 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Bob:

I must disagree with your assessment regarding the trouble we are in with both trade and budget deficits.

In my view, those concerns are moot. Our government historically have not looked at those numbers as real. Our governments solution is to print more currency which can lead to inflation in a free market economy.

As we have seen in the Greenspan era the U.S. free economy has been unnaturally manipulated to quell inflation and make those pesky deficit numbers moot.

In contrast, I am not sure with the billions of Iraqi Dinar notes floating around, whether the currency once it is exchanged, will have any value at all due to the immediate inflation facing the Iraqi markets. A large amount of currency in circulation can equal to big inflation rates.

Thanks,

Rob N.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- February 8, 2006 12:10 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

The Short Term RV view on the Iranian Iraqi question.

Very kind words, Bob. Thank You. :)
I have to agree with Carl's caveats, however...

As for the monetary problem.. that is a serious question. Hopefully we have the wisdom to do what will be best for the country even within the constraints presently upon the government. I do think that it would be a shot in the arm to the economy for the Dinar to Revalue as MOST Dinarians would put that wealth right back into the economy! If you listen to the dreams of Dinarians, most wish a nicer home, a new car/boat, to pay off debts, send children to school, help their parents, give to charity, etc.. all of which would contribute to economic growth in the short term. And many are talking investment strategies, so that there would be residual benefit to the US economy from such a move (maybe President Bush was using good foresight for the American economy when he gave the ability for Americans to buy the Dinar?). And almost all Dinarians would pay their lawful taxes, too. (I'm sure the rest would end up paying later.. as death and taxes are inevitable realities of life.) These factors could indeed help the economy greatly, if only that were to occur.

From a short term Revaluation viewpoint, if the Iranians ARE the winners from the elections - if the Iranians influenced and rigged the elections for their candidates to win, manipulating the Iraqi public (who were new to the process of democracy); then the "spies" in power in Iraq are not too keen on helping the "Great Satan" and her people economically. After all, if IRAN does truly rule Iraq as they have been claiming (see article posted above) - the radical extremist Muslim viewpoint which holds sway over the Iranians and their sympathizers does indeed say they should not cooperate with the infidels and "evil empire" and "Great Satan", whatever kind accomodating words the leadership spews forth. If the IRANIANS truly are the powers that be in Iraq, why on earth would they revalue their Dinar and give the US economy a shot in the arm? It certainly would explain all the missed dates from the rumor posters and insiders who posted, as they would have been duly given real words of promise from Iraqi politicians... but the words given would have been given by the spies from Iran and so they were never carried through upon (for obvious religious ideological reasons).

As for the thought that they would Revalue the Dinar for the good of the Iraqi people - to help their economy and allieviate poverty and the recruitment of the poor for suicide missions, etc - if the real beliefs of those in power is Iranian, then they believe in the masses suffering for the martyrdom cause... all the while living in their Presidential palaces. And HELPING the recruitment of suicide bombers would be the secret motives of those so planted in the Iraqi government.. so it would not be likely that they would be moved toward stopping the poor being poor which helps their religious viewpoint to gain strength through the resulting misery, desperation, destabilization and chaos (to usher in the Mahdi?).

The present PM of Iraq was in exile once.. where?

Iraqi Shi'ite politicians enter polls under cloud
22 Nov 2005 15:20:38 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Luke Baker

Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari, an Islamist Shi'ite who opposed Saddam from exile in Iran and London...

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/BAK252545.htm

-- February 8, 2006 3:52 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

OK.. the answer to the question is IRAN.. Jaafari was in exile in Iran.. that means Iran was a friendly country to him, right? A safe haven for him to go to, right? Safe, friendly Iran.... (??)

What are Jaafari's views?

Iraq's new prime minister spent years trying to topple Saddam
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Friday, April 08, 2005

... Some of his detractors accuse him of being corrupt, having shadowy ties with Iran and being a proponent of conservative Islam hampering women's rights.

When talks were underway last year over the drafting of an interim Constitution, Jaafari was among those leading the camp who favored Islam as the only source of legislation.

Jaafari's party enjoys the prestige of its past resistance to Saddam's regime inside and outside Iraq and was conferred legitimacy by years of oppression matched only by Kurdish groups in the north.

Daawa started carrying out attacks against Baath officials in the 1970s but only fully embarked on an armed struggle in the early 1980s, when Jaafari fled to Iran before moving to London in 1989.

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=14094

Today there is an article which says:

The sources said millions of Iraqis dependent on food rations for a living need now to prepare themselves to do without government-subsidized food.

Any further hikes in fuel rates are bound to backfire on the new government and are very likely to lead to large-scale rioting.

http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5c2006-02-08%5c184.htm

I see.. the government of Iraq on one hand is not helping the economic situation in Iraq by revaluing the Dinar and on the other hand they are also cutting back subsidies and hiking fuel prices which results in more civil unrest and chaos.. "very likely to lead to large-scale rioting". This kind of thing (civil unrest, rioting, chaos) is what the IRANIANS say will usher in the Mahdi.. hmmm..

It will also be interesting to see who ends up PM of Iraq...

Sara.

-- February 8, 2006 3:52 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Carl -

I agree totally with your comments on the middle eastern culture. Your assessment that the middle eastern culture is one steeped in corruption is true. In my readings and personal expreience I have learned that corruption is one of the many fabrics of that culture and the economies of the region as well.

Look at the conundrums found in this mindset which hinges on Islam:

One hand: Our religion Islam is peaceful.

The other hand: Islam is spread by the sword. Intolerant of anyone outside the pale of Islam. They are antisemtic almost to a man. They are the only group blowing up innocent people up around the world.

One hand: Islam holds honesty in high esteem.

Other hand: They cheat each other, they break accords with countries at will, they lie for gain routinely.

One hand: We have a loving and kind religion

Other hand: Their women are treated like dogs, or in some cased just killed because they dared to read a book.

It seems to be all talk about this peacful, honest, loving religion known as Islam. How I wish it were true, but the reality says something else.

When the Koran speaks of a capricious God and killing the infidel. When the Koran never once says that "God loves you" and that God loves man. At that point you stop scratching your head and say..."hey maybe that is why these cultures are the way they are."

It's no accident that while Franklin Graham builds hospitals in the Sudan to help people because he loves them and has compassion for them, the militant muslims there are blowing the hospitals up.

The more one thinks about this diametrical thinking to the our western thought, the more one has to say to himself.....will this experiment in exporting freedom ever work over there?

My answer would be, no, at least not in my lifetime.

Any return comments?

T-

-- February 8, 2006 6:33 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Your commentary is good, Terrance. And yes, I have a comment, one thought.

It is this: Love always wins, in the end.

("Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:8)

As you pointed out, when there is Love and hatred opposed to one another, one must fail.

It won't be Love which loses.

That is because God is Love. (1 John 4:8)

And that means that Love is wedded to the Imperial power of the Immutable Omnipotent God, which cannot fail.

Sara.

-- February 8, 2006 8:13 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

ROB N:

Your posts are always among the better ones on the T&B and your beliefs are not unlike millions of Americans in where money comes from.

Most people believe that there is a giant printing press in D.C. that spits out dollars when we need them and nobody owes anyone anything except what we owe ourselves.

The truth is that all the greenbacks that can be used are already in circulation and if you pumped 50 billion more into the economy they would have to be put in a warehouse as they aren't needed. The printing of money is a highly controlled activity, with a certain amount in circulation and more printed only as mutilated dollars are turned in for replacement.

If our national debt were represented by additional greenbacks, then soon it would take a wheelbarrow of dollars to buy a loaf of bread as it did in Germany in the early 40's.

For every penny of the Natonal debt, there is someone or some country holding a bond or treasury note that they believe that they can convert to cash anytime they desire. If they ever lose that confidence, there will be a run on the U.S. Treasury, the likes you have never heard of.

Our economy is currently booming mostly because of additonal Govt spending such as Katrina and the Iraqi task.
We do not have the money to sponsor either of these fronts and we are borrowing money to do it. Carl expressed it very well with the tapped out fellow that took his relatives out to dinner on a regular basis. ROB N, you did not show me to be wrong this time, but keep trying because I sincerely want to be wrong.

BOB

-- February 8, 2006 10:19 PM ∞

I am a silly spammer. wrote:

This site is the best in terms of content .It is full of intelligent answers. Everyday it seems we are faced with a new challenge.I pray soon all this unrest will ease.

-- February 10, 2006 10:13 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.iraqieconomy.org

Iraq cancels Danish contracts February 7, 2006 - Iraq's transport ministry has cancelled a series of contracts it had inked with the Danish government, an unnamed source from Iraq's ports company told Adnkronos International (AKI). "Transport minister Salam al-Maliki has cancelled all contracts signed with the Danish government, especially in the maritime transport sector," the source said.
The move is the latest ramification of the crisis sparked between the Muslim and Western worlds by the recent publication of a series of satirical Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed in European, Middle Eastern and Asian newspapers. The source did not state the nature of the cancelled contracts, but underlined that "the minister has decided not to accept the sums the Danish government was due to pay to Iraqi ports this year."
Denmark has some 500 soldiers deployed in Iraq, as part of the US-led multinational peacekeeping force. The Danish troops are mainly stationed in the southern port city of Basra.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- February 10, 2006 11:18 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Another from www.iraqieconomy.org

Iraq plans tenfold rise in fuel prices in 2006 February 7, 2006 - Iraq will gradually increase state-controlled domestic fuel prices tenfold in 2006 to meet International Monetary Fund demands, an Iraq official said on Monday.
The move is likely to spark public protests. Iraq already increased prices by 200 percent in December, igniting protests and creating a rift between the oil ministry and the government over external political pressure.
"We have to meet demands from the IMF, they said the prices should be equal to the prices in neighboring countries," another source in the oil industry said.
"The price of benzene (gasoline) will gradually increase in 2006 to reach about 600 dinars (41 cents) per liter," said the Iraq official.
A liter of ordinary gasoline before the rise in December cost 20 dinars, or about 1.4 U.S. cents. It climbed to 50 dinars in early December.
One liter of gasoline in oil producer Saudi Arabia costs between 25-30 cents. When Iraq increases the price tenfold a liter will cost between 40-42 cents.

-- February 10, 2006 11:20 AM ∞

Turtle wrote:

If I may put this in perspective, my friend in Kuwait pays $6 to fill his Grand Jeep Cherokee. If that is the Iraqi standard, they should be okay even by Iraqi standards. The only difference may be a reduction in black market fuel sales.

-- February 10, 2006 2:07 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

God Bless the IQD, but there's so much more to this ongoing Iraqi debacle than meets the eye.

Never in my wildest estimate did I ever conceive that the state of affairs within Iraq, Iran, Israel, and throughout the Middle East would be where they are today. It is a travesty of mega proportions as to what the USA is morally "suppose" to stand for.

Please allow me to submit to you these two articles: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=449182 http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/02/10/news/edpfaff.php

It is your option to ignore their content, or to disclaim/discount them in some way, but the time for the opening of one's eyes, and opening them widely, is now.

The contents of the first article identifies pretty much what we've all known from the beginning - that this war with Iraq had more to do with an unsettled score between the Bush's and Saddam, and for the outright control of Iraqi Oil, than it did with anything else that was so fervently peddled to us and the world at large.

That, to me, is a clear and gross abuse of presidential authority - and with not a shred of concern for human suffering and loss of human life. And, we dare to call another world leader, "a Tyrant".

You may argue against the contents of the article in any way, shape, or form of your choosing, but I consider the readers and contributors of this blog to be much, much, smarter than the average bear.

The second article expounds on and lends itself to the crux of the first article, speaking more about the political concerns here within the U.S. as part of the fallout of this protracted war within Iraq and of it's mainfestation.

And, we wonder why the rest of the world hates us and wishes to do us harm. The days of old, when America unquestionably had the moral high ground in regard to the conduct of international affairs/diplomacy are long, long gone.

If it were not for Israel and Oil in the Middle East, we wouldn't give a rat's toenail about the inhabitants thereof.

Speaking of Israel; here's avery good article on it's birth: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/78601.stm

In short they're less than saints themselves, and it's not hard to understand the long standing hatred of them by the Arabs; and of us too, for our unflinching support of their long time, heavy handed, tactics within the Palestinian region.

To me, the value of the Iraqi Dinar is of minute consequence in comparison to all that has transpired in the Middle East to this point at the hands of Mr. Bush, his presidential administration, and their pompous and convoluted agenda. I haven't missed the money it cost me to purchase my IQD for almost two years now, so if the dinar appreciates - good, if it does not - that's OK too. But, what concerns me far more than the possibility of becoming moderately wealthy is our [the USA's] place in the world.

I thought [maybe I miissed a recent memo] we were supposed to be the "Leader of the Free World"; and by virtue of that title "faithful keepers of the title's implied moral obligations]. But, instead, and at our convenience, we maraud lesser countries of their natural resources, and do so at will.

It will take us decades to ever hope to recover from the havoc wreaked upon us [and the world] by the two terms of this presidency.

In the early years I too was a "Bushie" - glad to have a no nonsense type at the helm of the country. But, I'm all grown up now, far too much has come to pass, and as unpleasant as it might be, someone should consider wispering to the emperor that, "he has no clothes".

Good luck to all,

Bill1

-- February 11, 2006 3:30 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Conspiracy Theories and Slander...

A conspiracy theory attempts to explain the cause of an event as a secret, and often deceptive, plot by a covert alliance rather than as an overt activity or natural occurrence.

The term "conspiracy theory" is used by scholars and in popular culture to identify a type of folklore similar to an urban legend, having certain regular features, especially an explanatory narrative which is constructed with certain naive methodological flaws. The term is also used pejoratively to dismiss allegedly misconceived, paranoid or outlandish rumors.

Most people who have their theory or speculation labeled a "conspiracy theory" reject the term as prejudicial. Others use it in an attempt to evade an analysis of a subject.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory

Concerning these Bush conspiracy theories you listed, Bill1, you may see yourself as all grown up buying into them, but I still think the American public was wise to elect GWB over the alternate John Kerry any day.

You may believe these subjective judgements about HOW the decision to go to war was made, but I can see flaws in them. The article you quote says:

"It has become clear that official intelligence was not relied on in making even the most significant national security decisions, that intelligence was misused publicly to justify decisions already made, that damaging ill will developed between (Bush) policymakers and intelligence officers, and that the intelligence community's own work was politicized," Pillar wrote. It is the first time that such a senior intelligence officer has so directly and publicly condemned the administration's handling of intelligence. He is now a professor at Georgetown University.

This man may say that it "appears clear" (by HIS valuation, his own subjective opinion) that the intelligence he was giving was "not relied on" and was therefore "misused" by the Bush administration, but I just see it as the guy who handed Bush the intelligence having sour grapes because his report (and agency's viewpoint) was not adopted by the President "hook, line and sinker". He wished he was running the White House, not advising it. This is criticism from a man in a position, but it is still just the opinion of one man. He is not God and he cannot claim to infallibly know what caused the President to make the decisions he did. It also comes from the perspective that that decision was WRONG to make, something that has not been proven to be true. There are always going to be people who disagree with ANY decision the President makes, including his security advisors from time to time. Do you expect everyone, in all the security entities advising the President, to agree with the President's views at every point in time? The position of trust and authority to make the decisions, however, is not given to any of the security ADVISORs, but to the President by the people of America, and by God. That is why the President is in that position of power and not the security advisor(s).

I see one small paragraph between this Bush conspiracy theory which sheds some light on the subject:

Thursday, the Senate Republican Policy Committee issued a statement to counter what it described as "the continuing Iraq pre-war intelligence myths," including charges that Bush " 'misused' intelligence to justify the war." Writing that it was perfectly reasonable for the president to rely on the intelligence he was given, the paper concluded, "it is actually the critics who are misleading the American people."

I agree that the entire pejorative dissertation is misleading. These charges that the Bush administration was, quote: "cherry-picking" intelligence on Iraq to justify a decision it had already reached to go to war and of ignoring warnings that the country could easily fall into violence and chaos.." has so many underlying assumptions to it that it is indeed a conspiracy theory. It alleges some secret and deceptive plot (one which ignores the good of the American people and leads to violence against them).. and is the viewpoint of ONE MAN in the room as these decisions were being made. This man contends, first of all, that there is an AGENDA here to JUSTIFY a decision which is WRONGFUL and hurtful to the American people (that part about violence and chaos resulting from it). He alleges underlying, preconceived and secret reasons the President made the decisions he did (his saying they were "justifying a decision it had already reached"). That is a conspiracy theory (if you asked him, I am sure he has a theory as to what decision they had already reached and why). The problem is that it is a serious charge he is making, one of abuse of trust which violates the sacred oaths of office that President Bush took to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people. His theory impugnes the character of the President as base and immoral for some secret agenda and gain instead of an openly arrived at decision based on what appeared to the President to be in the best interests of the American people. You may have your opinion that this is the case, but I ask you what it is based on, by what concrete evidence?

It is based on the evidence given that this man (and maybe a few of his colleagues who are also disgruntled) in the intelligence service (who fight between their agencies and cannot get along even within their own structures) are SO WISE that they knew what the right decision was and how to arrive at it, and GW Bush was missing doing it right! (according to them) In reality, however, there is no way to say that the decision was wrong to make. For all we know, that decision has stopped nuclear war on American soil. Making the judgement that President Bush was wrong moves this man (and any others who agree with him) from the position of advisors to dictating the "correct" policy the President should have pursued. That is not this man's role and never was. He was supposed to be advising, not dictating to the President. I think this man should be sued for slander at the least, but perhaps being the President means GWB cannot do that. If the President were a private citizen, I would definitely think it worthwhile doing because to impugn the character and motives of the President as being immoral and against his sworn oaths of office as this man has done is slander of the highest degree.

Main Entry: slander
Function: noun
Etymology: Anglo-French esclandre, from Old French escandle esclandre scandal, from Late Latin scandalum moral stumbling block, disgrace, from Greek skandalon, literally, snare, trap
1 : defamation of a person by unprivileged oral communication made to a third party; also : defamatory oral statements
2 : the tort of oral defamation —compare DEFAMATION, FALSE LIGHT, LIBEL
NOTE: An action for slander may be brought without alleging and proving special damages if the statements in question have a plainly harmful character, as by imputing to the plaintiff criminal guilt, serious sexual misconduct, or conduct or a characteristic affecting his or her business or profession.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=slander

It is definitely alleging that which affects negatively the President's character and duties by the use of oral communication made to a third party (the media), and so is slander by definition.

When one reads that the man alleging these improprieties: "wrote that the first request he received from a Bush policymaker for an assessment of post-invasion Iraq was "not until a year into the war." One cannot help but see how belittled and overlooked he felt his talents were, the obvious frustration in that statement showing us the reason for his malcontent which resulted in this slander.

Sara.

-- February 11, 2006 6:12 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

PS Concerning the "resulting Chaos and Violence" statement in the article I quoted above, I do recognise that in that article the reference was referring to the country of Iraq, though I addressed the issue of President Bush's decision to go to war affecting the USA in that context because it had been brought up by others in the media saying these actions supposedly have made the USA less safe (another unprovable presupposition).

Sara.

-- February 11, 2006 6:42 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara & Bill-1:

Both your posts were exceptional although they represented different points of view. People come from all walks of life to comprise this site so it reasonable to assume that we will have some liberals, conservatives, rich, poor, racists, gays, hawks, doves, christians, alcoholics, republicans and democrats. Therefore, we are going to have differing points of view so noone should be offended when they see a differing opinion. We have one common bond, the welfare of the USA and the progress of the dinar.

Bill-1 stated in elegant terms many of the things that I believe to be true. I believe that in many police cases, the authorities get their heads together and decide who the guilty party is and then set forth to prove the case, often with tunnel vision. I believe that this may have been the case with Iraq. I think George Jr. was dedicated to avenging his fathers screw-up in Iraq and set forth to build a case for going into Iraq.

I voted for Mr. Bush and still support everything I possibly can that he does, and I certainly would not swap him for anyone I see on the Democratic side, but I do see some mistakes on his part.

Bill-1 said that if it were not for oil and Israel, our concern for events in the middle east would be greatly diminished. I agree with that assessment and I also wonder if the Jews who are currently living in Isreal are the Jews who loved Jesus or the Jews who crusified him.

The diversity of opinion is what makes this site interesting.

BOB

-- February 11, 2006 10:40 PM ∞

Proteus wrote:

About a year ago I bought a million IQD. I did a hitch with the Navy during the Gulf War, but I'm in the Army National Guard now, and I figured if I'm going to have to go over there and risk getting my butt shot off (again) I might as well take a chance at making a little extra money.

Personally, I think the Bush administration is corrupt, both morally and ethically, but I'm a soldier and a soldier goes where he's told to go, regardless of his political beliefs. That's part of the deal you make when you take the oath. Truthfully, I'm not fighting for any of you knuckleheads out there. I love this country, but it's my buddies I'll be fighting for.

I've had to vote Democrat at the national level since I was of age to vote, generally because they support policy that will be beneficial to me and my children. I'd have voted for Powell if he'd ran, but I understand his hesitation. Shame he didn't. A little integrity would have been nice for a change. I vote Republican at the state level sometimes for the same reasons I mentioned above. However, in all cases, I look at what they do and pay very little attention to what they say.

Here's the contention I have with the Bush administration, and it has a lot to do with the topics you guys are usually talking about. From what I can tell by watching the news and reviewing their policy proposals, just about every policy proposal that comes out of the White House these days is all about taking public money and putting it in private hands. School vouchers, privatized social security, the new drug plan, corporate welfare, etc., etc., etc.

That being said, I have to disagree with those of you that think we went to war with Iraq because of their oil, or because there was some sort of family feud between Bush and Saddam, or because of terrorism or WMDs (though I think everyone knows that these two are moot by now), and certainly not because of any human rights violations Saddam was guilty of. I don't think we're over there to help anyone but the corporations involved with fueling and supplying the war effort.

The oil companies for instance. We're using almost 2 million gallons of fuel a day in Iraq. www.theatlantic.com/doc/200505/bryce And that's just Iraq, not counting any other military operations. I mean, the Navy alone uses a truly amazing amount of fuel all by itself. We're talking an almost unimaginable amount of money here just for fuel. That's not counting all the other logistical concerns like food, clothing, shelter, body armor and so on. That's all tax money. I don't think most us really understand just how much money is being made over there.

I've heard a lot of debate over the lack of an exit strategy for this war. It seems painfully obvious, to me at least, that Cheney and Rumsfeld went out of their way not to have one. Every high ranking military official they talked to told them they'd need a lot more man power to secure the country, but they ignored all of that I finally found one General that said he could do it with a smaller force. Unfortunately, he was only guaranteeing that he could take the country with a small force, not secure it for any length of time. I really don't think they ever wanted a quick end to this conflict. In any case, they're all certainly making a lot of money off of it, at the expense of what I'm sure they feel are acceptable casualty rates.

A lot of folks like to call Bush an idiot or an incompetant. I have to disagree with that as well. I think he's doing exactly what he planned to do and exactly what the folks that funded his campaign want him to do. When you get down to it, he's doing exactly what he's always done, just on a larger scale. What he did in the past was take over ailing companies and run them into the ground for maximum profit without regard for the human cost (jobs, pensions, etc.).

I think we're all going to look back 20 years from now and recognise that these people have managed to orchestrate the most lucrative and unconscionable money making scheme in US history. In the end though, I guess I'd rather these guys be greedy, which I suppose is an almost natural impulse for any politician, than have them be incompetent. What would that say about those of us who voted for them.

-- February 11, 2006 11:54 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

To All:
I have been sitting back and reading for awhile, and I must say I have enjoyed getting your thoughts on things. I agree with Bob. Some of the information Bill 1 referred to I agree with, and some I do not. Sara had a very well written opposing side addressing some of the issues bill brought out. The board is doing what it is suppose to do. Bring forth all sides and allow each reader to make up his or her own mind as to what is true to them.
You all are to be commended on your input.
Carl

-- February 12, 2006 12:06 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Al-Jaafari Named to Head Iraq's New Gov't
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer Feb 12, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite lawmakers Sunday chose incumbent Ibrahim al-Jaafari to be Iraq's new prime minister, taking a key step in forming a government nearly two months after national elections, officials said.

Al-Jaafari is assured the post because Shiites won the most parliament seats in the Dec. 15 national elections. He won 64 votes in a caucus of Shiite legislators, one more than Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi, officials said. There were two abstentions.

After parliament convenes within two weeks, members must choose the largely ceremonial position of president, who will then designate the alliance's choice as the new prime minister.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060212/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- February 12, 2006 8:27 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Differing opinions...

I think we are all looking at President Bush's motives.

Bill1 said:
".. this war with Iraq had more to do with an unsettled score between the Bush's and Saddam, and for the outright control of Iraqi Oil, than it did with anything else."

Bob said:
"I believe that in many police cases, the authorities get their heads together and decide who the guilty party is and then set forth to prove the case, often with tunnel vision. I believe that this may have been the case with Iraq. I think George Jr. was dedicated to avenging his fathers screw-up in Iraq and set forth to build a case for going into Iraq."

Carl agreed with Bob.

Proteus said:
"Personally, I think the Bush administration is corrupt, both morally and ethically.. I have to disagree with those of you that think we went to war with Iraq because of their oil, or because there was some sort of family feud between Bush and Saddam, or because of terrorism or WMDs (though I think everyone knows that these two are moot by now), and certainly not because of any human rights violations Saddam was guilty of. I don't think we're over there to help anyone but the corporations involved with fueling and supplying the war effort."

My point is that in each and every case, we are all saying what we think the motives were for going into Iraq. And not one of you are saying you believe in the overt reasons given, the openly avowed reasons and motives for the war given by the Bush administration. I think there are many in the US population who think this way, too (many in the media? many Democrats?). Many people do not believe the openly stated reasons for going into Iraq. Many who actually LIVED THROUGH this time in history and watched it unfold before their eyes on TV no longer believe it really was as it appeared at the time. Many disbelieve what they saw at the time unfolding on the screen before them and instead see deeper motives now than they did before.. covert ones, secret ones, not the openly stated ones. Whether those covert motives were to settle some kind of family fued, for oil or for money, many are saying that it was the secret reasons which truly motivated the war in Iraq, not the open ones they witnessed first hand at the time of the events happening. My point is that this fits with the description of the term a "conspiracy theory" by definition:

"A conspiracy theory attempts to explain the cause of an event as a secret, and often deceptive, plot by a covert alliance rather than as an overt activity..."

It is belief in a covert activity being the motive, not the stated overt reasons, that makes this conspiratorial thinking. I just wanted to make you aware that even if a person believes one or many of these conspiracy theories about the covert/secretive/deceptive underlying reasons for going to war in Iraq, those persons are formulating those beliefs by deductive reasonings from other than the overtly stated reasons, and could be mistaken. The possibility exists that the evidence the public once witnessed with their own eyes as people who lived through the point in time in history before the invasion of Iraq may not have been trumped up, but authentic and real (even if based on poor intelligence).

Indeed, further, since each of these viewpoints disagree with the others, the vast majority of them must be incorrect. If each of the different conspiracy theories holds to a different opinion about the underlying motive for going to war in Iraq, each and every one of them cannot logically be correct. Differing assertions cannot all be equally true. It is not illogical to then propose for consideration to the board the position that SOME of these views must be wrong and SOME of those believing them are believing in a mere conspiracy theory, and not in real fact.

I also wish you to remember that rather appropriate saying, "Divide and conquer". Sowing mistrust (in its many forms) is definitely a wise political strategy.. for a win by the opposition. Do we really want a Kerry instead? Divided, that may be the intent... after all, what have the Democrats been doing with their time? Certainly not supporting the war effort. Truly, a people get what they deserve for a government, according to their ability to see fact.. from fiction.

Sara.

-- February 12, 2006 11:03 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Talabani says Allawi must be in cabinet
Sunday 12 February 2006, 15:22 Makka Time, 12:22 GMT

Jalal Talabani, the president of Iraq, has said that his Kurdish Coalition will not support the next government if the political party led by Ayad Allawi, the former prime minister is not brought into the cabinet.

Talabani told reporters after meeting Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy, on Sunday: "I stressed to the American ambassador on the necessity of forming a national unity government in which no one will be excluded, especially [Allawi's] Iraqi [National] List.

"The Iraqi List has to take part in the coming government. The Kurdish Coalition will not take part in the coming government unless the Iraqi List takes part in it."
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/466B3755-DBF2-470D-B5E6-D5CF67D4822A.htm

-- February 12, 2006 11:29 AM ∞

Proteus wrote:

Gee Sara, I suppose that's a pretty good defense for George Bush. Basically, any one that disagrees with what he says "overtly" is a "conspiracy theorist," and it's just pure coincidence that the only corporations allowed to participate in the war effort are the one's they hold stock in. Is all that I said a "big secret"? I mean, except for the several billion dollars that they've "lost" so far, the rest of the information is public record.

Is it really that hard to believe that a politician, whether Republican or Democrat, is saying one thing and doing another (right out in the open, and "overtly"). I think a lot of folks are too hung up on their labels. Republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative. For example, Democrats are not all so-called liberals (as difficult as that may be for you to believe), but they're in the minority right now and not very effectual either way. The Republican party likes to define themselves as conservative, but they're definitely not acting that way.

"Conservative means to favor things as they are and to be cautious," and that's the exact opposite of what is going on right now with this war and most other issues, except for gay marriage, which is a non-issue in my opinion. If you want to blame someone for the sickly state of our "institution" of marriage, the real culprits are your right to vote Sara, your right to obtain a job with a salary equal to that of men, and birth control. Women no longer have to stay with an idiot if they don't want to.

And that's my point Sara, this is all my opinion. I'm not publishing a manifesto, or a propaganda pamphlet here. What I'm doing is throwing out my opinions and looking for someone to either qualify them with similar opinions or show me how I am wrong. you know, debate. You know, learn. I've explained why I agreee or disagree with others and given reasons and examples. I'm looking for someone to give me the reasons they believe what they believe. I'm not looking for someone to take the easy way out and dismiss me as a "conspiracy theorist," which says to me that you're very defensive and not really willing to examine your beliefs.

Would I rather have Kerry? I'd rather have someone who's not getting my friends killed just to line their pockets.

In short, it'd be easier to believe what the president has been saying if he wasn't constantly letting the facts contradict him and often contradicting himself. Democrat OR Republican, conservative OR liberal, that's a sure sign that an individual is full of crap.

Also, please explain the "LIVED THROUGH" remark, the one with the capital letters as if you were trying to imply something. I was puzzled by that.

-- February 12, 2006 1:31 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

If I may throw out a few more tidbits to chew on..

1-Most of our intelligence agents were telling Bush Iraq had WMDs.

2-Russian President Putin announced in the Moscow Times that HE had told Bush that Iraq had WMDs.

3-Iran told Bush that Iraq had WMDs. (Yeah, hard not laughing at that one but it is a fact that meant something then.)

4-Bush was told that Iraq was obtaining weapons grade Uranium from Africa.

5-There is evidence that the September 11 folks were funded from Africa and Middles Eastern countries.

6-Evidence of corruption had already popped up on radar on the oil for food program with knowledge of large sums of money going to Africa, Middle East, and Europe. As more evidence is still being uncovered of the corruptionin that program, we still do not have PROOF that any of the money funded 9-11. However, at that time and arguably even now, the canary is missing and the cat is wearing a new yellow feather jacket.

7-US has knowledge that Germany, France, and Russia have been selling weapons and building defense structure for Iraq. I have personally seen the Russian t-72 tanks that they used ot build on my base, Russian missiles, French rocket mounts, and German bunkers. Have you ever wondered how our allies were "only trading food for oil" and managed to build billions of debt with Iraq that have just been negotiated away with the new government? Anyway, we know there are billions of reasons that these countries are not supporting us attacking their cash cow. Secretly, most of the free world supports the decision and continued to do so later through troops and secret funding.

With all due respect to Powell and some of the other great minds currently saying I told you so, what decision would YOU have made? Keep in mind that 3,000 Americans have just been killed and everyone is blaming YOU and saying YOU did not do enough to stop it. I don't claim to know what Bush was thinking nor do I defend every move he has made. However, I know that I would probably have done something very similar.

Allow me to dampen the supporting Haliburton theory a bit. There are A LOT of companies here that compete with KBR. Most of what KBR does is provide Moral centers, food, housing, and house-keeping. Their role was immidiate so I actually understand WHY they got a no bid contract. I work for the competition by the by so it doesn't mean I like it but I understand it. Look at the things I just named and tell me how long you would want your friend or relative going without those luxeries after a day of running patroles. It means a lot to be able to go home to a clean shower, hot meal that is not an MRE, go shoot a game of pool with your buddies while waiting to get a computer to write home, etc. Yes, this war has supported our economy after 9-11 almost destroyed it but I don't know if I buy the argument that this war was meant to feed big business. Selling lives for money makes a nice diabolical news story but I just don't think it is realistic - my opinion based on personal experience that anything that seems too good or bad to be true, usually is.

Why not commit more troops? Look over your other shoulder and see what China has been doing the last few years and you'll see why we are keeping so much in the rear. I do IT work and follow market news rather closely. 2 years ago China announced that they wanted to use Linux and other open source software so that "the US cannot have a backdoor into our computer should we ever go to war. For example, over Taiwan." A couple months ago China purchased a couple billion $$ worth of weapons from Russia. They have amassed offensive weapons and capability on their coast facing Taiwan. Bill Clinton had to send a Naval task force and position it between China and Taiwan with a sworn statement to defend Taiwan - repeated by Bush.

Ladies and gents, I don't pretend to know it all and am the first to admit that Bush may secretly be Satan but I think he's just another man that has done the best he can do with the hand he was dealt. I will admit a personal hatred for Kerry and Dean due to their comments about Vietnam (most of which I have been told are total bull by Vietnamese friends) and their cuntinued derogatory comments against the troops in Iraq (Rape?, abuse?). Anyway, I can only wish Democrats could pull another Roosevelt out of their hats but I am very disalusioned with the party as a whole because of the actions of their leaders. Sorry to my Democrat friends here, but undertsand I am from Virginia where Democrat leadership forced a tax increase in a year that had a $325 Million surplus. That said, I will not demonify them either even though being here makes me ill watching the politically motivated media re-write events here. But, that my 2 minutes on the stump. Next!!

-- February 12, 2006 5:55 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Didn't mean to stir the pot as much as I did, but then again... "maybe I did".

No, not really. My last post was more theraputic than anything else.

You see, I have twin daughters and they both graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp last June. One left for Iraq last week, and her sister who's serving overseas will leave for Iraq this coming week. The good news [if there is any] is that they will both be in the same base camp, so they'll be able to console one another throughout their deployment. The very bad news is that one of them is in MT (Motor Transport); i.e. a Seven (7) Ton Driver, and during every convoy she will be in someone's cross hairs.

They're 19 year's old and great kids, and I won't bore you with how much I love them and how much they mean to me. I tried to get them to join some other branch of the Armed Forces, but they've been around Marines all their lives and wouldn't have it any other way.

Long story short: God help the politician SOB that considers the injury, or death, of my children as part of what they consider some kind of "Acceptable Casualty Statistic" in this sick war for profit venture of theirs.

I've been worried about they're going over there for some time now, so it just felt really good hitting the "Post" button and giving my opinion on what I consider Mr. Bush's Pandora's Box.

I believe if a person makes the effort to stand on neutral ground they'll then have the best vantage point enabling them to see all sides of an issue.

That's what I strive to do. But, it certainly doesn't mean that I'm always right - it's simply my opinion - and I respect the opinion/s of others too.

IMO: War is a necessary stupid element of human existance. Because of our cultural differences, and underlying greed, we refuse to cooperate with one another in good faith. We would rather destroy each other than simply share the resources of this world.

We're at war with the Middle East because we have no respect for them, their culture, and their religion - plain and simple. We push them around for the same reason a dog can lick his behind, and because they possess the greatest quantities of the #1 comodity on the planet. In our hearts we truly believe we are superior to them [and everyone else too] in all manner of things, to the point that we now think the exportation of "our brand" of Democracy will gain us what our bombs will not.

The people in the Middle East do not need us in any way, but we, on the other hand, allow ourselves to need them for what is rightfully theirs. Mr. Bush recently stated that, "We're Addicted to Oil", but I beg to differ. If "We Are" addicted to Oil, it's only because the Oil Companies will not allow us to be addicted to anything else. No one can tell me that we're not intelligent enough to create, manufacture, and use alternative sources of fuel to power our automobiles - fuels that would inherently be better for the environment as well. We'll still need Oil for some things, but at a far, far, lesser rate than we currently do.

In my lifetime we tried to stop the tide of Communism in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, by overextending ourselves and incompetently fighting some of the most unfounded wars on record, in a knee-jerk effort to attempt to shape the rest of the world to be more like us. Does it now not seem that we are again attempting to do the same thing - only in a different direction?...

So, it seems we will never learn. I believe it would be better for us to control our destiny here locally - within our borders, and stop trying to control others abroad. We have everything we need right here in the good'ole U.S. of A. to sustain our way of life. Preying on others weaker than us is not required.

Thanks for your time,

Bill1

-- February 12, 2006 9:04 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Bill1: I wish all the best for you and your daughters. I work side by side with the convoy folks and the larger vehicles, for some unexplanable reason, seldon get attacked. They like to hit the humvees and smaller vehicles. I'm not sure if that fact holds any consolation but I hope it gives you something to hold on to on nights that you have way too much time to think.

I agree that most Americans, especially those who will deny this statement, are extremely arrogant in their views of the rest of the world. That said, this war and many like it have been coming for some time. Today is the age of the Islamic Enquisition where they have attacked every country in the world and finally got our attention with 9-11. They have attacked every peace lovign religion that opposes their own - Hindus in India, Budhists in Asia, Chritians in Russia, etc. Oil or no oil, the arrogance of the American people believing they would never hit us and the fear by the American government that we would get into a fight with an enemy as fanatic as the Japanese in WW2 are the reasons we had not rolled into the Middle East sooner. As I said before, I have thorough repect for the people here and everywhere in the Middle East that I have visited. (Contrary to some of my statements I respect Americans too because they are truly the most caring and giving people in the world.) I truly believe that years from now it is Islam that will look back on this period of time with embarrassment not the US or Europe.

Now, I want to close by appluading you as a father and your daughters for their strength. At 19 years old, that means they joined the Marine Corps after this conflict began and with full knowledge of what they would face here. That speaks volumes for their character. I'm on a little base just north of Baghdad called Taji and if they ever happen through here, not likely since this is an Army base with only a handful fo Marines, but if they do, drop me a message here and let me know if there is anything I can do to help them out.

-- February 13, 2006 5:01 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Proteus Bill1 and turtle;

I appreciate the sacrifices you are each making and I believe that such sacrifices, emotional toils and hard work are forwarding the cause of good in this world and are being used to cause us to have a better world.

I do not believe such sacrifices are in vain. If a little sparrow cannot fall to the ground apart from God's will and if the very hairs of our heads are numbered (Matthew 10:29-30), then such sacrifices as those you are making do not go unnoticed before God Himself. I understand the common fear of death all mankind faces, (God addressed that fear when He died and rose again from death, thus destroying him who held the power of death - Heb 2:14-15 - and yes, I believe that when a person dies it is like riding a horse and having the beast shot out from under you - you just find yourself walking instead of riding, you do not cease to exist) yet I believe that that fear of death must not blind a person to what virtue there may be - it should not make a person so jaded and critical of the goal of defense due to the existence of the reality of death in this life. Freedom has always had a price. It has never been free. You may question the paying of that price and wonder if it is worth the cost and if you are personally able to make that sacrifice of yourself or those whom you love. That is because you stand next to the gunpowder and are charged with tasks not far from the action but ones which immediately affect life and limb, yours or those dear to you.

How do I say this? Thank you for standing on that wall, and being willing to give of yourselves to defend us. I know you may not see it as doing that Proteus, but I do, and I thank you. You may not see it as sacrificing for us, Bill1, when you worry about your dear daughters, but I do. And I thank you for that sacrifice - for the sacrifice of mental anguish you go through at times so that we are not deprived of these brave women's efforts. I think you share in the faith that it is a necessary and unavoidable sacrifice, turtle, and I thank you for your place on that wall in this drama of life which is thrust upon us in our time. Without people like each of you.. all those on the wall between us and a hostile world, we would not retain our freedom. Our world is a violent place, and the strong are always seeking to take from the weak. As turtle pointed out, the threat has long been in the world, but only now has it been seen to have reached our shores. Ignoring that threat will not make it go away:

"It is easy to take liberty for granted,
when you have never had it taken from you."
- Dick Cheney

"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God,
then we will be a Nation gone under."
- Ronald Reagan

"Posterity! You will never know how much it cost
the present generation to preserve your freedom.
I hope you will make good use of it."
John Quincy Adams

"Anyone who would trade their freedom for safety
deserves neither freedom or safety."
-Ben Franklin

"The temporary peace of denial and looking away from danger would only be a prelude to broader war and greater horror."
Pres. G.W. Bush

"... [I]t is a common observation here that our cause is the cause of all mankind, and that we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own."
Benjamin Franklin

"Wishful thinking might bring comfort, but not security."
President Bush

"The price of freedom, is eternal vigilance."

"A nation who forgets it's defenders, will itself be forgotten."

"If men are so wicked WITH religion, what would they be WITHOUT it?"
Ben Franklin

"I don't know that Atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God."
President George H. W. Bush

Little did John Adams know how significant his words would be when he spoke to his wife, Abigail, on the passing of the Declaration of Independence and said, “I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states; yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of light and glory!”

"There is a rank due to the United States, among nations, which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready for war."
George Washington

"Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom
which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us."
Thomas Jefferson

"America will never be destroyed from the outside.
If we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

http://www.steadfastpatriots.com/the_cost_of_freedom.html

"Of course you know the events of 11 September 2001. Most Americans think this was the first attack against US soil or in America. How wrong they are. America has been under a constant attack since 1979 and we chose to hit the snooze alarm and roll over and go back to sleep."
Dan Ouimette

http://www.steadfastpatriots.com/america_needs_to_wake_up.html

Yes, the strong have always sought to take from the weak, yet America has been a great defender of the weak and oppressed in the world. I have read the accusations of arrogance and corruption/greed/exploitation against the USA, and if there has been some failure amongst the people of the US, yet it is wrong to overlook her high goals and ideals - like those embodied in the Statue of Liberty which reveals traits admired and believed to be in the US by those who created it - justice and freedom. Nor should we forget the American record of mercy and good in the world. Without her, the world would be under Hitler's successor, or the Emperor of Japan's. For every wicked thing men charge America with, you can point to two to show her legacy of good in the world. To hear some speak, President Bush is a man full of villainy. I just don't think such persons are judging clearly or correctly in either of these negative views against the President or America. I think some of it may be explained by the proximity of those holding those views to the battlefield. Who doesn't think of one's own life and the life of those they love at such a time? I can understand the incredible pain and sorrow and anguish which may go into such a decision. I understand how Sheehan and people like her have come to believe as they do through their grief and sorrow in dealing with death, yet, due to the great freedom we have resulting from the great sacrifices that have been made to preserve our freedoms, we have the ability to disagree with that viewpoint and yet remain respectful of those whose opinion in this matter differs from our own.

Sara.
PS If any wish the religious dissertation about death and how to deal with it which I didn't post, you can write to me at my email address attached to this post for the additional info.

-- February 13, 2006 8:22 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

HOW DO YOU BARGAIN WITH THE DEVIL?
That is an old southern saying when you are trying to come to terms with another who has a record of deception,backstabbing,and outright skulldulgary....
WAR MONGER WAR MONGERING....WAR HAWK...CRUSADER...
I believe we have all saw those or some those words just like them in Newspaper Headlines in the past 2 years.... but would you be surprised if that is not the only time those words appeared.
In 1936 President Woodrow Wilson saw and heard those same words directed at him, when he said, the United States must stop Japan from their invading atrocities in china and other countries. This was after they killed 350,000 people, you still had Newspaper editors and politicians who who piped "Can't we all just get along?" "Its none of our business, its happening over there,not here so why can't we stay out of it?" "Stay in close to home, and we will be neutral"
Sooooooooo we did. We watched Germany declare that their intentions were totally peaceful, the world believe them so much, they gave the chief negoiator for Germany the Nobel Peace Award.

If the USA had entered the conflict and met Germany and Japan head on at that time period, 40 million lives would have been saved. But we didn't...and history now tells us what did happen a few years later when both countries were allowed to get stronger.
we at that time at the luxury of the big ole ocean that divided us, and it was a natural barrier at that time from aggression from other nations. We no longer have that option.

You hear the Islamic Fundalmentalistic leaders talk about tyranny and corruption. They talk about how it has to be defeated, wiped out, etc;;. In Iran tyranny and corruption does not mean the same thing as it means to the american people or europe. Tyranny and Corruption means anything that smacks of the western culture, watching a movie, listening to western music, wearing western clothes, being a non-believer of their brand of Islam. That mind set is always at war with the corruptive people and nations. They have been for centuries, and they have a history of no tolerance toward any other faith. Do any of you think they have changed all of a sudden?

Bill! I agree with you, that war is a the final failure of mankind to come to some type of co-existence. But to co-exist you must have someone who wants to co exist with ya. I don't believe I have heard any official leader of Israel,Europe or America say, "Iran or any other muslim county needs to be wiped off of the earth. I don't recall any western nation, europe or Israel teaching their children in school to hate the Jew's, to go kill them, to wipe them out, to make them bleed, etc;; I don't believe it is America, Europe or Israel who have the label as a terroist organization, with a slogan that says, the entire country of Israel is to be destroyed. I believe that nation that disrespects culture, religion and faith of others is non-other than the Palistinian people, and who by the way are supported financially by other arab nations, namely Iran, Syria, etc;
So, I'm not sure of the example you gave about america,europe or Israel are the ones I would have picked as not respecting others and wanting to co-exist with others.

Recently some post referred one of President Bush's reasons for going into Iraq was to correct his dad's mistake. Now! I would agree with you, except for one little problem that keeps me from doing so....PRESIDENT BUSH SENIOR DID NOT MAKE A MISTAKE BY "NOT GOING ON INTO BAGHDAD" AND REMOVE SADDAM!
Let me explain why. The United Nations mandate of the coalition at that time was to remove Saddam from Kuwait. Not Baghdad or even anywhere in Iraq. The reasons were valid for not doing so.
1. It would have created a void, which would have immediately turn into a civil war, with other Arab countries being drawn into the fray. Iran would have most definitely joined in with their shiite brotherhood.
2. This would have put the entire middle east into fire storm and created havoc with the oil market.
3. We militarily were not ready to take on such a mission either logistically or mentally wise back home, where the money was to be issued by congress.
4. We would not have had the backing of the our arab allies.

So the decision George Senior made was the correct one. How can you correct a mistake when none was made?

Recently I read an article that stated, Russia was not happy with Iran. A Russian expert was quoted to say, " The situation around Iran is very bad, and is going from bad to worst. It seems a number of Iranian Leaders are deliberately excalating the Tensions".
"The negotiations with Iran have become very difficult, as the Iranians do not want to listen to reason and keep resorting to tricks" It is difficult to discuss rational pros and cons with them as they keep trying to exploit our pseudo-dependence on them. It seems Iranian President Ahmadinejad and his entourage either cannot or will not give up their election rhetoric. This either due to lack of competence or experience.
The Russian experts believe if they leave the negotiations, this is what the Iranians want, and this will lead to a situation getting out of hand.

I have yet to understand why they have not fiqured it out. The Iranian leaders want the chaos, they want the attack from the western culture, this will start the Velvet Revolution of Islam, and hasten the return of their Imam. Reasoning and logic does not work under this type of religious thinking.

The truth is the Iranians only understand force, but that force must come from the arab nations. The force must be from other Islamic nations. Any non-nation that attacks will create the chaos will ignite the Islamic Revolution Bonfire they hope for.The Opec nations have more to lose that anyone. Their entire economic base is setup on oil and its ability to get across to the refineries in america and elsewhere.

Did you know that the cartoons the Islamic Fundamentalist are so upset about were spread by a Islamic Cleric? It seems this cleric in the neitherlands could not get the muslims stirred up in those countries so he gathered a few, along with some creative ones of his own and attempted to get into Iran. They would not allow him in, so he took them to Egypt and the Hamas in that country then took them to the Gaza Strip, then they spread etc;
Did you know a lot of those cartoons that inflamed the muslims never ran in the papers. example: Muhammed being mounted from behind by a dog. Totally fictious...never ran...was never an original cartoon, added by the intigators to inflame.

Bob! Agree with you about different opinions and views. None should get offended another for their point of view, such explain in your response why you differ.
You were somewhat right about tunnel vision on investigation regarding law enforcement. But you didn't carry it all the way through. Being a retired law enforcement officer who has worked many homicides, and other crimes I can tell you we do get tunnel vision on a theory,until the evidence proves that theory wrong, then we switch to another theory until the evidence either proves the investigator right or wrong. Have some people gone to jail for crimes they did not commit. I believe the record speaks for itself. I hope after all of my years, I never made that mistake. I least nothing has come back to show me otherwise. I believe one of the greatest fears of most law enforcement officers is sending someone to prison for something they did not do.My fellow officers and I worked hard to prevent that...I hope we were successful.

-- February 13, 2006 9:29 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Thank you very much Turtle for those kind words.

She is also a HMMWV driver, and is LVS qualified too, so she will be used as necessary as the convoy's come and go.

The girls are both high spirited and have told me they are ready to give their lives for their country. It's strange to hear words to that effect coming from the little girls I would take camping and fishing not all that long ago. Like the majority of Americans, all that I ask is that the wars we fight be just ones, and not an Ooopsy Daisy "We 'thought' you had Weapons of Mass Destruction.". Under those circumstances we are liable to the Iraqi People for the death and destruction we have caused them. To put it into the simpliest terms... The FBI comes to your neighborhood, destroys your house, along with the occupants [your family], and then once all the debris has settled and they realize they have made a mistake, they look you in the eye and say, "Oh Wow! We couldv'e sworn you were planning to overthrow the government.".

We're supposed to be the good guys - we don't do things like that. What's the old carpenter's saying, "measure twice - cut once". That's what the president is paid to do, and is supposed to do - check and recheck the facts, over and over again, for as long as it takes to ensure we're in the right before we initiate a war. Under the circumstances Mr. Bush has conducted this war he more resembles a Third-World Dictator than "The President of the United States of America". We simply don't run around the world willie-nillie, indiscriminately killing as we please, only to end up saying, "Ooops!". Let me stop here - this horse has been dead for some time, and I'm tired of beating it.

To this point I'm really surprised the international community has not come down with both feet on the Bush Administration for exactly what I've described above. The Iraqi people would certainly be within their rights to come after America for the unjust invasion of their country, destruction of their infrastructure, and the unwarranted killing of their innocent citizens.

As an example: Colin Powell - one of the most decent living americans I can think of, resigned from Mr. Bush's cabinet. He honorably did his duty and stuck it out for the first term, but in good consciousness decided that he did not want to be associated with this administration for a second term. That to me screams volumes, and doesn't take a Rocket Surgeon to figure out that something's amiss within the Bush Camp.

The bottom line for me: The president [whomever it may be] represents all of us, and needs to be as honorable an individual as we can put into office - period.

Bill1

-- February 13, 2006 9:33 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Congress's Secret Saddam Tapes
By ELI LAKE - Staff Reporter of the Sun
February 7, 2006

The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is studying 12 hours of audio recordings between Saddam Hussein and his top advisers that may provide clues to the whereabouts of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

The committee has already confirmed through the intelligence community that the recordings of Saddam's voice are authentic, according to its chairman, Rep. Peter Hoekstra of Michigan, who would not go into detail about the nature of the conversations or their context. They were provided to his committee by a former federal prosecutor, John Loftus, who says he received them from a former American military intelligence analyst.

Mr. Loftus will make the recordings available to the public on February 17 at the annual meeting of the Intelligence Summit, of which he is president. On the organization's Web site, Mr. Loftus is quoted as promising that the recordings "will be able to provide a few definitive answers to some very important - and controversial - weapons of mass destruction questions." Contacted yesterday by The New York Sun, Mr. Loftus would only say that he delivered a CD of the recordings to a representative of the committee, and the following week the committee announced that it was reopening the investigation into weapons of mass destruction.

The audio recordings are part of new evidence the House intelligence committee is piecing together that has spurred Mr. Hoekstra to reopen the question of whether Iraq had the biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons American inspectors could not turn up. Mr. Hoekstra has already met with a former Iraqi air force general, Georges Sada, who claims that Saddam used civilian airplanes to ferry chemical weapons to Syria in 2002. Mr. Hoekstra is now talking to Iraqis who Mr. Sada claims took part in the mission, and the congressman said the former air force general "should not just be discounted."

http://www.nysun.com/article/27110

-- February 13, 2006 12:29 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Ex-Officer Spurned on WMD Claim
By ELI LAKE - Staff Reporter of the Sun
February 8, 2006

A former special investigator for the Pentagon during the Iraq war said he found four sealed underground bunkers in southern Iraq that he is sure contain stocks of chemical and biological weapons. But when he asked American weapons inspectors to check out the sites, he was rebuffed.

Between March and July 2003, Mr. Gaubatz was taken by these sources to four locations - three in and around Nasiriyah and one near the port of Umm Qasr, where he was shown underground concrete bunkers with the tunnels leading to them deliberately flooded. In each case, he was told the facilities contained stocks of biological and chemical weapons, along with missiles whose range exceeded that mandated under U.N. sanctions. But because the facilities were sealed off with concrete walls, in some cases up to 5 feet thick, he did not get inside. He filed reports with photographs, exact grid coordinates, and testimony from multiple sources. And then he waited for the Iraq Survey Group to come to the sites. But in all but one case, they never arrived.

http://www.nysun.com/article/27183?access=890075

-- February 13, 2006 12:32 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

House Reopens Issue of Iraq's WMD

By ELI LAKE - Staff Reporter of the Sun
February 3, 2006

WASHINGTON - Prime Minister Sharon and his Israel Defense Force chief of staff during the Iraq war, Moshe Yaalon, have said weapons were transferred from Iraq to Syria before the war, a view also promoted by a former Iraqi air force general, Georges Sada. Senator Clinton last week acknowledged that the possibility is still a live one, saying, "there were no weapons, or if there were, they certainly weren't used or they were in some way disposed of or taken out of the country."

In the weeks before and following the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom, at least 10 facilities believed by American, European, and Israeli intelligence to be for the production and research of chemical and biological weapons were systematically looted by members of Iraq's Republican Guard, ordered by the regime's leadership to destroy and hide evidence of the programs, according to current and former intelligence officials from America, Britain and Israel. In interviews with the New York Sun, these officials reflect the position of Defense Secretary Rumsfeld in the months after the war: "The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence."

The chairman of the House intelligence committee apparently has a similar view. "The chairman very much believes the issue of weapons of mass destruction is not settled yet and there are sufficient questions of organized looting, transfer to another country or party or things that may have been missed by the survey group. There are enough questions that need to be answered before anyone can say definitively what happened," a spokesman for Mr. Hoekstra, Jamal Ware, said yesterday.

The former undersecretary of defense for policy, Douglas Feith, said "We have not found evidence of stockpiles. But there remains lots of open questions because we have not found evidence to confirm what he did with all the stockpiles he had."

Mr. Feith's view that questions remain about Iraq's weapons program is also held by the State Department's chief of Iraq intelligence between 2003 and 2005, Wayne White. In an interview this week, Mr. White, said, "Just as the pre-war WMD intelligence was largely wrong, the conclusion after the war that absolutely nothing was in Iraq could also be wrong."

Mr. White, who counts himself as a critic of the president's decision to go to war, is confident that organized looting from the regime occurred in the first weeks after the invasion. "Efforts were taken by remnants of the Iraqi intelligence services and Republican Guard to destroy portions of sites known to be associated with WMD," he said. "What does that tell you? If there was nothing to hide, why were these sites destroyed? Obviously there was something there. There is evidence to suggest there were files and perhaps even equipment that was destroyed aggressively in the months following the fall of Baghdad."

Mr. White says that in those months after the launch of the war he would often sit in weekly meetings to go over the Iraq intelligence, hear repeated reports of sites systematically looted or destroyed, and shake his head. While the view that in many cases Iraqis had gotten to the WMD facilities before the Americans may be surprising to many war critics, the final report from the last chief weapons inspector, Charles Duelfer concedes as much.

Mr. Duelfer writes that looting along with the "chaos of the war" contributed to "the loss of a great amount of potentially very valuable information and material for constructing a full picture of Iraqi WMD capabilities."

Mr. Duelfer's predecessor, in his October 2, 2003 testimony to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, David Kay said, "Deliberate dispersal and destruction of material and documentation related to weapons programs began pre-conflict and ran trans-to-post conflict."

http://www.nysun.com/article/27000

-- February 13, 2006 12:41 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Russia demands "full and final clarity" on Iraq's WMD programs
www.chinaview.cn 2006-02-14 04:49:56

MOSCOW, Feb, 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Russia wants all findings of the international weapons inspections in Iraq to be presented to the UN Security Council, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.

"Russia is interested in full and final clarity on the issue of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs," Lavrov said at the meeting with the head of the now inactive UN weapons inspection team.

Perricos said at the meeting that the Iraq dossier needed to be finalized, saying "We cannot have these files open three years afterward, it is not good for Iraq, it is not good for anyone."

Russia, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, staunchly opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-02/14/content_4175937.htm

Interesting article. Is this not trying to use the UN to force the USA to close the issue, circumventing the inquiry process in a sovereign nation? Is it really true that a full and thorough inquiry is not good, but that we must rush to judgement and close the case with finality (particularily now when new evidence has just turned up)? Who stands to benefit from shutting it down quickly and declaring all inquiry finished? Do we know ALL the reasons Russia opposed the US invasion of Iraq? If many of the WMD were sent out of Iraq, where did they end up?

Sara.

-- February 14, 2006 1:31 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

I certainly do not know it all, but on this WMD issue let's take a moment and review a couple of things:

1. Colin Powell is made to go before the international community [the U.N.] to make the case for going to war with Iraq.

2. While there, and as part of his presentation to the members, he uses elaborate charts, poster boards, and placards, etc., crystal clearly depicting the methods Saddam was using for manufacture and transport of WMD - to include satellite imagery of the supposed factories, plants, and vehicles used to produce and transport these lethal weapons - to assist him in pleading the U.S.'s case, and to solicit support for an Iraqi invasion.

His presentation was so convincing. To me, it was the defacto best sales pitch I had ever witnessed. Who "didn't" want to go to war with Iraq once Mr Powell finished speaking?!?! Not me, I was ready to kick Saddam's butt single-handed at that point!

Now, with all that said, wouldn't it be safe to assume that, "if" our intelligence agencies had spent that enormous amount of time and energy utilized in gathering that multitude of information for Mr. Powell - used to conjoin the world against Saddam's regime - wouldn't they then continue to do so throughout the military campaign? To the point that [especially by virtue of using realtime satellite imagery] have the capability to know/pinpoint where these stocks of WMD were being hidden, housed, or moved to? ...Or did all of our surveillance efforts and equipment, used to initially gather the information sending us to war in the first place, completely shut down once the first shot was fired???... I don't think so.

Let me explain it this way:

We go to war with Iraq due to Saddam's allegedly producing WMD as the catyalst. All the while our intelligence agencies efforts are working in concert with the ground fighter's efforts, assisting them. As part of this effort they continuously monitor all of what's taking place on the ground in Iraq, thereby immediately knowing in which direction to send our troops to intercept and confiscate evidence of the WMD...right??? but, that never happened.

Instead the troops fought and fought while our intelligency agencies [I guess] had their attention diverted elsewhere. So much so, to the point that once the majority of the fighting ceased, suddenly someone jumps up and yells, "Hey, let's go find all of those WMD that got this ball rolling in the first place.", only to then futiley search, and search, and search some more, to end up finding ab-so-lute-ly nothing.

Me, persoanlly, that tells me one of two (2) things; either we are mentally and competently inferior to the Iraqis - even with all of the advanced technology at our disposal; or, the WMD never existed in the first place [at least not to the extent we were told they did] and the whole premise for going to war with Iraq was an elaborate fabrication in support of another agenda/motive.

I think a three (3) year [1,095 day] search for WMD in Iraq, or wherever they were supposed to have been moved to - especially since we were told they were so prevalent - is perfectly reasonable.

Bill1

-- February 14, 2006 6:29 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Saddam watched that, too, Bill1....

Bill1, you said:

1. Colin Powell is made to go before the international community [the U.N.] to make the case for going to war with Iraq.

2. While there, and as part of his presentation to the members, he uses elaborate charts, poster boards, and placards, etc., crystal clearly depicting the methods Saddam was using for manufacture and transport of WMD - to include satellite imagery of the supposed factories, plants, and vehicles used to produce and transport these lethal weapons - to assist him in pleading the U.S.'s case, and to solicit support for an Iraqi invasion.

His presentation was so convincing. To me, it was the defacto best sales pitch I had ever witnessed. Who "didn't" want to go to war with Iraq once Mr Powell finished speaking?!?! Not me, I was ready to kick Saddam's butt single-handed at that point!
====
Bill1;
Do you think that maybe, just maybe, Saddam and his boys ALSO watched the same presentation you did? And, perhaps, just perhaps, he thought a bit like a drug smuggler, or someone operating an illegal wine still and thought that it just might be worthwhile NOT having those things there to be found when the US went in?

Don't you think he saw the writing on the wall at that point? Put yourself in his shoes, you just watched that presentation, you know the Americans, including Bill1, are ready, willing and able to kick you into next week, and they are now going to take a week or two to get approval from Congress and then, they are coming to get you! What would you do, twiddle your thumbs? What priorities would you have as the leader of a rogue country accused of possessing WMD and being a threat to the world? What would be your number one priority.. getting rid of the evidence of WMD, maybe?

Since they just told you what facilities they are watching (down to the images of it and the coming and going of your vehicles), could you not think a little about HOW to get around that? Would you not, for instance, order the WMD vans to be gutted of any trace of WMD then leave the empty shells to be found by the US Army? (They did find the vans, but suprisingly, no evidence of WMD.. or was it suprising?)

You think it is impossile to evade the technology of today? When we build a better tank, they build and anti tank weapon. We build a better aircraft, they build a better anti-aircraft battery. War is like that. Technology is like that. There are ways to defeat technology, if you look for them. And Saddam, he was motivated and had time to look for ways to get around that technology. I think you don't give him enough credit. The man had a brain and a few friends, and lots of money. Money does get things done, you know. Ever heard of a jammer? Might be possible to jam a signal, now, mightn't it? Course, it would have to be at night.. Think if someone had that technology and approached Saddam with it at that time, that he would not have paid millions through the nose to obtain it? And Russia didn't want the invasion, did they? Opposed it, didn't they? Wonder if they had any technological advancements to share they might be willing to sell?

Remember, Saddam had at his disposal the contacts of a country, not an individual. He was head of state. You really should see it in light of how powerful these men are. It isn't like a citizen asking for help to evade another country's technology, not at all. This is the big league here, Bill1, and I think Saddam had his friends. Maybe a few of them were the plotters of 911? The ones he was going to supply once he got the WMD up to useable capacity for hitting US cities? I think they would lend him a hand, don't you? After all, it is their supply being cut off. Do you think those terrorists maybe, just maybe, had some means, some connections, some advanced technology, some money to obtain it? All that advanced stuff in technology, it often is classified, isn't it? Think there are not a few secrets being traded around the globe for money? Corruption happens..

I believe Saddam's Air Force General Sada, he moved some WMD to Syria. It is plain that would be the rational thing to do if you put yourself in Saddam's shoes. If you want to believe he played tiddly winks instead, that is your perogative. But I hope you don't think the current terrorists Bin Laden, etc, are doing so. We really ought not to think that the people Saddam was intending on supplying are now no threat. They haven't changed plans, just suppliers. If you think the current terrorists are like Saddam was (not a threat to anyone and not pursuing WMD to destroy America, peaceful), and if you think that Saddam is the first and brand new threat on the block, you ought to read this article:
http://www.steadfastpatriots.com/america_needs_to_wake_up.html

Sara.

-- February 15, 2006 12:03 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Good points Sara, and well taken.

It's safe to say we hold differing opinions on the subject...

Reading your post it sounds as if "Saddam and his boys" may indeed rate higher marks in the field of espionage and deception than we do. All that you mention has me wondering too, just how asleep at the wheel we truly are. Which, again, causes me to look at the quality of the intel used to wage war on Iraq.

As far as I know, there's no such thing as the perfect crime, especially one as dynamic as attempting to cover your tracks and remove all traces of the existance of mass quantities of WMD in a relatively short period of time. And, again, all of this was supposed to be accomplished in some sort of vacuum, whereby our Intelligence Analysts never saw it coming. ...we can't be that pathetic, can we?

To play the "what if" game, "Who's to say that we weren't baited into going into Iraq?", if we're going to entertain giving them credit for being smarter than we are???...

I believe Afghanistan was a great move on our part, and a painful blow to terrorist basing themselves in and launching operations from the Middle East. It sent a clear message to the world that the Sleeping Giant has once again been awakened. But, IMO, going into Iraq as half-azzed as we did - bad intel aside - [attempting to save a dime on the front end, by not sending in enough troops to thoroughly get the job done - only to end up paying as dearly as we have on the back end in the terms of casualities on both sides; as well as other set backs] was NOT an intelligent, well thoughtout, initiative on the part of the leadership in this country.

I believe too, it was our people that coined the phrase "Bad Intel", as if it were irrelivant, and something to simply be shrugged off.

JMO,

Bill1

-- February 15, 2006 3:35 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

EXCLUSIVE: The Secret Tapes --Inside Saddam's Palace

ABC News Obtains 12 Hours of Recordings of Saddam Hussein Meeting With Top Aides
By BRIAN ROSS and RHONDA SCHWARTZ

Feb. 15, 2006 — ABC News has obtained 12 hours of tape recordings of Saddam Hussein meeting with top aides during the 1990s, tapes apparently recorded in Baghdad's version of the Oval Office.

Also at the meeting was Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, who said Iraq was being wrongly accused of terrorism. "Sir, the biological is very easy to make. It's so simple that any biologist can make a bottle of germs and drop it into a water tower and kill 100,000. This is not done by a state. No need to accuse a state. An individual can do it."

The tapes also reveal Iraq 's persistent efforts to hide information about weapons of mass destruction programs from U.N. inspectors well into the 1990s. In one pivotal tape-recorded meeting, which occurred in late April or May of 1995, Saddam and his senior aides discuss the fact that U.N. inspectors had uncovered evidence of Iraq's biological weapons program—a program whose existence Iraq had previously denied.

At one point Hussein Kamel, Saddam's son-in-law and the man who was in charge of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction efforts can be heard on the tapes, speaking openly about hiding information from the U.N.

"We did not reveal all that we have," Kamel says in the meeting. "Not the type of weapons, not the volume of the materials we imported, not the volume of the production we told them about, not the volume of use. None of this was correct." Shortly after this meeting, in August 1995, Hussein Kamel defected to Jordan, and Iraq was forced to admit that it had concealed its biological weapons program. (Kamel returned to Iraq in February 1996 and was killed in a firefight with Iraqi security forces.)

Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, says the tapes are authentic and show that "Saddam had a fixation on weapons of mass destruction and he had a fixation on hiding what he was doing from the U.N. inspectors." Hoeckstra says there are more than 35,000 boxes of such tapes and documents that the U.S. government has not analyzed nor made public that should also be translated and studied on an urgent basis.

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Investigation/story?id=1616996

-- February 15, 2006 9:43 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

My last post was never published on this site. Maybe some of you are running into the same thing as the posts have dropped off considerably the last few days.

Most everything appears to be fairly quiet around the world at this time, but IMO the pot is boiling on several fronts and could erupt into a catastrophy at any time. Pres Bush has an awesome responsibility attempting to cope with all the hot spots, especially with the press and the liberals disecting his every word and action and criticizing it. I certainly do not envy his position.

I did not endorse our venture into Iraq as I knew it would be a quagmire trying to flush terrorists out of the populace especially with many of the people were sympathetic with the terrorists. Now that we are there, we have to achieve some objective and leave at some time with honor. I would feel a lot better about our commitment there is I thought anything would come of it which would benefit our Country (to the victor goes the spoils philosophy).

When you advocate Isolationism, everyone thinks that you are advocating total and absolute isolation. Shurly there is some modified version of isolation that we can use whereby we can continue to trade, continue to be friends, continue to tour their countries but not open our borders where every derilect, criminal and terrorist can come in. NAFTA,
CAFTA and any other free-trade agreement which allows other countries to cross our border indiscriminately is idiotic.

The USA at present cannot be distroyed from without but it appears that we are suffering considerable damage from within.

Carl: I get nervious when I don't see a post from you every day or two.

BOB

-- February 15, 2006 10:02 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Secret Tapes Show Saddam's Son-in-Law Admitted WMD Deception

In Recording, Iraqi Dictator Is Briefed on Efforts to Hide Weapons Programs

SADDAM HUSSEIN: Lieutenant General Hussein

HUSSEIN KAMEL: Thank you, sir.

Sir, I would not be speaking so openly if it were not for your excellency's and Mr. Tariq's clarification and statement that we produced biological weapons.

We did not reveal all that we have.

Secondly, they don't know about our work in the domain of missiles.

With regard to the issue of the chemical, sir, ... In the chemical, sir, they have a problem far bigger than the biological, bigger than the biological.

Not the type of the weapons, not the volume of the materials we imported, not the volume of the production we told them about, not the volume of use. None of this was correct. They don't know any of this. We did not reveal the volume of the chemical weapons that we had produced. We did not reveal the type of the chemical weapons. We did not reveal the truth about the volume of the imported materials.

In the nuclear, sir, in the biological, we also disagree with them.

As for the nuclear, we say we have disclosed everything but no. We have undeclared problems in nuclear as well, and I believe that they know. There are teams working with no one knowing about some of them.

I go back to the question of whether we should reveal everything or continue to be silent... I would say it is in our interest not to reveal. Not just out of fear of disclosing the technology we achieved, or to hide it for future work...

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Investigation/story?id=1623307&page=1

-- February 15, 2006 10:05 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

My last post was never published on this site. Maybe some of you are running into the same thing as the posts have dropped off considerably the last few days.

Most everything appears to be fairly quiet around the world at this time, but IMO the pot is boiling on several fronts and could erupt into a catastrophy at any time. Pres Bush has an awesome responsibility attempting to cope with all the hot spots, especially with the press and the liberals disecting his every word and action and criticizing it. I certainly do not envy his position.

I did not endorse our venture into Iraq as I knew it would be a quagmire trying to flush terrorists out of the populace especially with many of the people were sympathetic with the terrorists. Now that we are there, we have to achieve some objective and leave at some time with honor. I would feel a lot better about our commitment there is I thought anything would come of it which would benefit our Country (to the victor goes the spoils philosophy).

When you advocate Isolationism, everyone thinks that you are advocating total and absolute isolation. Shurly there is some modified version of isolation that we can use whereby we can continue to trade, continue to be friends, continue to tour their countries but not open our borders where every derilect, criminal and terrorist can come in. NAFTA,
CAFTA and any other free-trade agreement which allows other countries to cross our border indiscriminately is idiotic.

The USA at present cannot be distroyed from without but it appears that we are suffering considerable damage from within.

Carl: I get nervious when I don't see a post from you every day or two.

BOB

-- February 15, 2006 10:05 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bob;

Sometimes when I post it says that the site admin will look over the post and maybe post it. Well, I know he gets tons of email and likely doesn't get through it all, so I just repost trying to change the wording so the filter does not stop it going through.

One time I redid a paragraph about 20 times until I realized it would let me say it was wrong to gamble with people's lives, but never put ING on the end of that word gamble or the filter will stop your post.

If you don't see your post go on the board immediately, try again removing words it might be picking up in the filter. It also appears to rarely take more than one url in a post at a time. I break the posts into shorter ones when it contains more than one url and try to post them one after the other for ease of reading. Just my suggestions.

As for Carl, he will be back to the keyboard in a few days, I know he is out of touch for a bit.

Sara.

-- February 15, 2006 10:13 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Quote:

One of the most dramatic moments in the 12 hours of recordings comes when Saddam predicts — during a meeting in the mid 1990s — a terrorist attack on the United States. "Terrorism is coming. I told the Americans a long time before August 2 and told the British as well … that in the future there will be terrorism with weapons of mass destruction." Saddam goes on to say such attacks would be difficult to stop. "In the future, what would prevent a booby-trapped car causing a nuclear explosion in Washington or a germ or a chemical one?"

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Investigation/story?id=1616996

Hmmm.. Saddam says that he TOLD the Americans and British that terrorism is coming to them with WMD. How exactly would you have taken those words from his lips.. what would you have taken as his meaning? I think I would have thought, myself, that he is certainly in touch with those terrorists plotting this against Britain and America... for him to be in the know about what the terrorists were plotting, wouldn't you? GW Bush saw that Saddam was going to supply them with the weapons of mass destruction (see article above of testimony about what they already had and were hiding according to Saddam's son-in-law) and the President moved preemptively to prevent this catastrophe happening on American soil, to protect American lives.

Sara.

-- February 15, 2006 11:39 PM ∞

mach1 wrote:

Dear all,

I have to say the information is quite brilliant in places !

However,

I feel like the vast majority of people on here don't and never will Invest in the Iraqi Dinar.

Why go on about what a shocking Invest you think it is ?

The point is everyone with half a Brain, Understands the Risks involved.

We are prepaired to take that risk because the pay off has a great deal of financial reward should it all workout.

I have personally placed this in the "High risk" part of my Investment plan.

If it comes off ? I stand to get very very rich !

If it doesn't ?

So what ! I took the chance with my eyes wide open !

Some of you slag the Dinar off so that you can Sleep easy at Night.

You are the kind of People that still think the World is flat !

I'm not saying there isn't a place for your kind !

But please don't spend your Time slating people who dared to have a Dream that who know's in 5/10 Years may or may not pay off.

But if it does ?

Then what will you say ?

Stand up and be counted instead of hiding in the shadows ?

If you always do what you've always done ! You will always get what you've always got.

See you at the Top !

-- February 16, 2006 12:42 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

The Stakes are very high...

Bill1;

Thanks that you see and took my points as given. And yes, it is safe to say we are on opposite sides of the issue but that we are both interested in the same thing, what is good for the USA.

You said:
"As far as I know, there's no such thing as the perfect crime, especially one as dynamic as attempting to cover your tracks and remove all traces of the existance of mass quantities of WMD in a relatively short period of time. And, again, all of this was supposed to be accomplished in some sort of vacuum, whereby our Intelligence Analysts never saw it coming. ...we can't be that pathetic, can we?"

I don't know if I see it quite in the light of a common CRIME, because that happens one day when someone does something then attempts to cover their tracks, or plans it a week in advance, at best. But this was an ongoing secret program being carried on by a government, an ongoing top level clearance government job, not a common crime done by a thug.

The son in law of Saddam said that they were hiding the WMD and had not revealed about it to the inspectors in the transcripts from the Saddam tapes. The FACT is that they had a hidden WMD program which the UN inspectors had not found at that time after all their inspections - so it was very well hidden, wasn't it? Wherever they hid them, they did a very good job, if the extensive UN inspections which were conducted looking for them mean anything (and if the inspections don't count for anything, why did we rely on them at all?). Note he says that they (the US, etc) HAVE a problem which is bigger than the biological in the chemical weapons that Iraq possessed at the time this tape was made. That means they HAD such weapons THEN and were not revealing them to the UN inspections at that time:

"IN THE CHEMICAL, sir, THEY HAVE A PROBLEM far bigger than the biological, bigger than the biological. We did not reveal the volume of the chemical weapons that we had produced. We did not reveal the type of the chemical weapons. We did not reveal the truth about the volume of the imported materials."

Where are those weapons he refers to here located now? At the end of the transcript he says he wishes to keep things secret and not reveal them.. note two reasons which go into his thinking, " I would say it is in our interest not to reveal. Not just out of fear of disclosing the technology we achieved, or to hide it for future work..." They are HIDING IT FOR FUTURE WORK. This was an ongoing hidden program by the government of Iraq, not an illegal still in the back of some guy's home.

His reference to nuclear weapons was also disturbing, since he did not say they did not have a nuclear program going on but said: "As for the NUCLEAR, WE SAY WE HAVE DISCLOSED EVERYTHING BUT NO. We have undeclared problems in nuclear as well, and I believe that they know. There are teams working with no one knowing about some of them."

That does not sound to me like they had nothing going on in the way of nuclear weapons. How do you read it?

I think the US acted prudently on the knowledge it had, and the intelligence it had gathered. We are not dealing with common criminals, we are not dealing with common concerns, nor common weapons. Nukes and WMD are very heavy duty and weighty affairs. I am glad the US government did not fumble this one and leave it to the next administration (which likely would have been AFTER a non-conventional attack occurred on US soil). To read these transcripts, and then picture how you would have acted, well.. would we be here today just the same if you had called the shots? Would you have waited, knowing these things which are revealed from these tapes? Knowing Saddam said there would be a WMD attack on US soil...

Quote:
"One of the most dramatic moments in the 12 hours of recordings comes when Saddam predicts — during a meeting in the mid 1990s — a terrorist attack on the United States. "Terrorism is coming. I told the Americans a long time before August 2 and told the British as well … that in the future there will be terrorism with weapons of mass destruction.""

And how do you think Saddam said those words? With concern for the welfare of the American people, or more with the attitude of "you are going to get what we want you to get, and we will be supplying these people with the weapons soon"? What about the duty to uphold and protect the people of the US from attack? Would you have felt you could just let this threat go and not act?

How would you have taken being TOLD that there would be WMD attacks on US targets by Saddam? Add to it the tape transcript of the discussion with Saddam amongst his top aides by Saddam's son in law, and I think we have a legitimate case for war. One that WAS WARRANTED. I never expected them to find the WMD, just to stop the programs by deposing Saddam, myself. I didn't think it possible to find the secret facilities the UN inspectors missed. (If someone took over the US, I expect their secret facilities would not be found, either.) Maybe you think I give those in charge of the secretive facilities and programs in government too much credit, but I think in this case, Saddam's intelligence counterparts were not given enough.

Sara.

-- February 18, 2006 11:00 AM ∞

Ziarian wrote:

Read thir Article Carefully.

Iraq is about to Issue new Regulations for Organizing the Work of Exchange Offices and the need of the Iraqi economy to increase the value of the iraqi dinar.

The bank pointed out that it has assigned a committee of financial and banking experts for preparing this law, which totally differs from the old ones, which intended to imposing limitations on such companies and linking them to entities that benefit certain figures and close entities to the former regime. It clarified that the central bank is continuing in offering licenses for exchange companies and offices, which have currently reached more than 930 offices and companies all over Iraq, in addition to the old offices that were granted licenses during the period before the fall of the bygone regime.

He pointed out that among the most significant changes in the new regulations are the reduction of the percentage of security paid by the exchange companies and offices to the bank, which were estimated on basis of the total capital. In the past, it was paid as 40-60% of the capital as security and has currently reached 20% of the capital.

For the purpose of developing the reality of these companies, the bank stressed the necessity of offering anything that might encourage their works, including allowing these companies and offices to enter the official auction for selling currencies, which is held on a daily basis at the bank headquarters after they used to enter or get the hard currencies through governmental and private banks, after deducting 1-2% of the bid as benefits.

It confirmed that on the short and long run the bank is seeking to create a developed banking system that does not depend on the state in any form, including securing hard currencies, as such a role can never be given to the central bank. The private bank could have done that under the supervision of the central bank, but the current conditions in the country and the need of the Iraqi economy to increase the value of the iraqi dinar have forced the bank to achieve balance in the market and increase the value of the iraq dinar until the security and economic conditions stabilize and Iraq gradually turns to the free market system.

On the other hand, the finance ministry has announced reductions on the taxes on industrial projects to 30% of the total of the achieved benefits for each industrial project in Iraq, for the purpose of improving the reality of local industries, especially as they are currently suffering from severe problems that led to their suspension and their inability to compete with the imported goods that invaded the markets at low prices. Taxes are calculated on basis of the net profits of the projects after studying the fees that would be imposed on the industrial machines and equipments, so that the private sector can compete with the foreign industries with regard to quality and price.

-- February 18, 2006 1:29 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Interesting Ziarian, did you read this report?

http://www.export.gov/iraq/pdf/imf_report_0805.pdf

Exerpt from this IMF report on Page 20, (second sentence, quote below) mentions that real appreciation of the Dinar exchange rate may be the inevitable consequence of reconstruction and economic spending..

Quote:
The CBI has been considering the advantages and disadvantages of moving to a
more flexible exchange rate system. It was noted that the fixed exchange has not ensured
price stability, though it was accepted that some real appreciation of the exchange rate may
be the inevitable consequence of reconstruction spending and economic recovery (Figure 1).
The staff cautioned the authorities against premature abandonment of the peg, and noted that
if the authorities were to decide to depart from the existing de facto peg, they would need to
develop an alternative nominal anchor to guide monetary policy, so as to maintain price
stability. A flexible exchange rate regime would also imply a need for (i) an appropriate
intervention and reserve management policy, (ii) the development of a true foreign exchange
market, and (iii) a strengthened capacity of commercial banks and companies to manage
exchange risk.

Sara.

-- February 19, 2006 12:00 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Saddam Translator: ABC Reinterpreted Tapes
Friday, Feb. 17, 2006 12:51 p.m. EST

The FBI translator who supplied the 12 hours of Saddam Hussein audiotapes excerpted by ABC's "Nightline" Wednesday night now says the network discarded his translations and went with a less threatening version of the Iraqi dictator's comments.

In the "Nightline" version of the 1996 recording, Saddam predicts that Washington, D.C., would be hit by terrorists. But he adds that Iraq would have nothing to do with the attack.

Tierney says, however, that what Saddam actually said was much more sinister. "He was discussing his intent to use chemical weapons against the United States and use proxies so it could not be traced back to Iraq," he told Hannity.

In a passage not used by "Nightline," Tierney says Saddam declares: "Terrorism is coming. ... In the future there will be terrorism with weapons of mass destruction. What if we consider this technique, with smuggling?"

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/2/17/125334.shtml

-- February 19, 2006 10:09 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Ex-Official: Russia Moved Saddam's WMD
Kenneth R. Timmerman
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006

A top Pentagon official who was responsible for tracking Saddam Hussein's weapons programs before and after the 2003 liberation of Iraq, has provided the first-ever account of how Saddam Hussein "cleaned up" his weapons of mass destruction stockpiles to prevent the United States from discovering them.

"The short answer to the question of where the WMD Saddam bought from the Russians went was that they went to Syria and Lebanon," former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense John. A. Shaw told an audience Saturday at a privately sponsored "Intelligence Summit" in Alexandria, Va. (www.intelligencesummit.org)

"They were moved by Russian Spetsnaz (special forces) units out of uniform, that were specifically sent to Iraq to move the weaponry and eradicate any evidence of its existence," he said.

Shaw has dealt with weapons-related issues and export controls as a U.S. government official for 30 years, and was serving as deputy undersecretary of defense for international technology security when the events he described today occurred.

He called the evacuation of Saddam's WMD stockpiles "a well-orchestrated campaign using two neighboring client states with which the Russian leadership had a long time security relationship."

But when Shaw passed on his information to the Defense Intelligence Agency and others within the U.S. intelligence community, he was stunned by their response.

"My report on the convoys was brushed off as ‘Israeli disinformation,'" he said.

One month later, Shaw learned that the DIA general counsel complained to his own superiors that Shaw had eaten from the DIA "rice bowl." It was a Washington euphemism that meant he had commited the unpardonable sin of violating another agency's turf.

The CIA responded in even more diabolical fashion. "They trashed one of my Brits and tried to declare him persona non grata to the intelligence community," Shaw said. "We got constant indicators that Langley was aggressively trying to discredit both my Ukranian American and me in Kiev," in addition to his other sources.

In the end, here is what Shaw learned:

- In December 2002, former Russian intelligence chief Yevgeni Primakov, a KGB general with long-standing ties to Saddam, came to Iraq and stayed until just before the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003;

- Primakov supervised the execution of long-standing secret agreements, signed between Iraqi intelligence and the Russian GRU (military intelligence), that provided for clean-up operations to be conducted by Russian and Iraqi military personnel to remove WMDs, production materials and technical documentation from Iraq, so the regime could announce that Iraq was "WMD free."

- Shaw said that this type GRU operation, known as "Sarandar," or "emergency exit," has long been familiar to U.S. intelligence officials from Soviet-bloc defectors as standard GRU practice;

- In addition to the truck convoys, which carried Iraqi WMD to Syria and Lebanon in February and March 2003 "two Russian ships set sail from the (Iraqi) port of Umm Qasr headed for the Indian Ocean," where Shaw believes they "deep-sixed" additional stockpiles of Iraqi WMD from flooded bunkers in southern Iraq that were later discovered by U.S. military intelligence personnel;

- The Russian "clean-up" operation was entrusted to a combination of GRU and Spetsnaz troops and Russian military and civilian personnel in Iraq "under the command of two experienced ex-Soviet generals, Colonel-General Vladislav Achatov and Colonel-General Igor Maltsev, both retired and psing as civilian commercial consultants."

- Washington Times reporter Bill Gertz reported on Oct. 30, 2004, that Achatov and Maltsev had been photographed receiving medals from Iraqi Defense Minister Sultan Hashim Ahmed in a Baghdad building bombed by U.S. cruise missiles during the first U.S. air raids in early March 2003.

- Shaw says he leaked the information about the two Russian generals and the clean-up operation to Gertz in October 2004 in an effort to "push back" against claims by Democrats that were orchestrated with CBS News to embarrass President Bush just one week before the November 2004 presidential election. The press sprang bogus claims that 377 tons of high explosives of use to Iraq's nuclear weapons program had "gone missing" after the U.S.-led liberation of Iraq, while ignoring intelligence of the Russian-orchestrated evacuation of Iraqi WMDs;

- The two Russian generals "had visited Baghdad no fewer than 20 times in the preceding five to six years," Shaw revealed. U.S. intelligence knew "the identity and strength of the various Spetsnaz units, their dates of entry and exit in Iraq, and the fact that the effort (to clean up Iraq's WMD stockpiles) with a planning conference in Baku from which they flew to Baghdad."

- The Baku conference, chaired by Russian Minister of Emergency Situations Sergei Shoigu, "laid out the plans for the Sarandar clean-up effort so that Shoigu could leave after the keynote speech for Baghdad to orchestrate the planning for the disposal of the WMD."

- Subsequent intelligence reports showed that Russian Spetsnaz operatives "were now changing to civilian clothes from military/GRU garb," Shaw said. "The Russian denial of my revelations in late October 2004 included the statement that "only Russian civilians remained in Baghdad." That was the "only true statement" the Russians made, Shaw ironized.
The evacuation of Saddam's WMD to Syria and Lebanon "was an entirely controlled Russian GRU operation," Shaw said. "It was the brainchild of General Yevgenuy Primakov."

The goal of the clean-up was "to erase all trace of Russian involvement" in Saddam's WMD programs, and "was a masterpiece of military camouflage and deception."

Just as astonishing as the Russian clean-up operation were efforts by Bush administration appointees, including Defense Department spokesman Laurence DiRita, to smear Shaw and to cover up the intelligence information he brought to light.

Shaw suggested that the answer of why the Bush administration had systematically "ignored Russia's involvement" in evacuating Saddam's WMD stockpiles "could be much bigger than anyone has thought," but declined to speculate what exactly was involved.

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas McInerney was less reticent. He thought the reason was Iran.

"With Iran moving faster than anyone thought in its nuclear programs," he told NewsMax, "the administration needed the Russians, the Chinese and the French, and was not interested in information that would make them look bad."

McInerney agreed that there was "clear evidence" that Saddam had WMD. "Jack Shaw showed when it left Iraq, and how."

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2006/2/18/233023.shtml?s=lh

-- February 19, 2006 10:25 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

The Saddam Tapes and the Intelligence Summit
February 18, 2006

The Intelligence Summit, a "non-partisan, non-profit, educational forum", is taking place this weekend in the Washington, D.C. environs. Another blogger, Kobayashi Maru, is there and I just spoke with him on the phone. He had some highlights from this morning's speaker, John Tierney, who discussed the tapes of Saddam Hussein recently released to ABC, and subject of a story on Nightline.

Here are some points Tierney made this morning. Take from them what you will:

-Only 4% of the tapes have been analyzed

-The tapes contain the voices of senior Iraqi scientists, meeting with Saddam. Many of these scientists' identities were completely unknown to UNSCOM. Tierney implied that they were being hidden and were never interviewed in the search for WMD in Iraq.

-References are made on the tapes to "plasma programs" of some kind, which Tierney took to mean that Iraq was attempting to manufacture hydrogen bombs first, rather than more simple nukes.

-It is clear from Saddam's tone of voice, and his laughter on the tapes, that he was supremely confident that he had UNSCOM completely running around in circles and utterly confused insitutionally as to what he was actually doing. Other speakers in the tapes share the same view.

-Tariq Aziz is not just a diplomat at arm's length on the tapes, but is very highly valued by Saddam. At one point, Saddam tells him that when they win the fight against the Americans, Aziz will write the book about it.

-Many speakers on the tape punctuate their remarks with references to Allah, God's will, etc etc. Tierney points out that Saddam never stops them, corrects them, or discourages them from using such pious language. This may be meaningless, as such expressions are common in the Arab world. But they seem to speak to the notion that Saddam would never cooperate with Islamists.

-Tierney implies that in one portion of the tape, Tariq Aziz makes the case that a biological weapons attack would be more difficult to blame on Iraq than a nuclear attack. Tierney then mentions that the anthrax attacks in 2001 were in some part blamed on personnel at Fort Detrick.

-Another speaker, former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense Jack Shaw, has restated his case that the Russians helped move Iraqi WMD materials to Syria, and have even helped move some of them back to Iraq, and that many places in Iraq where they might be have still not been thoroughly investigated. He makes the case that the US wants to keep a lid on this in exchange for Russian cooperation with Iran in the future. Shaw also implies that some of these allegations have been corroborated by Ukrainian intelligence agencies.

So that's some highlights from today at the Intelligence Summit. Looks like quite a number of different backgrounds and viewpoints are present.

http://www.theadventuresofchester.com/archives/2006/02/the_saddam_tape.html

-- February 19, 2006 10:39 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Ex-Official: Russia Moved Saddam's WMD
Kenneth R. Timmerman
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006

Former Undersecretary of Defense Richard Perle, a strong supporter of the war against Saddam, blasted the CIA for orchestrating a smear campaign against the Bush White House and the war in Iraq.

"The CIA has been at war with the Bush administration almost from the beginning," he said in a keynote speech at the Intelligence Summit on Saturday.

Even more inexplicable, Perle said, were the millions of documents "that remain untranslated" among those seized from Saddam Hussein's intelligence services.

"I think the intelligence community does not want them to be exploited," he said.

Among those documents, presented Saturday at the conference by former FBI translator Bill Tierney, were transcripts of Saddam's palace conversations with top aides in which he discussed ongoing nuclear weapons plans in 2000, well after the U.N. arms inspectors believed he had ceased all nuclear weapons work.

"What was most disturbing in those tapes," Tierney said, "was the fact that the individuals briefing Saddam were totally unknown to the U.N. Special Commission."

In addition, Tierney said, the plasma uranium programs Saddam discussed with his aids as ongoing operations in 2000 had been dismissed as "old programs" disbanded years earlier, according to the final CIA report on Iraq's weapons programs, presented in 2004 by the Iraq Survey Group.

"When I first heard those tapes" about the uranium plasma program, "it completely floored me," Tierney said.

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2006/2/18/233023.shtml?s=lh

-- February 19, 2006 2:47 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

CIA Yawns at Unexamined Saddam Tapes

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006 10:25 a.m. EST

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/2/16/102806.shtml

-- February 20, 2006 8:56 AM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara:

Something has gone awray on this site. I have made two more posts which have not appeared on this site. I am going to go to great lengths this time to insure that my post gets published.

I have never questioned the patriotism of anyone on this site as I believe that we are all pulling in the same direction even though some of us have different ideas on how to get there.

The Democrate and Republicans, the liberals and conservatives all want what is best for the USA but we cannot agree on the best course to achieve this. So, when we disagree, let's recognize that there are different ways of achieving a goal.

My personal opinion is that we should not go into total and absolute isolationism, but to back off a little and let the countries that are most at risk to get involved at least, a little. We rush in and take total responsibllity for a situation which is 8,000 miles from our shores and claim that we are keeping the conflict from our homeland.

This is great rhetoric and stirs the masses, but how much is reality. I back Mr. Bush as much as I can and I back the USA everytime that I can, but common sense makes me stop and think occasionally, are we on the right course?

There is limit as to how many fronts a country can become involved in and how many people it can help before it can no longer muster the finances and resources to sponson its involvement. To crank those printing presses up may be the answer.

-- February 20, 2006 11:23 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Democrats try to quash troops' terror-war ads
See video of spot rejected by TV station because it criticizes mainstream media
---------------------
Posted: February 21, 2006
1:00 a.m. Eastern

Democrats have launched a campaign against television ads featuring U.S. servicemen and families of slain troops who support the war in Iraq, calling the spots false and "un-American."

The first of two ads, which are being tested in Minnesota, was rejected by St. Paul station KSTP because it criticizes the mainstream media. It includes Staff Sgt. Marcellus Wilks of Iowa, Capt. Mark Weber of Iowa and Lt. Col. Bob Stephenson of Minnesota.

In the 60-second spot, which can be viewed here:

http://www.midwestheroes.com/docs/video/

, Stephenson, a Marine reservist, says:

"You'd never know it from the news reports, but our enemy in Iraq is al-Qaida, the same terrorists who killed 3,000 Americans on 9-11, the same terrorists from the first World Trade Center bombing, the USS Cole, Madrid, London and many more."

Stephenson, who spent five months in Iraq, said in an interview the ad is a chance to show the other side, as Americans hear mostly about death tolls, security problems and other negative aspects of war, the Associated Press reported.

"The mainstream media has a message about the war in Iraq that perhaps isn't shared by a lot of people involved in the military," he said. "Some folks that haven't had a different perspective on the war on terror will have this perspective added to the mix."

The ads were funded by the Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group Progress for America, which says it's comitted to "forcing the media to report the facts about President Bush's commonsense conservative agenda" and "setting the record straight about liberal groups like Moveon.org, AARP & the unions."

The newest ad features Merrilee Carlson of St. Paul, whose son Michael was killed in Iraq last year. This past Memorial Day, the Wall Street Journal published her son's "credo," titled "An American Soldier."

Michael Carlson wrote:

"When I am on my deathbed, what am I going to look back on? Will it be thirty years of fighting crime and protecting the country of all enemies, foreign and domestic? I want my life to account for something. ... I only have so much time. I want to be good at life; I want to be known as the best of the best at my job. I want people to need me, to count on me. ... I want to fight for something, be part of something that is greater than myself. I want to be a soldier. ... "

Carlson, 22, was killed on a mission to take out two bomb-making factories.

His mother says in the ad:

"We are privileged to have men and women serving in the military who are willing to give their lives, their time, and their energy to preserve, protect and defend our freedom.

"We can't leave this work undone in Iraq. We can all argue about how we might have gotten there. But we're there and we need to see it through. ... I suppose we could have taken the beaches at Normandy and then decided it was too expensive or too difficult to keep going. I wonder what the world would look like today."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48913

-- February 21, 2006 10:41 AM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Sara,

Great post, great message on those commercials too. There is no doubt we only get the bad news. The lead each night is how many died in a car bomb taht day with no mention of how many hospitals, schools, water treament plants, markets, or parks for children have been opened or are progressing. There is progress is Iraq - but the question still remaining to be answered is - Will freedom take root and grow without our future presence in Iraq or will the bonds of radical Islam and basic governmental corruption quench the infant flames of liberty?

Time will tell on that, but as for now we are doing all we can to give freedom a chance to be birthed in a place it has never been before. For that I am very proud to be an American.

For all you T&B IQD bloggers...What is your opinion on this question?

Where do you project the Middle East region to be in terms of stablility and development or lack thereof one year from today?

I would love to hear predictions and see who is right in one year.

Surfs up in Socal - late!

T-

-- February 21, 2006 11:30 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Mad mullahs issue fatwa to use nuclear weapons
Posted: February 21, 2006

An Iranian fatwa (holy edict) permitting the use of nuclear weapons has been issued for the first time. Mohsen Gharavian, a disciple of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, has stated that using nuclear weapons as a counter-measure is acceptable in terms of sharia (Islamic law), depending upon the goal for which the weapons are used.

Up until now, the religious leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran have publicly declared that the use of nuclear weapons are opposed to sharia, maintaining this position to buttress the argument that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

With Iran's President Ahmadinejad openly declaring that Israel must be wiped from the map of the Middle East, we are compelled to ask if Gharavian would consider killing Israeli Jews to be a purpose that sharia would consider acceptable for the use of nuclear weapons?

This fatwa marks a clear signal that the ultra-conservative spiritual leaders in Iran are in full control. Gharavian's fatwa was published by the IraNews news agency, suggesting that the statement had the official blessing of the Iranian regime. Iran has openly defied the world diplomatic community by deciding unilaterally to resume uranium processing at Isfahan and uranium enriching at Natanz. Now, the Mesbah Yazdi group has given the first public statement that the use of nuclear weapons is authorized on religious grounds, a further defiant step on the road toward Iran's open proclamation that the regime is pursuing nuclear weapons, not simply the peaceful use of nuclear power.

Iran has also begun suggesting that the Russian proposal to enrich uranium on Russian soil, possibly with the assistance of an international consortium pledging to provide enriched uranium to Iran will be acceptable, as long as Iran can also continue enriching uranium on Iranian soil. What reason does the world community have to believe that Iran will only enrich a small amount of uranium when Iran has consistently violated agreements with the IAEA?

With Iran and Hamas both declaring that Israel has no legitimate reason to survive and with diplomacy failing to contain the Iranian nuclear program, increasingly the military option is the only option left with any promise of stopping Iran from having nuclear weapons that the mullahs now declare can be used in accordance with Islamic law.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48925

-- February 21, 2006 12:49 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Not to mention the economic threat...

Iran is also rushing to conclude with China a $100 billion deal that will allow a Chinese government-controlled oil company to develop the vast oil and natural-gas holdings in Iran's Yadavaran field. The goal is to complete the deal before a U.S.-led motion might cause the Security Council to consider imposing additional sanctions on Iran for violations in their nuclear program.

Iran will hold in euros foreign currency reserves from the sale of oil and natural gas to China. With China's increasing dependency upon Iran for energy resources, the Iranians have suggested that China should diversify into euros a greater portion of their nearly $1 trillion in foreign currency reserves. With approximately 75 percent of China's foreign currency reserves currently held in dollars, a move by the Chinese to the euro could depress the value of the dollar, making more costly the U.S. Treasury's need to sell massive debt into the international markets to maintain our large and growing twin trade and budget deficits.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48925

-- February 21, 2006 1:13 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Terrance. It seemed a nice break from the regular fare to me, too, that story and commercials.

You asked for opinions about where the Middle East is headed, it will, in my opinion, end up with peace, liberty and freedom. The road there may be rocky, but the eventual end is sure. That is because we are seeing the death throes of the religion of Islam. It may be violent, but it is nevertheless death throes. When given the choice to serve that blood stained religion or a religion of peace under Isa, Middle Easterners are choosing with their feet to choose the religion of peace. I expect that will continue and overwhelm the Islamists. Short quote from:

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48926

I thought you might be ready for some encouraging words about Islam and its deadly branch, radical Islamism. So here it is:

The whole religion is heading toward collapse.

Actually, it's crumbling already. Take, for example, two hardcore Muslim countries, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Since 1997, by our count, 522,000 Bangladeshi Muslims have turned to Isa, the No. 2 Islamic prophet we know as Jesus. This is often a difficult step to take in a highly repressive Muslim culture. Currently, about 10,000 a month in Bangladesh are becoming Christians. That doesn't sound like a lot in a nation of 144 million, but it's a rising number, multiplying geometrically.

Also: Just in the last year, 500,000 Pakistani Muslims have recognized Isa as Lord and become His followers. Some 240,000 of them made decisions for Him in only three days of a crusade in Lahore, the capital, in November. (In fact, the government agency that officially counts crowds stated that it wasn't 240,000, but 300,000!) Again, half a million is not an impressive proportion of a nation of 162 million, but hey, that's in just one year!

If you lack a reference point for these numbers, consider that until now, three or four Muslim converts a year was par for the course for most missionaries.

====

Terrance, if this continues, and it will.. the region will choose peace over the sword of Islam, and Islam will be defeated by allowing the Middle Eastern people their God-given right to have freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, and freedom of uncoerced choice.

It will mean that those who inherit the earth will not be the violent Islamic extremists, but the meek who delight themselves in peace which comes with true freedom.

Psa 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Jesus perfectly exemplifies meekness for He said He is meek and lowly in heart, and gives peace to the souls of all who come to Him, which is why so many are turning from Islam to Him:

Mat 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Sara.

-- February 21, 2006 5:36 PM ∞

ryan wrote:

DOES ANYONE THINK THE DINAR MIGHT PEG THIS YEAR. I KNOW ITS A LONG TERM INVESTMENT BUT WITH THE ECONOMY GROWING TOWARDS 10% THIS YEAR. WHAT DOES EVERYONE THINK??

-- February 21, 2006 6:33 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Possibly a soon Revaluation? This year?

Ryan;

One of the most hopeful signs of a soon RV is the fact that there are new listings of the Dinar on the FOREX, that is, the foreign exchange. Here YAHOO is now readying to see trade on the forex for Dinar:

http://quote.yahoo.com/m5?a=1&s=USD&t=IQD

Also new listings of forex with Dinar on them here:

http://www.marketcenter.com/futures/overview.action?sym=IQD+A0-FX

-- February 21, 2006 8:16 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

And these:
http://www.bmo.com/economic/regular/fxrates.html
http://www.marketcenter.com/futures/chart.action?s=EURIQD+A0-FX

-- February 21, 2006 8:18 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

And these:

http://www.fxtrek.com/quickquote/?symbol=USD/IQN
http://www.fxstreet.com/nou/graph/senseframesquotesnetdania.asp?pv_symbol=USDIQD

-- February 21, 2006 8:20 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

These are places just listed.. newly, recently.. the Iraqi Dinar on their spot prices, still on hold (note there is no chart available on the yahoo site one), but we are awaiting the opening of the spot trading now.

A tidbit which I learned from reading sites is this. In order for the IQN to be on the "spot market" which is what advn is saying (http://www.advfn.com and these sites, too) it has to be on the interbank market also. The interbank market is is where we want to be!! It is good news for us, though the spot market is where we trade. Here is why:

Already Trading Interbank

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It appears that the USDIQN is already trading Interbank. The "N" on the USDIQN indicates "New" and will change to the USDIQD once trading is rolled out to the public. As you can see it already has against the Euro which is EURIQD.

There are two forex markets, interbank and spot.
The spot market is for you and I, individual investors.
The interbank market is where the big boys play. The major banks
where billions are moved in minutes and seconds.
Among Banks or Bank-to-Bank.

Interbank trading is occuring.

Here is a photo by a forum member who took a snapshot of trades:

http://ddts.zoto.com/user/image_detail/IMG.0.a71b47da550f00e826c8f40dfe29de0d-_CAT.0_DET.1/date_uploaded-desc/0-30

-- February 21, 2006 8:24 PM ∞

ryan wrote:

thanks sara for the help, hope all works out for us! cheers to the future

-- February 21, 2006 8:25 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

And here is the codes to which banks belong to which code on that page:

http://realtick.ch/v2_pages/supp_help_ques_prin.asp?qid=1624

And an informative post on this:

OK I got to look at the screen shots and the banks and Forex financial companies are bona-fide.

It is interesting to note that some are buying and selling the dinar within minutes, nobody is buying and holding for any period of time. This is not how a Forex trading occurs. This strongly suggest that these banks aren't actively trading but rater actively testing the system.

Some of the bank such as Saxo Bank, Barclay's, National Bank of New Zealand etc are heavy hitters in the FOREX world. There's the Hong Kong Forex Ltd, and GFT Forex to name but a few. But all trades behave the same way within one minute or so. This SMELLS of testing to me.

Now one may well ask, why are such heavy hitters playing Forex with Iraq if the dinar isn't going to go international. They are testing because of the very reason they anticipate it going international. If that be the case, then it implies that the dinar is going to be convertible, I can't imagine all these institutions playing Forex on a daily basis, if the currency isn't going to be convertible.

The fact the these banks are well known, lends credence to the fact the the Dinar is regard a worthwhile currency to lend the banks' attention to the dinar and its tradability on the Forex markets.Same banks are also multi-test trading both Euro and USD spot rates to the Dinar (IQD).

Why do we need two currency codes if the dinar is going to launch but not RV at some time in the future? Only one code would be needed, if it were to be a dinar launched at its present rate and at a slow climb.

If the the dinar was to RV, couldn't they put the change in value on the same chart? The answer is yes they could, but would they? When analyzing the historical prices, to predict a future price or trend, the 1460 would skew the RV rate and cause future price movement to be unreliable in trend and price prediction. Keeping the rates separate preserves reliability. Also, if it were the CBI's intention to put two different values on the one currency code, then why create the two at this time. I make sense that there is a purpose for the two.

So what have we found. Well there is tangible proof, that dinar MAY very well be phasing in a Forex introduction evidenced by the currency pair of EuroIQD and USDIQD and IQN. The evidence of 2 currency codes may well indicate a possibility of a reval to occur. The bank code evidence clearly identifies that main Forex banks are interesting in testing the dinar.

All very good in my opinion.

eosirl2

Soooo... for many of us short termers, we believe that we only have to wait a short while til they open it up to spot trading.. that is us individual investors. And, we expect it will PEG/RV before it moves to spot trading. So it certainly it looks like this year, and quite soon, too. :)

Sara.

-- February 21, 2006 8:26 PM ∞

Tyred wrote:

Here is an update on dealer dinar prices:

www.iraqitrader.com/buydinar.htm

-- February 21, 2006 8:29 PM ∞

ryan wrote:

hey sara

i see the online dinar seller prices have risen as well. but the 25000 dinar notes are cheaper than the other denominations. why is that. i have all 25000 notes. what did you get?

-- February 21, 2006 8:38 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Ryan said:

"the 25000 dinar notes are cheaper than the other denominations. why is that."

I did not know the 25000 dinar notes are cheaper. I am an individual speculator and I bought mine a long time ago now, almost a year ago - long before I discovered or posted on the Dinar sites whose posts I quoted above (IIF - eosirl2 for the "Banks Gearing up for Dinar !?!" thread in Iraqi Money/Iraqi Dinar, IDI - Stevo and others for the "Already Trading Interbank" Rumor thread)... and I haven't bought any dinar since then. (I don't buy based on rumors.) You would be best off asking someone who sells Dinar, I haven't any information about denominations.

Sara.

-- February 22, 2006 7:15 AM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Sara: I'm actually curious to hear the answer on why smaller bills cost more also because I can get a million in 10k bills at the same price as 25k bills here. I've seen one particular shop owner peel off 5k, 10k, 25k, whatever he had in his pocket to complete a mill so I get the impression that they don't care. That said, maybe someone knows something I don't. Besides the fact that current dinar value makes carrying 10k as annoying as carrying a pocket full of $1 bills in the US.

-- February 22, 2006 12:17 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Darryl Worley: "Have you Forgotten?" at:

http://mp.aol.com/video.index.adp?mode=2&pmmsid=1100922

-- February 22, 2006 1:00 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Nuclear facilities would survive military attack: Iran
Web posted at: 2/22/2006 5:10:12
Source ::: AFP

TEHRAN: Iran's uranium enrichment facilities, built in underground bunkers, would survive any military strikes, the Islamic republic's nuclear programme director said yesterday.

"The enrichment facilities, particularily Natanz, are located underground and no offensive could damage them," said Gholamreza Aghazadeh, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, quoted by the student Isna news agency.

Aghazadeh also boasted about the fortress like nature of its Isfahan plant, which is located in a network of subterranean tunnels, and touted Iran's uranium supplies.

"Our reserves are extremely developed. We can extract uranium from mines in Bandar Abbas, Saghand and Yazd," he said.

On a defiant note, he said: "We have obtained our nuclear technology while the target of sanctions and we have not obtained it from the West. As a consequence, (future) sanctions will not have any impact on our nuclear activities."

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Gulf%2C+Middle+East+%26+Africa&month=February2006&file=World_News2006022251012.xml

-- February 22, 2006 1:23 PM ∞

Iraqidinardirect.com wrote:

There is a $10.00 cost per million difference in the 10,000 and the 25,000 notes.The 5000 notes cost $20.00 more per million than the 25,000.The reason is the shipping cost.I can get 5 million of the 25,000 or 1 million 5000 shipped for same cost. We sell 1 million of the 25,000 for $777.00
1 million 10,000 for $800.00
and 1 million 5,000 for $820.00.

-- February 22, 2006 3:22 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Warka News.....
Warka bank appears to be alive and well. Recently sent a deposit to them via the Jordan bank and received confirmation from Warka within 5 working days. They also informed me that my $ account and Dinar account have been combined into one account with a new account number. The rate they gave me was 1$= 1472.50 Dinars. Hope they get the new syatem going soon.
Just moved back to "The land of the free and home of the brave" from Iraq and I've been catching up on all the latest postings...Great Stuff!!!

-- February 22, 2006 3:33 PM ∞

Robertson wrote:

Hello all. This is my first post but I've been an observer for a long time. I just wanted to say thanks to Carl, Sara, Robert, and a host of others who provide this forum with excellent, well researched information. I have learned so much from this forum. So with that said, here is my contribution. I've been checking the dinar rates in the USA Today money/currency section for a long time. Up until today I would always have to type in Iraqi Dinar to get the quote because the Dinar was not among the listed currencies. When I checked today it seems the Dinar is listed with all of the other currencies. I really hope this means something.

-- February 22, 2006 5:36 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Interesting information, Robertson. Will have to check it out.. thanks! :)

Sara.

-- February 22, 2006 5:48 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

IT APPEARS IRAN HAS MADE IT MOVE
In my mind, the explosion and massive destruction of one of the most holy places in Iraq is the initial move of Iran to take over the government. This was the tomb of the 10th,and 11th Imam. It was also a place of worship as it was also the site where the "THE 12TH IMAM DISAPPEARED DOWN THE WELL". Do you see the connection here?

The Iranian government leaders and the fundamentalistic Islamics are strong believers in the 12th Imam. What better target to destroy to stir up the Iragi Shiite following toward the Sunni's and ignite the spark of "Civil War". The emotions have already been tempered by the staged cartoon act, now for the gasoline.

The top shiite cleric, Grand Aya Toe Ja al-Sistani, stated, if the Iraqi government cannot protect the Shiite mosque then the shiite militia will. This is his way of saying, "take revenge boys."

The president if the Iraqi Government sent word for all parties political leaders to come to his residence to discuss the crisis. The Ignition of civil war had to be put out before it came uncontrolable. There was one little problem....

The SUNNI Iraqi Accordance Front, BOYCOTTED the meeting. This is a very troubling signal of pending Civil War.

Do you remember in previous post, about the Iranian leaders meeting with Sadr, and alSistani about two weeks ago. I believe this was the heads up, and get ready to insite your militas. They were told that the signal would be massive, and it would be recognized by all.

Once the Civil War starts Iran will move in to assist their brotherhood against the Sunni. This will make their move popular and seal their right to be a now visible part of the Iraqi leadership. Probably, sadr has been offered a high position within the government.

Basically what has happen, is the Iraqi Government as we have seen it being developed, has been "stopped in its tracks" for the present.

I predict you will see other areas break out with fighting between the Sunni's and Shiites. The Country will begin to break up into different camps. The Sunni's will have to do that in order to protect themselves. The Police and Soldiers are primarily Shiite, and will not stand in the way of the milita's.

The American Troops are going to be caught in the middle.Its going to be like chickens that got out of a chicken pen, very difficult and maybe even impossible to bring them back in.

Unless, something is done to remove the Iranian leaders immediately, it is all over for Democracy in Iraq as we had planned.

Why do I feel this way?

Do you know of any other country that has more to gain from the Civil War than Iran? I so I am ready to listen.

PS"
I have been on the road for the past 2 weeks and have been unable to post.

Just caught up on all of the post. Sara you have done a great job on your research and keeping the readers informed.

-- February 23, 2006 8:46 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thank you for the kind words, Carl.
I appreciate your post today.. very informative.

Article below asks: Can they stop Civil War? Sadr orders his militia out.. Is it a conspiracy? (Who would be behind it, then?)

46 Bodies Found in Wave of Iraqi Violence
By ALEXANDRA ZAVIS, Associated Press Writer Feb 23, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Faced with the grim prospect of sectarian war, the government extended the curfew in Baghdad and Salaheddin province for two days in the wake of Wednesday's attack on the Askariya shrine in Samarra. All leaves for Iraqi soldiers and police were canceled and personnel were ordered to report to their units.

Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr slammed the Iraqi government and U.S. forces for not protecting the Samarra shrine, also known as the Golden Mosque, and ordered his militia to defend Shiite holy sites across Iraq.

"If the government had real sovereignty, then nothing like this would have happened," al-Sadr said a statement. "Brothers in the Mahdi Army must protect all Shiite shrines and mosques, especially in Samarra."

The destruction of Samarra's gleaming dome of the 1,200-year-old Askariya shrine sent crowds of angry Shiites into the streets. Many included members of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army and other Shiite militias which the U.S. wants abolished.

The hardline Sunni clerical Association of Muslim Scholars said 168 Sunni mosques were attacked, 10 imams killed and 15 abducted. The figures could not be independently confirmed.

Also Thursday, thousands of protesters carrying Shiite flags and banners marched through parts of Baghdad and the Shiite holy city of Najaf. Shiite leaders called upon the people of Najaf to go to Samarra to defend the shrine.

Many religious and political leaders called for calm. "We are facing a major conspiracy that is targeting Iraq's unity," President Jalal Talabani said Wednesday. "We should all stand hand in hand to prevent the danger of a civil war."

Talabani, a Kurd, summoned political leaders to a meeting Thursday to ensure the violence does not derail talks aimed at forming a national unity government after December parliamentary elections. The negotiations — which U.S. and Iraqi leaders hope will help dent the deadly Sunni-driven insurgency — have bogged down over sharp differences between Iraq's Shiite, Kurdish and Sunni Arab parties.

Spokesmen for the Iraqi Accordance Front, the main Sunni Arab faction, said they would not attend Talabani's meeting and would freeze talks with Kurdish and Shiite parties pending an apology for reprisal attacks against more Sunni mosques.

"The terrorists in Iraq have again proven that they are enemies of all faiths and of all humanity," Bush said. "The world must stand united against them, and steadfast behind the people of Iraq."

The country's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, sent instructions to his followers forbidding attacks on Sunni mosques and called for seven days of mourning.

But he hinted, as did Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi, that religious militias could be given a bigger security role if the government cannot protect holy shrines — an ominous sign of the Shiite reaction ahead.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060223/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- February 23, 2006 10:11 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

What about Iranian investments in Dubai?
Posted: February 23, 2006
Jerome Corsi

Before the Bush administration hands over key port operations to Dubai Ports World, someone in the White House ought to vet the considerable ties between Dubai and Iran. If we "follow the money" to punish Iran for non-compliance with IAEA requirements, then the money trail is going to lead straight to Dubai.

The Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy reports that "Iran is one of Dubai's major trading partners, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of Dubai's business." By the end of 2006, Dubai calculates that some $300 billion will have been moved from Iran to Dubai by over 400,000 Iranians. In addition to stashing millions in bank accounts in Switzerland and Luxembourg, Rafsanjani reportedly owns whole vacation resorts on Dubai's world-class beaches.

If the United States or Israel should get close to a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, we should not be surprised to see the wealthy mullahs and their cronies make their escape to their Dubai vacation homes. How possibly can we invite DPW to learn every intimate detail of U.S. port security when Dubai has such close economic ties to the top hierarchy in Iran? ... can the Bush administration assure America that terrorists supported by Iran will not penetrate DPW just to educate themselves on how porous our ports yet remain?

No wonder Iran feels no pain at the prospect of Security Council sanctions. Not only is Iran in the final stages of concluding a $100 billion oil deal with China, there is always Dubai, where the investment climate is favorable and the sun always shines.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48964

-- February 23, 2006 11:32 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Terrance recently asked for opinions from T&B posters on what we feel the overall state/condition of the Middle East will be in the coming years.

Not long after he hit the "Post" button do we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of a Turd Sandwich in Iraq - even more so than we were before.

This is what happens when you juggle vials of nitroglycerin boys and girls. The 10's of thousands of peace loving innocent people [American, Iraqi, and others] that have lost their lives and mediaclly suffered at the hands of this pandoric odysey - only to have come to this juncture is fathomless. None of this had to happen. There were other ways of dealing with Saddam, and any threat he may have posed. Drunk with the outcome of invading Afghanistan was no excuse to parlay that operation's success on an invasion of Iraq.

Even the contestants on "Who wants to be a Millionaire" understand when it's time to quit and still walk away with their earnings.

There are little decisions, intermediate decisions, rather big decisions, and even bigger decisions still, but taking the world to war is the "mother of all decisions".

My stomach hasn't been in knots like this since the day my kids were born - and now they're serving in Iraq at what's now shaping up to be one of - if not THE - most violent period since all of this began.

I'm no more, or less, a patriot than the next American. But, the ever present and growing thorn in my side is this: "if you're h--- bent on going to war, then the least you can do [especially since it's not your kids that'll be fighting it] is to listen to your duty experts [all the generals that warned of going into Iraq w/ too small a force], heed their advice and council [it's what they're paid for, and they know what they're talking about], and then do it 'right'". That's it - it's that simple.

We do not pay politicians to make mistakes. Mistakes get innocent people killed.

As we have since day one, we can once again only watch and wait, to see what will happen next.

Bill1

-- February 23, 2006 3:24 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

I think what you are seeing is an act of not a desperate enemy but one who sees the writing on the wall. The US has put huge amounts of effort into counter insurgency/intelligence programs and training Iraqi troops which has already made an impact and should show some rather major results in the next 8-10 months. Not miracles mind you but to see a third of the country under Iraqi control in that time would not be surprising. Half to three quarters would not be a shock 12-18 months from now. I know you would like to hear all but that is not realistic for about another 2 years. However, regardless of how much of the country they have full control of, the new government will have a military strong enough to go on an offensive in the next 6-8 months and Al Qaeda’s time and capability in Iraq will be heavily reduced. The stronger the government proves itself the more support it will get from the people. The snowball is going in the right direction and if the enemy cannot find a way to push it back up hill they will be crushed by it.

I will not disagree that Iran had a role in the attack on the shrine but I seriously doubt Al Sistani was part of that. Al Sadr maybe. Iran has everything to gain from creating troubles here and is a pretty well known supporter of Al Qaeda who also has huge stake in causing mayhem and drawing attention away from themselves. That snowball is bad for Iran too. In the short term, this is a very bad event for the US and new Iraqi government. However, if anyone can prove who committed this act, it could very easily become a uniting force, especially if that proof lands on Al Qaeda. Sunnis and Shia will find common ground on killing the people who committed an act like this. If Al Sadr is proven behind this, I doubt his militia will be able to cover his sorry butt and will have no future in the government. Anyway, for those who are good at reading between the lines, the new government has not yet seen the need to ask the US military for help. There has not yet been and organized Shia response. Random cowardly acts of killing unarmed, unsuspecting innocents which is indicative of Al Sadr’s crew but nothing that looks like a civil war brewing. These are passionate people but they should calm and start hunting the actual perpetrator over the next few days. Anyway, we’ll see but thus far things are not “as bad” as it looks. The people are mad and wanting a head to roll for this. Expect the Iraqi government to give them one soon. They still need the US so do not expect any major Iraqi leaders to join the Iranian anti-US chants on this one.

Now, all that said... A Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, for the people. If you want to worry, keep your eye on that last part because that is the one that scares me most. If this government cannot get over the power struggles and start pulling together to serve the people of Iraq, then the people of Iraq will never stand behind this government. If they do not get it together, all of this has been for nothing and this place will forever haunt our history books. If they get it together, we'll be out of here in 2.5 to 3 years. Kings and peasants both draw their strength from each other. We've seen positives and negatives on both ends. Let's see what happens tomorrow.

-- February 23, 2006 5:27 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Everyone - please read Carl's last post carefully.

He nailed it! The corrolation between Iran and the unrest in Iraq caused by the mosque bombing is unmistakable!!

And now Observers continue to ask, "Will Iraq descend into civil war?" The answer is that civil war is already underway in Iraq. Most people are beginning to see it, but it is not following the Sunni,Shiite,Kurd fault lines on which we have been lead to focus.

At the moral level, the Iraqi government is probably the weakest faction. The reason is that it is viewed as an American creation and puppet - a quisling regime, formed and propped up by a now-hated invader. If it is to have any hope of legitimacy, it must cut the strings to the American puppeteer.

What are the other factions in Iraq? Both the Sunnis and the Shi'ites appear to be splitting into smaller, mutually hostile elements. There are indications that among the Sunnis, the secularists, who are mostly Baathists, and the Islamists are starting to go at it. Several secularist militias recently made a public announcement that they want the head (severed or otherwise) of al-Qaeda's local rep, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr's last personal war with the Americans had less to do with resisting the occupation than with positioning himself within the Shiite community.

Fourth Generation theory says that once the fracturing begins in a post-state region, it continues.

The resulting civil war may still have Sunni vs. Shiite aspects. In fact it is almost certain to include that fault line. But there will be many other fault lines as well, some within the Shiite and Sunni communities, some cutting across them.

But most importantly is who is the real string puller of the viewed puppet regime?

It appears as Carl has theorized, to be the Iranian regime.

Watch closely as the stars align in the days ahead.

more civil unrest

Irans nuclear ambitions ramping up further

Russia's hidden agendas and secret allies being exposed.

UN confusion and lack of unity in dealing with this head on.

WOW - it all adds up to escalation. The only question remaining is how far will it all escalate and at what rate?

To answer my own question - in one year we will have a disaster on our hands. Do I want that to unfold? No way!, but we are totally reactive to everything that is happening over there and at this point that can not change. Our proactive days were over the day President Bush gave his speech aboard the carrier. Since that day we have been sticking our fingers in leaks that have sprung. Now all 10 fingers are plugging leaks and the next one will turn into a deluge of trouble.

Folks - keep your Dinar in a safe place - it may be a long while, if ever, before there is an economic and political environment stable enough to allow the IQD to flourish.

Any thoughts?

T -

-- February 23, 2006 6:22 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Dear Bill1,

All I want to say to you is my wife, 3 children and I pray for our troops and their families back home every night. We will pray for your kids by name each night from now on (they'll be known as Bill1's kids).

My children lie in thier cozy little beds each night and I explain to them that the reason they're safe in their beds is because half way around the world kids like yours who are soldiers are protecting us here at home. I want you to know it doesn't go unappreciated in our in our family and we salute their sacrifice as, well as yours. Even though it's a tough road to hoe and things may be tough over there, we can't give up, we can never give up! The enemy we are dealing with is very real and IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE SCARIEST WE HAVE EVER FACED IN OUT 200 PLUS YEARS. This enemy will wipe us all out if we give them the smallest oppurtunity.

Be encouraged Bill1 - your kids WILL come home to you...and I will be proud of them along with the rest of the nation.

T-

-- February 23, 2006 6:52 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Terrace:
Your post are well thought out and expressed good job.

Bob:
I agree with you. I get tired of hearing that we are carrying the ball, when there are others in the back field.

I must admit to the readers of this blog, that I sometimes have difficulty in maintaining my sense of humanity toward certain sections of the arab world. I have a internal battle with how do you respect a culture that:
Teaches their youth hate, vengeance and retaliation?.
How do you understand a culture that treats their women less than cattle?
How do you understand and accept the performed honor killings on their daughters for minor infractions of perceived dishonor?
How do you rectify a culture that allows the hanging of the 9 year old female for sexual transgressions, yet the male is not accountable until 15 years of age?
How can you justify the stoning of a female for being raped and dishonoring her family, when she was not at fault.

Peace with certain arab cultures is not an option. Peace to them is a sign of defeat, of weakness and is to be avoided. In their schools they teach the children songs that call different cultures dogs. Dogs in arab language means unclean. Personally, I think that has a sense of black humor considering they wipe they ass with the left hand.
Their children are taught they must not give mercy to the dogs or enemy, and if they do god will not give themselves mercy.
Mosque Speakers throughout the arab cities blair phrases of such hatred "May God Destroy the infidels for they are the enemies of god". "The true believer is not to befriend them or make treaties with them."
They are taught when they are small about hatred of the West, along with Israel.
Some Arab Televisions extol terrorists and the textbooks in some regions still deny the existence of Israel.
Presently more than 300 Palestinians schools are named after the ones who kill Jews.
Roads in Egypt and the Gaza Strip have names of the martyrs who have attacked the infidels.

How do you propose to live in peace with this type of culture?
Blaming the West and Israel for all of the problems of their culture is built into the sermons of the clerics. Hate has become a industry within itself. Whenever peace seemed to be achieved, some leaders found a way to stop it.
Living in peace with you, I or others who do not believe as they do is out of the question to them.

So...why is our culture surprised at the on going conflict? You have the doves who totally ignore the reality of the situation simply because it does not meet their concept of how human beings should interact with each other."Peace at all cost they say" They are totally blind to the pramatic truth, and will either become slaves or dead.

The plain truth is when you start indoctrination of children when they are small, that culture develops a culture of hate, mistrust, and as they reach adulthood, they become killers of others who are different than their culture. These Muslims not only kill and mistreat others but they also attack within their own culture the ones who do not go alone with the masses.

Terrace is totally correct. This is an enemy who has every intention of destroying our Country, our way of life, you and your family.
We have the option of wringing our hands, and saying, But can't we all just get along?,
or becoming vigilant, and aking the offensive.
I think we as a nation should become proactive instead of reactive. Reality has the harsh ring of truth to it. It is time we as a nation realize it.

-- February 23, 2006 9:53 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Thank you Terrance [you and your family] for your time and prayers on behalf of my kids, and all service members serving abroad helping to protect our way of life.

The American serviceman/woman is a unique and awe inspiring, selfless creature. I can assure you - with Americans of that caliber standing guard protecting us, there is no army or force on this planet capable of penetrating their resolve.

Hell hath no fury like that of US Marines fighting for their brother/sister Marine.

As Carl puts it - if it's war they want, then so-be-it. Who are we to deny them what they so fervently desire. The poor b--tards have not a clue what they wish for. It seems they spend far too much time teaching their children to hate the U.S., and not enough time teaching them just how lethal we can be when provoked.

I'm active duty USMC too, and I only wish I could trade places with my kids, because I'm more seasoned than they are, and therefore feel that I'd probably stand a better chance of survival than them. But, my time in the lion's den will come the end of this year, or early next year.

All I can tell anyone who will listen, is to hug and kiss your kids as much as you can. Let them know how much you love them, how proud you are of them, and how much they mean to you. Spend as much time with them as you can, because they grow up far too fast. And, it seems no matter how much time you spend with them, or how much you do with them, in the end it's just never enough ...especially when they're in harms way.

God bless you all,

Bill1

-- February 23, 2006 11:27 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

It is great to have you back Carl. Sara has been carrying a heavy load with you gone. We have had some terrific posts recently and a good assessment of the situation in Iraq. I look forward to the pig roast in Maui and the opportunity to continue the discussions we have on this site. Even if the Dinar tanks, I would almost propose that we plan a mini-convention of T&B participants and even though we would all be poor, to have the pig roast anyway.

The latest events are disparaging for the dinar. I believe these people are too radical to ever get a harmoneous government in operation. I am beginning to believe that the Draconian measures taken by Saddam were about the only thing that those people understand.

Why in the hell would we get involved in trying to change a culture that is so different from ours.

Why can't we go back to those days when we had ruthless patriots running this country who had the best interest of the USA in their every action.
Joe Kennedy was that type of man who made a fortune by outsmarting his competition.
His son was equally astute.

Think about this: The more hot spots and disasters that the USA has, the more money the govt will be compelled to spend, the deeper we go into debt but the economy will boom and the president will be applauded for presiding over a vibrant economy.

Could some of our ventures be linked to politics?

-- February 24, 2006 12:05 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bill1;

You mentioned about death and the cost of freedom, Bill1. I thought much on it today and came up with my opinion on it, which is necessarily religious (since it deals with death). But, nevertheless, here it is in my humble opinion (IMHO) for you and those who might wish to read it:

All the patriotism in the world cannot make up for a life that is eternally lost.
Laying down your life for the cause of freedom and to help others sounds ever so good - Jesus said 'Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' - But if that is the only cause being fought for, it will ring hollow to the ears of those who have to pay the cost. Only by a faith in God can we weather such a loss as the loss of a loved one (or injury). There has to be a knowledge that it was a price required by God to be paid. That a person can be called to such a destiny I see as indisputable. God chooses some to die for us, they die on the behalf of others. It is a price which must be paid, and there is a calling on some souls to pay it. Others are called upon to defend freedom and live - all are heros. All are remembered and honored for their service and sacrifice.

It comes down to this.. if today or tomorrow you were required to pay the cost of living in a free nation by you or your loved ones having to die at the hands of those who would take that freedom from you and your loved ones... would you pay that price? Would you die protecting your family, your home, your nation and your freedom? The fact is that many have, and that is why we are now free. But for you - are you sure of where you would go to if you had to pay that cost? No patriotism can make up for a soul who is lost, and unsure of its destination - a soul paying the price should be doing so gladly, knowing it is a sacrifice which God requires of them and honors them for giving. Jesus' disciple Paul said, 'To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.' He knew where he was going to be the minute he left his body. The moment he was absent from his body, he knew he would be 'present with the Lord'. If you can trust God for the final destiny, if that is sure, then all that is required is to pray and do as God wills, trusting Him to guide you through to what will be your destiny.
Psa 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even to death.

The guidence does not end at life, but continues even to death (and beyond). It is that alone which can give comfort and help to those who must pay the cost, whether it is their own life or those of their loved ones. If it were required of me, I would willingly give my life, and I know FOR SURE where I will be the minute I step over that line between life and death. You cannot rightly serve a cause which may take your life unless you know that your life (eternally) is assured to you. Death has no STING or victory over souls that are assured of their eternal destination (1 Corinthians 15:55). It is necessary to those in the line of fire and their loved ones to be sure of their destinies - whether they stay here or are called upon to sacrifice life or limb. I have to agree with President George H. W. Bush... "I don't know that Atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God." Further, I do not think a man can easily be a patriot unless he is truly sure of his eternal destiny with God. Without faith in God, I believe patriotism's price will turn a person from sorrow to disillusionment and then into hatred and disbelief in the worthiness of the cause of freedom. Some things are worth dying for.. but that cost cannot rightly nor easily be paid and endured by men and women who haven't faith in the goal being suffered as being the will of God for their lives, IMHO.

It is encumbent upon every living soul to make peace with its maker. Some reject that, some ignore it, and some are blessed enough to pursue and find that peace. For those serving in the military, the saying that God whispers to us in our pleasures but shouts to us in our pain bears true. The call is the same to all but I think the military heed it more often because they deal with life on its most fundamental level.

The simple Christian faith is entered into by a simple trust that Jesus is God who came to earth and inhabited a body, lived among us sinlessly and then had the power to die and rise again from death in our place, as a substitute. Placing faith in what He did on our behalf and asking God's forgiveness for every wrong thing done in a person's life allows God to apply that substitutionary death to our lives and gives us peace with God. It also is the gateway to having faith and not fear in the face of death, for no other man has ever claimed to overcome death and rise from its power and then give that power to His followers. (I Thess 4:14, 1 Cor 15:50-58 - then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.)

If you and your nephews are blessed with that assurance of your eternal destination, then the only thing to be concerned about is that the military strategy being used for waging war is sound. You mentioned some who disagreed with President Bush's measured approach to going into Iraq, and that more troops should be sent. But no two military strategists will completely agree on the proper course of action in any circumstance, and the strategy you quote was one rival theory presented to him by wise military strategists. Therefore, since President Bush will have many counsellors all giving him differing advice, we must pray for him to have the discernment and wisdom for him and those helping him to make the proper decisions about the war effort. A failure from that office shows, not just a human error, but the error of the church to pray for God's direction and wisdom for the nation's leaders. If life is in the hands of God, we can confidently trust in Him and be guided by Him even to death - if we are truly praying that His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Sara.

PS And Bill1 - thank you again for your service and your loved ones', too. You and all those who serve remain in our prayers. Sara.

-- February 24, 2006 12:15 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

This was sent to me when I was in Iraq.....Good reading!

Subject: FW: Excellent Views of Gen. (USAF-Ret) Richard E. Hawley
You won't see this on CNN. You should, but won't.

Since the 9/11 attack, I have seen, heard, and read thoughts of such surpassing
stupidity that they must be addressed. You've heard them too. Here they are:

1) "We're not good, they're not evil, everything is relative."
Listen carefully: We're good, they're evil, nothing is relative. Say it with
me now and free yourselves. You see, folks, saying "We're good" doesn't mean
we're perfect. Okay? The only perfect being is the bearded guy on the
ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The plain fact is that our country has, with
all our mistakes and blunders, always been and always will be, the greatest
beacon of freedom, charity, opportunity, and affection in history. If you
need proof, open all the borders on Earth and see what happens. In about
half a day, the entire world would be a ghost town, and the United States
would look like one giant line to see "The Producers."

2) "Violence only leads to more violence."
This one is so stupid you usually have to be the president of an Ivy League
university to say it. Here's the truth, which you know in your heads and
hearts already: Ineffective, unfocused violence leads to more violence.
Limp, panicky, half-measures lead to more violence. However, complete, fully
thought-through, professional, well-executed violence never leads to more
violence because, you see, afterwards, the other guys are all dead. That's
right, dead. Not "on trial," not "reeducated," not "nurtured back into the
bosom of love." Dead. D-E-Well, you get the idea.

3) "The CIA. And the rest of our intelligence community has failed us."
For 25 years we have chained our spies like dogs to a stake in the ground,
and now that the house has been robbed, we yell at them for not protecting
us. Starting in the late seventies, under Carter appointee Stansfield
Turner, the giant brains who get these giant ideas decided that the best way
to gather international intelligence was to use spy satellites." After all,"
they reasoned, "you can see a license plate from 200 miles away." This is
very helpful if you've been attacked by a license plate. Unfortunately, we
were attacked by humans. Finding humans is not possible with satellites. You
have to use other humans. When we bought all our satellites, we fired all
our humans, and here's the really stupid part. It takes years, decades to
infiltrate new humans into the worst places of the world. You can't just
have a guy who looks like Gary Busey in a Spring Break '93 sweatshirt plop
himself down in a coffee shop in Kabul and say "Hiya, boys. Gee, I sure
would like to meet that bin Laden fella." "Well, you can, but all you'd be
doing is giving the bad guys a story they'll be telling for years.

4) "These people are poor and helpless, and that's why they're angry at us."
uh-huh, and Jeffrey Dahmer's frozen head collection was just a desperate cry
for help. The terrorists and their backers are richer than Elton John and,
ironically, a good deal less annoying. The poor helpless people, you see,
are the villagers they tortured and murdered to stay in power. Mohamed Atta,
one of the evil scumbags who steered those planes into the killing grounds
(I'm sorry, one of the "alleged hijackers," according to CNN - they stopped
using the word "terrorist," you know), is the son of a Cairo surgeon. But
you knew this, too. In the sixties and seventies, all the pinheads marching
against the war were upper-middle-class college kids who grabbed any cause
they could think of to get out of their final papers and spend more time
drinking. At least, that was my excuse. It's the same today. Take the
Anti-Global-Warming (or is it World Trade? Oh who knows what the hell they
want demonstrators) They all charged their black outfits and plane tickets
on dad's credit card before driving to the airport in their SUV's.

5) "Any profiling is racial profiling."
Who's killing us here, the Norwegians? Just days after the attack, the New
York Times had an article saying dozens of extended members of the
gazillionaire bin Laden family living in America were afraid of reprisals
and left in a huff, never to return to studying at Harvard and using too
much Drakkar. I'm crushed. I think we're all crushed. Please come back. With
a cherry on top? Why don't they just change their names, anyway? It's
happened in the past. Think about it. How many Adolfs do you run into these
days? Shortly after that, I remember watching TV with my jaw on the floor as
a government official actually said, "That little old grandmother from Sioux
City could be carrying something." Okay, how about this: No, she couldn't.
It would never be the grandmother from Sioux City. Is it even possible? What
are the odds? Winning a hundred Powerball lotteries in a row? A thousand? A
million? And now a Secret Service guy has been tossed off a plane and we're
all supposed to cry about it because he's an Arab? Didn't it have the tiniest bit to
do with the fact that he filled out his forms incorrectly ---three times?
And then left an Arab history book on his seat as he strolled off the plane? And came back? Armed? Let's please all stop singing "We Are the World" for a minute and think practically. I don't want to be sitting on the floor in the back of a plane four seconds away from hitting Mt. Rushmore and turn, grinning, to the guy next to me to say,
"Well, at least we didn't offend them."

SO HERE'S what I resolve for the new year:

Never to forget our murdered brothers and sisters.
Never to let the relativists get away with their immoral thinking.

After all, no matter what your daughter's political science professor says,
we didn't start this!

-- February 24, 2006 9:14 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Is U.S. security for sale?
By Karl Day

Is there no end to the naivete – or is it lunacy – of our government? South Carolina's legislators have it right. To hand over the operation of six of our most important ports to an Arab company is questionable at best, and potentially suicidal at worst. There is a great hue and cry by those who support this move saying that we must not hurt the feelings of Dubai, an Arab ally. Let's think that one through for a moment.

Saudi Arabia is considered an ally, yet 17 of the 19 terrorists who perpetrated the events of 9-11 were Saudis. Osama bin Laden, the most wanted terrorist in the world is a Saudi. Nineteen Americans were killed in the bombing of the Kobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, in 1996. Who do you suppose perpetrated this act?

Did not the U.S. Navy consider Yemen friendly when they chose to refuel ships there? Seventeen Americans died when the USS Cole was attacked on Oct. 12, 2000. Has Lebanon ever been declared our enemy? Yet 241 American servicemen died when their barracks were bombed there in 1983. Was not the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 perpetrated by Arabs? U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed in 1998 – again by Muslims, if not by Saudis.

The Bush administration has proved to be unwilling or unable to enforce our Immigration and Customs policies. In addition to the tens of thousands of illegals who walk or swim across our borders, over a million trucks enter the country every year and our Customs officials cannot monitor them effectively with their limited resources. Now this permissive administration admits to being unaware of a critical policy decision involving the sale of critical port operations to a foreign entity. Then, when their fat is in the fire, they dig in their heels and stubbornly defend the act.

The facts are these folks: Budget-driven downsizing and a mandated reduction from 72 hours to 24 hours for advanced notification of the planned arrival of foreign vessels have already crippled the U.S. Coast Guard, responsible for port security and inspection of incoming vessels. Port operations involve the handling of bills of lading and ship manifests – any or all of which can be altered if those persons involved in the process have evil intent.

To add fuel to the fire, hundreds of times a year, container ships operated by COSCO (China Overseas Shipping Company) enter our major ports. Is there anyone on the planet who would declare that Communist China is our ally? Some of these ships carry over 5,000 containers. Containers can be shipped, transshipped, and routed around the globe and at each point, the manifest and/or bill of lading can be altered by anyone who wishes to conceal either their origin or their contents and there is no trustworthy way of tracking or detecting such alterations.

As a former officer in the U.S. Special Forces, I have trained with nuclear devices small enough to fit in the trunk of a sports car. Modern developments have certainly improved the lethality of such weapons, while diminishing their size and weight. Think of trying to find a nuclear device, not much larger than a suitcase, concealed in one of the thousands of containers arriving daily in our major ports and then being trucked – most likely by innocent drivers – to a destination somewhere in the country where it can be detonated on command by a local or long-distance operative.

The Israeli Mossad (secret service) took out a Palestinian terrorist by planting explosives in his telephone. How hard would it be to actuate a cell phone driven trigger for a nuclear device by merely calling it from a continent way?

This is a dangerous world and the United States is rapidly becoming a lonely, albeit powerful nation. We have very few true friends in what is evolving as a global economy. The coercive force of growing Muslim populations threatens a number of our former allies. Sadly, our leaders are unwilling to declare what is patently true: We are engaged in a global conflict and the enemy is not just a scattering of Islamic extremists. The enemy is fundamental Islam and its commitment to the eradication of Israel and the ultimate domination or elimination of the infidels – that's us.

In recent years, the United States has demonstrated a level of naivete or ineptitude in the practices of espionage, intelligence gathering and threat deterrence. Our lack of finesse in such activities reflects a national mindset which, to date, has been one of self-satisfied complacency. It is time to recognize that we are dealing not with a smattering of cowardly gangsters, but with sophisticated fanatics who are committed to our undoing.

It may be beyond our comprehension that individuals willingly strap explosives to their bodies and walk into public places for the purpose of blowing themselves and dozens of innocents to smithereens for some jihadist cause. It may be beyond comprehension, but it is reality. To give the enemy any possible entree into the security of our major ports is foolhardy. Hurting the feelings of so-called allies pales in comparison to assuaging the grief borne by those who have lost loved ones thus far in this war on terror. The most important mission of this or any administration is the protection of the American people. Let's get on with it.

-----------------------

Karl Day is a former senior editor for Family Research Council, a West Point graduate, a former Ranger and Green Beret (trained in guerilla warfare and counter-guerilla efforts) and a Vietnam veteran of the Tet Offensive.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48979

-- February 24, 2006 12:29 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

It's safe to say that, in one way or another, we all are agonizing over the war taking place in Iraq, as we anxiously await it's final outcome.

I have my own demons/opinions regarding the war, and respect those of others that differ from mine.

Opinions are not unlike those two nameless fleshy verticle lines/ridges above our lips that extend up into our nostrils - some are long, some are short, some wide, some narrow, but none-the-less we all have them. [kind of a weird analogy - but, it works]

Anyway, I found an article referencing a published book which identifys with crystal clarity my views on Iraq.

Without sugar-coating anything, the author [like many] was on one side of the fence when the war began, and now looks at things through less than rose colored glasses after his up close and personal experiences in and around Iraq.

Read it and see what you think. Feedback is very much welcome. For me, he's what the English refer to as being "Spot On".

THE ASSASSINS’ GATE: America in Iraq
by George Packer
Faber £14.99, 352 pages

Its real name is the Bab al-Qasr, or Palace Gate, but American soldiers stationed near by called it the Assassins’ Gate - and that more dramatic nickname has stuck. Heavily guarded, it is the main entrance to the green zone, the immense Baghdad fortress where Iraq’s most senior US occupiers live in almost total isolation from their subjects. In George Packer’s sweeping, insightful account of the American war in Iraq, written after his time there with The New Yorker, it is also a metaphor for the arrogance, incomprehension and stupidity that shaped that misadventure.
And this from a guy who supported it. “The administration’s war was not my war - it was rushed, dishonest, unforgivably partisan, and destructive of alliances - but objecting to the authors and their methods didn’t seem reason enough to stand in the way,” Packer writes. “I wanted Iraqis to be let out of prison; I wanted to see a homicidal dictator removed from power before he committed mass murder again; I wanted to see if an open society stood a chance of taking root in the heart of the Arab world.”
So Packer made several trips to Iraq following the 2003 invasion. Though much of his reporting appeared in The New Yorker, the book has a coherence and a narrative sweep that reflect Packer’s other career, as a novelist.
The Assassins’ Gate is, so far, the definitive history of the US experience in Iraq.
And what a sorry tale it is. “Iraq will always be linked to the term neo-conservative,” he notes in tracing the war’s intellectual origins. The neo-cons, those messianic pupils of Plato and Leo Strauss, “conceive of themselves as insurgents, warring against an exhausted liberal establishment that doesn’t have the moral clarity to defend itself, let alone the country.” Having infiltrated Republican party policy circles over the years, they sweep into power with George W. Bush and are ready with a plan after the September 11 2001 attacks: Invade Iraq, a scheme that has less to do with al-Qaeda, Packer says, than with the neo-con impulse to spread democracy.
The problem is they had no plan for the invasion’s aftermath. Barricaded in the green zone, the undermanned US reconstruction team churns out documents that have little effect outside, in the “red zone” inhabited by suffering Iraqis and increasingly endangered US troops. Packer talks to a young American official who, using a Lonely Planet guide, draws up a list of 16 sites to be protected from looting; there are enough troops to guard only the oil ministry. More American civilians arrive, too many of them young Republican operatives. The Coalition Provisional Authority is derided outside the walls as Can’t Provide Anything. Meanwhile, the country dissolves into a full-scale guerrilla war, even as US officials back home deny it is happening.
Packer finds enough villains to fill Abu Ghraib prison: Bush, whose seemingly willful ignorance sets the tone for the US response to the deteriorating situation; Donald Rumsfeld, the defense secretary, an “8,000-mile screwdriver” whose relentless tinkering drives Americans in Iraq nuts and whose mania for a lean, modern military rules out enough troops for the occupation; the Pentagon planner Paul Wolfowitz, the war’s leading cheerleader, who agonizes over the mess he has helped to make but who is unwilling to change course; Paul Bremer, the US viceroy who, within days of arriving, disbands its army and disqualifies even low-level officials of the Saddam regime from employment. “With a stroke of a pen, Bremer put several hundred thousand armed Iraqis on the street with no job and no salary,” marvels Packer.
There are also plenty of heroes, mostly the US soldiers and Iraqi civilians Packer befriends - until the danger level rules out such contacts. Packer spends some time with British troops in Basra, and compares their softly-softly peacekeeping approach to the shoot-first-ask-later American posture. He also credits Tony Blair with persuading the White House that its postwar public relations effort is a mess - though not with having much impact otherwise. What is missing from the book is Packer himself. Apart from his early declaration of support for the war, he gives few clues on where he stands or what it all means. Occasionally, though, a note of sorrowful exasperation creeps in. “The Iraq war was always winnable; it still is,” he concludes. “For this very reason, the recklessness of its authors is all the harder to forgive.”
His meticulous account of that recklessness should be mandatory reading for the architects of this and any future US conflict, though he offers little evidence of an American willingness to learn from mistakes.

-- February 24, 2006 3:47 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

An imperial presidency?
David Limbaugh

Surely no one paying attention to national politics could be missing the left's orchestrated effort to paint President Bush not only as a man infected with poor judgment and bad policies but as a power-hungry, would-be dictator.

You know the drill. The alleged litany of Bush's abuses is extensive. They say he's stubborn, won't listen to advice, won't admit mistakes and lives in a bubble. He wants to force his "fundamentalist" religious views down America's throat.

Liberal legend further has it that he made a "unilateral" decision to attack Iraq – as just the first step in his plan to enslave the world through democracy – both by ignoring the wishes of our allies and trying to sidestep, then dupe, Congress. He locks up enemy combatants and throws away the key, he and his henchmen have masterminded their abuse and torture, and he denies them the full protection of the Bill of Rights.

He and his fiendish vice president inhabit undisclosed locations, play hide-the-ball from the benign, well-intentioned Old Media, and conduct secret meetings to discuss schemes to deny health care to the uninsured, deprive the elderly of Social Security, and transfer the assets of the poor to the wealthy.

Worst of all, he spies on innocent Americans who deserve a little privacy when jawing with Osama. Why, he even found a federal judge for the Supreme Court – Samuel Alito – who'll facilitate his sinister scheme to consolidate executive power in his quest for world domination a la Austin Powers' Dr. Evil.

Think I'm exaggerating for effect? You be the judge.

A Nexis search of "George Bush and 'imperial presidency'" was interrupted because it yielded more than a thousand entries.

You have to wonder where the likes of Jonathan Alter were when Bill Clinton openly flouted the rule of law. Was he not seeking to become a law unto himself? How about Hillary's penchant for secrecy and her frequent flights from accountability? What about Bill's "unilateral" bombings of Iraq and Serbia?

No, it's not expansions of executive power that bother the left, but when they occur under a Republican presidency. Indeed, the term "the imperial presidency" was made fashionable by historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. in his book with that title, lamenting the arrogation of power by the executive branch that culminated in the Nixon presidency.

Today, the left has resurrected the term as part of its strategy to avoid a debate on policy by scandalizing and criminalizing President Bush. The claims of Bush's dictatorial propensities are as unsupportable as they are preposterous, but liberals have run out of ammunition.

One of their greatest challenges for 2008 will be to figure out how to transfer their personalized defamation of President Bush to the Republican Party in general. Which is why we're hearing so much today about the supposed "culture of corruption" and why they are willing to go to any lengths to frame the Abramoff affair as an exclusively Republican scandal. This is quite an ambitious undertaking, but don't underestimate their desperation.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48940

-- February 24, 2006 6:06 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

From what I can see, the strategy is.. if you cannot win in a logical argument against the facts, you smear the person you are debating with personally in hopes people will forget the argument and the fact you have no ammunition left on the actual issue under debate. This is where the Democrats are at. The choice WAS to go into Iraq and so try and head off the disaster looming on the horizon, or sit around and do nothing. Bush took the proactive approach and attempted to do something. Obviously, the Democrats say that we should have sat around and twiddled our thumbs til Saddam got his act together and gave his friends a few nukes to send up on US soil, fulfilling Saddam's prophecy that the US would indeed be hit with WMD. "Other measures" which they allege would have worked to avoid this disaster had not done so yet over the course of many years, and there was not much likelihood, from listening to Saddam's tapes (which were filled with his laughter at such a suggestion), that they would have done so in the future.

Other than lamenting that we should never have acted at all but that we should have waited like the sitting ducks we were for it to hit us, and giving long diatribes like the book Bill1 brought forward accusing the Bush Administration of a litany of past wrongdoings while offering nothing on what the solutions to the present dilemmas really are.. the other thing they advocate is to pull out. That book smells of "scrap the whole venture, come home and it will be all right" ideology. But it won't be all right if we pull out the troops right now.. as even the Democrats admitted when the vote to do so was overwhelmingly defeated.

House votes to reject withdrawal resolution
GOP forces Democrats to record position: 403-3
Posted: November 18, 2005

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=47489

The Democrats are desperate because they don't have a viable alternate plan. The result is that they create a straw man argument to attempt to pull down and demonize the people involved - restorting to personal attacks and name calling such as in Bill1's book review... saying President Bush is willfully ignorant and Donald Rumsfeld, the defense secretary, is "an “8,000-mile screwdriver” whose relentless tinkering drives Americans in Iraq nuts" - among other defamatory remarks. These comments hardly mark it out as a piece of constructive criticism or as literature of any historical value, but mark it out as the ravings of frustrated political opposition without an alternate plan.

Even the American troops are not immune from this anti-war and anti-American tirade which lacks constructive substance as it froths forth that American troops have the IQ of barbarian hoards, accusing them that it is American policy to have a, quote, "shoot-first-ask-later American posture". He posits that "postwar public relations effort is a mess" and gives his "meticulous account of (the Bush Administration's supposed) recklessness" - but defining a problem does not solve it. Like psychiatric diagnosis, even if this kind of writing were spot on and not the straw man that it is, knowing the diagnosis and labelling it does not solve the problem at hand. What we need is not a greater definition of past or present problems, but definitive solutions. THAT is not forthcoming from this book OR from the Democrats - and to me, that makes reading it or listening to their defamations a waste of time.

Sara.

-- February 24, 2006 6:17 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Do you guys talk about when my IQD is going to make me rich anymore?

-- February 24, 2006 6:45 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
I have noticed the value of the dinar has been rising only for a few days around the first and middle of the month. What a conspiracy cheap banks raising prices around paydays. any comments on this check it out at link above scroll back through previous days.

-- February 24, 2006 6:52 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, turtle, for your view.. in that regard, this was interesting... :)
Sara.

New York Times, with same facts, changes Iraq conflict from 'civil war' to having 'endangered future'
Published: February 24, 2006

The New York Times declared on its website early Friday in a headline that the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, had warned to U.S. was on the "precipice of full-scale civil war." Their headline? "U.S. Envoy in Baghdad Says Iraq Is on Brink of Civil War." Within an hour and without explanation, the Times yanked the headline in favor of "U.S. Envoy Says Sectarian Violence Threatens Iraq's Future."

Later in the morning, the Times changed the story again to reflect the relative calm that cloaked Baghdad in the day after a rash of bombings: "As Violence Ebbs, U.S. Envoy Warns of Danger to Iraq's Future."

They still, however, offered no accounting for how Iraq went from the "precipice of civil war" to "endangered" based on the same remarks by a U.S. ambassador.

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/New_York_Times_backtracks_after_declaring_0224.html

-- February 24, 2006 8:37 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Democracy is a process by which the people are free to choose the man who will get the blame.

-- February 24, 2006 9:08 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Gee Sara,

Thanks for the open mind. Me, I'm not constrained by an association with the Democratic Party or the Republican. I don't care what one party believes over the other - they can duke it out on pay-per-view for all I care. I think a reasonable balance between their two ideals is more of a solution than leaning completely one way or the other. All of this political drawing of lines in the sand is nothing but juvenille counter productive nonsense.

NO, we should not pull out of Iraq - I've never hinted to such a thing. We became Iraq's benefactor and claimed responsibility for everything under the sun in Iraq from the time the first trigger was pulled and the first shot fired.

We have to stay the course in Iraq if for no other reason than the implied moral obligation to do so.

George Washington made mistakes, so did Abraham Lincon, Mr. Bush and his band of merry men/women are human and are no different. They keep air freshener in their restrooms too. Putting lipstick on a pig only makes the pig uglier in an irreverant kind of way.

IMO: The solution to our problems in Iraq [at least one of them] is to send in more troops to get the job done. It's that simple - we're too undermanned and out matched. It's becoming painfully obvious that for every step we take we're getting knocked back one, if not two. But, politically "someone" feels they can't do that. Why is that Bill? Well, gather around and I'll tell you why: 1) Sending more troops back into Iraq to finish what we've started would be political suicide, sending a clear message to those that we turned a deaf ear on that "they" were right about going in with more troops in the first place, and that Mr. Bush and his chums were "wrong" for not listening to them - and politically speaking - saving face is so much more important than saving lives. 2) Sending more troops back into Iraq this late in the game would certainly irritate the political situation within the country as the Iraqis are ready to see us reduce our forces and leave, not increase our presence - even if in the long run it would be to their benefit.

We missed the original opportunity to do this - send more troops back into Iraq - long, long, ago. And, it was due to good'ole fashioned arrogance by you know who, and nothing else. Heck, they never should have left in the first place.

I read a book recently, an intersting book, one that described our going back to Iraq to fight this recent war. It was written right after the first Gulf War. Seems someone was savy enough to know back in 1993 that we were eventually going to have to go back for one reason, or another. The interesting thing was that in the book, it stated [I'm paraphrasing], "Fighting the Iraqi armed forces is far less critical than the chaos that will follow. The resulting political vacuum created by removing Saddam from power will be the real challenge for the U.S. and it's allies", and then it goes on to describe all of what we've been facing since the occupation following the war started, and why that massive amount of troops would be required. It also said that 250,000 troops w/ an additional 80,000 paratroopers will be required at a minimum ...from the U.S. alone. Hmmm... sounds to me like someone knew what they were talking about 10 years prior to it being revealed.

Think about it for half a second. It's almost safe to say that if we had done it right in the first place, by now [with the added security] reconstruction in Iraq would be light years ahead of where it is today.

Someone must assume responsibility for this unavoidable truth ...I nominate Mr. Bush, and Mr. Rumsfeld, and anyone else it applies to.

Bottom line: The job is unfinished! It's like demolishing an old 50 story building only to rebuild it anew, and rather than accomplish it with an adequate work force [if you want to have it completed in a timely manner] you try and get it done with a skeleton crew. To some maybe, but to me, that doesn't make any sense.

So, where does that leave us?... It leaves us in a quagmire no different than a so called 15 year Police Action which occurred some 30(+) years ago. Where the politicans attempted to run the war from their plush Washington offices instead of unleashing the military and letting them do their jobs straight out. Think I'm misinformed? Do your homework and you'll see the similarities between the two are overwhelming.

President Bush is not the Golden Child. Maybe pointing a finger at his and others mistakes [which he allowed on his watch] puts a sour taste in the mouths of some, but I believe it's those mistakes that we must learn from if we sincerely want any measure of succes in the immediate to long term future for Iraq. I want success in Iraq as much [if not more] than the next person. But, playing "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" isn't going to get us there.

You, me, and every other blogger out there are mere spectators in this grand spectacle - we have no direct say in what happens next, whether our strategy is the right one, the wrong one, or one somewhere inbetween.

BOB once voted you and Carl for running the country, and Carl modestly rebuffed him. But, after reading the postings submitted by the two of you over the last year I think BOB was right. H---, the two of you certainly couldn't do any worse than what's already been done - but, contray to that I think you'd do just fine! I'd overwhelmingly submit Carl for President and you as his Vice President. I respect you that much. And, I would only choose Carl as president over you, because I believe in a crisis situation Carl would ask questions first, and then shoot only if absolutely necessary.

We're on the same team, and I'm not a conspiracy pusher. I'm calling it like I see it. If we all simply held hands and sang coom-by-aah, rather than standing up and saying "wait just a cotton-pickin minute here" we'd find ourselves still being ruled by the English.

This horse is starting to stink, and the flies are getting bad, but I'm glad we departed from the "dinar watch" for a bit, if for no other reason than to vent a little frustration.

I still love'ya,

Bill1

-- February 24, 2006 10:22 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Hmmm DId you see yesterday how a curfew imposed by a weak governement and pathetic military with minimal support from the US quelled the violence? Wow... Maybe things aren't so bad? Not out of the woods yet mind you, just my opinion.

-- February 24, 2006 11:44 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

February 24th was a great day. I saw posts that I totally agreed with and posts
that I found interesting.

As I have posted many times, you cannot fight a loving war.
War is brutal, chaotic, and unmercifal. That is why I say that this nation must face a real and detrimental force before we commit our troops. Then, once we commit them, we must give them Carte-Blance authority to go in like savages and kill and maim anyone who stands in their way. To do anything less is an insult to a fighting man. To send troops in with an injunction to dodge a bullit before they fire and try really hard not to irritate anyone in the process is not the role of our American fighting men. If we have relegated these courageous fighting men to something less than brave, daring combatants is an insult to them and this country.

If we are not willing to fight a war and to back our brave fighting men, then lets stay out of it until they attack us.

BOB

-- February 25, 2006 1:02 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Good discussion all, thanks.
I appreciate all the input on the board from each of you. :)

Turtle, yes, I thought so, too.. interesting. Glad things are looking well (as you predicted) and the Iraqi people appear able to see these events as bait to bring them to Civil War and are not biting. It is provocative, but they are letting cooler heads prevail. I admire their fortitude while under fire.

Bill1, like you, I just want the job done and done right. I appreciate your good words and heart. We are on the same side. :)

It occurred to me as I read your post that with a greater force we would likely have greater casualties, which the Whitehouse is seeking to avoid. Perhaps that is a consideration in the view that has been taken?

The US forces were in Vietnam 14 years and "More than 57,939 soldiers died and over 1,000,000 wounded."
http://www.ri.net/middletown/gaudet/studentwork/east_asia/Group%205/vietnam/ryant_ss7/ryant_war.htm
Just pointing out that the casualty rate for US troops to date is quite small in comparision and perhaps the strategy being used is to be commended. After all, getting in and out with the least American lives lost is a very weighty consideration.. right up there with winning the engagement.

What do you think, Bill? A greater engagement with greater casualties, or a smaller, slower one with substantially less casualties? If that is the choice being made.. maybe we ought to go with it?

Bob, you are right. War is not boxing with gloves on according to Queensbury rules, though the diplomacy has been. Okie, thanks for sharing that email, it had a lot of common sense in it (which isn't all that common).

Even though I am LISTENING to the current words from the WH about the ports deal, I am still eyeing the deal with suspicion... because we cannot afford to be wrong on this one. I thought the view the WH has should be put up here for discussion.

=======

Administration: UAE 'has changed'
Spokeswoman compares Emirates to Pakistan, 'a critical ally'
By Les Kinsolving

The assistant to President Bush for homeland security and counterterrorism today said the United Arab Emirates "has changed" and is no longer the same nation that once gave aide to the Taliban.

My question: Why should we now give this nation any control of our ports, which so refused to help in stopping a worse killing of Americans than at Pearl Harbor?"

Responded Townsend: "There is no question that their performance has changed since 2001 in the war on terror. They have been critical allies in Afghanistan. They have been critical allies in fighting the financial war against terror. They've been critical allies in terms of our military-to-military relationship, as General Pace has talked about.

"I don't take issue with the 9-11 commission's characterization prior to September 11, but I will tell you, prior to September 11, Pakistan also recognized the Taliban. They, too, are now a critical ally in the war on terror, without whose support we would not have enjoyed some of the successes we've enjoyed, in terms of capturing or killing some of al-Qaida's leaders. So I would caution you against judging forever one's performance prior to 9-11."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48970

-- February 25, 2006 7:44 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

[Originally posted on Feb-25-2006, published Mar-1-2005]

I HATE YOUR GUTS,FAMILY,PETS,IN FACT I WANT TO WIPE FROM THE EARTH ANY TRACE OF YOUR EXISTANCE!

This appears to be the sentiment of the Shiite and Sunni toward each other. Have you ever wondered why they want to kill each other so much?
Well! I did a little research and found this hatred begin almost back to the time when Islam was created. It seems the dispute belongs to who was going to be the big cheese after Muhammad's death.
It seems in this little tit for tat, the prophet's cousin "Ali" was deposed by a rival faction, call the "Omayyads" back then. They ganged up on him, and he loaded his camel and got off of the mountain so to speak. But this didn't save his butt...they hunted him down and he was sent to the virgins in the sky.(don't know how many as Islam was just getting started and they were still putting out virgin applications)
Well! as the story goes, his son Hussein, sort of took it personally that his papa was no longer their to teach him fighting lessons, and went to battle with the so far winning opposite team of "shall we live in peace army".
Apparently, his dad's fighting techniques were accepted by him 100%, and he too was sent to the virgins in the sky. ( I'm coming dad, leave me some will ya!)
From that magnificent display of fighting skills, the Sunni have been determine to stamp out the dogs who can't recognize a true Islamic religion when they smell one.

Now on the other side the Shia feel like they were not treated kindly by their blood kin, and they have been waiting for a few centuries to kick some butt over old "whats his name's" embarassing defeat. Plus, the shia fiqure if they can take advantage of the Sunni while they have been castrated so to speak, they just might encourage the Head Cheese in the sky, "their Mahdi to return, and wave his 'magic rod" over their turbin heads.

Now to the Shia, martyrdom is just as natural as taking your favorite sheep for a night stroll, and gazing together at the stars. Why just to show how strong they feel about their favorite sheep, I mean their dedication to the faith of peace, they will march down the street beating themselve silly with chains, and whips. Some just to show they have a stronger faith will begin slashing their heads and faces with knives, to honor the remembrance of Ali and Hussein. They revel in their own blood and pain. (Will somebody get me a application for this club, I can't wait)
It can of reminds me of our christian snake handlers, and poison drinkers here in the rural areas of America.
Now it appears this type of mindset has deeply influenced the Shia's social and political outlook in our century. In this century they constitute around 23% of one billion muslims, with most concentrated in Iran.Iraq has quite a few along with Lebanon, Yeman and Azerbaijan.

Now, the present leaders of Iran feel generally all other arabs are dried camel pies, and they really would like to take their majority and join it with the ones in Iraq, Lebanon, and Azerbaijan. If they could accomplish that little feat, then the Persia of old would be put back together again.(so much for humty dumty), and it would be just like old home week. Ya! Know! discussing what the new virgins look like, and which ones need to shave their beards.

After all, for centuries the shia have been repressed, held down,kicked,cussed, denied social position, and removed from even thinking about political power. Well! guess what! Now its payback time! Everyone wants a piece of flesh for perceived wrongs every now and then.

Just like in Lebanon, as history teaches us, the modern Shia emerged with a militant swiftness under miltia banners. This rapidly pushed lebanon into a civil war that lasted for years. The rest of the middle east look at the shia as heretics and have repressed them for centuries.

In Iraq,Saddam didn't have too much love for the shia either, so in order to maintain control, he took extreme measures to make sure they understood their class position. He cut off all contacts with Iran, because he knew given an inch, the Iranians would slip one to ya, without even as much as saying, "you're only going to feel a little prick" (Well! at least my doctor was kind enough to warn me this way when I had my last physical exam.)

Now! the only thing the shia needed, was to have Saddam removed, to unleash these contained and penned up emotions of Vengeance for the Sunni.

So,you see now why the Sunni Extremists and Shia are deeply hostile to each other. They have been for centuries long before any of the now opposing forces were even a twinkle in their papa's eye. This hostility has increased as the Sunni have now had to swap class positions with the Shiite, and the bitter pill of payback is not going down very well. Thus, you have attacks from the Sunni and then reprisals from the Shiite.
The insurgents and Iran are trying desperately to fan this inbred hatred of each other from glowing embers, to a raging inferno of massacres. If they can succeed in doing this, the steps of western democracy has been defeated in its tracks. The Persia of old will be reunited, and the Imahdi will return happy as a bullfrog at a bug roast.

Regardless, what we are seeing here are political rivals, and mullahs who practice religious zealotry, playing on the emotions of the masses. They are doing their level best to bring down the newly formed and weak Iraqi government.

In my opinion, if the world leaders do not take a strong hand against Syria, and Iran immediately all is lost in Iraqi. The emotions of hatred have been brought back to the surface, and will not be allowed to die again, unless harsh measures are taken without delay.

I believe presently the international world market views the Iraqi situation as extremely critical. Iraq has been hit with a punch drunk smack. It is trying to stay on its legs, but you can watch for the second blow to come very quickly.

-- February 25, 2006 12:53 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S. Commander Doubts Civil War Likely
by UPI Wire
Feb 25, 2006

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2006 (UPI) -- Col. Jeffrey J. Snow, commander of the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, responsible for western Baghdad, said U.S. forces are on alert as quick reaction forces in the event sectarian tensions bubble over into violence that Iraq's nascent security forces can not handle.

Snow's sector in Baghad has been quiet since the curfew was put into place, and his quick reaction force capabilities not called upon. Snow said the Iraqi commanders he deals with do not believe civil war is inevitable.

"It is their beliefs, based on their discussions with people, that although they are concerned, they are not going to resort to sectarian violence within our area of responsibility," Snow said. "You know, the terrorists would like to see this break out in civil war, but I don't think the people are going to allow that to happen. I mean, that's my personal opinion. But I really think the people are tired of that. They want to get on with their lives. They realize that if the violence were to escalate, ultimately they lose out."

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/security/article_2128190.shtml

-- February 25, 2006 1:13 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq's Sunnis and Sadr's movement make peace
Feb 25, 2006

BAGHDAD (AFP) - The movement of firebrand Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, alleged to have played a role in the anti-Sunni violence over the last few days, publicly made peace with political and religious Sunni leaders.

Four sheikhs from the Sadr movement made a "pact of honor" with the conservative Sunni Muslim Scholars Association, calling for an end to attacks on places of worship, the shedding of blood and condemning any act leading to sedition.

The meeting was broadcast on television and the religious leaders all "condemned the blowing up of the Shiite mausoleum of Samarra as much as the acts of sabotage against the houses of God as well as the assassinations and terrorization of Muslims."

The sheikhs also condemned "those who excommunicate Muslims" a reference to the "takfireen" or Islamist extremists like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi who justify killing fellow Muslims by declaring them non-Muslims.

"It is not permitted to spill the Iraqi blood and to touch the houses of God," said the statement, adding that any mosques taken over by another community should be returned.

On the political front, Salam al-Maliki, a cabinet minister allied to Sadr, and Iyad al-Sammaraie of the Sunni Islamic Party proclaimed their own reconciliation at a joint press conference, aired on Iraqi state television.

The statement added that those attacking mosques were "criminal bands with no links to the Sadr movement."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060225/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestsadrsunni_060225210038

-- February 25, 2006 5:04 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

The Ides of March draws near.

I am a little surprised that there has not been more discussion on the Iran side of this with March being so prominent a topic last month. I know it has been brought up but not with nearly as much enthusiasm as I expected. Ironic that this happened on the eve of Iran's referral to the Security Council. That is assuming Russia and China follow through after insisting it wait. The Iranian Economic Atomic Bomb is about to drop,etc. So much in the news surrounding March just a few weeks ago. Maybe I am being paranoid but I keep feeling like Iran and China are up to something. I don't see Russia benefitting from direct conflict with the US but China has been edging that line for a couple years now. I still think that is the main reason we did not commit more troops to Iraq in the beginnging. Anyway, somewhere in that lies my conspiracy theory for the week.

My belief is that this Shrine was a probing attack or indirect initial assault. Although, I have not ruled out the idea that Al-Sadr had a hand in it for political reasons, I still believe Iran is 100% behind this. After all, we know that if Al-Qaeda acted alone that shrine would have been full of warshippers when the bomb went off. I'm very curious and a tad timid to see what the next 6 weeks will present. Civil War in Iraq is unlikely unless it is an outright political Civil War. However, something is up and the only question is did the Iraqi populace's reaction to this bombing increase or decrease the likeliness of further action? I ask that because on the surface it looks like it succeeded in stirring madness. However, under the surface it appears that the only killings were carried out by the militias following directions from the current political leaders. Specifically, Al-Sadr and the men he was shaking hands with in the article Sara quoted. I bet that picture would have looked like 8 years olds in the school yard - one hand shaking, the other behind their backs with fingers crossed.

Maybe I'm out of my head (a little tired too) but I am curious to see what you all think. On the dinar front, was this event a sign that the people are getting tired of fighting and the government is facing the reality of having to conduct (above surface) a more ligitimate agenda? If so, can a more stable government be in the not too distant future? Was that attack on us first Bob mentioned in motion as he was typing? Could the shrine have been blown up by 3 teenage punks who thought it would be more fun than spray painting the neighbors car?

-- February 25, 2006 6:41 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Egyptians offer Iraq help with crisis
From correspondents in Cairo
February 26, 2006

THE head of Al-Azhar University, Sunni Islam's highest seat of learning, said that he was ready to travel to Baghdad to help quell the wave of communal violence convulsing Iraq.

"We call on our brothers in Iraq, in the names of the Islamic institutions in Egypt, and of Islam, to make a united front and to stand on the side of those who build and not those who destroy," he said.

The head of the Arab League, Secretary General Amr Mussa, also expressed his concern...

In a phone call with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Mussa exhorted the Iraqi head of state "to calm the situation in order to preserve the unity of the people," the Arab League said.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18278479%255E1702,00.html

-- February 25, 2006 10:50 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Turtle, Bill-1, and Oakie: I believe that you fellas are posting what you believe to be true and factual. I also believe the retired General that Oakie quoted stated his genuine opinion.

I do not believe that you must take any official comment made by a military man or a government employee with a grain of salt. Any comments must parrot the thinking of the chain-of-command. So when some General says that things are going good or we are winning the hearts and minds of the people, I do not take the comments too seriously. Remember what happended to Gen McArthur when he started telling things the way they were.

You cannot fight an enemy when you do not know who he is. You are engaging these people and telling them that you want to be their friend and want to help their country only to find out that the man is going to stab you when you turn your back.

I am patriotic, but not stupid. Someone should have recognized the situation we were putting our fighting men into(when I say men I am talking about women too, just like the term mankind means everyone).

I love all these differing opinions and I respect those that are different from mine so lets continue saying what we think and continue to be thickskinned.

-- February 25, 2006 11:17 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Turtle:
If you wanted to take a country, the first thing you have to do is create a legitimate reason that is mostly accepted by the rest of the world, for doing so. I believe the US of A is still fighting that one with Iraq. But! the main requirement is the leader must have your masses behind you in order to get the support to do so. The "igniter" of the leaders countrymen emotions must be perceived as the reality of the situation.
Leaders in "class 101 of how to hoo..doo" learn that perceived reality is more important than actual reality in motivating people to do certain things, or go along with certain actions taken.
So! Bob! is totally 100% correct in looking at any statements from leaders with a juandice eye. Remember! anytime a leader makes an official statement there is a real direct purpose behind the words...words are more powerful that the gun, when used at the correct time.The catch is finding out just what was the purpose of the statement.
Our American reliqious leaders practice that Sunday's every week.

Now in my humble opinion, I believe that Iran is the chicken hawk in this little raid of the chicken den, ie; Iraq.
Goal: Unite Persia Of Old and create the largest,most richest middle eastern country in the world, that will be controlled by the Iranian Leaders and Mullahs.

The Iranian leaders are already stirring the masses within their own country by blaming Israel and the Western Countries from preventing them from getting electricity, to the toliets not flushing,(for the ones who have toliets)and now the blowing up of the mosque of whatever the heck is it is for....

I believe Sadr and the other Shiite clerics were told three weeks ago during their little visit with the Iranian leaders, to get their milita's ready to move when the ignitor of the masses came. On the surface, the Sadr appears to be calming the masses,in the background, his orders are being carried out to create the max effect for civil unrest. Collapse the foundation of the newly formed Iraqi Government, and you have just created a void for selected, like minded cleric leaders to take over. You now have The Perfect Coup.

The reality of the situation is the Iraqi Governments Police and Soldiers are not in control. If they were, why are they allowing religious militas to operate freely with weapons,carry out religious court hearings, execute people, etc;;; Militas do not operate in the open without consent or overpowering fear.
Put yourself in a Iraqi citizens position. If you were a Sunni would you trust the police or solders who were mainly Shia to pick you up,take you to the police station for questioning and then release you? The same is true for a Shia with a Sunni Policeman or Soldier.

The real purpose of the Milita's are what we here in America is called "homeboy's". The guys are known in the community and are trusted by the people in the community to protect them from not only the Insurgents, but the police and soldiers. That is why the militas can operate so freely within their own mosque area. The Iraqi government, police and soldiers know this, understand this, and operate under that premise. The militas are controlled by the clerics, IE: Sadr.
This is why he is so powerful, yet does not have an official position. This is why the Iranians leaders know he is the real power broker, not the leaders of the Iraqi government regarding the masses.
The Iranian leaders know that if they can either create a situation of civil unrest, where they would have a legitimate excuse for bringing troops into Iraq to assist their Shia brotherhood in the civil war it would be accepted.
The same is true for the Iranians nuclear fake left go right senario. I just watch in awe at the stupidity of our mass media, as how the reporters can ask such dumb questions, as if they believe the real issue is nuclear power enrichment. The goal of the Iranians is to get the West or Israel to attack. If they can, then Iraq is theirs...Which was the goal all along...

If you remember... I told you in some post about two weeks ago, to watch for something to happen by March and no later than June. Well! you might want to pull up a lawn chair on this one with your favorite beverage because it is going to a hell of a show. The mosque was just the band warming up...

-- February 26, 2006 7:16 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Civil war in Iraq threatens Mideast
By Steven R. Weisman The New York Times
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2006

WASHINGTON -

Iran might side with the Shiites. It is already allied with the biggest Shiite militias, some of whose members seemed to be involved in the retaliatory attacks on Sunnis after the bombing of the Shiite shrine in Samarra last week.

While the U.S. secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, has proclaimed that the world has isolated Iran more than ever because of its nuclear ambitions, Iran has in fact tightened relationships with its local allies as events in Iraq have played out. In recent months, Iran has been deepening its alliance with Syria and the Shiite movement Hezbollah in Lebanon, and it appears ready to strike up a friendship, backed by financing, with a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority.

Some experts, however, say Iran may understand the dangers of a war. Even the denuciation by the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, of the bombing of the Shiite shrine in Samarra, for which he blamed Zionists rather than Sunnis, could be seen as an act of restraint, these experts say - an effort to play to Shiite anger without fanning flames between Islamic communities in Iraq.

The three major Shiite movements each have militias. Sometimes they have clashed. Iran, he said, would just as soon avoid a violent fragmentation along those lines.

"The first thing you would see in an Iraq civil war is an intra-Shia civil war," Pollack said. "There are a thousand Shiite militias that could do battle against each other, splintering even the southern part of Iraq."

Surveying all the nightmare possibilities in an interview late last week, Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, said: "I do not believe that we are heading that way. The leaders of Iraq know that they came to the brink with the attack on the shrine, and there has been an evolution of their attitudes as a result. I simply believe that the leaders of Iraq do not want a civil war."

Abraham Lincoln, however, said in retrospect that having leaders who do not want war is not enough. The problem is whether there are things they want more than war, and are willing to accept war to get. In Iraq, it seems, this will also determine whether the leaders will one day say with satisfaction that they stepped back from the brink or, sadly like Lincoln, that "the war came."
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/02/26/news/war.php

-- February 26, 2006 1:58 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

- Note that this article, above, says that IRAN SAYS THAT ISRAEL IS RESPONSIBLE for the attack on this shrine, opening the door to what they would view as just retaliation against them with nuclear bombs.
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#119213
Note also the clerics approving the use of nukes on the eve of Iran becoming nuclear capable in a recent post - above, url here:.
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#116416 - "An Iranian fatwa (holy edict) permitting the use of nuclear weapons has been issued for the first time. Mohsen Gharavian, a disciple of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, has stated that using nuclear weapons as a counter-measure is acceptable in terms of sharia (Islamic law), depending upon the goal for which the weapons are used. Up until now, the religious leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran have publicly declared that the use of nuclear weapons are opposed to sharia, maintaining this position to buttress the argument that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only."

-- February 26, 2006 2:07 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

- Note that this article, above, says that IRAN SAYS THAT ISRAEL IS RESPONSIBLE for the attack on this shrine, opening the door to what they would view as just retaliation against them with nuclear bombs.
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#119213
Note also the clerics approving the use of nukes on the eve of Iran becoming nuclear capable in a recent post - above, url here:.
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#116416 - "An Iranian fatwa (holy edict) permitting the use of nuclear weapons has been issued for the first time. Mohsen Gharavian, a disciple of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, has stated that using nuclear weapons as a counter-measure is acceptable in terms of sharia (Islamic law), depending upon the goal for which the weapons are used. Up until now, the religious leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran have publicly declared that the use of nuclear weapons are opposed to sharia, maintaining this position to buttress the argument that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only."

-- February 26, 2006 2:08 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

- We see Sadr and company doing overtures saying that they are peaceful and not trying to ignite the situation or cause violent fragmentation and intra-militia battles. Then, in the background, they work hard to create chaos so that they have the excuse to move the Iranian Army in to take over the country (played as helping protect fellow Shiites). Note that this article says that the Shiite militias, "seemed to be involved in the retaliatory attacks on Sunnis", here: http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#119213
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#117562 - Note Sadr saying he had nothing to do with it - The full article from that url saying, "Still, the roving bands of gun-toting, black clad youths attacking Sunnis and their places of worship on Wednesday were widely believed to have connections to the Mehdi Army, the armed wing of Sadr's movement. In fact, Sadr's office in Najaf issued a statement Saturday calling on his followers to eschew their trademark black uniforms. "The order has been given to members of the Mehdi Army to no longer wear their black uniform, so that it not exploited by those who commit crimes," said the statement. The statement added that those attacking mosques were "criminal bands with no links to the Sadr movement."

They forgot to take off their trademark black uniforms? Embarrassing..

-- February 26, 2006 2:16 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Note the statement from this article:
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#119213
"The problem is whether there are things they want more than war, and are willing to accept war to get."
- What is the goal they want more than peace? The destruction of Israel and the removal of the USA from Iraq so they can take Iraq for themselves and unify Iraq and Iran under one very rich nation (as they have openly advocated both the withdrawl of US troops and that Israel should be wiped off the map).

-- February 26, 2006 2:19 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

- All this is happening JUST as Iran is reputed by Israel to be capable of going nuclear.. - March, they said, the Iranians will be nuclear capable, see article here:
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#106568 - "The head of Israel's military intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Aharon Ze'evi Farkash, told lawmakers on Wednesday that if the international community does not succeed in bringing Iran to the United Nations Security Council by the end of March, "diplomatic efforts will be pointless."
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#107094 - Iran has missiles able to hit Israel. "Iran has had an up and running missle program [a very good one I might add] ever since the early/late 90's, and discussions concerning Iran obtaining weapons grade fission material to compliment it's existing long range missle program are not something new. These missles are more than capable of reaching/targeting every square inch of Israeli soil."

-- February 26, 2006 2:20 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

- Inflaming hatred and chaos in Iraq, sending the Army of Iran into Iraq to take over (oh - bring stability and help fellow Shiites, they will say), and launching nuclear bombs at Israel.. seems to me a scenerio bound to bring the mayhem necessary to bring back the Mahdi.. according to their thinking?
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#113592 - NOW FOLKS THIS IS IMPORTANT, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS NEXT PHRASE..."His return will be preceded by ..cosmic chaos...war and bloodshed...after a confrontation with evil and darkness...then and only then will the Mahdi lead the world into an era of Universal peace."

- Conclusion? The US is about to be forced into war against Iran. This may take a bit of time to evolve, but inevitably, it means war with Iran to stabilize and bring peace to the region. Diplomacy will not work with the mentality of the Iranian leadership.

Sara.

-- February 26, 2006 2:22 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Note the reference: "you will not be saved from the wrath and power of the justice-seeking nations" concerning the attacks on the mosque.. justice.. wrath.. at whom, for what, from whom? And lastly.. how?

Islamic Leaders Blame Israel For Bombed Shi'ite Mosque
16:58 Feb 26, '06 / 28 Shevat 5766
By Ezra HaLevi

- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, Islamic leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini and Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah all blamed Israel for the bombing of a Shi'ite mosque in Iraq last week.

"These heinous acts are committed by a group of Zionists and occupiers that have failed. They have failed in the face of Islam's logic and justice," Ahmadinejad said in a speech broadcast live on Iranian state-controlled TV. "But be sure, you will not be saved from the wrath and power of the justice-seeking nations by resorting to such acts." He was answered by cries of "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" from the crowd.

Khameini urged Shi'ite Muslims not to take revenge on Sunnis but instead to focus their anger upon the West. In Pakistan, an Islamic leader blamed the attacks on India, in addition to the U.S. and Israel. Maulana Hafiz Hussain Ahmad, the head of a Pakistani Islamic group, said he was "praying fervently for another Hitler who should affect another and more powerful Holocaust against the nefarious, plotting and scheming Jews."
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=99191

"You will not be saved from the wrath and power of the justice-seeking nations" said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad concerning the nations of Israel and America. Justice, wrath.. for what? For blowing up the mosque in Iraq. Who will cause this vengence? The justice-seeking nations.. who are they? Iran surely sees itself as one. How do they intend to seek this justice and prosecute their "wrath"? Nuclear bombs are now shown to be usable by religious declaration or fatwa.. given the proper provocation.

It should be considered as a possibility and not laughed off as an implausible scenerio that Iran has created the provocation to allow it to strike a nuclear blow for "justice" against those it considers the perpetrators of this act.

Sara.

-- February 26, 2006 3:26 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Carl: I agree with a lot of what you say actually. The things I disagree with is that many of the clerics knew. I don't see any way that Al-Sistani would have agreed to bomb his own symbol of strength. Al-Sadr on the other hand would have A LOT to gain. Frankly, no lose as long as no one finds out he was behind it. That said, so far all signs point to Al Qaeda but as I said, there is no way they bomb an empty shrine unless their support ting source made it very clear how this mission was to be carried out.

As for the militias... You just answered the question you asked but not with the exact assumption you have drawn. You think they roam free because the Iraqi military is still too weak to do anything about them. The military is not up to US standards but it is stronger than you think. Okay, so why can extremists roam in the open? First, you said it yourself, Al-Sadr and men like him are controlling the militias. Al-Sadr is not in position but his political party is. Unless you are naive enough to believe that every political party over here lacks this type of force, I don't think you are, then you realize that the men in control of the militias are the men in control of the government / military. When was the last time you saw an Arab country where physical might was NOT used as part of political negotiations? When Sunnis want to MAKE the Shiites realize they have to accommodate their wishes, they send out a mission to kill some Shiite "soldiers" and family members. Shiites choose to send a statement back, some Sunni "soldiers" disappear in the night. What does this have to do with the military? If the same people who control the militias control the media, what makes anyone think the militias are going to go away? Anyway, you can read a lot more than what I am stating into this and the Sunnis have all but stated in the media exactly what I just said. Another reason militias continue to walk the streets, why are drug dealers able to walk freely in US streets? As I put it to one of my police friends back home, what would happen if you took the entire police force into the hood and declared war on the gangs and drug dealers? In her words, a lot of people would die and the police would very likely lose. Well, these homeboys, as you very fittingly put it, have to be plucked from some of the worst ghettos you can imagine. Unfortunately, there are innocents caught in the cross fire so we cannot simply go in guns blazing and let God sort them out. It may be tempting to do just that but it simply cannot happen. So, Bob is right, we are running a police action which means are people are fighting a "kind" in a lot of places. Not as kind as you may think, trust me you do NOT hear the whole story and our Marines (Bob1 and others) are representing VERY well. Without telling things I am not allowed, there are places where the men are allowed to be Marines and they ARE getting the job done. It won't stop me from asking my best friend if he sent his favorite crackerjack a Valentines card, but those men who already had my respect have earned a lot more and that is saying something. Now that I have strayed to give the Marine folks on here a deserved salute, I think I'll close because I feel confident you follow what I said. You watch the news guys so I'm not telling you anything that the news has not said without printing it point blank. You may also now draw your own conclusions from my closing statement in the main paragraph of my last post, the only way a civil war will break out is if it is a full out political war. This thing is not about religions, it is about power and politics done the only way people here have ever known. You guys know the history here, I've seen you quote it often so feel free to call me out if you think I'm wrong.

Something else I will add. Why are the attacks happening now? Remember in January when Sara did the post on how deaths were on a steady trend down? That is true so I did not offer any contradiction. However, it is not quite as exceptional as they said. That article was presented after a long period of heavy rains that just ended about 2 weeks ago. I think what you are REALLY seeing right now is the common surge that occurs after every pause. They have been planning all of this for the last 8-10 weeks. So if you are surprised by this violence, you forgot the trend. This happens EVERY time. Only this time is getting a lot of press because the media can rally around the shrine attack.

Now, with all that said why do I remain positive? The answer, New York City late 1800s. Gangs and mafias controlled the streets and the government, the US government too for the most part. The thing is, honest people outnumber the dishonest and for all their might, the politicians are forced by the people to continue to grow the strength of the police and military. Eventually, in a Democracy, that same military and police force will become greater than the government it serves and the thugs. When that happens, the common people will truly have control of their own country. You've seen the untouchables and read the history I am sure. Good men will die and corruption probably never will, but things will take shape over time. Thus, my theory that Iraqis will take control over the next 2 years (because of US help and training - new focus of the US Army military) but it will be the next 40+ years fighting the mafia type forces.

Anyway, just my humble opinion. No offense meant to anyone who has differing opinions by any means and I apologize if I came across that way. My 3 teenagers comment was actually my tongue in cheek way of saying “but then again maybe were all wrong.”

-- February 26, 2006 3:28 PM ∞

Mary Lou Clayton wrote:

This used to be a very informative site regarding the dinar-however, in the past few months, it seems to have turned into a political discussion regarding the middle east. While informative if one wishes to speculate on the political developments on the mid east, there does not appear to be much discussion or information forthcoming about the dinar.

-- February 26, 2006 5:22 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Turtle;
I appreciated your tongue in cheek post.. v good. I agree, Sadr has a lot to gain from this. He just returned to Iraq from (peaceful?) Lebanon via (friendly?) Iran today. Do you think he was out touring about and getting support from his allies? Do you wonder if he talked to any of his Iranian friends while he was passing through Iran?

Radical Shiite Cleric Returns to Iraq
Today: February 26, 2006 at 3:21:6 PST
Al-Sadr was in Lebanon, his fifth stop on a Middle East tour, when the crisis started Wednesday. He cut short the trip and made his way back to Iraq via Iran.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-me/2006/feb/26/022607044.html

The Defense minister and many others see that a Civil War is not a good scenerio.. saying, "If there is a civil war in this country it will never end."

Iraq government warns of "endless civil war"
Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:08 AM ET
By Michael Georgy and Lin Noueihed

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - "If there is a civil war in this country it will never end," Defense Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi, a minority Sunni Muslim in the Shi'ite-led interim government, told a news conference. "We are ready to fill the streets with armored vehicles."

Iraq's 200,000-plus, U.S.-trained security forces have few tanks but U.S. forces, which routinely patrol Baghdad with heavy armor, are also standing by, commanders said. The loyalties of the untried police and Iraqi army could be tested in any clash with militias from which many were recruited.

Dulaimi called for calm and said reports had exaggerated the death toll, which he put at 119...

Iraq's most prominent Sunni cleric, blaming Shi'ite police for attacking his home, said live on pan-Arab television during the gunbattle: "This is civil war declared by one side."

Gunmen wearing the black clothing preferred by some Shi'ite militias attacked two mosques in the south of the city with rocket-propelled grenades late on Friday, police said. Residents said local Sunnis defending one of the mosques appeared to fire both on the militiamen and on police commandos who intervened.

Near Baquba, northeast of the capital, where religious tensions run high, police said gunmen killed 12 members of one family in their home in what they said was a sectarian attack on Shi'ites. Relatives said three of the dead were Sunnis -- not uncommon in the region because of mixed marriages.

Iraqi and U.S. officials blamed the bloodless but symbolic attack on Samarra's Golden Mosque on al Qaeda, saying it wants to wreck the project for democracy in Iraq; al Qaeda accused Shi'ites of carrying it out as an excuse for attacks on Sunnis.

Abroad, there has been concern that Iraqi sectarian violence could inflame the entire Middle East if it gets out of hand.

http://today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-02-25T140817Z_01_MAC231520_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAQ.xml

Here you have Iraq's most prominent Sunni cleric blaming Shi'ite police for attacking his home and saying "This is a civil war declared by one side." ... the SHIITES, he alleges.. are doing this intentionally. And Shiite Sadr's black robed brigades are attacking two Sunni mosques with rocket-propelled grenades.. and there were 12 members of a family killed.. perhaps for having mixed marriages with Sunnis? Al Qaeda is accusing the Shiites of doing this as an excuse to kill Sunni. This Shiite-led uprising is playing into Shiite Iran's plans to foment rebellion and then send in Iran's army to help quell it, with the black robed brigands of Sadr (who will soon take them off but still act under his orders) stirring the strife even as Sadr makes peaceful overtures...

Yet, I, too remain positive concerning the ultimate outcome. I HOPE and pray that they can stop the slide toward Civil War, using whatever force is available to that end. However, the powers behind this are likely Iran... and Iran will have to be dealt with. Once Iran is dealt with there will be a lot more peace in the region and your scenerio about 2 years to peace for the common people because the good people outnumber the bad sounds reasonable. Once the common people rule Iraq in a democracy we will see peace and prosperity for the Iraqi people. It is a goal worth their efforts as it was a goal worth fighting for in the US once. It will be worth the cost. And to go backward from the goal is unthinkable. The only road is forward. I believe the mission to liberate and establish Iraqi Democracy will succeed.. it just might take getting Iran as well in order to bring the peace and stability to the region which is necessary.

Sara.

-- February 26, 2006 10:26 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Talking about tongue in cheek...

I am a senior citizen.

During the Clinton Administration I had an extremely good and well paying job.

I took numerous vacations and had several vacation homes.

Since President Bush took office, I have watched my entire life change for the worse.

I lost my job.

I lost my two sons in that terrible Iraqi War.

I lost my homes.

I lost my health insurance.

As a matter of fact I lost virtually everything and became homeless.

Adding insult to injury, when the authorities found me living like an animal, instead of helping me, they arrested me.

I will do anything that Senator Kerry wants to insure that a Democrat is back in the White House come next year.

Bush has to go.

Sincerely,

Saddam Hussein

-- February 26, 2006 10:31 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Mary Lou:

Good to have you with us and we will give one of the first slices of the roasted pig in Maui. But please understand that until some of the strife and turmoil in Iraq is calmed, there will be no activity with the dinar.

The happenings in Iraq at this time have an absolute impact on the future of the dinar. So, we have a building block scenario going here whereby we get some of the obsticles out of the way and then push the dinar.

Carl, Sara, Bill-1, Turtle are doing a great service to us with their research and intelligence. I am probably as informed as anyone but you fellas are due the credit as you have educated me with your posts.

I post ideas, philosphies, opinions, histories and recommendations but very little real information but my hat is off to you fellas that keep the T&B an informative site.

-- February 26, 2006 11:09 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Mary Lou:
On the contrary, all of the most recent post have everything to do with the dinar. Do you think the process of dinar valuation sets in a vacuum? Does it seem reasonable the present events in Iraq will have some influence on the dinar valuation?
If you don't think so could you tell us why you see it that way?

-- February 26, 2006 11:18 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Sunnis Said Ready to End Boycott of Talks
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer Feb 27, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Sunni Arabs are ready to end their boycott of talks to form a new government if rival Shiites return mosques seized in last week's sectarian attacks and meet other unspecified demands, a top Sunni figure said Monday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060227/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- February 27, 2006 2:25 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq lifts curfew after week of violence
By Haider Salaheddine and Mussab al-Khairalla

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Authorities lifted an extended curfew in Baghdad on Monday as the Iraqi capital returned to relative normality "We are happy. It seems this crisis created by fanatic infidels has ended," said Ali Jabr, who owns a small store in Tahrir square in central Baghdad, which had been closed off to traders who flock there every day from several cities.

http://newsbox.msn.co.uk/article.aspx?as=adimarticle&f=

uk_-_olgbtopnews&t=4023&id=2455507&d=20060227&do=http://newsbox.msn.co.uk&i=http://newsbox.msn.co.uk/mediaexportlive&ks=0&mc=5&ml=ma&lc=en&ae=windows-1252

-- February 27, 2006 2:31 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

There is an intentional space in the url of the last post because the filter saw it as a swear word. Simply put the two parts together, removing the space I made for it to bypass the filter, if you wish to access the full article.

Sara.

-- February 27, 2006 2:34 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I apologise to the Democrat-leaning members of the board for the tongue-in-cheek joke about Saddam's lot under the Bush administration..

It was just a perfect example of Tongue in Cheek, and I had just been given it.. I meant no offense to the Democrats among us. :)

Sara.

-- February 28, 2006 12:49 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

By ALEXANDRA ZAVIS , 02.28.2006, 01:28 PM

Al-Rubaie emerged from his meeting to tell reporters "the way to forming the government is difficult and planted with political bombs. We ask the Iraqi people to be patient, and we expect forming the government will take a few months."

He added: "The (United Iraqi) Alliance has chosen (Prime Minister Ibrahim) al-Jaafari and will not give up this choice. We expect that our partners in this country will respect this choice ... taking into consideration the election results."

http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/feeds/ap/2006/02/28/ap2558963.html

-- February 28, 2006 5:48 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

PortGate Speech President Bush SHOULD Give
Written by Jamie Allman
Friday, February 24, 2006

In light of the disinformation regarding the sale by a British company to Dubai Ports World of control of some aspects of port operations in the United States, here’s the speech that President Bush should give to clarify for Americans why the sale is appropriate.

My Fellow Americans--

There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about the Dubai Ports World purchase of the British company handling container operations at some American ports. The rhetoric is spinning out of control. It's not going to go away and that's my fault. I should have said something earlier to Congress at the very least so they would have accurate information to modify and fabricate for their own political gain instead of just fabricating information outright.

Here's the deal.

We're not selling our ports. We're not hirings "nasty A-rabs" to protect our ports. We're not replacing longshoremen with Middle Easterners.

Dubai Ports World took over the British corporation that handled the job of essentially writing checks to longshoremen. As you know, the British aren't that great at holding onto things outside of Britain and DPW won out.

Many of you have been given the false impression that the United Arab Emirates is a terrorist harboring state that cannot be trusted. Well, that's patently false and has no basis in fact.

The United States has Middle Eastern friends and Middle Eastern enemies. The UAE is a friend.

The United Arab Emirates has allowed the United States unlimited use of its Al Dahfra air base for spy plane and other military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The United Arab Emirates is currently helping train Iraqi security forces as we continue to try to relieve the burden on American troops.

The United Arab Emirates was the first country to sign on to the Container Security Initiative. Bottom line: the Dubai port is among the largest in the world. Boatloads of containers already come from the UAE to the United States. The United Arab Emirates were the first to agree to the tough program designed to screen containers coming to our country. Even as I speak, UAE port workers are loading commercial ships bound for our country. They also help load and unload U.S. Navy ships.

The United Arab Emirates is also close to Iran. Iran hates the UAE and the UAE hates Iran. We like that. We're glad we are friends with the UAE. As long as we are, the Gulf will never be taken over by our middle eastern enemies. Never.

Some have claimed UAE ties to the 9/11 attacks. Those are false... (see full article, url below)

Some have claimed that the other reason to oppose the UAE company is because the UAE supported the Taliban. I've got news for you. So did the United States... (see full article, url below)

... the UAE is not your enemy today. Your enemy is a multitude of individuals who stand to gain personally and politically by lying and fabricating details of what is really going on and the reasons why.

There are those in the media who are hoping for a short term burst of celebrity by exploiting foreign paranoia and hoping that you don't read. And there are those pandering "bi-partisan" politicians who have no interest in facts or, for that matter, anything that happens beyond election year 2006. Yes, I should have briefed them, but the truth was just a phone call away. Do not let them exploit illogical fears for their own political gain.

Again, what do I have to gain by endangering your safety? What do THEY have to gain by making you think you are endangered?

http://www.chronwatch.com/content/contentDisplay.asp?aid=19733

-- February 28, 2006 6:30 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Sara,

like Judas Iscariot and (unfortunately) many so-called Christians, you are a zealot. You know, Judas didn't betray Jesus because he lost faith. To the contrary, he did it to force Jesus to use his power to destroy the Romans. He was just too overwhelmed by his own fear and hate to really grasp what Jesus was trying to do, that is, until it was too late.

People like you are willing to sell the rest of us out in much the same way. So please, convince me, without using abstractions like "freedom, victory" and "family values," what exactly is it that you think George Bush is doing for you or the rest of us, except raising paranoia levels higher than this country has experienced since the Red Scare? Heck, I'll even settle for what you think his goals are, because I'll be d*mned if I can remember him mentioning one that can actually be defined.

It's apparent that you believe in this guy like he's been touched by God somehow, which could have only happened recently since he spent most of his youth in an alcohol and cocaine induced haze. Honestly, publically touting his new found faith during a campaign like he did seems disingenuous at best. You know, There's plenty of serial killers and pediphiles on death row that say they've found God too. Should we let them out?

I'm sure that you are a good person on some level. I get the impression that you're in your 50's, at an age when you anticipate taking advantage of your social security and federal medical benefits. They'll probably be there for you, but probably not for me (34) if Bush has his way with his privatization scheme. It's really galling that people like you, with their benefits in hand, feel so free to turn around and take mine away. Maybe it's a feeling of empowerment?

-- February 28, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Anonymous:

You made a few points that I agreed with, but to attack Sara is unacceptable. You could have disagreed in a more amicable manner. Sara and Carl do all the research that keep us do-do's able to make our comments.

We appreciate your input, but not in the hostile way that it came across. Sara may not be right every time, but she is right so many times that she deserves no criticism. Please apologize to her.

-- February 28, 2006 11:37 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Anonymous:
Well! Well! did someone touch you button tonight? First! I am amazed you knew what Judas was thinking...I really don't believe anybody really wrote it down...I mean do ya think one of the disciples came up to him and said, "Judas! if you really don't mind me asking, but just what the hell was you thinking? I mean if ya needed money for your honey, I believe us boy's at the club could have spared a little...Now! you've gone and got us all unemployed...now we've got to go back to fishing again...god I hate that smell on my hands"
So! your first premise of direct knowledge about judas lacks reliability...I believe if you check your source, it is conjectured, it is rumored, it is surmised, it is just plain fabricated as to what really judas was really thinking...and I don't believe he is around to confirm your side of the story...or mind in this case...but my story sounds a whole lot more entertaining, and I am sticking to it.

Now! that we have gotten that out of the way, maybe we need to go over some of the above just in case you and I should have a beer together sometime...
First! I'm not sure what you were referring to when you stated, Sara would sell you out...so I can't address something that I don't understand...but I can say this, if you were her neighbor and your house had burnt down or you needed help, she would be the one organizing the community in helping you and your family. So if I were you, I wouldn't sell someone short, if I had no clue who they really were.
Sara states what she believes, and she is who she is. Just as you are who you are...How you perceive her post she can not control. Every poster knows when they post on this board it might be taken in such a way that it angers, just as one of her post apparently upset you. Lord! knows I have done my share of ticking off people, just as you did tonight with me, when you attacked sara personally.
Now! a little bit about sara, she is not 50, not even close...But I do understand why you would think that she is older than you, since she comes across in her post as a whole lots more mature, even tempered, better educated, deeply well read, with a lots better understanding and insight as to what is really happening than you do....

I started to jot down some things uncle george has done, that has probably saved your little bannie butt and mine from further attacks, but then I realized that would be lost on you, so I canned that Idea...So! What I did find intriquing is to ask you what you would do if you were president of the United States today. Why not give us some insight as to how you would have handled Iraq, and Iran...We will keep it simple for ya...
OH! I am 57, retired civil servant, 27 years military reserve and still active in the military. I look forward to being on the government tit when I get ready to ready to retire. I have earned it, deserve it, and expect you... young man to pay my way,.... just like I paid the way for the men and ladies who came before me...I don't owe you anything, you owe the generations that came before you, that kept you speaking english, and gave you the freedom to say what you want to post here...
So! the next time you allow your temper to disgrace ya like you did in ya last post, I suggest you get up.... go get a beer, and think about what you are going to say before you start to bring forth your apparently limited amount of knowledge.

Oh! by the way...you owe sara a "I am sorry I was such a jerk"

-- March 1, 2006 1:00 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thank you, Carl and Bob, for your kind words concerning me. :) It is late now, as I composed this before reading your posts, so maybe I will reply something more to them in the morning. These were my thoughts to Anonymous...

Anonymous..

You said:

"... like Judas Iscariot and (unfortunately) many so-called Christians, you are a zealot."

A zealot is by definition, someone who is, quote (from Dictionary.com) "a fervent and even militant proponent of something". If I offend you because I have a fervent conviction you disagree with, may I remind you that Jesus Christ was equally as unapologetic about what he believed to be true? Chosing the betrayer of Christ as illustration for the remark does not do justice to the man who said:

Luk 9:23 If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed...

Luk 14:27 And whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

If those are not the words of a man demanding his followers to be "fervent and even militant proponents" of Him and His words.. a man demanding zealotry (or you CANNOT be His disciple), then what do those words mean to you?

As for the OBJECT of zealotry, you say: "Judas... betrayed Jesus... to force Jesus to use his power to destroy the Romans. He was just too overwhelmed by his own fear and hate to really grasp what Jesus was trying to do, that is, until it was too late." Then you go on to ask what I think President Bush is doing.

I believe what you are saying is that Judas was a religious zealot who wished Jesus to cause all the multitudes of people who followed him to take up arms and fight bloody battles against the Romans to free the Jewish people. You see Judas as a man filled with hatred of Rome and unable to grasp Jesus' message of peace. I would agree with you that Jesus was not seeking a kingdom in this world (John 18:36). When they (I think it was Judas leading the effort) sought to take Jesus and make Him a King by force so that He would have to lead them in battle against Rome, Jesus hid himself from them, for He would not have His aim and work turned into an effort to overcome Rome by force of arms.

Joh 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Jesus did not overcome Rome by force of arms, but by the gospel. I agree that the only way radical Islam will be overcome is by the peaceful proclamation of the gospel and not by force of arms. That is a peaceful Christian religious conviction. Christians, unlike militant Islamics, do not use the sword to force conversions. You will note that in this country you can express your viewpoint freely, and even if you disagree with my religious views you do not expect me to take out a sword and run you through for disagreeing with me. That is not true of a radical Islamic extremist. They will kill you for not sharing their viewpoint. That is a very key difference and one you really ought not to forget, if your life is valuable to you.

If you think I, or anyone else, is seeking to destroy Islamic people and force them to convert from their religion, you are mistaken. I would defend any Muslim the right to peacefully believe what they wish to believe. But the minute they pick up a sword they make themselves combatants, not a religious believer. They are now part of an army, not part of a religious group. The minute they put a sword to your throat, I am not going to let them kill you and your loved ones, simply because you disagree with their viewpoint that Mohammed is the ultimate prophet from God. I do not seek to overcome the Muslim religious beliefs by force any more than Jesus sought to overcome Rome by force of arms. All we are seeking is protection of the innocent and their FREEDOM TO CHOOSE.. for all people, including Muslim people. They should be allowed to choose, UNCOERCED, to believe in Mohammed or Jesus or the man on the moon. Whatever they believe in should be allowed, so long as it is peaceful. The fight is for FREEDOM and the ability to peacefully hold an opinion. We are not seeking to kill the infidel Muslims for some religious zealotry goal.

As for Bush leading us into the destruction of the US by terrorists, I think President Bush addressed this well in his speech when he said that the terrorists will not go away if we cease to bother with them. War is upon us whether we wish it or not. These Islamic extremists vow they will kill us all unless we come under the heel of their religion. What about 911 - we were leaving them alone then. What about Spain - the Madrid bombings? What about England - with the tube train suicide bombings? What about the destruction and deaths in Jordan? etc, etc. What these people wish is unconditional surrender to their religious viewpoint, brought about by war. We are not seeking that as our aim. We are seeking the freedom of Islamics to peacefully assemble and, if they so desire, remain peacefully Islamic. But also the freedom to choose not to remain Islamic if they so choose.

For yourself, do you wish to yeild your freedom in order to obtain peace with the radical extremist Islamics? You called freedom abstract in your post. It is not. Go live under Saddam Hussein and see whether it is all that abstract. Freedom is real and very concrete. Freedom means you can protest and not be thrown in jail or killed for it. It means you can post (like you did on this site) and not fear a knock on the door and disappearing into a labyrinth of jail cells for the next 20 years, or be tortured and/or executed merely for saying what you feel and believe. You call victory abstract, but if we do not win over the terrorists, the only other option left is defeat. There is no middle ground to these people. They will not peacefully coexist with us and our 'infidel' beliefs. Read what they say about their goals, believe them at their words. They want to kill you and your family and everyone who is not a radical extremist Muslim like themselves (including certain kinds of Muslims they disagree with). They do not wish peace and freedom for everyone to believe peacefully what they wish to.

They want total victory and to take all your freedoms - of conscience, the press, religion, assembly, belief, speech.. etc. You are upset with my strong views.. you feel I am "forcing" my view on you? How would you enjoy it if the Muslims were ruling this continent and dictating to you what you can believe, wear, watch, say and do? Because unless we get that "abstract" victory over these religious zealots, that is exactly what will happen to all of us. You should be scared.. but not of Bush who is trying to defend your freedoms - of Osama and the other Bin Laden's of this world who are seeking to take your freedoms away from you and all of us in the name of their religious zealotry.

From your words, I think you believe I wish destruction and force to be used to further spurious ends. I do not. If there is hope of a peaceful solution to the matter of Iran, I would like to see it. But we have carefully looked at the evidence of how they think and speak and act, and I do not see the alternative of a peaceful solution being possible to us. If you can find one, please do show it. We are seeking toleration of different views, of ALL viewpoints that are peacefully expressed.. yours, mine, President Bush's, Muslims, anyone's. Those who are INTOLERANT are our enemies, and they would enslave you to their view of Islam and force you and your loved ones to obey their religious views and laws. The fact is that the brave fighting men and women of the USA, coalition and Iraqi forces - they are fighting to let the Islamics in Iraq RETAIN their peaceful religious views of Islam, if they wish to. They are also fighting to allow these people the freedom to choose what you take for granted in this country, the ability to change your mind and say, "No, I don't think that is the right way. I have decided I will follow another way." if they wish to. That is why we refer to the fight being a fight for FREEDOM, and say that VICTORY is the important thing for us to obtain. Without victory, the people in Iraq return to a dictatorship under the rule of oppressors who will enslave them to their radical view of Islam. Is freedom from that fate not worth fighting for?

Sara.

-- March 1, 2006 3:06 AM ∞

RON wrote:

Hi all,just been reading for awhile now.
Sara very well said.
RON

-- March 1, 2006 11:30 AM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Anonymous,

You're incoherant. You're post was convoluted and lacked a central point. I've got an idea, when you write something, try to have a point. It makes it so much more intresting to the reader.

BTW - Using abstractions is what we do as human beings. Its abstract thought that has allowed poeple to build skyscrapers, invent the airplane, go to the moon, and find medical cures for diseases. Abstract thought is what seperates us from the animals. If your insisting Sara use no absract thought the implication is that you have the intellect of a monkey.

Aloha to the rest of the IQD group -

Keep the pigroast in mind!

T-

-- March 1, 2006 12:24 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

I believe:
Sara in her last post, spelled out very well the difference between the fundalmentalistic Muslim and our point of view.
Job well done Sara...even I could understand it!

-- March 1, 2006 1:39 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Here's your central point, and I repeat,

"what exactly is it that you think George Bush is doing for you or the rest of us, except raising paranoia levels higher than this country has experienced since the Red Scare? Heck, I'll even settle for what you think his goals are, because I'll be d*mned if I can remember him mentioning one that can actually be defined."

And Carl, I've got twelve years of military service, most of it federal. Not to discount any hardships that you may have endured, but I don't owe YOU anything. Both my grandfathers fought in WWII, which was the last war that had anything to do with preserving our way of life. I owe them. If I'd been able to vote during the Vietnam years I'd owe those soldiers too, for being fool enough to vote people into office that would let us get involved in a mess like that. I agree with you about my responsibilities, but that's a two way street as I should be able to someday enjoy the same benefits that you do, especially since I'll be helping to pay for yours.

Maybe I was a little harsh on Sara. I should have said that it appears to me, after reading your posts that you are a zealot, and it still does, especially since she doesn't really seem to be able to justify her faith in someone that so obviously does not have her best interests in mind. I assumed she was older because it would be crazy for someone my age or younger to support what Bush is trying to do, which is to create opportunities for private businesses to make money off of our contributions to social security and medicare.

Absractions, like the word freedom, are just fine unless you're using them to draw attention away, for example, from the fact that you have no exit plan and generally no plan at all, much less a clear end goal for a conflict that you began for no discernable reason. Saddam was a problem, sure, but he certainly wasn't a threat to us, even if he had weapons of mass destruction. There are countries aplenty then and now that are more of a threat to our security. For example, those that actually harbor terrorists or those that actually trained them, or those that actually have Weapons of Mass Destruction. Afghanistan was a necessity, Iraq was not, and furthermore, Iraq had and has nothing to do whatsoever with preserving any "freedom" that we enjoy in this country. Oddly enough, it seems to be having the opposite effect.

So again Sara, what is it that you think Bush is trying to do?

-- March 1, 2006 4:53 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Stable Iraq an essential threat to Iran – Perle
Wednesday, 01 March 2006

NCRI - Richard Perle, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense and a political analyst at the American Enterprise Institute said in a radio interview in Washington that the stable Iraq is an essential threat to the Iranian mullahs, because they cannot remain in power if a democratic and progressive government was to emerge in their neighborhood.

The Former Assistant Secretary of Defense added: "I don't believe we can trust the Iranians to either encourage or create a stable environment in Iraq, because a stable Iraq would pose an essential threat to them. Iran would definitely loose many things if a stable environment was established in Iraq."

http://www.ncr-iran.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1079&Itemid=71

-- March 1, 2006 5:44 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Anonymous;

I seems to me that you didn't listen to President Bush's speeches, or perhaps it is that you didn't hear what he was saying if you did listen to what he had to say. Maybe your mind was made up before you even heard his words, and we know a closed mind is not likely to see another viewpoint. As for your saying I must "justify her faith in someone that so obviously does not have her best interests in mind", you definitely show by those words a set viewpoint as to what President Bush is trying to do and what "best interests" are not justified... including, quote, "what Bush is trying to do... is to create opportunities for private businesses to make money off of our contributions to social security and medicare." I do not think if you told the President that view in person that he would agree with you that his goal is to line the pockets of the greedy private sector while stealing from and using the populace, as you allude. You obviously believe that the government does a wonderful job of whatever it undertakes to do, including social security and medicare. Some others disagree and think that private enterprise is more efficient as a provider of the same services. A belief in the State to take care of everything for you is called Communism. While I am not saying you are a Communist, your viewpoint is definitely a reflection of that school of thought, which you should think about.

You say President Bush has no exit plan for Iraq, but he does and has said it over and over and over. He did say his goal is to have the Iraqis stand up and the US stand down - as soon as that is effected, the withdrawl of troops will be implemented. Leaving the Iraqis to the mercy of the Iranians who wish them destroyed is not going to be good for stability in the region or the health and welfare of the Iraqi people as even the Democrats were forced to admit when they had to vote against immediate withdrawl and record that vote on the record.

You say the war was started "for no discernable reason" and that Saddam was no threat to the US. I think my posts have clearly delineated that there are many who did and still do think that Saddam was a threat. I believe that if President Bush had ignored this growing threat and NOT acted to go into Iraq and depose Saddam, that when the first WMD were ignited on US soil you would have been among the first to blame President Bush for NOT doing something to prevent such a catastrophe. The choice was before him, and he chose wisely, in my view. Either choice had a cost to pay with it - we are living with the choice to act instead of ignore the growing threat in light of the 911 events.

You say: "Iraq had and has nothing to do whatsoever with preserving any "freedom" that we enjoy in this country." But the very first freedom which must be preserved is the ability to survive, to live. Without that, being dead in a coffin, you don't really have any other freedoms. It is the most fundamental level of freedom preservation to preserve life. In this, President Bush acted to stop the threat of WMD on US soil. He has been successful as the terrorists have not attacked the US. If you think they are peaceful people and have no desire to kill Americans or attack the US, go to Iraq for a while.. you will find a different perspective lives there. You are free to disagree that there was or is now any threat from terrorism, but I believe time will tell a different story. You cannot drown truth with lies, be they shouted ever so loudly by those who stand to gain from them politically. President Bush is a man I believe to be honorable and to have acted with the intent of protecting the lives of innocent Americans.. not to mention that he didn't exactly do a disservice to the oppressed Iraqi people who were being tortured, slaughtered and put into mass graves.

If you want to know what President Bush is doing in Iraq, stop listening to the media pundits who are in the Democrat's back pockets and go to the horse's mouth. Listen to his speeches yourself and think for yourself, getting both sides of the argument before making a judgement. I don't need to reiterate all President Bush's goals, read his speeches, they are very plain.

Sara.

-- March 1, 2006 6:33 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

Anonymous,

You wrote:

"what exactly is it that you think George Bush is doing for you or the rest of us, except raising paranoia levels higher than this country has experienced since the Red Scare? Heck, I'll even settle for what you think his goals are, because I'll be d*mned if I can remember him mentioning one that can actually be defined."

You must be able to see that this new threat of radical Islamic terrorism is in fact the greatest and most unique threat that we have ever faced. It makes communism look tame. Why? Communism was predictable. Lurking just below the surface of all of Marx's ideology was still a sense of western ethics and a basic regard for life among the masses. That is why the policy of MAD worked for decades without any nuclear warfare. But this new enemy doesn't share any semblance of western thought or morality. They would gladly blow the world up entirely to get rid of the infadel. In there mind they would have their 72 virgins and allah would be sending us all to hell.

Keep this in perspective: The Japanese killed over 1800 Americans on Dec. 7th 1941 by utilizing hundreds of aircraft and 4 aircraft carriers, escorted by cruisers and destroyers. The Islamic Terrorists killed over 3000 Americans with a grand total of 3 airplanes - THREE.

Now imagine what they would do with any kind of WMD in their possession. Listen to me carefully. These crazed hate mongers will hit us again will all the ferocity they can muster. They will kill all of us if we give them a chance. This is a war that will take a minimum of decades to win..... if at all, because not only do we need to defeat the current crop of terrorists, but we must find a way to stop these Jihadists from training their own children into the art of mass murder and the killing of innocent lives.

So you think this is all paranioa....you must be kidding me.

T-

-- March 1, 2006 7:18 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Terrance.. you said: "we must find a way to stop these Jihadists from training their own children into the art of mass murder and the killing of innocent lives." I agree.. I think we have found that way and are working on it. This was the exact reason for my working on this post today..

How can we win against such an ideology?

I mentioned that I have a peaceful religious conviction that the radical Islamics will be overcome by the peaceful gospel of Jesus Christ. This will not happen by forcing them to convert or killing those who do not adhere to Christian religious beliefs, but by allowing all the freewill choice to become Christians. Lest you think that pie in the sky thinking, I will briefly explain why. The Christian movement began with 40 people gathered together in an upper room (Acts Chapter 1). It now has 2.1 billion adherents and is the largest religious group in the world, with 33% of the world's population claiming to follow Jesus Christ.
http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/worldreligio.gif
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_religions#All_religions_or_belief_systems_by_number_of_adherents

If Islamic people are allowed to choose UNCOERCED, which religion they wish to believe in, they do choose Christianity. Even if only 33% of them (to start with) choose this option, and the rest choose along the lines of the pie chart graph (above), you will see exponential growth in the religion globally. When Islam is the forced religion, very few people can be expected to become Christians. When the threat and fear of death for believing differently is removed and freedom of conscience and religious belief is given to Islamic people, they exponentially choose to leave Islam.
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#116445

That url shows that, quote: "Since 1997, by our count, 522,000 Bangladeshi Muslims have turned to Isa, the No. 2 Islamic prophet we know as Jesus. Just in the last year, 500,000 Pakistani Muslims have recognized Isa as Lord and become His followers. If you lack a reference point for these numbers, consider that until now, three or four Muslim converts a year was par for the course for most missionaries."

There does not need to be bloodshed for Christianity to spread. As a Christian I believe if we assure these people their freedom to choose it will cause the peaceful religion of Christianity to grow. ONLY by the sword, bondage and force can the radical Islamics keep people in their religious beliefs. Given freedom to choose, many will choose Christ (and other religious views - including peaceful Islamic beliefs), thus overcoming Islamic extremism by denying the movement its adherents. This is the reason the extremists fight against freedom of choice so vehemently. They know they will lose people in droves from their religious viewpoint because they do not hold to the truth. Truth has no fear of being overthrown, truth always will prevail.. given time. If the radical Islamics did hold to a viewpoint of truth, they would have no fear of open freedom of choice and freedom of religion. Who exactly will CHOOSE lies intentionally? Would you? If their beliefs are true, why do they have to force people to adhere to it? Can it not stand up to scrutiny as being the Truth? Obviously not..

The Bible says ALL the kingdoms of this world are destined to become Jesus Christ's.
Rev 11:15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
Giving all people the right to hear all viewpoints and to choose according to the dictates of their own consciences will cause this to happen because Christianity IS the truth. If you disagree with that statement, why not allow all people the freedom to choose to believe what they wish to believe and prove me wrong? After all, if Christianity isn't the truth, no such thing will happen and those in bondage under fear from the radical extremist Islamics will happily continue to adhere to that religious viewpoint UNCOERCED - won't they?

This, by the way, could be why, according to the Richard Perle, the Former Assistant Secretary of Defense. "a stable Iraq is an essential threat to the Iranian mullahs, because they cannot remain in power if a democratic and progressive government was to emerge in their neighborhood."
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#120410

Sara.

-- March 1, 2006 7:54 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Terrace:
No! I don't believe he is kidding...

-- March 1, 2006 7:57 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Anon:
Just didn't want to spell the whole name so don't take offense.
I don't have a problem with you having a different view and opinion. Just the post should be about how you see things, not attacking someone personally. You have taken some hits, because of this...But you must realize if someone else had personally attacked you, then we would have defended you just as we have Sara.
Personally, I find it refreshing that we have someone on board with your point of view. I don't understand that point of view, so it gives you a opportunity to explain your position, and me a chance to maybe learn something.
I don't always agree with President Bush, especially about our borders. Iraq was and is in my opinion simply about oil. Whoever controls the oil fields do not have to worry about a energy issue for many years.
Iran wanted those fields during Saddam's days, and still does now that Saddam is no longer in power. That is why Grandpapa Sadr was killed by Saddam a few years back, as he was staging a coup which was backed by Iran. Facts not paranoia....

Have you read the book just recently printed by the Iraqi General call Saddams Secrets? I am now in the middle of it. I believe you may find it interesting.
It is no surprise that Saddam had WMD's... We knew he had them because during the Iranian and Iraqi War we gave them to him.

I am still intriqued with what actions you would have taken as president with Saddam, and now Iran?
Give us a example what you would have done different than Uncle George. Then I am sure other point of views will appear, and we all can bat that around a little.

This is good as it educates us all.

-- March 1, 2006 8:35 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Here you go Sara,

This is obviously an anti-Bush site, so ignore the propaganda. Bush has a long history of saying one thing and doing another. Just read the quotes. They don't lie, or rather, they're all lies, but they all come from the same person, your hero.

http://www.americanprogressaction.org/site/pp.asp?c=klLWJcP7H&b=118263

As for as the use of a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon on US soil, I hate to break this to you, but it's only a matter of time. As long as we persist with a foreign policy that alienates most of the world we will continue to encourage retaliation. We may succeed in stopping a few of them, but eventually one will get through. Much like the War on Drugs, we've already proven how ineffective we are at controlling our borders. The government had information about the conspiracy that came to fruition on 9/11 prior to the attack, but were still unable to pull their act together quick enough to stop it. Adding a whole new bureaucracy, Homeland Security, has only served to slow the process of information gathering, interpretation and application.

Most of the Islamic world is not interested in us as long as our soldiers are not marching down their streets. Guerilla style warfare is the only option these people have, they only way they can fight us effectually. You'd think we would have learned our lesson about this fact from Vietnam, but it appears that we haven't. Remember, these "terrorists" were "freedom fighters" when we trained them to resist Russian incursions. It's ironic that after we trained these people in this style of warfare that we're now fighting them like we know nothing about it.

We lost 2,752 citizens in the 9/11 attack, and well over 2000 soldiers in Iraq so far, two of whom were close friends of mine. On the other hand, we've managed to kill over 30,000 Iraqis (including an alarming number of children), not counting insurgents. How many of those people do you think had a hand in 9/11?

You make a mistake if you think I'm some kind of liberal, bleeding heart, vote for Kerry nut. I'm all for finding the people responsible for 9/11 and bringing them to justice, or simply killing them in their beds. I find it very upsetting that so many people have lost their focus on this goal. Even more so when they support the person responsible for diverting our attention, and do so in such a zealous manner. Far from being influenced by political pundits Sara, you sound to me as if you are simply repeating some kind of screwy quasi-religious party -line.

Now, break out your dictionary and look up the word communist. Then look up the word socialist. Compare the two. This may surprise you, but you do not live in a pure democracy. You live in a socialist republic. It's been that way, in one form or another, ever since we decided to have a federal government. Here are a few examples of socialist programs: Social Security, Medi-care, disability, unemployment, Pell Grants, the Montgomery G I Bill, pensions, etc., etc.

Maybe you are in a position where you'll never need these things. In that case, I envy your financial freedom. But, what do you think a government is for, if not to protect and provide for the citizens of the country in which it exists? Do you think your life would be better if all the people on welfare (most of whom are white, by the way) were suddenly dropped from that program? Even with a program like welfare we still have people starving in our streets. You're telling me that Bush can rebuild Iraq when he can't even feed these people? What if we'd used all the money we've thrown away in Iraq so far to take care of our citizens. What if we'd used it to retool our own infrastructure to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels? I know, those are big what-ifs, but certainly more credible than any conjecture about what Saddam MIGHT have done.

The Social Security system may need reform, but it does not need to be replaced. Prohibiting withdrawal of SS funds for unrelated expendiatures would solve most of the lack of funds problems that we've all been hearing so much about. We do not need to pay private corporations to manage money that is already ours. That's like paying rent to live in a house you've already paid for.

Ignore your preacher for awhile and try thinking on your own.

-- March 1, 2006 8:41 PM ∞

Cal wrote:

I just want to say one thing. I believe many people do not agree with the actions of our President because of one fundamental issue. American men are being feminized because of various issues which I do not want to metion at this time.

When I was a kid my Dad and I were in the back yard and we saw a 4 foot moccasin(snake) in the grass. My Dad immediately went and grabbed his shotgun and killed the snake. I asked him why did he do that, because the snake was not bothering us. And he said, "I killed the snake because I did not want the snake to get into anyone elses back yard and bite someone."

To me that is what real manhood is all about. It's not about just protecting your backyard but about assuming a level of responsibility for everybody's back yard.

-- March 1, 2006 9:34 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Anon:

You apparantly are a well informed and brilliant man and we need people like you on this site. You just need to tone down your rhetoric and we will go along with any of your posts so long as you do not attack our members.

I personally agree with much of your thinking so long as you do not call those who disagree with you, idiots.

-- March 1, 2006 11:15 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Mat 7:6 Give not that which is holy to the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend YOU.

I think I have had enough of dialoging with you, Anon.

If others wish to address these issues with you, they are free to do so.

Sara.

-- March 2, 2006 7:01 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Mat 7:6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear YOU in pieces.

I think I have had enough of dialoging with you, Anon.

If others wish to address these issues with you, they are free to do so.

Sara.

-- March 2, 2006 7:45 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

AND THE IRANIAN AGENTS ARE:

It is apparent by my observation 3 of the Iranian agents within Iraq have now been identified..

Leader of the Interior Ministry (Controls Police and Soldiers)
* originally commander of Shiite Militas
* Direct connection to Al-sadr
* In-Direct connection to Iran through Sadr

Al-Sadr - leader and now supreme commander of Shiite Militas (controls Shiite Militias)
*Direct connection to Iran and Syria
*Direct connection to Interior Ministry
**
Reason why shiite militia operates without fear of police or soldiers.

Al-Jaafari - Hand picked to lead Iraqi government.
* Only won prime minister slot by one vote with influence from Al-Sadr.
* Lived in Iran for 20+ years
* Direct Connection to Iran

Common denominator: Iran

In essence Iran now either directly or In-directly controls police, soldiers, & militas.
This is all of the Iraqi forces.
IE: It appears we, the Coalition forces(which includes the British) have been used as pawns in putting back together the "Persia of Old."
By my observation, it appears it has all be carried out by the Iranian Leaders, using Uncle George and the british as the tools to do it.

It reminds me of the ole adage: The Universe will give back to you what you put out..

The British are the ones who divided the Persia of old, and now it appears the Universe allowed them to be a part in putting it back together...just not the way they or we expected this little adventure to unfold.

Don't agree with me:
Questions to ask yourself:
Do you think Iran had any influence on the Gold Dome Mosque explosion?
Do you think this was a signal of the beginning of Iran making its move for total control over Iraq?
Do you think Iran has any influence now over the above 3 key controling positions in Iraq?
Do you think Iran has a very high possiblity of succeeding in their Coup of Iraq, or have already succeeded?
Do you think Iran has now completed part Two of the Coup?
(part one was getting the USA to remove Saddam)

Do you think Iran had nothing or little influence with the present internal struggle within Iraq?

Most Importantly:
What affect do you think this will have on the Iraqi Dinar if Iran does move in and take over?
Improve the value, lower the value or it will stay the same.

Maybe you do not agree with me at all on the above observations...if not, could you give your side of what you observe and appears apparent...Anon...any comments on this..?

In my mind, we can all be saying--"Iranian Check Mate" if something doesn't happen real soon to the Present Iranian Leaders.

You must admit...those guys really know how to play a political game of chest.

-- March 2, 2006 8:33 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

EXCLUSIVE: New Al Qaeda Leader Planning Attack Against U.S.

March 2, 2006 — Pakistani officials told ABC News that they believe they have indications that a new terrorist attack against the United States is being planned there. They told ABC News that while their intelligence does not give any specific details as to a target or time, it does indicate that an emerging al Qaeda figure is making plans.

Pakistani military officials say Matiur Rehman, 29, a Pakistani militant, is behind the new plans for an attack against the United States. Pakistani officials say an attack outside the U.S. consulate in Karachi today was almost certainly connected to Rehman, who works out of Karachi. A suicide bomber rammed a car into a vehicle carrying an American diplomat, killing at least four people. President Bush is expected to visit Islamabad, about 1,000 miles north of Karachi, later this week.

Pakistani officials said Rehman helped train thousands of fellow Pakistani militants at al Qaeda training camps during the late 1990s. Last year the London bombings were carried out by a small group of Pakistanis, all of whom were British citizens. They became terrorists after visiting Pakistan. Pakistani military officials said they now fear that those training operations have set the model for other al Qaeda attacks in the West.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=1676096&page=1

-- March 2, 2006 10:36 AM ∞

chris wrote:

I have been watching and learning for a long time now......Carl, that was a good example (snake).Thank you. I just got back from Iraq. trust me....we will be at the pig roast soon.

-- March 2, 2006 12:37 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Chris:
Since you just got back from Iraq, can you or turtle give us some insight as to what appears to be happening vs what is the reality of the situation in Iraq.
Again, my opinions are formed only by what I read not only here in America,other foreign rags and Middle eastern rags.

Your input would really be appreciated as it lets us know how to correct the windage so to speak, so we can at least hit the target, much less the bulls eye.

I must be honest with ya..I hope you tell me, and back up with information, just how wrong my observations have been.
I truly would like to believe the Iraqi people were not being used, abused and manipulated by the Iranians or even us. But then again, I'm not that dense ...yet...

-- March 2, 2006 3:12 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Chris: Welcome home.

Anon and others: There is no question that we had a plan for taking Iraq. We have had a CLEAR plan since 1991. So, feel free to ignore the liberal media who keeps filling your head with we had no plan, have no plan garbage. We have had and continue to have a plan. Now, here's the problem as I see it. The first plan factored in the number of troops we had available and divided that number to alow for: troops needed for invasion, troops needed in rear to allow for troop rotations, and troops in rear in case of second offensive (example China or Korea). What that left us with was a plan to accomplish the mission with the resources we had available. So, if you wish to argue we should not have gone in, I can follow that even though I disagree. If you wish to say our original plan stank and we should have not worried about the potential of a second offensive, I can follow that too. All I'm going to say for certain is that we had and have a clear plan for success. On the strategic level, train the Iraqis to defend Iraq and get out. On the tactical level that the media keeps pointing at and saying no plan, we have a plan that we hope makes no sense to anyone because as long as there is no apparent logic then the enemy cannot predict our next move. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. At this point they know that if they put too much in one place it won't last long. Now, as the old saying goes, everyone has a plan until the first shot is fired. Tactical and strategic plans have had to be rewritten because the insurgents simply refused to follow our script. That's just the way things go. So, say how you would have done things different but don't say there is not and never was a plan for victory because there are 130k+ men and women here that will disagree with you even if they cannot tell you what they know.

As for us sticking our noses into others backyards being the cause for us getting attacked... Where had we invaded prior to 9/11? You may recall that our most previous military action was supporting the Islamic people in Bosnia. So I ask, what was our evil deed that brought on 9/11? What about the first bombing of the WTC? What about the hotels and bars in the Phillipines and others nations of the world pre-9/11 where the target was American civilians who worked there? Was it all the money we were giving Saudi for it's oil that caused the predominately Saudi crew to fly planes into the WTC? I'm sorry but I have to respectfully disagree with your perspective that we brought this on ourselves.

As for the Pres spreading histaria, I have ot ask if you're in the military and seen some of the briefs we get to see? I have to assume not or you would be a little paranoid without anyone having to tell you anything. Some of the stuff is down right crazy even if I do have to give some credit for creativity. No, I think the message the president is trying to send is that we should reward our middle eastern friends and do anything we can to undermine those who plot against us. You can call this plan anything but original since it was the same plan implimented in Europe after WW2. (Side note - I'm 32 and both of my Grandfathers were in WW2 also) The problem with many Americans is that you have to stir them to near hysteria before you can get them to wake up and pay attention to the potential threat. SO many people get into a routine and actually feel guilty for watching someone who's acting strange because this may just be a mental person or something. I'm not saying we should be staring in the neighbors window but if people are acting odd in a mall, sporting event, etc, I recommend watching that punk like a hawk until you know for certain he's just trying to find a makeout place for him and his girlfriend. Believe it or not, no matter how much you preach don't be paranoid but be aware, people do not listen. I'll confess, it took me realizing I was a few feet from a (fortunately dud) IED before I learned my lessson about being aware even in places you feel safe.

-- March 2, 2006 3:13 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Many opinions on the war, and it's aftermath in Iraq.

Here's another - see if it makes any sense...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/03/02/opinion/edbiddle.php

Bill1

-- March 2, 2006 4:00 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Another good reason to ignore the Liberal press and Ted Kennedy.....

Today, the New York Post's Ralph Peters, who is currently in Iraq, supports the Pentagon's view of no civil war:
March 1, 2006 -- THE reporting out of Baghdad continues to be hysterical and dishonest. There is no civil war in the streets. None. Period.
Terrorism, yes. Civil war, no. Clear enough?
Yesterday, I crisscrossed Baghdad, visiting communities on both banks of the Tigris and logging at least 25 miles on the streets. With the weekend curfew lifted, I saw traffic jams, booming business -- and everyday life in abundance.
Yes, there were bombings yesterday. The terrorists won't give up on their dream of sectional strife, and know they can count on allies in the media as long as they keep the images of carnage coming. They'll keep on bombing. But Baghdad isn't London during the Blitz, and certainly not New York on 9/11.
It's more like a city suffering a minor, but deadly epidemic. As in an epidemic, no one knows who will be stricken. Rich or poor, soldier or civilian, Iraqi or foreigner. But life goes on. No one's fleeing the Black Death -- or the plague of terror.
And the people here have been impressed that their government reacted effectively to last week's strife, that their soldiers and police brought order to the streets. The transition is working.
Ralph ends with this:
You are being lied to. By elements in the media determined that Iraq must fail. Just give 'em the Bronx cheer.

-- March 2, 2006 7:40 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Okie!
Thanks for the on the ground input...

-- March 2, 2006 8:31 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

You fellas on the ground in Iraq. I am delighted to hear of your experiences and your interaction with the Iraqi people and the gut feelings that you get from these experiences.

I am not impressed when your start telling what the chain-of-command has told you. Every exercise or maneuver that I have ever participated in has been successful according to the comments during the critique.

I consider the situation in Iraq to be impossible and an undesirable prediciment to put soldier into. You are having to deal with people and try to win their hearts and souls that you do not know whether they are friend or foe.

As I have said many times, we have stirred up a hornets nest and we are bringing out terrorist from wherever they have been hiding or waiting.

While I was against using our resources to invade Iraq, I was totally for pursuing terrorists and those responsible for 9/11. The older you get, the more skeptical you are and less likely to believe whatever is fed you. I.E. we went into Iraq because of WMD and shortly after changed our mission to Iraqi Freedom.

I am for what is best for the USA as I am sure that all of you are, maybe we just have differences of opinion of what is best.

-- March 2, 2006 10:38 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

You fellas on the ground in Iraq. I am delighted to hear of your experiences and your interaction with the Iraqi people and the gut feelings that you get from these experiences.

I am not impressed when your start telling what the chain-of-command has told you. Every exercise or maneuver that I have ever participated in has been successful according to the comments during the critique.

I consider the situation in Iraq to be impossible and an undesirable prediciment to put soldier into. You are having to deal with people and try to win their hearts and souls that you do not know whether they are friend or foe.

As I have said many times, we have stirred up a hornets nest and we are bringing out terrorist from wherever they have been hiding or waiting.

While I was against using our resources to invade Iraq, I was totally for pursuing terrorists and those responsible for 9/11. The older you get, the more skeptical you are and less likely to believe whatever is fed you. I.E. we went into Iraq because of WMD and shortly after changed our mission to Iraqi Freedom.

I am for what is best for the USA as I am sure that all of you are, maybe we just have differences of opinion of what is best.

-- March 2, 2006 10:39 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Turtle;

Thank you so much for your views, and saying that of course the US military had a plan and continues to evolve one as they go along. I agree that we were not being evil toward the world but were acting our role of Good Cop when we were attacked without provocation on 911. This caused a heads up and concern, which resulted in intelligence gathering and we took the radical Islamic militants at their word that they have been and are plotting against us and wishing us harm. Though President Bush has acted prudently to address that threat - as evidenced by no further attacks on US soil - the threat posed by radical Islamic militants was not started by him, nor stoked by any of his actions as the media scares. The threat won't go away if we stick our heads in the sand like an ostrich and pretend it isn't so. Denying reality is one of the traits of a person who is insane... Lastly, thanks for the advice to remain alert and aware of those around us - good survival tactics we all need to heed. :)

Okie.. excellent post from on the ground over there. Quote: "There is no Civil War.." I saw that and thought it very good. Thank you for posting it. :)

Chris, welcome home and I agree with you, the snake illustration was absolutely excellent. We cannot deny reality or ignore the threat to others when we see the danger (snake).

As for the Pakistani planning a US attack.. if he has any brains he won't try it.

Carl, your assessment on the 3 Iranian agents is scary. I want it to be wrong, too. But it looks right to me! I don't believe the US should go into Iran, but I think they will be provoked into doing so to protect Israel from nuclear conflict. Again, a snake that will bite (attack) Israel has to be dealt with by the US because the US cannot allow its deadly venomous attack - not to mention that it must be taken care of for the sake of the rest of the neighborhood who would be subjected to the next bite.. and the next. Poisonous (or nuclear armed) snakes don't stop at one venomous attack, do they?

Kevin, a couple days ago Carl posted a long post which the filter took.. could you please insert it here rather than wayyyy back in the page, please? I am sure what he had to say will be relevant to this current discussion and I don't want to miss what he said.. please. Thank you for all you do, I agree with the positive comments that crop up from time to time, you are a great site Admin. :)

Sara.

-- March 3, 2006 8:04 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Anon:
It is obvious you are no fan of Uncle George Bush and the way he handled Iraq and Iran. Monday morning quarterbacking is a popular sport these days, especially when the quarterback has more information to make windage decisions with after the game, and not before or during the game.
But then again, you and I are both guilty of that.
I always wanted to ask someone such as yourself, who apparently by your post, does not feel Uncle Bush is capable of carrying water much less the presidency, just what they would have done different.
I mean would you after 17 UN violation warnings, and 12 years continued to issue those little warning papers that he could wipe with?

Would you have emplored the 240 countries who were on Saddams Food for Oil bribery payroll, to make him conform to the requirements of the United Nations?

Would you just have ignored him, despite the fact, the information had been obtained that he was not only funding terrorist training camps,paying rewards to families who sent their sons to blow up innocent people in Israel, etc;;.

Every intelligent agency even the French, German, British, Austraian, etc in the world said he had WMD. We believed it, he wanted you to believe it, encouraged that you believe it, the whole world believed it, Al Gore and Bill Clinton believed it, John Kerry believed it ( until it became political popular to not believe it) and probably you believed it.

Sometime after the Iraqi campaign begin the John Kerrys, Ted Kennedys, Al Gores of the world came out and said he was lying....really made a big deal out of it....

Well! guess what!! now that it is come out he did have WMD's, and that some were taken to Syria....those who screamed the loudest about the lying are now as silent as the individual laying in the grave...

So!I know I have asked this two times already of ya ...but I would like for you to put in your 2 cents on what you would have done different, in order to enforce the UN mandates on Iraq? I mean if you are going to take pot shots at the prez, without offering your version of a solution, then your or my pot shots are not worth paper wipe.

I know some of the things I would have done different, but I would like for you to start this little debate. Others on the board are welcome to throw in their ideas of what they would have done different also....

Don't leave out Iran and what you think the solution should be...as to what you would do to keep Iran from meddling in Iraq, and change their course of nuclear arms....or maybe you believe it would be OK for Iran to have Nuclear cabability at their disposal.. If so , just explain your views and I will mind...

Yep! Anon, this is a challenge to debate these issues...it should be informative to all, and fun as it is apparent you and I do look at Prez. Bush from different sides of the coin. Are you game? If not I understand...most people who go after Prez. Bush for what is apparently what they consider to be stupid decision after another, don't have a clue either....

You see well laid plans before the war begins are just that... well laid plans.....but never has, and probably never will those well laid plans be carried out to their fullest intent as the opposing forces tend to not follow our version of the game plan...so what appears to be mistakes later, were actually good decisions...it is just the opposing forces saw the defensive or offensive positions and changed to counter...

Since you said you were in the military, I assume you already know that...so I was just explaining it to some on the board who have never been in the military like you and I have.

What is that I hear? Its the game whistle...so I have now kicked the ball to you...are you going to run with it or just let it lay there because you hear the stampide coming?

Waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- March 3, 2006 8:21 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

An attack finally took place on American soil (9/11) which finally got our attention. We learn now that even our own intelligence agencies had some type of heads-up that someting was about to happen, but ignored it, or what have you.

Our borders were/are to porous and our airport security was virtually nonexistent.

The magnitude of the event shut down airline traffic within the country, and even affected flights coming into the country as well, and certainly hurt our economy and world tourism for a year, or so, thereafter.

It was a wake up call of the highest order. And, I can still remember the film footage of Middle Easterners dancing in the streets over the success of the highjackers.

OK, so what now???... Something must be done - period - but what?

Where is the largest concentration of terrorist in the world training to do us harm? ...Afghanistan. OK, Afghanistan you're our target! They flew [or we allowed them to fly, by virtue of our sorry excuse for airpot security] planes into the twin towers killing a few thousand people and disrupting our daily lives. So, we in turn, invade a rouge nation harboring and supporting terrorism killing some tens of thousands of their citizens - many of whom were in fact guilty of collaborating/sympathizing with, or connected to the terrorist, in one way or another. Not just an eye for an eye, but "two eyes for an eye". The Taliban, and Afghanistan harboring the Taliban, got exactly what they deserved. And, the operation itself, when compared to the ongoing one in Iraq, was easy enough. The Taliban were never prepared for that level of retaliation by the U.S..

OK, so now were a little pumped up from our success - we're feeling the adrenaline rush, and man does it feel good. OK, who's next?... Well, let's see ...hmmm. There this guy Saddam, something or other, and he's been contained in this box in the desert for a little over 10 years and... Hey, isn't he the guy that attempted/plotted to kill my daddy!?!? Yes sir, he's one in the same. That settles it! He's now target number two. Damn the intelligence, damn the prudent planning, we're going after him for one reason, or another!

That's about how things went. President Bush had an agenda with Iraq and Saddam in his hip pocket all along. No one can convince me differently. If someone was planning to kill my immediate family members I'd be on their azz too.

The problem is as president your judgment should never be clouded - ever. The American Tax Payer doesn't need someone hell-bent on a vendetta to "fix the little red wagon" of the guy who plotted to kill his parents, squandering our finite resources halfway around the world. Now, if you're going to do that, and no one can talk you out of it, then you as president, are obligated to do it right. What is doing it right?... Doing it right is putting your passion for payback aside and listening/hearing those smarter than yourself and fully considering all that they have to say. From there you plan wisely. In the military we call it War Gaming - the science of warfare. Where a commander first considers his capability in contrast to that of his adversary's. From there, a determination is made concerning tactics to employ, etc. All must be taken into consideration if he is even remotely concerned with true Misson Accomplishment. In this case it seems that the resulting aftermath in Iraq once Saddam was removed from power was extremely discounted, or not even considered at all, bringing us to where we are today. For that I say shame on you Mr. Bush, and Mr. Rumsfeld. History has shown more than once that when politicians do not listen to the prudent advice of their military leaders/advisors very bad things tend to follow. I'm sure the senior Bush when he was president wanted to completely go into Iraq, but "listened" to his military advisors [one of them being Colin Powell (a very honorable gentleman) who has since washed his hands of this administration for obvious reasons] and wisely decided against it.

I applaud the loyalty of those possessing an unshakable faith in Mr. Bush. In many ways he's still my hero too. But, I believe it's safe to say that going into Iraq was NOT a necessity. Afghanistan was an "imminent" threat to us, Iraq was not. As long as we stayed on Saddam's heels playing the "stash the WMD shell-game" he had no breathing room to employ them outside of Iraq. If I'm wrong, then why didn't he do so in the 10(+) years following the first Gulf war? Rather than executing the invasion of Iraq in the manner in which we have, as president I would have done one of two things: 1) Go into Iraq focusing more on what would happen after Saddam was defeated, and how we would deal with it [which is proving to be far more complex than going toe-to-toe with a ramshackle excuse for a conventional fighting force] once the final war shot was fired. Or, 2) Fully focus on securing Afghanistan, and working here at home to secure our borders and strengthen our economy, while "Thoroughly" planning an invasion of Iraq to be executed only "if" all else failed.

Truth be told, Saddam was a Sunni, a member of the minority in Iraq, and probably needed the weapons to stay in power amongst his own people, and also to help keep the Iranians at bay. Meanwhile, we use his possession of these weapons as an excuse to remove him from power and democratize Iraq. Every leader in every country has weapons to deter his neighbors wishing to obtain his natural resources - Saddam was no different. This is why we man the 38th parallel in Korea. We destroyed Saddam's military in 1991 and weakened him against the Iranian/Shiite dogs nipping at his heels. Without some kind of deterrent weaponry for Iraq's defense [or hint thereof] Iran would have been in Saddam's shorts pronto in a Shiite to Sunni kind'a way. Which, once again leads me to think, that if enough hysteria and paronoia are conjured up within the American Public, we're more than likely to all join hands and unanimously agree - in a "John Wayne" kind'a way - to shoot first, and keep shooting, till there's nothing left to shoot.

Carl, you even said you believed our going into Iraq was oil driven. Well, who funded President Bush's campaign more than any other entity?... I don't have the figures, but I'd bet the Oil Companies are right up there in the top one, two, or three.

I don't agree with Anon's personal attacks of Sara, or anyone else, but I believe he's more right than he is wrong.

JMO

Bill1

-- March 3, 2006 11:04 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

United Iraqi Coalition sticks to Al-Jaafari as its choice for Prime Minister

BAGHDAD, March 3 (KUNA) -- The United Iraqi Coalition on Friday stuck to its guns and re-iterated its support to outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari as its choice for forming the next government in the face of growing criticism to this choice.

The head of the Higher Council of the Iraqi Islamic Revolution, Abdel-Aziz Al-Hakim (said)...

"Al-Jaafari is the coalition's first and last choice as candidate for the prime minister's position."

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=834834

-- March 3, 2006 12:11 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bill!
You and I do not disagree on a lot of things...as bob said, as the years go by, we no longer take statements at face value. I too, could not understand all of a sudden why saddam became so important and needed to be removed.

We had just started good with the taliban, when Saddam was thrown into the mix. It reminded me of what my granddaddy always told me..."Son! you can't ride two horses with one ass!"
Meaning you can't do two things well at the same time...

The only justification for going into Iraq at that particular time was for the oil. Our national Security depends on oil, and we knew the world was getting low on the stuff, so we sought to secure our share. Why we chose at that time to do it, I have no clue...

The only problem was the Iranians saw what we were either thinking or going to do, so they kind of assisted in some information that encourage or re-enforced our decision to remove Saddam.
From the Iranians point of view, after 8 years of war, Saddam was still in power...why not get the Americans to do it for us... This then achieves what they have been trying to do for years...remove saddam and create a void of leadership in Iraq....
IE: opportunity to take Iraq....

Now! I don't fault them, we would have done the same thing...What I can't understand is why our military leaders and think tank people did not see this one coming.... (heck! I saw this one, and I certainly was not a honor student in school.)

We did a lot right in the initial Iraqi invasion...but a lot wrong during the critical 60 days afterward...that created more problems than we solved...

As for Anon...I agree with some of the areas he covered...and I think he has some educated knowledge that would be beneficial to the readers of this board. But... what I observed in his post was a displayed lack of communication skills that need some fine tuning, showed immaturity in expression, brashness in use of words, unbridled mistrust and anger toward Prez Bush, that bordered on Zealotry.
These traits over rode any message he was trying to get across and the emotions created by his method of communication totally closed some minds of the readers of this post.

You don't achieve anything by attacking another poster personally...it only lowers your credibility, and standing in other posters eyes. He went after Sara personally with uncalled for jabs...I know a whole lot more about Sara than most on this board. Anon comments about Sara were way off base.

He still has not said he was sorry for those direct attacks...which indicates to me "the type of character he has".

Debate can be educational for all if done correctly. I would like to keep it that way on this board. I believe we sometimes allow our emotions to come out instead of thinking through what we wanted to say.
We are all at a disadvantage here, as we are communicating by forum... this means voice tone, facial expressions, and body lanquage which are extremely critical in conversations, are not available to help transmit what we are saying. This is why we as posters must be even more careful about what we are trying to get across. It is real easy to offend when the intention was not there.

Now! Do I believe Bush went after saddam for daddy? No!
Do I think that it had direct influence? no!
Do I think he got some self satisfaction out of doing it? Ya betcha!
You and I both would have.

-- March 3, 2006 12:14 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq assembly likely to meet about March 12
03 Mar 2006 12:38:58 GMT
Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, March 3 (Reuters) - According to the Transitional Administrative Law, the U.S.-sponsored interim constitution, the new parliament has to meet within two weeks of the Electoral Commission announcing certified results. The assembly would then elect a speaker to serve for the coming four-year term.

The parliament, elected on Dec. 15, has already missed that deadline but the timetable allows for an extension by 15 days. That second deadline ends on March 12.

A full constitution, ratified in a referendum in October, will be effective once a new government is formed.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/KAR343822.htm

-- March 3, 2006 12:35 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Coalition Commander Says Iraq Crisis Has Passed
By Al Pessin
Washington
03 March 2006

The American commander of coalition forces in Iraq says the crisis caused by the bombing of a Shi'ite mosque in Samara 10 days ago has passed, and that the violent reaction to the bombing was not as extensive as some reports indicated.

General Casey was concise in his assessment of the current security situation in Iraq.

"I do believe that the crisis part of this has passed," he said.

"Has there been violence and terrorism here in Iraq in the wake of the Samara bombings? Clearly. Is that violence out of control? Clearly not," general Casey said.

The coalition commander also discounted news reports that suggest Iraq is on the verge of civil war, although he said the mosque attack was an unsuccessful effort by insurgents to start one.

He also said he is increasing security at religious sites to prevent another major attack from sparking a broader reaction. News reports say intelligence agencies are warning of plans for such an attack in the coming days. But the general would not confirm that, saying only that he receives such intelligence reports all the time.

General Casey said in spite of the mosque bombing and its aftermath, overall violence in Iraq is not on the rise.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-03-03-voa40.cfm

-- March 3, 2006 5:06 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Al-Zarqawi's arrested nearby Fallujah??
MNF investigates reports on Al-Zarqawi''s arrest nearby Fallujah

BAGHDAD, March 3 (KUNA) -- The Multi-National Force (MNF) on Friday announced it is investigating reports on Abu Mosab Al-Zarqawi's arrest nearby Fallujah.

An MNF officer did not confirm or deny the arrest, noting that the US forces are still investigating the reports.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=834851

-- March 3, 2006 8:27 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Bill-l and Anon:

You are both right on target with your facts and philosophies and Carl's thinking is very similiar to yours except your bruskness.

The problem that I have is our determination to correct the wrongs in this world even if we have to go it alone, and any wise and thinking man will agree that we are pretty much going it alone in Iraq.

I go back to what I have said many times that we are expending our resources, equipment and manpower and becoming weaker and more spread-out while Russia, China, and the ambitious smaller nations are growing stronger. When Russia or China challenges us, they may have the "whip hand" as one of my favorite football coaches used to put it.

We have a lot of wealth but there is a giagantic mortgage against it. The national debt currently is $28,000 for every man, woman and child. If you took new $100.00 bills and stacked them on top of each other, they would reach one hundred eighty three miles into the sky. This eight trillian is not some mythical figure. This is a debt that is going to be paid by someone at some point.

I am loving this great debate that we are having.

-- March 3, 2006 11:27 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

''We will call on parliament to meet Sunday'' -- Talabani

BAGHDAD, March 4 (KUNA) -- Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani declared Saturday that he discussed with Parliament Speaker Hajim Al-Hassani and the Vice President Adel Al-Mahdi calling on holding the parliament's first session on Sunday.

Government sources said on Friday "the parliament is likely to hold its first session since being elected in December within the next 10 days, most probably on March 12." (end) mhg.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=835041

-- March 4, 2006 1:13 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq president presses Jaafari
Sat Mar 4, 2006pm ET
By Nick Olivari and Faris al-Mehdawi

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's President Jalal Talabani said on Saturday that the nomination of Shi'ite Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari for a second term was an obstacle to forming a government of national unity.

Talabani also called for militias to join the U.S.-backed political process and said he would issue a presidential decree to convene parliament.

"Opposing Jaafari's nomination is not a personal issue," said Talabani, a Kurd. "It is in the interest of forming a government of national unity."

"The United Alliance has the right to nominate the prime minister but the parliament has to approve it," said Talabani.

As the largest block in parliament, the Alliance has the right to choose the prime minister, who must be ratified by a two thirds majority in parliament.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2006-03-04T161940Z_01_MAC231520_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAQ.xml

-- March 4, 2006 9:07 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Bob: Sorry, I just noticed one of your posts. Just so you know, I get any information I may be privy to from boots, brass, and occassionally Iraqis. I too know better than to listen to people who have a reason to sell victory. So, anyhting you hear from me did not come from Chain.

-- March 4, 2006 11:42 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Hi Folks...

Been away for a while, busy busy busy. Came and caught up a little on the site, still a great source for world events and news. Not much talk of our investment anymore though. Whats the scoop with that? Any light at the end of the tunnel? Enquireing (and investing) minds want to know.

-- March 5, 2006 10:45 PM ∞

Mike wrote:

Has anyone commented on this? I found it on another forum. No need to reply if this has already been discussed:

Thanks to this forum, we had some great news coming our way in the recent few days starting off with the news that Iraq are to hold their first Parliament session on March 12th. Then came the Iraq TV news, which claimed "On 25 February, Al-Baghdadiyah cited a source a the Central Bank of Iraq as saying that the exchange rate of the Iraqi Dinar will rise significantly against the US dollar during 2006, adding that all policies will be adopted to improve the exchange rate of the country's national currency."
Based on the above and with other bits of news filtering through, how confident and positive are you about your investment?

-- March 6, 2006 4:19 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Found four good links of interest:

1) Deals with our Nuclear Proliferation Policy, or our lack of a coherent one, and the harm it could do us as we attempt to pressure Iran.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/03/07/us_needs_nuclear_policy/

2) Deals with crucial political events in Iraq, which will help to end many of the political deadlocks there and get things moving forward again.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/03/07/us_needs_nuclear_policy/

Will post the last two in another post to help break them up.

Bill1

-- March 7, 2006 10:41 AM ∞

Mike wrote:

I found the link--www.noozz.com/Iraq/ViewArticles.aspx?ArticleId=141183. You have to subscribe to a trial issue to get in.

The paragraph I sent earlier is the last paragraph in this report. I don't like sending long documents, but I thought you might like to see the entire report:

WORLD VIEW
Iraqi Televisions: Summary of Economic Bulletins 19-25 Feb
World News Connection
Mar 4 2006

Major Iraqi television channels -- Baghdad Al-Iraqiyah; Baghdad Al-Diyar; Dubai Al-Fayha; Baghdad Al-Furat; Cairo-based Al-Baghdadiyah; Baghdad Al-Sharqiyah; and Baghdad Satellite Channel -- were observed between 19 and 25 February to carry the following reports within their economic bulletins:

Housing and Infrastructure Development Projects

On 19 February, Baghdad Al-Iraqiyah Television in Arabic -- government-sponsored television station, run by Iraqi Media Network -- cited sources at the Directorate of Roads and Bridges at Babil Governorate as saying that work is underway to complete the second construction phase of Al-Fayha Bridge in Shat Al-Hullah. The channel added that 40 percent of construction work on the 1.4 billion dinar project has been completed.

On the same day, Al-Furat Television, affiliated with the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq [SCIRI], cited Jasim Muhammad Ja'far, minister of Housing and Construction, as saying that the ministry has completed a large number of construction projects, including dams, housing complexes, and roads in Baghdad and other governorates.

On 20 February, Baghdad Al-Diyar television in Arabic -- independent, private news and entertainment channel, run by Faysal al-Yasiri, Iraqi media figure -- reported that a potable water project servicing 20,000 people, has been completed in Al-Ghazaliyah area of Baghdad. Similarly, the channel said that a sewage network has been completed in Mosul, servicing 30,000 residents of Al-Zahra' area.

Additionally, Al-Diyar reported that work is underway to build the Al-Imam Ali School in Karbala Governorate, to provide 960 students with an education.

Within the same economic bulletin, Al-Diyar reported that the head offices for the highway patrol have been established in Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, as well as a police station in the city of Al-Diwaniyah. The channel added that a border point has been constructed in Maysan governorate in addition to a police station and other security facilities, at a total cost of 595,000 US dollars.

Meanwhile, Al-Baghdadiyah reported that the US has thus far spent 1.4 billion US dollars on developing the electricity sector and completed 117 electricity projects, adding that work is underway to complete another 230 projects.

On 21 February, Al-Diyar reported that the Italian Government has allotted 10 million euros for the development of Al-Jabayish area in Al-Nasiriyah Governorate. Additionally, the channel said that the Check Republic will assist the Directorate of Construction Planning in drawing up innovative designs for the city of Basra, in recognition of the city's importance as being home to Iraq's major port.

On the same day, Al-Iraqiyah reported that the Minister of Water Resources Abd-al-Latif Jamal Rashid has called on donor countries to coordinate with directorates of water resources on issues related to planning and implementing irrigation projects in order to achieve the best results at the lowest costs. Rashid was cited as stressing the need to provide financial and technical support to implement the Bakhmah dam, describing the project as essential to storing water for agrarian purposes and generating electric power.

Within the same economic bulletin, Al-Iraqiyah reported that the Iraqi Ministry of Health has completed the renovation of a badly vandalized Consultation Clinic at Al-Yarmuk Hospital.

The channel reported that work has been completed on a water network in Baghdad Governorate, servicing over 30 families residing in Al-Tasi Min Naysan area. Additionally, Al-Iraqiyah reported that two electric supply networks have been built in Bab Al-Ta wb and Bab Al-Baydar areas in Mosul Governorate, at a total cost of 1 million US dollars.

Continuing with the same theme, Al-Iraqiyah reported that work has started on connecting three secondary electric power stations and erecting new generators in Al-Najaf Governorate. The channel added that these projects are esti mated to cost 3.8 million US dollars.

On 22 February, Al-Diyar reported that the Directorate of Al-Najaf Municipality has called on the Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works to reconsider water allocations to Al-Najaf and Karbala. The channel said that Hasan Abbud, head of Al-Najaf Municipality has urged the Ministry of Municipalities to disregard population as a criteria for determining allocation size, adding that these cities bear religious significance and receive millions of visitors every year.

Within the same economic bulletin, Al-Diyar reported that the Iraqi cabinet's allocations to the Ministry of Industry for 2006 will be spent on completing 12 ministry projects.

On the same day, Al-Iraqiyah reported that the Mayor of Baghdad Sabir al-Isawi has affirmed in a statement to the press that Baghdad will witness in the next few days a significant improvement in the state of public services, after new measure have been taken to alleviate the service crisis.

On 24 February, Al-Diyar reported that the Higher Construction Council has carried out 27 projects in Karbala at a total cost of five million Iraqi dinars, including paving streets, renovating and constructing schools and warehouses, as well as building sewage networks.

On the same day, Al-Iraqiyah reported that the Minister of Housing and Construction, Jasim Muhammad Ja'far, has laid the foundation stone of a housing complex comprising 670 units in the Babil Governorate.

Oil and Gas

On 19 February, Al-Diyar cited Acting Minster of Oil Hashim al-Hashimi as saying that reports on raising the prices of fuel and petrol products are inaccurate, adding that there are no intentions to raise them at this stage in time. However, Al-Hasimi was cited as saying that there are plans to lift the government's support of petrol products, adding that one liter of fuel will be sold at 700 Iraqi dinars.

On the same day, Al-Iraqiyah cited sources at the Iraqi Ministry of Oil as saying that sabotage of ministry equipment and oil pipelines in 2005 resulted in losses estimated at six billion US dollars, adding that a total of 186 sabotage operations were carried out during the same year. Additionally, Baghdad Satellite Channel, Iraqi channel known for its Sunni affiliation, estimated casualties among ministry personnel and oil installation security forces at 138 persons.

On 20 February, Al-Iraqiyah cited an aviation source as saying that oil exports from the southern port of Al-Basra has been suspended due to bad weather conditions, adding that two oil tankers remain anchored until weather stabilizes.

On 21 February, Al-Iraqiyah cited Sabah al-Jawhar, head of the Gas Directorate at the Ministry of Oil, as saying that 60 percent of Iraq's daily production of gas is burnt up as a result of wrong gas production methods, which had been enforced by the former regime. Elaborating on the same subject, Al-Sharqiyah cited Al-Jawhar as saying that Iraq has many plans to develop its natural gas resources, pointing out that the country's political instability and the lack of financial support hamper their implementation. Al-Jawhar was reported as saying that restoring gas production facilities and benefiting from gas reserves depend on the formation of a new government and the issuing of laws that encourage foreign investment in the oil industry.

In another report carried by Al-Iraqiyah on the same day, the channel said that the Iraqi Ministry of Oil has erected a secondary electric power station in Al-Shu'aybah Oil Refinery, in order to insure continuous production of petrol products.

On the same day, Al-Baghdadiyah, a Cairo-based Iraqi channel known for its opposition to the "US occupation" in Iraq, reported that Iraq resumed oil exports from Al-Basra port after bad weather conditions subsided.

On 22 February, Al-Iraqiyah reported that Acting Minister of Oil Hashim al-Hashimi has held a meeting with Mu'in al-Kazimi, head of Baghdad Governorate Council, on activating the role of gover norate councils in distributing white oil and gas in an efficient manner.

On 23 February, the channel reported that the Governor of Al-Muthannah Governorate Muhammad Ali al-Hassani inaugurated a fuel station as part of plans to alleviate the fuel crisis in the governorate.

On 25 February, Al-Iraqiyah cited an official at the Ministry of Oil as saying that a fuel pipeline near Bayji city was sabotaged on Friday, adding that this is expected to impede fuel supply in the next three days.

Other Reports

On 19 February, Al-Baghdadiyah reported on precautionary measures taken in Diyala Governorate to prevent a breakout of the Avian Flu. The channel indicated that health and police directorates as well as other institutions have established an operation room to gather information from all parts of the governorate on suspected cases of Avian Flu. The channel added that such precautionary measures include educating local veterinarians on detecting cases of Avian Flu and the methods of dealing with them.

On 20 February, Al-Iraqiyah reported that Iraq and Finland have signed an agreement to write off 80 percent of Iraqi debt.

On 25 February, Al-Baghdadiyah cited a source a the Central Bank of Iraq as saying that the exchange rate of the Iraqi Dinar will rise significantly against the US dollar during 2006, adding that all policies will be adopted to improve the exchange rate of the country's national currency.

-- March 7, 2006 10:48 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Here's the other article...

Looks like the Kurds are exploring for more Oil in their neck of the woods in Iraq, ...which is never a bad thing.

http://ogj.pennnet.com/articles/article_display.cfm?Section=ONART&C=ExplD&ARTICLE_ID=249591&p=7

Bill1

-- March 7, 2006 3:34 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq Weapons -- Made in Iran
Intelligence Officials Say Weapons Responsible for Increasing U.S. Deaths in Iraq
By BRIAN ROSS, RICHARD ESPOSITO and JILL RACKMILL

March 6, 2006 — U.S. military and intelligence officials tell ABC News that they have caught shipments of deadly new bombs at the Iran-Iraq border.

They are a very nasty piece of business, capable of penetrating U.S. troops' strongest armor.

What the United States says links them to Iran are tell-tale manufacturing signatures — certain types of machine-shop welds and material indicating they are built by the same bomb factory.

U.S. officials say roadside bomb attacks against American forces in Iraq have become much more deadly as more and more of the Iran-designed and Iran-produced bombs have been smuggled in from the country since last October.

"I think the evidence is strong that the Iranian government is making these IEDs, and the Iranian government is sending them across the border and they are killing U.S. troops once they get there," says Richard Clarke, former White House counterterrorism chief and an ABC News consultant. "I think it's very hard to escape the conclusion that, in all probability, the Iranian government is knowingly killing U.S. troops."

U.S. intelligence officials say Iran is using the bombs as a way to drive up U.S. casualties in Iraq but without provoking a direct confrontation.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/IraqCoverage/story?id=1692347&page=1

-- March 7, 2006 7:27 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rumsfeld: Situation in Iraq Exaggerated By Media

Posted GMT 3-7-2006
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.. slammed the media for "exaggerated" reports about the security situation following recent violence between religious factions.

"Interestingly, all of the exaggerations seem to be on one side," he said. "It isn't as though there simply have been a series of random errors on both sides of issues. On the contrary, the steady stream of errors all seem to be of a nature to inflame the situation and to give heart to the terrorists and to discourage those who hope for success in Iraq."

He said the terrorist group al Qaeda "has media committees" and tutors people on how to "manipulate" news organizations.

"Now I can't take a string and tie it to a news report and then trace it back to an al Qaeda media committee meeting. I'm not able to do that at all," he said.

"We do know that their goal is to try to break the will; that they consider the center of gravity of this not to be in Iraq, because they know they can't win a battle out there; they consider it to be in Washington, D.C., and in London and in the capitals of the Western world."

http://www.aina.org/news/20060307143619.htm

-- March 7, 2006 7:48 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iranian troops in Iraq?

Rumsfeld claimed Iran was sending "Iranian Quds-force type people," or a division of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, into Iraq.

"They're currently putting people into Iraq to do things that are harmful to the future of Iraq," he said. "And we know it. And it is something that they, I think, will look back on as having been an error in judgment. "

Rumsfeld said he suspected Iran was backing the military forces. Pace added the U.S. military believes some of the homemade bombs used in Iraq "are traceable back to Iran."

http://www.aina.org/news/20060307143619.htm

-- March 7, 2006 7:53 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rumsfeld accuses Iran on Iraq forces
Posted on Tue, Mar. 07, 2006
ROBERT BURNS
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Raising a new complaint about Iran, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Tuesday accused Tehran of dispatching elements of its Revolutionary Guard to stir trouble inside Iraq.

He did not elaborate except to say the infiltrators were members of the Al Quds Division of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the network of soldiers and vigilantes whose mandate is to defeat threats to the 1979 Islamic revolution. The Al Quds Division is responsible for operations outside Iranian territory.

Appearing with Rumsfeld, Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that although there have been indications of Iranian-manufactured weapons coming into Iraq, "the most recent reports have to do with individuals crossing the border." He said he had an estimate of the number but declined to reveal it.

Pace said he did not know whether the Iranians were sent by their government. Asked the same question, Rumsfeld replied, "Of course. Quds force, the Revolutionary Guard, doesn't go milling around willy-nilly, one would think."

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/14039261.htm

-- March 7, 2006 8:05 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Sara's post above concerning Mr. Rumsfeld's take on Tehran meddling in Iraqi affairs may work to our benefit, as a way to send additional troops back into Iraq to assist the beleagured ones already in country - and, accomplish it in a way the administration can save political face at the same time. If that proves true then "Thank you Iran!".

Bill1

-- March 8, 2006 10:06 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran Threatens U.S. With 'Harm and Pain'
By GEORGE JAHN, Associated Press Writer March 8, 2006

VIENNA, Austria - Iran threatened the United States with "harm and pain" Wednesday for its role in hauling Tehran before the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear program. But the United States and its European allies said Iran's nuclear intransigence left the world no choice but to ask for Security Council action.

The council could impose economic and political sanctions on Iran.

"The United States has the power to cause harm and pain," said a statement delivered by the Iranian delegation. "But the United States is also susceptible to harm and pain. So if that is the path that the U.S. wishes to choose, let the ball roll."

The republic also could cause difficulties in southern Iraq. On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld accused Tehran of dispatching elements of its Revolutionary Guard to stir trouble inside Iraq.

Iran's statement was unusually harsh, reflecting Tehran's frustration at failing to deflect the threat of Security Council action against it in the coming weeks. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is for generating electricity.

Iran also attacked "warmongers in Washington" for what it said was an unjust accusation that Tehran's nuclear intentions were mainly for military use. It also suggested America was vulnerable, despite its strength.

"Surely we are not naive about the United States' ... intention to flex muscles," the statement said. "But we also see the bone fractures underneath."

It also threatened broader retaliation, without being specific, saying Iran "will adapt our policy and adjust our approach to conform with the new exigencies."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060308/ap_on_re_mi_ea/nuclear_agency_iran

-- March 8, 2006 11:47 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraqi VP Signs Order Convening Parliament
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer March 8, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's Shiite vice president, who had withheld his signature from a presidential decree calling parliament into session, signed the executive order Wednesday to end a political deadlock, a Shiite factional leader told The Associated Press.

"He signed the decree today. I expect the first session to be held on Sunday or by the end of next week at the latest," said Nadim al-Jabiri, head of one of seven Shiite political factions.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060308/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_politics

-- March 8, 2006 11:58 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Israel will have to act on Iran if UN can't
Wed Mar 8, 2006 9:28 AM ET
By Louis Charbonneau

BERLIN (Reuters) - If the U.N. Security Council is incapable of taking action to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Israel will have no choice but to defend itself, Israel's defense minister said on Wednesday.

"My answer to this question is that the state of Israel has the right give all the security that is needed to the people in Israel. We have to defend ourselves," Mofaz told Reuters after a meeting with his German counterpart Franz Josef Jung.

Jung told reporters Germany was already discussing with the five permanent Security Council members -- Russia, China, the United States, Britain and France -- what the council could do to prevent Tehran getting the bomb.

"Everything must be done to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons," Jung said.

A senior diplomat from one of the "EU3" said earlier that the Security Council would probably begin discussing Iran next week and hoped to issue a "presidential statement" urging Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program and cooperate with the IAEA.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyid=2006-03-08T142833Z_01_L08205988_RTRUKOC_0_US-NUCLEAR-IRAN-ISRAEL.xml&rpc=22

-- March 8, 2006 12:34 PM ∞

carl wrote:

INCREASE IN ACTIVITY

According to some articles Iran has changed to making the IED's more powerful and are now sending in their commando units to do battle in Iraq.
As you are aware there is a stalemate with the new government on the PM.
It seems Sdar thinks he has the inside scoop on this, because he met with all of people "Chalabi the minister of Oil for Iraq" You know the one who gave the US false information which came directly from the Iranian Intellegence Agency.

After the meeting Sdar came out and stated, this PM stalemate will be over with soon. What does he know that the rest of the elected officials do not know?

You can now add the position of Ministry of Iraqi Oil in column of controlled by Iran.

So far we know my deduction Iran has their finger on Interior Ministry of Irag controls police-Military
Interior of oil - Controls oil production and development.
Prime Minister Slot - Political control of Policies
Sdar Shiite cleric controls Militia

So either directly or indirectly Iran now has influence in Governmental Policy Making,Oil Production,Security, and Shiite Militias.

Do you see the Coup?

You saw the other day where the Iraqi Maj.General who was controlling the Green Zone, Baghdad Area, and road to Airport was killed by a sniper with one shot to the head. Did you also know, that this is the Sunni General the American Coalition Forces said, who was the sharpest of the Generals. According to some articles the American Generals thought he was good enough to be on their own staff, if he had been an American Soldier. They picked him to be the one to take control of the above areas. The Iraqi Government Officials refused to nominate him. They wanted a Shiite General in that slot, eventhou their pick was not be as qualified. The Coalition refused to turn the area over to the Iraqi government unless the Sunni General was the pick. The Iraqi governments reason for refusing to go along with the Coalition on their pick, was simple...."He was a Sunni"
So the Iraqi officials took a middle east vote, you know the one their are use to utilizing when hard decisions are to be made. The vote was a headshot, which eliminated that issue.

Welcome to the democracy voting machine of the New Iraqi/Iran Government.

-- March 9, 2006 8:06 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Dubai company quits ports fight
Move announced as Congress warns Bush it will block deal
Posted: March 9, 2006

With Congress moving to overrule the White House, Dubai Ports World announced it will give up its management stake in a deal to operate six U.S. port terminals and transfer it to an American company.

"Because of the strong relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States and to preserve that relationship, DP World has decided to transfer fully the U.S. operation of P&O Operations North America to a United States entity," said DP World's chief operating officer, Edward H. Bilkey.

The statement was read on the Senate floor today by Sen. John Warner, R-Va.

Warner said Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates, "advised the company ... that this action is the appropriate course to take."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49189

-- March 9, 2006 4:13 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq's first parliament meeting delayed to the 19th
March 9, 2006

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Thursday he had agreed to delay a first session of the new parliament by a week beyond a constitutional deadline to March 19 after a request from the ruling Shi'ite Alliance.

Senior Alliance official Jawad al-Maliki said the bloc, which has close to a majority in the parliament elected in December, was determined to resist Sunni and Kurdish efforts to force it to drop Shi'ite Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

"The Alliance has sent an envoy asking for a postponement in the session until the 19th," said Talabani's spokesman Kameran Qaradagi. "The presidency, out of caring for the Alliance participation, has accepted the request."

Maliki said the Alliance would not succumb to pressure to withdraw Jaafari's candidacy.

"Jaafari is our candidate and he will stay. We will not change him and will not hold any re-election to choose another," said Maliki, a senior member of the Dawa party.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060309/ts_nm/iraq_parliament_delay_dc&printer=1;_ylt=AuAF2ZbRnw_zC2lLlmV3SjJg.3QA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE

-- March 9, 2006 4:19 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl & Sara:

You two have superb knowledge of the situation in Iraq so I am going to ask you to go out on a limb and tell us how you think the Iraq, Iran and middle east scanerio will play out and what effect it will have on the Dinar. Things appear to be deteriorating to me.

In visiting around, I came across an item that may be of interest:

he U.S. trade gap widened 5.3% to a new record of $68.5 billion in January from a revised $65.1 billion in December, the Commerce Department reported. The growth in the deficit was more than expected, with economists predicting it would widen to $66.5 billion.

I keep harping on our trade deficit and budget deficit.
I contend that you cannot live on borrowed money at the individual, family, city, state, or country level. If anyone thinks that we can, then I recommend that we borrow enough so that every man, woman and child in this country can get a couple of thousand,from a Federal grant.

-- March 9, 2006 9:56 PM ∞

carl wrote:

Bob:
The road with good intentions are paved with potholes...and it looks like those potholes have really taken their toll on our efforts in iraq.

Instead of a peaceful transition, that apparently our group of brilliant thinkers came up with, we have a squabbling, shooting and strangling each other division going on between the Sunni's and Shiites. Neither are white knights in this little tit for tat.

Presently it looks like the iraqi Shiites have more in common with the Iranian shiites than their own Iraqi kinsman. In all reality they do. I believe that is why you have the Iranian government showing direct influence on what is happening in Iraq, and will continue to get even stronger. The USA and its coalition forces eventually will be sent packing, as the Iranians take more of a dominant role.

I do not expect to see an all out civil war. I do expect to see enough conflict to warrant Iran to say they are coming in to "ASSIT" their fellow shiites. Once the public foot is in the door, there is a strong possiblity that Iraq will become a Iranian theocracy.
Washington has put inself in a position of having to depend on the good will of the the Shiite Fundamentalist party that Iran aided during the Saddam years.Now! what do you think is going to happen?

In the trip to India last week, President Bush gave in to some of the demands of the Indian Government that have been on the burner for quite sometime regarding the nuclear issue with India.

What type of signal does this send the Iranians? I really don't know who the idiot or group is advising Uncle George, but the timing was not right on that India Trip. It gives the world the impression of a double standard.

As far as the affect on the dinar, I really don't know? I don't see Iran instilling economic confidence, so the end result will be a lack luster dinar.

But...I hope someone can come up with a different side and show me where I am totally off of my rocker.

-- March 9, 2006 10:52 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bob;

I look for positive signs to show us the way of how things will be.

Quote: "Life is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as the headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way....."

In the short term, I see Iraqis getting together and getting their government up and running. They will get a PM, it may even be Jaafari, if they can hit upon a "compromise" the other side likes (peg the Dinar and we will let Jaafari be PM, for instance?).

Quote: "Compromise: The art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybody believes he got the biggest piece."

Whatever the deal will be, I use the term compromise with the above meaning where everyone feels they got a good enough deal and no one feels cheated. I think they have that degree of diplomacy within them and can act like men and not squabbling babes.

Once the government is finally up and running, we will have the first Sovereign Iraqi parliament which is NOT under the TAL, or US provisional authority. This gives them much more political power and that is a big responsibility as well as a heady power trip for those getting that windfall. There remains much to do, but Iraq has come a long way and is moving forward.

One very positive development is the fact that some Sunni are now running the terrorists out of Iraq very successfully, which is causing a great downturn in suicide bombings. I think the tide is turning..

=====
Some Sunnis turning against al-Qaida in Iraq, a serious threat to the group

BASSEM MROUE March 9, 2006 - 18:33

BAGHDAD (AP) - Residents reported curious declarations hanging from mosque walls and market stalls recently in Ramadi, the Sunni Muslim insurgent stronghold west of Baghdad. The fliers said Iraqi militants had turned on and were killing foreign al-Qaida fighters, their one-time allies.

"So far we have cleared 75 per cent of the province and forced al-Qaida terrorists to flee to nearby areas,"...

He claimed his people have captured hundreds of foreigner fighters and handed them to authorities.... tribes in the central city of Hawija, where some al-Qaida fighters sought refuge, issued a statement earlier this week openly declaring war on foreign al-Qaida members.

Army Maj.-Gen. Anwar Mohammed Amin, in the nearby city of Kirkuk, said the military soon would launch a major attack, with help from the local tribesmen, to clear that region of al-Qaida as well.

Claims such as those issued by the tribesmen and local military officers are nearly impossible to confirm, but the considerable drop in suicide bombings throughout the country recently indicates operations by al-Qaida foreigners have been hampered.

http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/politics/news/shownews.jsp?content=n030937A

-- March 9, 2006 11:39 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Let's Remember We Are Playing Chess..

As turtle said, there is a plan, "On the tactical level that the media keeps pointing at and saying no plan, we have a plan that we hope makes no sense to anyone because as long as there is no apparent logic then the enemy cannot predict our next move."

There is a plan and war is much like chess, each side planning moves in advance and hoping the other fellow doesn't see it and move to counter it. In that regard, this recent article quote was instructive, as I saw in it where someone picks up a chess piece and moves it and before he takes his hand off the chess piece the opponent says "Are you really sure you want to do that?" thus making the person look to see if they missed something on the chess board:

WASHINGTON - Raising a new complaint about Iran, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Tuesday accused Tehran of dispatching elements of its Revolutionary Guard to stir trouble inside Iraq.

"They are currently putting people into Iraq to do things that are harmful to the future of Iraq," he told a Pentagon news conference. "And it is something that they, I think, will look back on as having been an error in judgment."

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/14039261.htm

Interesting.. an error in judgment..

-- March 10, 2006 10:43 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Now, we do see some of the moves of the enemy and we are winning in Iraq, in spite of the media version of it, as Rumsfeld said here:

Rumsfeld... said the terrorist group al Qaeda "has media committees" and tutors people on how to "manipulate" news organizations.

"We do know that their goal is to try to break the will; that they consider the center of gravity of this not to be in Iraq, because they know they can't win a battle out there; they consider it to be in Washington, D.C., and in London and in the capitals of the Western world."

http://www.aina.org/news/20060307143619.htm

Note here that Rumsfeld said THEY KNOW THEY CAN'T WIN in Iraq.. so they take the battle.. to the good ol US of A!

Yes, as in chess, sometimes there are casualties. Some of the men on the chess board get taken. That is tragic, but it is essential not to get distracted from the main goal of winning the chess game because a pawn or rook gets taken. A major difficulty is, that the people in America seem to think this is just acting and not a real war which needs to be won, and their lives are not feeling very threatened at this time so they have the luxury to sit back and act nonchalant about the whole thing, and outraged when pawns, horses, knights, or rooks get taken (and covered in graphic detail on the news). It is also a reason that the terrorists have not yet used the tactic of attacking the US directly, because it would galvanize support AGAINST them, whereas the media war is definitely working, as I illustrate below.

The problem is that a Democracy is the rule of the people. It is both our greatest strength.. and our greatest weakness. If the people can be deceived into giving up the fight, the enemy wins because the people can force their leaders to do what they wish. Osama and the terrorists know this, and that is why they fight in the media and stage their pawn-killings for media consumption. But that is not where the battle lies. It lies in the greater strategy to win (which exists but we don't wish to publish it for the other side to know our moves, just as in chess). My question is.. is this strategy of the terrorists working? Let us look at this example:

-- March 10, 2006 10:44 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Reporters asked Rumsfeld about a Los Angeles Times story in which U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad said that "the potential is there now for sectarian violence to become a full-blown civil war."

The defense secretary said, "I certainly am not going to try to disagree with it. There's always been a potential for that."

But, he added, he does not "believe they're in a civil war today."

http://www.aina.org/news/20060307143619.htm

There is no civil war

NO WAR IN THE STREETS
By RALPH PETERS - In Iraq
-------------------------------------
March 1, 2006 -- THE reporting out of Baghdad continues to be hysterical and dishonest. There is no civil war in the streets. None. Period.

Terrorism, yes. Civil war, no. Clear enough?

You are being lied to. By elements in the media determined that Iraq must fail.

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/64407.htm

-- March 10, 2006 10:45 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

OK, so, we know from firsthand reports and the Secretary of Defense that there is not now a Civil War, yet, due to the stranglehold of the main stream media over the minds of the American public, most Americans see Iraq civil war as likely: poll

Tuesday, March 7, 2006

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Eight in 10 Americans believe that recent sectarian violence in Iraq has made civil war likely, according to an ABC News/Washington Post poll released on Monday.

More than seven in 10 Republicans and eight in 10 Democrats and political independents believe civil war is coming, showing that the public's assessment of the situation cuts across party lines, the Washington Post said.

About one third of Americans polled thought such a conflict was "very likely" to occur, the newspaper said.

Fifty-five percent of poll respondents said the United States was not making significant progress restoring civil order in Iraq -- up 19 points from a poll shortly after the December elections.

According to the poll, a record 65 percent of Americans believe the Bush administration lacks a clear plan for what to do in Iraq.

http://maconareaonline.com/news.asp?id=13559

Now, I know President Bush doesn't follow polls, that is because he can't base the chess game on someone being very upset over the loss of a rook or pawn. However, look at the overall change in confidence level based on MSM consumption and note the stubborn belief that the US administration is too stupid to even have a plan. Now, get real here. The greatest military power in the world.. has no military plan at all? How based in reality do you think that mentality really is? Democracy has a weakness.. the will of the people. If the terrorists can undermine that, they know the chess game will be folded up EVEN IF THE US IS WINNING THE GAME. Are the terrorists succeeding in your opinion?

Do I think we can win in Iraq? Definitely. The terrorists know that the US is winning and will win if they stay the course, that is why they are attacking the minds of the people of America. That is their only hope of winning. The military strategy (the chess game) is obviously won hands down by the US and they KNOW IT!!!!!!!!!!

Will we win in Iraq? Depends on how smart the US populace is and whether they are sheep which are easily managed by the terrorist propaganda machines or whether they think for themselves. It is only as bleak as the people themselves determine it to be. The victory is theirs if they are willing to stop looking at the pawns and pay attention to winning the war. Can they do that without being informed of the game plan (which, like chess strategy cannot be revealed without giving away the game)? I am not sure.

So it comes down to TRUST - trust in the ones playing the game and the strategy they have.. and the media is doing its dead level best to undermine that trust of the people in their leaders for strategic military reasons, aren't they? They sure make them look silly and inept, don't they? And what can these leaders do.. tell the game plan to prove they are not stupid? Not likely..

As for the poll saying that there WILL BE a Civil War in Iraq.. which crystal ball are they looking into, may I ask? Rumsfeld and this fellow on the ground say that there ISN'T ONE NOW.. so the public is prognosticating (predicting the future) based on.. what? The media's portrayal of how bad it is, right? I call that "Crossing Bridges Before You Come To Them".. or entertaining a lot of "What IF's??" The media led the public to this conclusion like a man leads a horse to water.. and they drank. But WISHING for war to happen is, in reality, war mongering. A desire to have war, not peace. Perhaps that is why the public does not see it because they trust the media is really on the peaceniks side and want the war to end. But WISHING for Iraq to deteriorate into Civil War is not only inhumane and unkind and demoralizing to those fighting the battle, but it is desiring the wrong thing. Are the people of America so demoralized by this terrorist driven propaganda that they are willing to give up the victory in their minds, hearts and prayers? Seems so, if you look at the poll. Can it affect the outcome? It did with pulling out of Vietnam, didn't it?

Where do we go from here? I believe it depends on the will of the people, doesn't it?

Sara.

-- March 10, 2006 10:46 AM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl & Sara:

Both of you are exceptional.
Carl, your response and prediction was in line with my thinking. Anytime you post anything I am impressed with it.

Sara, I am amazed that you could come up with anything so comprehensive and to make so much sense in such a short period of time. You presented an upbeat attitude instead of a prediction but you gave enough information so most any sensible person can sense what you think the outlook will be.

I appreciate your giving us a little more insight into this quagmire that we are in.

-- March 10, 2006 11:07 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Since I often post about the budget deficit of billions of dollars, I think it very appropriate that I pass on this analegy of a billion:

The next time you hear a politician use the word "billion" in a casual manner, think about whether you want the politicians" spending your tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of its releases.

a.. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

b.. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

c.. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

d.. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

e.. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans - It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division ............

Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans.

Interesting number, what does it mean?

Well, i! f you are one of 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you each get $516, 528.

Or, if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home gets $1, 329,787

Or, if you are a famil y of four, your family gets $2,066,012.

Washington, D.C. !!!...........................Are all your calculators broken????

Maybe everyone should just flood their houses, then we can all be on the "big easy" street for the rest of our lives, and forget about working, and paying taxes and all that useless stuff!

BOB

-- March 10, 2006 11:22 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraqis fight talk of civil war
By Brian Conley and Isam Rashid

BAGHDAD - Repeated cries in the mainstream media of an unfolding civil war fall on the deaf ears of many Iraqis...

In the days after the bombing of the Shi'ite shrine at Samarra on February 22, the Association of Muslim Scholars and representatives of Shi'ite groups led by Muqtada al-Sadr and Sheikh al-Khalisi met at the Abu Hanifa Mosque in Adhamiya to negotiate a response.

They constructed a 10-point plan for responding to the violence and building a future for Iraq. That plan is currently being implemented with varying amounts of success.

A primary function of this plan is to "condemn the press organizations who tried to make this problem between Sunni and Shi'ite become larger and larger, and we have all the rights to try them in future".

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HC10Ak03.html

-- March 11, 2006 12:44 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

DUDE, WHERE'S MY CIVIL WAR?
March 5, 2006 -- BAGHDAD

I'M trying. I've been trying all week. The other day, I drove another 30 miles or so on the streets and alleys of Baghdad. I'm looking for the civil war that The New York Times declared. And I just can't find it.

Maybe actually being on the ground in Iraq prevents me from seeing it. Perhaps the view's clearer from Manhattan. It could be that my background as an intelligence officer didn't give me the right skills.

And riding around with the U.S. Army, looking at things first-hand, is certainly a technique to which The New York Times wouldn't stoop in such an hour of crisis.

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/opedcolumnists/64677.htm

-- March 11, 2006 11:57 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

"while al-Ja'fari can be approved in parliament by a simple majority of 138 members, he would in fact need 184 votes, or two-thirds of the members of parliament, to be able to govern effectively,"

http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=countries&Area=iraq&ID=IA26906

Considering the amount of resistance by the UIA, I think they are trying to get Jaafari approved with the 138.. not the two thirds, no matter how "ineffective" that governing ability may appear to others...

Sara.

-- March 11, 2006 12:10 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Good news: Iraq's Kurds switch sides
Allegiance shifts from Shiite bloc to opposition Sunni, secular parties
CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER -Washington Post Writers Group

WASHINGTON - Lost amid the news of all the bloodletting in Iraq is an important political development: The Kurds have switched sides. In the first parliament after the first set of elections, they allied themselves with the Shiite slate to produce the current Shiite-dominated government led by Ibrahim al-Jafari.

Now the Kurds have joined with the opposition Sunni and secular parties to oppose the Shiite bloc. The result is two large competing coalitions: (a) the Kurd-Sunni-secular bloc, which controls about 140 seats in the 275-seat parliament and would constitute the barest majority, and (b) the Shiite bloc, which itself is a coalition of seven not-always-friendly parties, and which controls 130 seats, slightly less than a majority.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/opinion/14063047.htm

-- March 11, 2006 1:31 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq is not in a civil war! (Joe Scarborough)

Last week, the usual media suspects declared that civil war had broken out in the streets of Baghdad. A new Washington Post poll, Americans were listening. 80% now believe Iraq is heading to civil war.

Don’t believe everything you see on TV.

I don’t want to accuse any of my colleagues of stupidity, the suggestion that Iraq is currently engaged in a civil war is a conclusion that could be drawn by one who is either too stupid to be on TV or just liberal enough to have his own news show.

The term "civil war" suggests a country is being ripped apart by competing internal factions. And I’ll be damned if I have to explain this again for all the idiots who talk on TV every night without knowing the facts, but here I go again:

*60% of Iraq is made up of Shiites. Shiites were oppressed by Saddam Hussein for years and desperately want democracy to succeed. Their leader, the Grand Ayatollah Sistani, has been a voice of restraint. He has saved Iraq from further bloodshed and has told religious leaders they should oppose all forms of theocracy.

*20% of the country is made up of Kurds. Like the Shiites, Kurds were raped, slaughtered and gassed by Hussein. They also support democracy and fear the return of Saddam’s Sunnis to power.

*15% of the population is made up of Sunnis. Saddam’s sect has spent the last four decades oppressing the other 85% of Iraq. Far more brutal than South Africa pre-Mandela, the Sunnis kept power by running a Stalinist state. These thugs, by the way, are the New York Times’ faction of choice. The Times has been whining for years that Sunnis must have a stronger voice in Iraq’s new government. Screw representational democracy. Engage the oppressors. Was this the Times’ take on segregationists who lost power after the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Even Sunni leaders who were in bed with Saddam Hussein want to avert a civil war. That’s why Sunni leaders began negotiating with Shiites and Kurds hours after the mosque explosion. Even they know it is foreign terrorists who are blowing up women and children in mosques and public markets. They also know that Zarqawi’s Muslim invaders in Iraq have lost the battle for the hearts and minds of Iraqis.

While talking heads in America and Europe were furiously wishing civil war on Iraq, the Iraqi army did an admirable job keeping peace... (see url for full discourse below)

They are not paying attention to the omnipotent latte sipping talking heads in Manhattan and Georgetown. Instead they are risking their lives to build a new, free Iraq.

If American elites would stop cheering for civil war, maybe Iraq’s experiment in democracy would have a better chance of succeeding.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11725991/#060308b

-- March 11, 2006 2:02 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Extra! Extra!
Read what you’re not reading about Iraq.
By Bill Crawford

Coverage of the Iraq war continues to be overwhelmingly negative. If anything, the pessimism of the mainstream media has increased since the attack on the Golden Mosque in Samarra. This isn't because of any dearth of good news, though. For whatever reason, the abundant good work and progress accomplished each day in Iraq are either not reported or underplayed here at home.

As the polls show, Americans are getting pessimistic about our mission in Iraq, and the mainstream media bear most of the blame for this. Responsibility for reporting the other side of the story in Iraq has fallen to the blogosphere. The following stories highlight the progress we have made in Iraq over the last two months, and the incredible work being done by the men and women of our armed forces, in concert with their coalition allies and the Iraqi Security Forces.

http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/crawford200603070834.asp

-- March 11, 2006 2:07 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S. Envoy, Iraq Chiefs Discuss Gov't.
Sunday March 12, 2006 3:01 PM By ALEXANDRA ZAVIS

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.S. ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad met with the leaders of all of Iraq's political and ethnic blocs Sunday in stepped up efforts to break the stalemate over the formation of a unity government.

Parliament is scheduled to hold its first session March 19, starting a 60-day clock on electing a new president, approving al-Jaafari for a second term and signing off on his Cabinet.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5680411,00.html

QUOTE: "electing a new president, approving al-Jaafari for a second term and signing off on his Cabinet." this says.

Sounds like Mr. Talibani is out, and Mr Al-Jaafari is in?

Sara.

-- March 12, 2006 2:17 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Patience necessary as Iraq rebuilds
By Victor Davis Hanson

TAJI, Iraq - Screaming Iraqis and mangled body parts still dominate Americans' nightly two minutes of news from Iraq. And, indeed, Iraq is still a scary place within the ``Sunni triangle.''

Opposition politicians in the United States charge that our troops don't have enough body protection or heavily armored Humvees -- suggesting that our fighters have been almost criminally ignored. On CNN, a journalist laments that a prominent news colleague severely wounded near Taji is emblematic of the mess of the entire American effort.

But Iraq, like all wars, is not static. What was supposedly true on the ground in Iraq in 2003 is not necessarily so in 2006 -- in the way that the situation in Europe in 1943 hardly resembled that of May 1945.

Yet while things have changed radically in Iraq, the pessimistic tone of our reporting remains calcified. Little is written about the new Iraqi government, the emergence of the Iraqi security forces or the radically changing role of the American military.

I recently listened to members of the newly elected Iraqi provincial council in strife-torn Kirkuk. All were enthusiastic about their new responsibilities. They were unabashedly argumentative with one another over security, electricity and oil production -- but still confident that they could govern their own affairs. As the meeting broke up, a female council member whispered, ``Tell the Americans thanks, but ask them to have patience with us.''

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/opinion/13940665.htm

-- March 12, 2006 6:51 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

'Job Is Getting Done' in Iraq, Despite US Press, Veterans Say
By Randy Hall
Mar 12, 2006

(CNSNews.com) - A group of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom said Thursday that U.S.-led coalition forces are getting the job done when it comes to defeating insurgents and helping Iraq establish a democratic government -- despite the U.S. news media's negative portrayal of the conflict.

Gibson also pointed to what he called two "tipping points" in the ongoing conflict that took place during 2005. "These junctures are decisive indicators of coalition victories over the insurgency," he said. "Most Iraqis understand them, but most Americans do not."

The first "tipping point" occurred last March, when the number of Iraqi security forces on the ground surpassed those of coalition troops, he said. Then on Dec. 15, Iraqis elected their first national four-year legislature with a turnout that was impressive even in the central and western areas of the country, where rebels are the strongest.

Gibson found another sign of progress in Iraq in an unlikely place: the daily death toll in that nation.

Human rights organizations that have counted civilian deaths in Iraq since January 2003 estimate that between 25 and 28 people are killed each day, he said. While that total may sound horrific to Americans, it is a huge improvement over the 70 to 125 deaths that took place daily when Saddam Hussein ruled the country.

"A lousy day under the coalition yields a body count far under the Baathists," Gibson stated. "In Baghdad today, terrorists may kill you with an ill-timed IED (Improvised Explosive Device), but the Baathist secret police no longer comes to your door, takes your relatives, puts them in a cell, tortures them, kills them and then bills you for the bullets."

Also, American casualties are declining as U.S. troops are withdrawn and Iraqis step up to defend their country, Gibson said. "And this year, U.S. casualties are running 62 percent lower than 2005," he added.

Richard Nadler, president of America's Majority and host of Thursday's news conference, agreed with Gibson's analysis of the Iraq war.

"In both tactical and strategic terms, coalition troops and Iraqi patriots are winning the war," Nadler said. "A terror-sponsoring, totalitarian apparatus state is being replaced, piece by piece, by the elements of civil society -- free speech, free association, democratic elections and a market economy.

"And if the press will not report it, then the men who accomplished it will," he added.

http://www.townhall.com/news/ext_wire.html?rowid=46742

-- March 12, 2006 7:05 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bikers shield families of US soldiers killed in Iraq from cult
Mar 12 7:21 AM US/Eastern

Five women sang and danced as they held up signs saying "thank God for dead soldiers" at the funeral of an army sergeant who was killed by an Iraqi bomb.

For them, it was the perfect way to spread God's word: America was being punished for tolerating homosexuality.

For the hundreds of flag waving bikers who came to this small town in Michigan Saturday to shield the soldier's family, it was disgusting.

... it was the callousness and cruelty of harassing the grieving families of soldiers at dozens of funerals across the country that has sparked a grassroots movement of bikers determined to drown out the jeers and taunts.

In Flushing, Michigan they turned their leather-clad backs to the five women and held flags and tarps up so that mourners walking past wouldn't see the signs saying "God hates fags," "fag vets" and "America is doomed."

The glee with which the women hurled insults made John Franklin, 64, sick to his stomach.

"This guy's family deserves a peaceful funeral. It's not right what they're doing," said Franklin, who fought in the Vietnam War. "The only reason they're able to walk around like that is because the veterans fought for their freedom."

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/03/12/060312122104.pgrezzqi.html

-- March 12, 2006 7:43 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran builds a secret underground complex as nuclear tensions rise
By Philip Sherwell in Washington
(Filed: 12/03/2006)

Iran's leaders have built a secret underground emergency command centre in Teheran as they prepare for a confrontation with the West over their illicit nuclear programme, the Sunday Telegraph has been told.

The complex of rooms and offices beneath the Abbas Abad district in the north of the capital is designed to serve as a bolthole and headquarters for the country's rulers as military tensions mount. The Revolutionary Guard has overseen the development of subterranean chambers and tunnels - some more than half a mile long and an estimated 35ft high and wide - at sites across the country for research and development work on nuclear and rocket programmes.

The underground strategy is partly designed to hide activities from satellite view and international inspections but also reflects a growing belief in Teheran that its showdown with the international community could end in air strikes by America or Israel. "Iran's leaders are clearly preparing for a confrontation by going underground," said Alireza Jafarzadeh NCRI official...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/03/12/wiran12.xml

-- March 12, 2006 9:25 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

US probably can stop Iran without force: senators
Sun Mar 12, 2006 2:29 PM ET
By John Poirier

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States probably can stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons without military action, but use of force, subject to congressional approval, is still an option, U.S. lawmakers said on Sunday.

"I think we can stop them from having a nuclear weapon short of war," Sen. Joseph Biden, a Delaware Democrat, said on NBC's "Meet The Press" television program.

Republican Sen. George Allen of Virginia said on the same show: "Ultimately, you never want to take military action off the table. But you never want it to get that far. But if necessary, it is an option. But it is not one that is desirable."

Biden and Allen, both potential U.S. presidential candidates in 2008, agreed that Washington must work with other countries to deal with Iran, and that Bush would need congressional approval before the United States participates in military action to curb Iran's nuclear weapons program.

The Western powers would like the statement to call on Iran to suspend uranium enrichment-related activities and to seek a report, perhaps in two weeks or a month, on whether Tehran has done so.

Divisions are expected to emerge after the statement, with Russia and China strongly opposing any escalation of measures, including sanctions, against Iran.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyid=2006-03-12T192910Z_01_N12225000_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAN-USA.xml&rpc=22

-- March 12, 2006 9:37 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara:

As usual, your posts are always great but these last few sorta shed a different light on Iraq. I believe that you are on the ground in Iraq which adds even more credence to what you say. I have the utmost respect for those of you who are facing the prospect of death each day.

If 85% of the people are in one corner, it seems that they have the capability to put down an uprising by the other 15%.

I, like all Americans, am deeply concerned about Iraq but I made a significant investment in the Dinar so I am deeply concerned about it also.

I believe that any hope that we have of appreciation of the Dinar depends on getting Iraq to some level of safety and security. Civil war must be stopped and insurgents must be flushed out by the people of Iraq.

-- March 12, 2006 9:56 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Al-Sadr calls for declaring Al-Zarqawi disbeliever

BAGHDAD, March 13 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Shiite leader Moqtada Al-Sadr called upon all Iraqi parties and classes to join in signing a memorandum calling for peace and calm, and asking the Iraqi Sunni clergies to declare Al-Zarqawi and his followers infidels.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=838161

-- March 13, 2006 11:39 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bob;

You said:

"I believe that any hope that we have of appreciation of the Dinar depends on getting Iraq to some level of safety and security. Civil war must be stopped and insurgents must be flushed out by the people of Iraq."

I agree. I think the Iraqis and the American and coalition troops are getting that job done. :)

Sara.

-- March 13, 2006 11:45 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq group says it killed al-Qaida members
Posted on Mon, Mar. 13, 2006 Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq - An armed group that says it was created with government backing to drive al-Qaida fighters out of a restive Iraqi province claimed Monday that it had killed five top members of the terrorist group.

The claim came in a statement posted on an Islamic Web site and attributed to the Anbar Revenge Brigade, recently formed by tribal leaders of the western Anbar province.

"Your brothers, heroes of the Revenge Brigade, carried out the killing of five important elements of al-Qaida group, avenging the death of the sons of our Ramadi city," the statement said.

It listed the names of four alleged al-Qaida leaders. The fifth man, it said, was from Ansar al-Sunnah, a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaida.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/special_packages/iraq/14087179.htm

-- March 13, 2006 5:42 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

The article about the "Revenge Brigade" is an extremely positive development. I have been saying all along that the Iraqi people must determine who the culprits are and help silence them.

You will remember that the FBI looked for Mr. Rudolph (the abortion clinic bomber) for three or four years before they found him. We must have the help of the Iraqi people in capturing these insurgents.

-- March 13, 2006 8:14 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Since we are not getting much activity on the T&B, I have started visiting around a bit and I came across a positive article that may be worthy of reading for some of you:

John, Meet Jack
We do have reliable information about how things are going in Iraq.

By Richard Nadler

In his article "You Don't Know Jack," John Derbyshire answers the critics of his thesis that the democratization of Iraq will fail who cite his lack of firsthand knowledge of Iraq. Derbyshire points out that visits to foreign countries provide scant evidence for forming foreign-policy decisions, even when the observer is knowledgeable, experienced, and honest.

On the same day his article was published, a group of Iraq War vets, speaking in the Murrow Room of the National Press Club, made the case that the democratization is succeeding — and they explicitly endorsed Derbyshire's caveat in making that case.

"I saw the good and the bad in Iraq — cooperation and hostility, war and reconstruction," said Lt. Lawrence Indyk, who was awarded a Purple Heart for his service. "But this war isn't about my personal experience. U.S. policy in Iraq aims to replace an ultra-aggressive, terror-harboring tyranny with a constitutional democracy, at peace with its neighbors. And to assess our progress on that track, we need metrics that are impersonal."

Look Who's Coming to Dinar
For the next hour and a half, Lt. Indyk, Marine Corporal Richard Gibson, and Marine Sergeant J. D. Johannes laid out their case. Lt. Indyk reported Iraqi growth in GDP and personal income. He contrasted the dinar's stabilization under the Coalition with the savings-wrecking inflations under the Baathist regime. He chronicled the increase in electrical supply, and the doubling of oil revenues in the post-Saddam era. He put numbers to the enormous increase in cell phones, cars, and satellite TVs.

Indyk discussed advances in services as well: the 60 percent decline of infant mortality in post-Saddam Iraq, and the improved access to schooling and medical care. And he described the explosion in business formation that has followed in the overthrow of one of the most regulated economies on earth.

Next he laid out metrics of democratization. First among these is surging participation of all segments of the Iraqi populace in elections, not only in the national government, but in Iraq's city and state elections as well. He enumerated, too, the growth of political parties, and proliferation of a free press in print and broadcast.

Then he admitted that facts like these, taken on their own, were insufficient for forming an accurate assessment of progress in Iraq.

"If material and institutional circumstances are really improving," he said, "this will be reflected in the attitudes of the Iraqi people themselves. The polls will either confirm what the official statistics tell us, or they will contradict those statistics."

Indyk then proceeded to describe the findings of the most extensive and scientific polls of Iraq opinion, performed by Arabic speakers for Oxford Research International near the beginning of 2004, then at the end of 2005. These polls covered all of Iraq's major regions and demographic groups.

Asked to compare their current lives with their lives under Saddam, Iraqis reported an improvement in availability of necessities, and an improvement in overall economic wellbeing. They reported superior access to clean water, health care, and education. Iraqi respondents believed that their local governments had improved. Asked what form of government they hoped to live under going forward, democracy won handily: four-to-one over the rule of one-man, and ten-to-one over totalitarianism.

Iraqis list security as their most pressing problem. But a plurality of Iraqis feel safer now than under Saddam, and a majority feel safer from ordinary crime. Moreover, better than 60 percent feel personally safe in their neighborhoods.

Marine Corporal Gibson's presentation sorted out these seemingly contradictory findings. The problem most Americans have, he said, in understanding Iraqi opinions on security, is that we operate from a different baseline. Iraq under Saddam was an incredibly violent place.

Iraq Body Count, an antiwar group that keeps a running tally of Iraqi civilian deaths, reports that the daily toll under the occupation falls in the range of 25 to 28 per day. But under Saddam's rule, the death toll averaged three times that, including 600,000 civilian executions recorded by the Documental Center for Human Rights, and the 100,000 Kurds killed during the Anfal operation. A violent day under the coalition would be just a routine day under Saddam.

"History is being written by the losers."
"Today," Gibson said, "the terrorists attack the government. In Saddam's day, they ran it."

Using the same methodology as Lt. Indyk, Corporal Gibson assessed the decline of the insurgency, first in hard numbers, then in the opinions of Iraqis themselves.

Coalition casualties declined by 27 percent in 2005. They have declined by 62 percent in 2006, measured against the comparable period of 2005.

The insurgent strategy of targeting Iraqi police and army units peaked in July of 2005. Since then, casualties among those units have declined by 33 percent.

Attacks on other soft targets are also down. For instance, there were 146 strikes against the oil infrastructure in 2004, compared to 101 in 2005.

The tipping point, Gibson contends, occurred last March, when the number Iraqi boots on the ground — police and army units — surpassed those of Coalition forces. From that point on, the new Iraqi government has proved increasingly able to hold and garrison areas that have been cleared on insurgents.

But more subtly, the growth of native Iraqi security shattered the coalition of Baathist recidivists and Sunni jihadists. The last thing the Baathist factions want is all-out sectarian civil war. "The tactics used to provoke it — mass slaughter of civilians — not only strengthens popular support for the government," said Gibson, "but threatens to turn that government into a blunt instrument of retribution against them."

From March of 2005 to September of 2005, the number of civilian tips informing on insurgents increased from 483 to 4,700, as numerous Sunni tribes declared outright war on al Qaeda. "The insurgency in Iraq," said Gibson, "is being dismantled by the equivalent of a Tips hotline."

Gibson cited polling of Iraqi opinion to support his thesis. Fifty-eight percent of Iraqis feel threatened by terrorists, compared with 10 percent who feel threatened by Coalition troops. And by 71 percent to 9 percent, Iraqis believe that their own security forces — Iraqi security forces — are winning the fight against terror.

"It is fascinating to contrast the triumphant face of the insurgency in our nightly news to the pessimistic assessments of its leaders in their intercepted correspondence," said Gibson. "My assessment of their prospects varies little from their own."

Former Marine Sergeant J. D. Johannes was a soldier during the first Iraq war. He returned to his old unit as combat reporter in the second. He offers this assessment:

Everyone knows that the history of war is written by the victors. But the war in Iraq has shattered that truism. In Iraq, history is being written by the losers. Baathist kidnappers and jihadist bombers are planning their operations not to win the war in Iraq, but to win it in America. To that end, they are assessing what American news organizations are willing to cover, and what American reporters are willing to risk. As an immediate result, many of the feeds on the nightly news are coming from Arabic sources that are either non-professional in their journalistic standards or hostile to American policy aims. As a long-term result, the American public is broadly misinformed on a war that Coalition arms and Iraqi democrats are, in fact, winning.
To summarize what the Iraq veterans said on March 9: We do "know jack" about Coalition progress in Iraq — and we know it the same way that we know other trends in social science — by hard numbers where they are available, cross-checked against the attitudes of those most directly affected by those numbers. "If Iraqis listened to American media," said Lt. Indyk, "they'd hear that their economy is wrecked and that their services are in shambles. They'd hear that they are less safe now than before the war, and that they are religious fanatics who demand a theocracy. But they don't get their news on Iraq through the Western media. They live there. And they say the opposite."

— Richard Nadler is president of America's Majority, the 501(c)(4) policy group that sponsored the March 9 press conference of Iraq war veterans.

* * *

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-- March 13, 2006 10:26 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Anonymous;

Your posts:
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#119772
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2005/07/iraqi_dinar_dis_2.html#120417

To Clarify..
Calling me a Judas, a betrayer of the Christ whom I worship and serve (which caused the board to say you were attacking me personally and demand an apology you never gave) then an idol worshipper (when you said President Bush is my hero - hero worship is idolatry), and then a follower of men's doctrines (Ignore your preacher for awhile and try thinking on your own, you said.) are attacks on me and my faith personally. If you cannot debate the political points alone or in a civil manner but must add in your own verbal attacks at my personal faith and belief in God, I will not talk to you. If you can keep it to the discussion under debate, without turning and rending me personally like swine, then I may indeed listen to you and reply to your points. I enjoy spirited debate. I will not stand being savagely attacked for no other reason than holding to my own well-reasoned opinion. As Martin Luther said: "Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen"

I, too, will not go against conscience or reason, and certainly will not recant due to verbal attacks on me and my faith.

Sara.

-- March 14, 2006 8:32 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Desperation and Despair Feeds the Insurgency. Go to the root to deal with it.

Today I saw a post that said with the bombings, shootings, knifings, hijackings, kidnappings, political and financial corruption in Iraq, a revaluation of their currency is unlikely. I thought I would share my reply with the board:

I think those are good reasons for a RV to happen, IMHO, because a large part of the problem is a lack of jobs and prosperity. Desperation helps fuel this vicious cycle of violence. Why do they kidnap? For money. Why is there financial corruption? Maybe they are poor and not just dishonest, but need the money. Why are there shootings and knifings? Most are because they get PAID to do these things, not because they are religious fanatics. I suppose this says it best:

1Ti 6:10 The love of money is the root of all evil.

Cut off their ability to play bigshot with money and manipulate the lives of the poor, I think you will have a substantial reduction of these problems. Waiting to revalue the Dinar only fuels this war. Revaluing now will reduce if not stop it. It kills the ROOT of the evil to remove the ability of the enemy to manipulate the populace through money. Waiting for the violence to reduce without getting the ROOT (MONEY) will not address the problem. It will fuel it because people over time become more and more poor and desperate. People who today could make it won't tomorrow.. and where do they get the money they need for fuel, for food, for necessities? Crime.. who is paying? Terrorists are.. good money for killing Americans or destroying targets. The longer they wait to Revalue the Dinar, the more desperation they create.

Sara.

-- March 14, 2006 3:23 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

When I first went to Iraq as a contractor I saw something that confirmed my belief that we had a “secret weapon” in our fight for freedom in Iraq. After being there for two weeks I started buying Dinars because I knew the US would be able to meet their goals in that country and it would be a good investment. And this is why……..

Our Military men and women operate on the saying “Your best friend or your worst enemy”. No doubt about it, you don’t want to be their worst enemy…they are the finest fighting force on the face of this planet. What most people fail to realize is that they are even better at being your best friend and our “secret weapon”. My daughter is a Diplomat with the US State Dept. and has served in many parts of the world. They’re very good in their mission of spreading our message to a lot of people. However, I don’t think they can match our “secret weapon” of 132,000 military personnel in Iraq who truly do try to make friends where ever they go.

The men and women of our Military are exceptional people and I truly enjoyed being around them. The only thing that makes me feel better about them is the fact that they will be our future leaders in the US. That’s why I feel so confident about the future of Iraq and the US.

-- March 14, 2006 3:44 PM ∞

fencepost wrote:

I pulled this off a site/forum (talkgold.com).
I don't think that all you Warka Bank account holders are going to be too happy. Read the last sentence on his post. It clearly states that non resident bank accounts denominated in Iraqi dinar are not permitted. Am I reading this wrong?

posted by e-investor

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/3622/....26%20Iraq.pdf

From Page 4 of the pdf

Bank accounts
ƒ Residents and resident nationals of other Arab countries can hold foreign exchange accounts
domestically at commercial banks and are permitted to use these accounts without restrictions as
long as the accounts are credited with foreign currency banknotes. Foreign currency accounts can
only be held by residents abroad with prior approval from the Central Bank. Domestic currency
(IQD) accounts cannot be held by residents abroad. Resident accounts in domestic currency (IQD)
cannot be converted into foreign currency.
ƒ Non-resident bank accounts denominated in domestic currency (IQD) are not permitted.

-- March 15, 2006 7:57 AM ∞

fencepost wrote:

Here is the total quote again. for some reason the last post didn't get fully posted please read the last sentence

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/3622/....26%20Iraq.pdf

From Page 4 of the pdf

Bank accounts
Residents and resident nationals of other Arab countries can hold foreign exchange accounts
domestically at commercial banks and are permitted to use these accounts without restrictions as
long as the accounts are credited with foreign currency banknotes. Foreign currency accounts can
only be held by residents abroad with prior approval from the Central Bank. Domestic currency
(IQD) accounts cannot be held by residents abroad. Resident accounts in domestic currency (IQD)
cannot be converted into foreign currency.
Non-resident bank accounts denominated in domestic currency (IQD) are not permitted.

"quote"
Non-resident bank accounts denominated in domestic currency (IQD) are not permitted.

-- March 15, 2006 8:08 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Sara,

You are soooo right when you address the problem/s caused by the despair and hardship generated by the IQD's revaluation remaining in limbo.

There has to be some good reason why the powers that be are dragging their feet on the revaluation of the IQD - but why? ...I feel someone must be benefitting/profiting from this procrastination. This would seem to be the main obstacle impeding the IQD's value.

I've seen a lot of posts lately that speak of there being no Civil War, etc, in Iraq. Basically, saying that Iraq's security situation, even with the insurgents conducting their violent operations, is far better now than under Saddam. And, if that's the case, then why aren't we seeing any improvement in the dinar valuation? With security in Iraq being better today, than this same time 18 months/2 years ago, why wouldn't the dinar's value reflect the same?

Carl, BOB, Sara, Turtle, Okie, anyone else; what say you?...

Bill1

-- March 15, 2006 12:59 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Bill1: My assumption is that we're still missing one of the key ingrdients: a true government. Until this government gets their stuff together I don't see the Dinar doing anything. Just my opinion but some of the posts I read early in this board made a lot of sense to me.

-- March 15, 2006 2:09 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Official: joblessness in Iraq reaches 50%
MENAFN - 15/03/2006

(MENAFN) A senior Iraqi official said that joblessness in Iraq stands at about 50 percent, kept high by relentless violence and little economic progress since the US led invasion three years ago, Reuters Alerts Net reported.

The official said that more than 60 percent of the country's population depends on government rations to survive.

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=129185

Unemployment is high (though lower than under Saddam).. being on the government ration is not good for getting Iraq on her feet. A Revaluation of the Dinar would be good for reconstruction and getting these people to work, creating a vibrant and thriving economy. This in turn would bring down the dispair and desperation with the result of less insurgent activity, I believe.

Bill1, it is better than under Saddam.. :)
And revaluation makes sense once the government is in place, in my opinion, too, turtle.

Sara.

-- March 15, 2006 2:29 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Other Arabs Noting Iraq's March to Democracy, Abizaid Says
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2006 – Arabs throughout the Middle East are taking note of Iraq's extraordinary march toward democracy, the commander of U.S. Central Command said here yesterday.
"It's interesting when I go around the rest of the Arab world; everybody wants to talk about Iraqi politics," Army Gen. John Abizaid told a congressional subcommittee on military and veterans affairs. "That's interesting because they can talk about Iraqi politics, but can't necessarily talk about politics in their own countries."

Abizaid said he believes the Iraqi people are confident they will be better off in the future than they were under Saddam Hussein. And the fact that Iraqis now have the freedom to debate their country's future is a historic event that is "unprecedented in that part of the world," he said. The general added that this fact does not play well in a world of 24-hour news programming, but will "play well in the great scope of history."

He also said there are fewer insurgent attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces today than there were in mid-2005, partly because fewer foreign fighters are coming across the Syrian border. As Iraqi security forces continue to grow and improve, this trend will continue, he added.

The general emphasized that the United States must not let the people of Iraq or Afghanistan down. "You have to have a spirit of partnership in the region where people know that they can call on you and you will come," he said.

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2006/20060315_4494.html

-- March 15, 2006 2:31 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Bill 1

I believe Sara nailed the question of why all the procrastination regarding an RV of the Dinar when she recently stated:

"Compromise: The art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybody believes he got the biggest piece."

I hope all of you remember when your gradeschool teacher was trying to pound facts into our peanut brains about Iraq...AKA the land between the rivers....AKA the cradle of civilization. These people have been engaged in trade and commerce for thousands of years and they will form a Government in the blink of an eye when they are satisfied they all got a good deal. I believe they're very close to a deal.

-- March 15, 2006 6:58 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Good and sound comments by all - thank you.

It would seem to me the insurgents have lost the battle, and the war - or at least things seem to be heading in that direction.

I'm quite certain that whomever sought recently to destroy the holy places in Iraq, firmly believed they would succeed in causing enough chaos to accomplish their obvious goal of creating a Civil War, and sending our forces packing. All-the-while, counting on their "Sixth Man" [a basketball metaphor] the "Liberal Media" to faithfully assist them in their quest.

In the end - it is nice to see [and to know] that our combined resolve, irregardless of our individual perspectives on this operation, is as hard as nails, and rock solid.

If I'm an insurgent in Iraq today, I'm no doubt one of the most frustrated, and demoralizied, individuals walking the face of the planet. These guys are hard-headed and unyielding [which is their Achilles Heel - not unlike the futile Bonzai charges of the Japanese toward the end of WWII, where they fanatically fought to the death], but their will to fight, and to continue, wanes with every passing day.

Bill1

-- March 16, 2006 12:45 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

DOCTOR! IS IT TIME TO GET A CRASH CART IN HERE?

The patient has for years and is presently continuing to overdose. The Experts have tried in vain for years to explain to the patient and family that when you continually make decisions, that are detriment to your well being, it doesn't matter if the abuse is done a little at a time, or all at once, the results are the same.
As of yesterday the head surgeon said he was getting concern about the patient's deterioring health, and due to aging it appears the condition will continue to get worst. The prognosis for the intermediate and long term outlook is starting to show a indication of things becoming bleak. If the strain of the drug is not reduced to hold down the growth of the addiction, it is going to place at risk the future health of the patient even more than it is now.
One of the main problems is the family of the patient. The family is very concern about the patient getting to the point where collapse maybe forecoming. However, when the patient starts to scream and whether from withdrawals, the family seems to not have the ability to withstand the begging, and starts to enable the patient by providing more of the drug until the screaming stops. Both sides of the family seems to have this enabling trait, so no one member of the family is too blame.
Recently, the head surgeon consulted with the other experts, and they have determine that the patient's demand for the addictive drug has increased twice over what it was 4 years ago.
No patient in recorded history, who has had a addiction this massive has been known to survive. According to the experts the patient is in a period where things are starting to snowball, and will enter a tipping point in the near future. Usually, the experts could provide a stimulate to counteract the drug, but according to the best consultants of this addiction, it is now too late for that. The shelves are now empty and there is nothing there to counteract the deadly affects of the addiction.
The only thing that is holding up the patient at this time is the goodwill of his friends. How long they will continue to do that is uncertain. As all addictive patients learn, after a while, even you friends and family will turn their back on you, if they see no effort to break the affects of the drug.
The patient already knows that times are about to get rough. The withdrawal period, which the patient has wanted to avoid for years, is about to hit, like it or now. There is no more feel good placebo to mask the coming pain. The strain of the drug on the patient is starting to sap his ability to be a productive and viable part of the world. Unfortunately, those friends who have been carrying the weight of the addiction for the patient is now going to start demanding more of the patient. Can the patient carry the additional demand from his friends is a 64 million dollar question? The odds are against the patient, and without help probably experience major damage to his well being, which the patient may or may not be able to recover from.
With what you have read above:
Do you have any sympathy for the patient?

Do you think the patient carries a major part of the responsibility for his addiction?

If the patient continues to abuse the drug of choice, should the patient be allowed to suffer the addiction consequences?

If the patient and family knows the addiction is going to cause great harm yet continues with the same course should his friends and associates walk away and allow the patient to suffer
the extreme pain of the addiction?

Now uncover the following:

The head surgeon is the Federal Reserve Chairman
The patient is the United States
The family is our congress both sides.
The addiction is overspending and increased deficit
The drug is printing too much money, and selling treasure notes to propt up the dollar.
The friends are the countries that are now carrying our dollar, in order to give it value.
Why? because we buy from them. Our trade deficit now 20.5% greater than 2004.
No country has run a deficit 6.4% equal to its economic output. The deficit will hit $1 trillion next year.
The empty shelves is the non-existent savings accounts of the american people.

How do you defend yourself when you can no longer purchase goods from other countries because your currency is now valueless?

To get into a major conflict with Iran is ruinous thinking. Bin Ladin was right, when he said, our plan will bankrupt America.

In my opinion, we are the weakest point of our history financially. This inturn puts us in a weak position of pulling off international strategies when it comes to conflicts. It is time we bite the bitter deficit pill, swallow hard, and get our health back.

The greatest threat to your family and mind is not the terroist but our own self greed, and want it now doctrine of the American People.

Its about time we bring our leaders under control and force them to adher to good sound fiscal policies. We don't need the presidential libraries, fancy parks, monuments, the golden parachutes of the congressional caucas, etc. Those are in the want columns, not in the column of need. The need column contains only the things necessary in order to live, build security, and stay healthy until you pass to where ever you think your soul goes.

Our present track is not a choice... it is a path to destruction...

-- March 16, 2006 3:17 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran Says It Wants to Talk Iraq With U.S.
Iran Says It's Ready to Discuss Iraq With U.S.
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI

TEHRAN, Iran Mar 16, 2006 (AP)— A top Iranian official said Thursday that his country was ready to open talks with the United States over Iraq, marking a major shift in Iranian foreign policy a day after an Iraqi leader called for such talks.

Ali Larijani, Iran's top nuclear negotiator and secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, told the Islamic Republic News Agency that any talks between the United States and Iran would deal only with Iraqi issues.

But any direct dialogue between Tehran and Washington were it to happen also could be a beginning for negotiations between the two foes over Iran's controversial nuclear program.

The statement marked the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that Iran had officially called for dialogue with the United States...

The proposal to hold direct talks on Iraq came in response to a request a day earlier from senior Iraqi Shiite leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim. Al-Hakim has close ties to Iran, and heads one of the main Shiite parties in Iraq, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.

"I demand the leadership in Iran open a clear dialogue with America about Iraq," al-Hakim said. "It is in the interests of the Iraqi people that such dialogue is opened and to find an understanding on various issues."

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=1732145&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

-- March 16, 2006 5:53 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Carl-Great to see you posting again. You are a magnificent asset to the T&B.

Your last post was maybe your best. You said in eloquent terms what I have been trying to say. I picked up immediately on your analagy, it was superb.

This very day, congress approved a debt limit to 9 trillian dollars. This breaks down to $30,000.00 for every man, woman, and child in the USA.

I know that many of the things that we are doing are good, but when you cannot afford to do something, you cannot do it.

If you have an accumulation of dollars, convert them to real estate, gold, or silver because I believe the end of the good times is near.

-- March 16, 2006 11:27 PM ∞

regnac wrote:

I heard that the Central Bank of Iraq does not allow money to be shipped out of the country and that anything that is sold outside right now will be worthless because no banks will take it even if it goes up. The best bet is to deposit into the Central Bank of Iraq and let it stay there until it goes up. Any info on this is much appreciated.

-- March 17, 2006 2:21 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Regnac:

Where did you receive your information? I am not sure, you can trust a deposit of NID in the Central Bank Of Iraq will be safe.

I also am not sure why authentic currency would not be worth anything if coming from outside of the country verses currency circulated inside the country.

Once the NID is openly traded, NID no matter its origin (as long as it is authentic) will be worth whatever the value of it is at the time it is traded.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- March 17, 2006 4:36 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Are YOU prepared?
Note this says THE GOVERNMENT TOLD AMERICANS... so it seems an official precaution.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AvianFlu/story?id=1722484&page=1

March 14, 2006 — Over the weekend, the government told Americans to start storing canned foods and powdered milk under their beds as the prospect of a deadly bird flu outbreak approaches the United States. The fear is that the bird flu will turn into a pandemic and drastically alter the course of American life for a time.

-- March 17, 2006 6:27 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

No Free Lunch...

OK my opinion on the debt problem is a bit different than your average... bear with me. I will start with a post from the IIF forum (with full url to give the man due credit):

You have to view a country's outstanding currency just like you view a company's outstanding stock.

If I'm a stock investor analyzing Google and I determine that based on future potential growth in their earnings, they have a value of $100 billion, then to determine the amount I'm willing to pay for a share of their stock, I would divide that $100 billion by the shares outstanding. That is why all investment sites tell you the shares outstanding. It's critical information for valuing a share.

The same goes for currency traders. To determine the value of Iraq's currency, you first have to determine the future investment value of Iraq. Once you have that number, then you divide it by the currency units outstanding. I did that crudely a few days ago to come up with my 25 cent value (a few years down the road) when I thought there were 3.1 trillion dinar outstanding.

When someone pointed out that there are 9.5 trillion now outstanding, I was stunned and disappointed. The US only has 680 million dollars in currency outstanding and most of that is used by foreign countries as a reserve for their own currency! There is no way that 9.5 trillion dinar will ever be worth much.

That is why this news that the US owns 2/3's of it is interesting and encouraging. It is interesting because it explains the discrepancy between Iraq's outstanding currency in 2003 versus today and it is encouraging because the US probably isn't in the currency speculating business like we are.

They can't continue to hold that currency long-term as you suggest because currency investors like George Soros will never buy dinars without knowing what the US is going to do with its 6.5 trillion. If the US released even a fraction of that onto the market, it would devastate the value.

Logic tells me that the US bought that currency to prop up the CBI's dollar reserves and at some point, the US will sell that currency back to the CBI which will take it out of circulation before it is floated on Forex. I'm just guessing so does anyone read this differently?

http://www.investorsiraq.com/175693-post12.html

Now, taking this viewpoint as gospel truth.. that the US actually holds 6.5 trillion Dinar.. IF it were to Revalue at 1.00 USD, that means the US would hold an asset worth 6.5 trillion dollars US. Now, they cannot cash that out right away, of course. But on a balance sheet, they would look very good with a total debt of 8.3 trillion (The national debt totals $8.3 trillion... http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/newsbyid.asp?id=30058&cat=Headlines&more=/news/more-news.asp ) but also a tangible asset portfolio of 6.5 trillion in cash (as they sell it off a bit at a time and it goes up, it could increase to MORE than the entire debt, too! Some say the Dinar will end up worth between two and three dollars USD, so that takes care of your debt, making the US debt free!). This means that the US is very close to solvent.. perhaps could be debt free.. in very little time, if Iraq succeeds. This allows us to take care of our people and look after everyone as we should be doing but cannot do properly due to the debt the country is carrying.

And why shouldn't we profit from making the Iraqi people free? Look what we have paid for it in American blood. As they grow strong, independent and free.. AND gain a vibrant economy, we salvage our economy and become debt free. After all, there is no free lunch.

How do you like that scenerio? Food for thought, isn't it? Peg the Dinar.. save the country from bankrupcy and insolvency. GWB may be solving the monetary crisis.. making him one of the greatest Presidents EVER, if it really goes this way. I pray it does.

Sara.

-- March 17, 2006 7:17 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

If it were not for my investment in the Dinar, I would be totally and absolutely opposed to our involvement in Iraq. The current estimate of the cost of this venture is one trillion dollars.

COL John Martha(sic), Rep of Pennsylvania, although chastized by almost everyone, is about right. He says that China, Russia, Iran, and North
Korea are sitting back and laughing at us for expending our resourses, exhausting our soldiers with nothing good for us as a result. I still believe that we will eventually leave Iraq with the Iraqi people throwing rocks at us.

I am selfish enough to want everything to work out in Iraq and the Dinar to peg at some profitable rate. I, personally was not moved by the original situation in Iraq. I am beginning to believe that Saddam dealt with these people in the only way that they understand. There are many countries that are under totalitarian regimes that are just as bad as Iraq had.

I am as staunch a hawk as anyone when we are defending ourselves but we have no right to go into any country and impose our ideals anymore
so than they have a right to come into our country and impose their desires.

The bible say "Thou shalt not kill" but is it O.K. if Mr. Bush thinks a country should be invaded?

-- March 17, 2006 10:41 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

From Iraq's front line, it looks like the media has lost the plot
March 19, 2006

A SOLDIER friend stationed in Baghdad for the past two months has been sending me emails with such arresting lines as: "It's late here and I [have] to get the Chief of Staff back to the Palace."
From his office in the fortified military and government area, the Green Zone, he scans the web for news about Iraq and compares it with his reality. "Baghdad is not burning down around my ears," he wrote last week. "Things were tense a while back, but violence was within limits. Callous thing to say, but that is the reality around here."

The only "quagmire" he sees is "the soft patch of ground out by the rifle range and no civil war in sight".

He exhibits a soldier's sang-froid. "We are expecting to be very busy the next few days. The terrorists are extremely media savvy (it's the only area they get to win) and will be looking for big headlines. End of religious festival, big crowds and convening of new government."

But with the third anniversary of the Iraq invasion tomorrow, he says, "the only people who seem to have lost both their grip on reality and their nerve are the western media".

He also sent me a letter which has been circulating among soldiers for a month, from the mayor of Tal 'Afar, near the Syrian border, praising the "lion hearts" of the US 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment who have changed the city from "ghost town in which terrorists spread death and destruction to a secure city flourishing with life".

The Iraqi parliament now has 60 days to elect a president and approve a prime minister and cabinet.

Unlike John Howard, US President George Bush has been damaged by the Iraq situation and fears grow of political paralysis for the last three years of his presidency. But George Friedman, author of America's Secret War and founder of Stratfor global intelligence subscription service, wrote last week that American weakness might in fact compel Sunnis and Shias to "sort things out themselves".

http://www.smh.com.au/news/miranda-devine/from-iraqs-front-line-it-looks-like-the-media-has-lost-the-plot/2006/03/18/1142582570062.html

-- March 18, 2006 11:48 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bob!
I disagree with you on Col. John martha. They say timing is everything...well! his timing for critizing our president is way off and borders on sedition with the enemy. Apparently he has not bothered to read the captured files now being released. Just the initial few gives you the insight at to just how involved Saddam was involved with terriorist underground. I'm just amazed at the stupidy of Clinton and why he did not protect us sooner. If he had acted,against the terriorist network just maybe 9/11 would not have occurred, and thousands would not have died.

If anyone is interested I suggest you go to FMSO.leavenworth.Army.mil. Click on Document Exploitation and read. It may start to change your mind on why President Bush made some of the decision regarding Iraq. I believe that is why all of a sudden the tricky dickies, Col John Martha, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Boxer and the rest of the parasite feeding swarm, have gone deathly quiet.

Maybe its still the cop in me coming out, but when I watched the cutting off of tonques, the blowing up of individuals, the throat cuttings, the shootings of saddam's prisoners, anything we did in removing saddam and his henchmen is justified.

Hoo! Raaa!

-- March 18, 2006 9:22 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

New Documents from Saddam Hussein's Archives Discuss Bin Laden, WMDs
U.S. Government Releases Papers From Saddam's Reign

The documents discuss Osama bin Laden, weapons of mass destruction, al Qaeda and more.

March 16, 2006 — Following are the ABC News Investigative Unit's summaries of four of the nine Iraqi documents from Saddam Hussein's government, which were released by the U.S. government Wednesday.

The full documents can be found on the U.S. Army Foreign Military Studies Office Web site: http://fmso.leavenworth.army.mil/products-docex.htm.

"Osama bin Laden and the Taliban"

Document dated Sept. 15, 2001

An Iraqi intelligence service document saying that their Afghani informant, who's only identified by a number, told them that the Afghani Consul Ahmed Dahastani claimed the following in front of him:

That OBL and the Taliban are in contact with Iraq and that a group of Taliban and bin Laden group members visited Iraq.

That the U.S. has proof the Iraqi government and "bin Laden's group" agreed to cooperate to attack targets inside America.

That in case the Taliban and bin Laden's group turn out to be involved in "these destructive operations," the U.S. may strike Iraq and Afghanistan.

That the Afghani consul heard about the issue of Iraq's relationship with "bin Laden's group" while he was in Iran.

At the end, the writer recommends informing "the committee of intentions" about the above-mentioned items. The signature on the document is unclear.

===

"Hiding Docs from the U.N. Team"

Document dated March 23, 1997

A letter from the Iraqi intelligence service to directors and managers advising them to follow certain procedures in case of a search by the U.N. team, including:

Removing correspondence with the atomic energy and military industry departments concerning the prohibited weapons (proposals, research, studies, catalogs, etc.).

Removing prohibited materials and equipment, including documents and catalogs and making sure to clear labs and storages of any traces of chemical or biological materials that were previously used or stored.

Doing so through a committee which will decide whether to destroy the documents.

Removing files from computers.

The letter also advises them on how they should answer questions by U.N. team members. It says the intelligence service should be informed within one week about the progress made in discarding the documents.

(Editor's Note: This document is consistent with the Report of the Special Advisor to the Director of Central Intelligence, which described a pattern of deception and concealment on the part of Saddam Hussein's government towards the U.N. inspectors in the mid to late 90's. Hussein halted all cooperation with those inspectors and expelled them in October 1998.)
http://abcnews.go.com/International/IraqCoverage/story?id=1734490&page=1

-- March 18, 2006 10:57 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

I was just watching some news about the war in Iraq. I heard Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton express their normal liberal BS followed by the views of Gen. Casey, our Military leader in Iraq. I support the views of Gen. Casey and I believe most Americans also believe him. I think the liberals are "shooting themselves in the foot" and will realize that in the next elections.

In the meantime the Iraq leaders are working on the huge task of forming their Government and they need our continued support........

"In a U.S. radio address, President Bush said the violence in Iraq "has created a new sense of urgency" among Iraqi leaders to form such a government.

Those leaders — representatives of the squabbling Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish blocs in Iraq's new parliament — were taking a break from negotiations to observe Monday's Shiite holiday and Tuesday's Kurdish new year.

They are deadlocked over how to apportion the most powerful jobs in the new government, as minority factions seek to limit domination by Iraq's Shiite majority."

-- March 19, 2006 12:20 PM ∞

joe wrote:

A bout how many year before 1 dinar=1 us dollar?

-- March 19, 2006 4:38 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Joe!
I'll make a deal with ya! If you can give the answer to the following question I will answer yours..
If a Frog had wings...
How high,how fast, and how many times would he have to jump before he could take flight?

Both answers will have the same amount of value.

-- March 19, 2006 6:31 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Joe....The Dinar will RV by August to at least 28 US cents and go to 1$ within a year.

Carl.....I had a pet frog one time that could fly on the first leap. He could do it all the time.

And now for the burning question....What's the best investment for the money we're going to make on the Dinar RV? Also, which country? All input accepted!

-- March 19, 2006 7:53 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Okie:
I bet you won a whole lot of beers betting your frog could fly.
I also like your prediction..you seem solid on that. Give me 2 bits worth.
The best investment is the one that pays you the most... in the country with the least taxes,or no income tax at all.
Anymore questions?

-- March 19, 2006 10:21 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Carl: So... Cash in the first mill to make it to the Tiki party and of the remainder hide half in Switzerland and the other half in the Bahamas? Sounds like a solid plan to me.

On the South West Asian front, Dinar is still hanging at 730-750 per million. But, with recent military and political developments I would say August could have potential. I would not bet everything I own on it but I won't argue the possibility. Unless someone has info I haven't seen, I'm still leaning towards the RV in late 2006 or early 2007.

-- March 20, 2006 3:21 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Turtle:
Most certainly, money saved for the Tiki Party. It will be great to place a face with all of these post. As you have probably realized by now, I don't project RV dates. The reason is for the various things we have seen just in the past few months. There are two many unknown factors that can kill an advancement of the dinar in a second. We still have the Iranian situation to deal with. All of the social, political, economic and security advances made in Iraq can and will be wiped out in a blink, if decisions regarding Iran are not wisely and brutally rethought over and over again, before actually put into play.
The Coalition and Europes history on making or not making wise decisions, leaves me at doubt as what is to come in the near future.
But!!! I do love the optimism of you guys...it counters my own pragmatic thinking, that gets me down sometimes. I don't have the best opinion of self serving politicians, which also include some of our own.
Believe me Iran has only warmed up....lets put that knat buzzing around to rest, and Iraq will start making more advancements.
I keep telling myself, 16 of the 18 providences are doing OK security wise. The Western Media seems to want to key on the 2 that are not. Its like having turmoil in nebraska and Idaho, and the rest of the world being told the entire USA is in totally conflict.
The problem is 90% of Americans do not read and learn for themselves. American Idol,Country Musics, Hip Hop, etc are more important to listen too than learning from talk radio.Don't believe me, today try talking with a majority of the folks you interact with about Iran, Iraq, the deficit and watch their eyes glaze over. Its pathetic! The average American while eating at sandwich at lunch, gain their knowledge from some reporter, who has been sitting in a backroom , and getting information from one of his Iraqi handlers, because he is too chicken shit to go out and gain the information first hand. The New's agencies should bring all of thir reporters back to the states. They can do the same thing here.
Meanwhile we get this watered down, slanted drual call Middle East News that should belong in the funny papers instead of being classified as front page news.

Thank God Blogs like this one and the Internet.

-- March 20, 2006 6:49 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

My Vision For Iraq
By Ibrahim al-Jafari, the Prime Minister of Iraq
Monday, March 20, 2006

BAGHDAD -- The elections last December in Iraq were a monumental stage in my country's history and a testament to the courage of its people, who refuse to bow to any dictator or terrorist. As the wheels of democracy have begun to turn in Iraq, the people's wishes are becoming clearer and their representatives identified. To this end I am humbled and honored to be chosen by my coalition to lead Iraq's first democratically elected full-term government.

My government's first challenge will be to stifle the terrorism that has plagued our country and defiled the name of Islam. While we are making good progress in expanding and developing Iraq's security services, the war against the terrorists cannot be won by military means alone. It is paramount that all Iraqis work together to build a democratic, free Iraq.

Since I took office, I have sought to bring every community into the political process. I refused to marginalize the Sunni Arabs after the January 2005 election boycott, ensuring they made up over a fifth of the cabinet.

Sidelining Moqtada al-Sadr's group from the Governing Council was a mistake. Had it been integrated into the political process back then, long before the formation of the Mahdi Army, events would have turned out differently in the south. I corrected this policy and brought Sadr's group into the democratic process. This inclusive approach resulted in the huge nationwide turnout for the December elections and a parliament that truly reflects Iraq.

During my term as elected prime minister, Sadr's group has not attacked any coalition troops. Furthermore, Sadr and several Sunni leaders are now catalysts for maintaining the peace in Iraq, calling on their followers not to retaliate against terrorist provocations, which aim to ignite civil war.

The long-term solution to this problem will be multifaceted. We must ensure that all security forces receive proper training and that there is a chain of command that holds commanders and officers responsible for such abuses. In addition, the various militias that fought Saddam Hussein's regime honorably must be fully integrated into Iraq's security forces without concentrating any particular group into any one division. Finally, we need to strengthen the country's nascent judiciary, which suffered years of coercion and corruption under the former regime, to guarantee its independence and impartiality.

The other major challenge my government will face is reviving Iraq's economy. Iraq has been drowned by decades of Baathist socialist policies that have made millions reliant on government handouts. We must encourage entrepreneurship and enterprise, while establishing adequate safety nets for the less privileged.

Economic rehabilitation also requires some tough and unpopular changes, such as the reduction in government subsidies for gasoline that my administration began a few months ago. Such steps can be made only by a popular government that has the trust of the people. My administration has the political capital to be able to bring about these necessary changes.

Ultimately, I will work to secure the reality of a democratic, liberal, peaceful Iraq -- a beacon for freedom in the Middle East. This is not merely a wish but an article of faith. Having lived in London for the majority of my years in exile, I appreciate the importance of liberty for both guaranteeing democracy and ensuring human development.

I am hopeful that with Iraqi determination, and the support of the multinational force, we can defeat the terrorists and make Iraq the first democratic Arab country. I believe in working toward a peaceful, stable and nuclear-free Middle East, where Iraq is not the rogue state that it was under the previous regime.

The road ahead will be tough, but the Iraqi people have demonstrated their bravery, determination and resolve. The world should not falter at such a crucial stage in history.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/19/AR2006031901003.html

-- March 20, 2006 11:55 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq forms new council
Agence France-Presse, The New York Times
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2006

BAGHDAD - On Sunday, Iraqi officials announced that they had agreed to form a council of the country's top politicians to make policy on security and economic issues in the new government.

The council, which will include the prime minister and president, is an attempt to include all of Iraq's major factions in decision-making at a time of rising sectarian tensions.

The Iraqi Constitution approved by voters last autumn does not have language supporting the creation of such a council. The 19-member body will essentially concentrate power in the hands of the country's political party leaders, and supersede the cabinet and Parliament in making broad decisions.

Many Shiite leaders viewed the idea of the council, first proposed by Massoud Barzani, the president of Iraqi Kurdistan, as an attempt to hamstring the prime minister, expected to be a Shiite, and check the power of the main Shiite bloc, the United Iraqi Alliance.

But after five hours of negotiations at President Jalal Talabani's guest villa here, the Shiites agreed to the council's formation. Because of the way the council will be set up, the Shiites, who constitute the largest political bloc in Parliament, will have an effective veto over council decisions.

Furthermore, the prime minister or president will be able to override any decisions they disagree with if the decisions conflict with the executives' constitutional authority, Iraqi officials said.

Otherwise, the council's actions will be considered binding.

"It's a good thing," said Adnan Pachachi, the temporary speaker of Parliament and a secular politician. "It's a safety valve in a way. Decisions will be taken in which all major political parties will be part of. No one will accuse the prime minister of making decisions on his own."

The council is expected to make policy on security issues, like how to build up and deploy the Iraqi Army and the police, how to disarm the country's many militias and what to do about insurgent strongholds like Anbar Province in western Iraq, Iraqi officials said. The council will also address economic matters, including oil revenue and the budget.

Any decisions that require legislation will be put before Parliament, Pachachi said. But the Parliament will probably support any decisions made by the council because all the leaders of the major parliamentary blocs will sit on the council, he added.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/03/20/news/iraq.php

-- March 20, 2006 12:00 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Quote from the above article:

"It's a good thing," said Adnan Pachachi, the temporary speaker of Parliament and a secular politician. "It's a safety valve in a way. Decisions will be taken in which all major political parties will be part of. No one will accuse the prime minister of making decisions on his own."

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/03/20/news/iraq.php

===

In light of this, Jaafari may be in as PM because they now have a say in what he does.. IMO. Jaafari is not stepping down, they are not giving up on his candidacy. NOWHERE do they give up on Jaafari being PM in the news. If Iraq wants a unity government.. they have to give a bit. The majority Shiites gave them this council, now they give in and let Jaafari be PM. That may be the deal..

Sara.

-- March 20, 2006 12:03 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

I believe the current battle we're in has a hell of a lot to do with our freedoms....both now and in the future. We can't let apathy stand between us and our freedom or we'll have to fight twice as hard to regain it. The following article has some good points and worth a read.....

About the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution, in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years prior
"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."
"The average age of the worlds greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage ."

Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election:
Population of counties won by: Gore: 127 million; Bush: 143 million;
Square miles of land won by: Gore: 580,000; Bush: 2,427,000
States won by: Gore: 19 Bush: 29
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Gore: 13.2 Bush: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory Bush won was mostly the land owned by the tax-paying citizens of this great country. Gore's territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off government welfare..."
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some 40 percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.
Pass this along to help everyone realize just how much is at stake, knowing that apathy is the greatest danger to our freedom.

-- March 20, 2006 12:51 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Sara....

Your summation of the new Government council was concise and "spot on". I believe this broke the logjam and things will now move quickly. I think the US had a lot of input on this action. The deal has truly been made....

-- March 20, 2006 1:13 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

On the evil genius evident before us..

Carl;

You said it may be the cop in you coming out in your assessment. I, too, was marvelling at the evil genius we see in evidence before us through the henchmen of the Butcher of Baghdad and his companions in crime - the main stream media. I marvel at how we witness daily (through their enablement) these henchmen of the Butcher of Baghdad capture, torture, maim and kill innocents - from child and mother to the aged and infirm - and also their attacks on the brave and noble troops (U.S., Coalition and Iraqi)... yet, instead of public outrage at these crimes and a greater resolve to fight the perpetrators and destroy their ideology of hatred before it can spread or do us greater harm than 911 already did.. by and large, except for a few like yourself and a few others - they are played for fools by the media and turned from such good resolve to affect good in the world and do the right and wise thing for their own national safety. They are easily deflected into side arguments which look back at "whether this was right to do.. did Saddam have WMD?" to questions about whether we really have the people responsible - and are they people who are worthwhile fighting - after all, maybe they will lay down their weapons and just be friends if we are friendly? Your assessment on who they are and what their resolve is against us should be mandatory reading... where you say, "Political differences can be resolved. When you have someone who is totally consumed by their Idealogy, who feels they are on a divine mission, they are carrying out the will of God.." I believe it is beyond question that we are dealing with those so consumed by their ideology and will not stop because they believe they are carrying out the will of God in their aims for Iraq and this conflict.

No, instead of seeking to do the right thing, the American public turns from the battle like cowards - removing their approval for war and acting the part of frightened women and pacifists. "It's not worth it!" they cry. By God! What fools they are! They almost deserve the calamity of the attack which their enemies plot openly to unleash upon them. But one has to have some pity on those who, like frightened children who are scared of the dark, wish only to retreat to a world of slumber, peaceful dreams and fantasy, where no nasty visions of evil and death - such as the portrayals in the news - can intrude. I had once thought the mettle of the American public of stronger stuff. For the most part, I have mistaken my "man"... that being this generation taken as a whole unit, as one people. They have no stomach for war when it is thrust upon them - as viewed upon their tv screens in the 911 attacks and the sacrifice of the brave men and women laying life and limb on the line to protect them from harm (not just Iraq, Afghanistan too) - how much less will they have a stomach for it when they are forced to rue the day they turned from this engagement when it was easy and within their grasp, and by doing so, condemned and allowed it to come upon their own and their native soil.

Sara.

-- March 20, 2006 3:15 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Documents: Saddam approved WMD strike in 1987
By BASSEM MROUE / The Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Saddam Hussein ordered plans drawn up for a chemical weapons attack on Kurdish guerrilla bases in northern Iraq in 1987, according to a letter signed by his personal secretary that is among documents recently declassified by the U.S. military.

The documents — a series of memos between Saddam’s office, the military intelligence service and the army chief of staff found by U.S. troops in Iraq — do not say whether the attack was carried out.

But a doctor who traveled with Kurdish troops at the time says some of them were injured in a mustard gas attack 10 days after the last memo.

The disclosure, as Saddam’s trial on unrelated murder and torture charges is under way, could shed new light on the killings of Kurds that the former Iraqi leader might be tried for in the future.

http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/03/19/nation/doc441dc819bbb45229808185.txt

-- March 20, 2006 8:38 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

These last few posts are pretty sobering, especially Oakie who pointed out that we are in the final stages of demise.

While schrolling down to the current posts, I landed on a
post by Carl entitled "HEADS UP FOLKS", dated 7 Jan 06. He mentioned how China and Russia are positioning themselves in strategic areas and preparing for military activities and we are ignoring the dangerous spots and concentrating in Iraq and Afganistan. Carl's article is worth going back and reading again.

Sara, you are so positive and upbeat that I really hate to say anything that contradicts you, but I do not believe that we have the right to put soldiers on the ground and not give them a definite target. Dodge a bullet and then shoot are their marching orders.

War is brutal and chaotic and mistakes and miscalculations are made routinely. Right now, we are coming down hard on soldiers who killed some 15 civilians when the soldiers were attacked. How can we put these soldiers out there and crusify them when they make a mistake. Pres Nixon in effect pardoned Lt Calley when he caused 145 Vietnamese civilians to be slaudered when Lt Calley thought they were human bombs.

We may disagree but we are all pulling in the same direction.

-- March 20, 2006 11:16 PM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

I have to say something about these posts about Russia and China laughing at us wasting our resources in Iraq. First of all, the Cold war is over!!! Russia is so bogged down in crime and corruption that it's population is on the decline despite a high birthrate. I don't see them getting back to superpower status in the forseeable future let alone restoring the former Soviet Union, in fact I bet they are expending more resources fighting crime and terrorism in their own borders then we are spending in Iraq right now.

As far as China is concerned, they are not laughing at us for being in Iraq. I am currently working in China and contrary to popular belief, China is not an aggressive culture like the former Soviet Union. Their police officers do not carry guns, their military has vastly inferior technology, and half of their current culture is what they borrowed from us. They recently started watching our movies, celebrating Christmas, and allowing more free speech. It makes me angry when people talk about China like it is just waiting for a chance to destroy the USA when all it is doing is trying to adapt it's culture to work with the West. China would be very happy if the situation in Iraq calmed down, it would allow more trade for badly needed energy in China's booming economy.

If you want to talk about real threats to our future, go look at places like New Haven, CT. The government buys $100,000 dollar houses for people who can't afford them due to "Dependency issues" while the rest of the working state foots the bill. Translation: the government pays for peoples drinking problems by taxing more money from hard workers.

I like the quote about democracy above but I disagree that we are between complacency and apathy, I think we are between apathy and dependence. I am happy to have some dinar in my safe right now, even if it does not go up or Peg, it has at least been able to hold onto its value even with the insurgency and golden dome bombings and if the dollar suddenly gets weak, mabe this will be a good investment for another reason. Food for thought: what truly threatens us?

-- March 21, 2006 1:41 AM ∞

carl wrote:

Good Morning To All:
I am here on a balcony over looking the mighty Mississipppi river,in Vicksburg, Miss, reading the post of the last two days. I have learned a lot this AM, from you guys.Thanks for the time and effort you put into your research on the subjects you post about. The best part about this board is you get so many different views from so many places throughout this wonderful world. Looking back on previous post you read post of individuals including myself, who initially thought the dinar would peg in a year. But as time went on we started to read more, and become more educated about what it takes for a currency to value. Its not like baking a cake...give it 45 minutes and take it out of the oven. Human nature is never 100% predictable, and there lies the "Unknown Gene" which can stay dormant or erupt into a something that will destroy. We all have read post here that give the prospective view of both sides. A vast majority of the post on this board are a conglomeration of various news sources, which our boarders spoon feed to us, in order that we can get a better taste of what is actually going on in certain parts of the world.
Nothing remains the same, as our world is in a continous state of change. So what appeared to be a runaway train coming at ya, 6 months ago, may have changed into a trolly car before it gets to you, because of other influences that affected the nature of the vehicle before it got to ya. Like in any on going conflict, the decisions made today, you would not necessarily make tomorrow.

Sara:
On the evil genius post, I concur with you completely.

Nephilim:
I agee with you on the nature of the chinese people. But I also realize the a large majority of the population of Iran,do agree with the current leadership of the Iranian governmen.
History has shown time and time again, it has its own agenda of one up manship.I include our own USA in that brown bag group also.
I assure you during the cold war, a vast majority of the Russian people wondered why the Americans hated them so, at the same time a vast majority of Americans were pondering why the Russians hated us so...
It was never about the vast majority of each population, but about how governmental leaders interact with each other.

I agree with you on the trade, and because china is such a strong trading partner, that each culture has a influence on the other. Do I believe China Leaders desire conflict? Don't know? Probably some do and most don't...just as it is in our own government.
There lies the "Unknown Gene" of the future....

-- March 21, 2006 8:00 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bush Doesn't Believe Iraq Is in Civil War
March 21, 2006

WASHINGTON - President Bush says he doesn't believe Iraq is in a civil war. He says he sees "more tough fighting ahead" in Iraq, but says progress is being made. Confronting doubts about his strategy, Bush sought to build up support by taking his case directly to the nation on Tuesday.

"The Iraqis had a chance to fall apart and they didn't," he said at a news conference.

In Monday's speech, Bush acknowledged there was dwindling support for his Iraq policy and that Americans are questioning why he is optimistic about success. He said he could "understand people being disheartened" but appealed to Americans to look beyond the bloodshed and see signs of progress.

In particular, Bush pointed to success in stabilizing an insurgent stronghold in Tal Afar, a northern Iraqi city of 200,000 near the Syrian border.

"The strategy that worked so well in Tal Afar did not emerge overnight," Bush said. "It took time to understand and adjust to the brutality of the enemy in Iraq."

"The example of Tal Afar gives me confidence in our strategy," the president said.

On Capitol Hill, some Democrats said there had been progress in Iraq, as Bush asserted, but...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060321/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush

-- March 21, 2006 10:46 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Al-Jaafari hopes that the formation of the new government does not last beyond April
By VANESSA ARRINGTON, Associated Press Writer March 21, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - In Baghdad, a group of U.S. senators met with interim Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to discuss prospects for forming a national unity government, a step viewed as important in working toward peace and a withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Al-Jaafari predicted a new government would be ready in the coming weeks.

"I hope that the formation of the new government does not last beyond April," al-Jaafari said.

In show of Shiite support for al-Jaafari's bid for a second term as prime minister, Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi said after meeting Iraq's top Shiite cleric that "Dr. al-Jaafari is still the (Shiite) alliance nominee. The alliance has not presented anyone else."

In the holy city of Najaf, Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, the leader of the Shiite bloc in parliament, met the top cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who told him to "speed the moves to form the new government," said al-Hakim aide Haitham al-Husseini.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060321/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- March 21, 2006 10:54 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Iraqi diplomat gave U.S. prewar WMD details
Saddam’s foreign minister told CIA the truth, so why didn’t agency listen?
By Aram Roston, Lisa Myers
& the NBC Investigative Unit
Updated: 7:36 p.m. ET March 20, 2006

In the period before the Iraq war, the CIA and the Bush administration erroneously believed that Saddam Hussein was hiding major programs for weapons of mass destruction. Now NBC News has learned that for a short time the CIA had contact with a secret source at the highest levels within Saddam Hussein’s government, who gave them information far more accurate than what they believed. It is a spy story that has never been told before, and raises new questions about prewar intelligence.

What makes the story significant is the high rank of the source. His name, officials tell NBC News, was Naji Sabri, Iraq’s foreign minister under Saddam. Although Sabri was in Saddam's inner circle, his cosmopolitan ways also helped him fit into diplomatic circles.

In September 2002, at a meeting of the U.N.’s General Assembly, Sabri came to New York to represent Saddam. In front of the assembled diplomats, he read a letter from the Iraqi leader. "The United States administration is acting on behalf of Zionism," he said. He announced that there were no weapons of mass destruction and that the U.S. planned war in Iraq because it wanted the country’s oil.

But on that very trip, there was also a secret contact made...

On the issue of chemical weapons, the CIA said Saddam had stockpiled as much as "500 metric tons of chemical warfare agents" and had "renewed" production of deadly agents. Sabri said Iraq had stockpiled weapons and had "poison gas" left over from the first Gulf War. Both Sabri and the agency were wrong.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11927856/from/RSS/

Were they wrong? The end of the article says they pressured Sabri to defect and he broke off contact. Here this top minister from Saddam's inner circle says Saddam had STOCKPILED WEAPONS.. up to 500 metric tons of chemical warfare agents.. and that he had in his possession POISION GAS.. and this top minister from Saddam's inner circle was.. mistaken? I wonder if Sabri and the CIA really had their information wrong.. ?? Of course, that is glossed over in this article, but don't you find it intriguing that Sabri acknowledged the stockpile of chemical warfare agents and poison gas, but their never being found makes it obvious to the MSM that the CIA and Sabri were "wrong"? Hmmm.. remember Saddam's general who said they were taken by plane to Syria.. and the Russian involvement? Was this intelligence really bogus? How should the CIA have reacted to this news? Maybe.. contrary to the article title.. the CIA... DID LISTEN!

Sara.

-- March 21, 2006 11:13 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq not in civil war: Cheney
March 20, 2006, 09:45

Dick Cheney, the US vice president, yesterday said Iraq had not fallen into a civil war that insurgents were trying to incite, and predicted success despite the constant violence three years after the US invasion.

Cheney said "terrorists" like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, and others were trying to stop the formation of a democratically elected government in Iraq by violence such as the bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra on February 22, one of the holiest Shi'ite sites.

"What we've seen is a serious effort by them to foment civil war, but I don't think they've been successful," Cheney said on CBS television's "Face the Nation."

http://www.sabcnews.com/world/the_middle_east/0,2172,124109,00.html

-- March 21, 2006 11:23 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

US senators talk tough with Iraqi PM over new govt
Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:36 AM ET
By Ross Colvin

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A delegation of U.S. senators held lengthy and blunt talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari on Tuesday, telling him Americans were growing impatient over the delay in forming a unity government in Iraq.

"There has to be some pressure put on political leaders to reach a settlement," he said.

Warner noted Levin's views did not reflect those of the Bush administration and that no such ultimatum had been delivered to Jaafari, who assured the senators a new government would be formed by April.

Other Iraqi politicians have said they expect the process to take longer.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyID=2006-03-21T153525Z_01_L2125805_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAQ-USA-SENATORS.xml

-- March 21, 2006 11:37 AM ∞

regnac wrote:

I read the posts above and the links provided and also visited the Central Bank of Iraq website and found that you have to be a national to have an account there or a dinar account outside of the country with specific permission from the Central Bank. They may track the bills and any that are not allowed by them out of the country may be worthless. Who knows what they could do.
They could wipe all currency and start again!!

-- March 21, 2006 11:38 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Very interesting. If you go the Saxo Bank link below you can key in USD/IQD or EUR/IQD on their ticker tape selector and it shows up on their display. Com'on Dinar.

http://www.saxobank.com/?id=1105&Lan...pplet=TickerFX

-- March 21, 2006 11:45 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Calling all T&B posters! Calling all T&B posters!

Please put down your keyboards and report to your nearest military recruiting station immediately!

Don't ask any questions - just get in line with everyone else and look straight ahead! When told what to do - do it - period. Thinking for yourself [independant thought] is not necessary or required - you will be instructed what to think. Any inquisitive thoughts you may have as to the who, what, where, when, why, and how of this little drill - loose them!

Time for explanations is a luxury we do not have. The situation has now reached critical mass! Time for words, discussion, contemplation, arbitration, and any attempts at resolution has passed ...the only time that remains is time for killing / killing / and more killing - until there's nothing left to be killed.

Is that the solution?... Is that what it takes to make everyone happy?... If so, then let the blood and body parts fly! When we're done we can then all have a pagan sex orgy in celebration of victory.

Beware what you wish for...

For a blanace of information please read on:

http://www.ips-dc.org/iraq/primer4.htm

http://www.ips-dc.org/iraq/primer.htm

American administrations, over their years of meddling in world affairs, as if some "Grand Puppet Master", has more times than not created the monsters, situations, and problems we face today.

We as taxpayers have "NO SAY" in what our taxes are squandered on - whether used to do good here at home and abroad, or to the contrary.

BUT, now, all of a sudden it's us against the world!...???...

I do not pity the "five pack a day" cigarette smoker with lung cancer, when they knew full well all along what would eventually happen to their health. Difficult as it may be ...QUIT!

Our country is in many cases not unlike the mega smoker mentioned above - consistently doing and meddling in things we know we shouldn't be, which we know full well will only bring us grief at a later date.

But, as long as we have taxpayers and soldiers - ain't noth'in we can't handle.

-- March 21, 2006 12:09 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I thought this interesting as part of our discussion includes the difference a Democratic Iraq may make in the Middle East. Obviously, "kill, kill, kill" as Bill1 asserts, is not the goal of military action. This article shows issues which face the region.. concerning human rights and tolerance and freedom to believe uncoerced what a human being wishes to believe. This quote from the article I thought key: "We will ask him if he has changed his mind about being a Christian," Mawlazezadah says. "If he has, we will forgive him, because Islam is a religion of tolerance."
Sara.

Afghan Faces Death Penalty for Converting to Christianity
Judge Says He Could Escape Punishment If He's Ruled Insane
By GRETCHEN PETERS and LARA SETRAKIAN, with reporting by BILAL SARWARY
ABC News

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 20, 2006 — Despite the overthrow of the fundamentalist Taliban government and the presence of 22,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, a man who converted to Christianity is being prosecuted in Kabul, and a judge said Sunday that if convicted, he faces the death penalty.

Abdul Rahman, who is in his 40s, says he converted to Christianity 16 years ago while working as an aid worker helping Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The prosecutor says Rahman was found with a Bible.

Human rights workers have described the case as an unsettling reminder that the country's post-Taliban judiciary remains deeply conservative, and they have called on President Hamid Karzai to intervene.

Nutt, who has spent time in Afghanistan, tells ABC News "few practitioners are used to the concept of democracy and toleration … [many] are educated only in Islamic law."

Presiding judge Ansarullah Mawlazezadah tells ABC News a medical team was checking the defendant, since the team suspects insanity caused Rahman to reject Islam.

The post-Taliban constitution recognizes Islam as Afghanistan's religion, and decrees that Islam's Sharia law applies when a case is not covered by specific legislation. The prosecutor says under Sharia law, Abdul Rahman must die.

"We will ask him if he has changed his mind about being a Christian," Mawlazezadah says. "If he has, we will forgive him, because Islam is a religion of tolerance."

Rahman's case contradicts Article 7 of Afghanistan's constitution, which assures that "the state shall abide by … the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." That declaration states that "everyone has the right to freedom of thought … to change his religion or belief."

However, the constitution also states that Islamic law takes precedence over secular law and international treaties. Furthermore, the supreme court of that country has the right to veto certain provisions and interpret compliance with such treaties.

One expert in Islamic law explains that Afghanistan's penal code divides into two parts: the religious "huduud" dictated by the Koran and secular "ta'zir," which is regulated by the state. Conversion to another religion is a crime under religious law, which takes precedence over the secular and more tolerant policy.

Muslim converts to Christianity have been prosecuted in other countries ruled by Islamic law. Since 1996, high-profile apostasy cases have put Christian converts on the stand in countries that include Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the Sudan.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=1746943&page=1

-- March 21, 2006 12:18 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

- Voltaire, (Attributed); originated in "The Friends of Voltaire", 1906, by S. G. Tallentyre (Evelyn Beatrice Hall)

French author, humanist, rationalist, & satirist (1694 - 1778)

http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/331.html

-- March 21, 2006 12:21 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

The Bomb Builder of Baghdad Bagged
by James Dunnigan
March 21, 2006

In the last week, Iraqi police have stepped up their raids, and have killed 35 terrorists and arrested 487 suspects. Among those arrested by Iraqi police in the last week is al Qaeda leader Abou al Farouq, who was in charge of organizing terror attacks throughout most of Baghdad. Al Farouq is a Syrian, and the money man who decided which smaller groups got paid what to carry out the many tasks required to build, place and detonate roadside bombs. Many of the raids in the last week also uncovered bomb workshops and stockpiles of bomb making materials, as well as weapons, documents, communications gear and computers.

Iraqis were irked to see the foreign news stories of how Iraq was "on the brink of civil war." The Sunni Arabs are in no shape to put up a credible resistance in any kind of civil war. When it is mentioned that the deceased was formerly a member of one of Saddam's many police and intelligence outfits, there is no hope of any follow-up investigation. It's going to take a generation for this hatred, of Saddam's many victims, and their families, towards the Sunni Arabs who did the dirty work for so long.

http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/20063210412.asp

-- March 21, 2006 4:31 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

BOB said
I picked up tonight that Mr. Bin Laden has died in Iran and the Iranian people are perplexed as to how to present this to the world.

A previous post indicated that Russia is no longer any kind of threat and that China is a Teddy Bear who only wants to make money. In an effort not to be to harsh with that kind of thinking, I will only say that I see it a little different. Russia (IMO) is as dangerous as ever. They still have those missiles pointed to the USA
and are still as capable of sending them. China has the technology and might to rule the world.

I have often posted that we are using our resourses on projects that will profit us nothing while China is spending nothing and growing stronger.

I hope that something good can come of our current ventures but I do not see it.
People with my way of thinking are a dying breed so soon only loving, caring people will have any input.
I really hope that I am wrong.

-- March 21, 2006 11:32 PM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

Bob

In response to your post, I still do believe that Russia is a threat, but I do not believe that it is going to become a superpower again. I think that the threat is from the corruption and crime that may one day get ahold of one of their Neuclear weapons and the way to deal with that problem is to work with, not against, their government.

As far as your thoughts on China, it is a nation that wants to make money but it is far from being a teddy bear. I believe that China is a competitor, not an enemy of the USA. Whats the difference? Coca-cola and Pepsi both make the same type of product but you don't see bombs going off in Atlanta at Coke headquarters because it is a healthy competition.

Over the long run, I believe China will be healthy competition for the United States and we will realize that we can't keep running a trade deficit and debt like we have or China will start to pull ahead.

As for your opinion about China's technology, I am writing this post from the Capitol of the Shanxi province and I can say for a fact that China's technology at this point is no where near our tech level and most of the advanced tech they have comes from the West. As I said before, the real threat to the USA lies within our borders.

-- March 22, 2006 1:05 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Just the Facts
The numbers tell the story in Iraq
MARCH 22, 2006
BY MICHAEL GRAHAM

It's been just over three years since Sen. Ted Kennedy quoted dire predictions on the floor of the U.S. Senate that toppling Saddam would involve "running through a battalion a day" and that the fighting would "look like the last 15 minutes of Saving Private Ryan." Three years since the United Nations predicted half a million injured Iraqi civilians and the Germans promised "millions of [Iraqi] victims of U.S. rockets."

In other words, three years since the opponents of the Iraq War got it just about completely wrong.

These facts, by themselves, prove nothing. But they are concrete pieces of data that, in the days before we debated the meaning of words like "is," might have carried some weight. I offer them for your consideration. Ignore them or embrace them — either way, they will still be the facts.

Fact No. 1: Invading Iraq and toppling Saddam has SAVED lives, not cost them. Under Saddam, some 5 percent of the 25 million Iraqi population were murdered or disappeared. The low estimates are that a thousand people died on average during Saddam's 20 years in power. Other estimates go as high as 4,000 a month. Before they started hating President Bush, anti-war activists insisted that evil UN sanctions against Iraq were killing 5,000 children a month — a "fact" they completely abandoned when the war began.

Today, according to the anti-war website IraqBodyCount.net, the maximum Iraqi death toll in these three years was under 40,000 Iraqis. Or the equivalent of eight months of "peaceful" U.N. sanctions.

Fact No. 2: It's Iraqis, not Americans, who are dying in the battle with insurgents. As that notorious right-wing rag USA Today has reported, the number of U.S. forces killed during the war has declined steadily since November, while Iraqi soldiers and police are dying faster than ever. A RAND Corporation military analyst told USA Today this "means Iraqi security forces are in positions of responsibility," while the US is "doing fewer patrols on its own and more in support of Iraqi operations."

In September there were 37 Iraqi units taking the lead role against the terrorists. Today there are at least 63 of them. The number of Iraqi security forces has jumped, too, from 127,000 in January 2005 to almost twice that number today. The amount of battle space controlled by the Iraqis has tripled since January 2006.

Fact No. 3: The vast majority of American soldiers and Marines who go to Iraq come home safely. While more than 1 million Americans have served in Iraq over the past three years, only 2,320 have been killed. Each of these lives is precious, of course, but that total number of casualties over three years equals just one month of the Vietnam War, and isn't close to the worst single day in WWII or Korea.

Fact No. 4: Saddam Hussein was connected to Al Qaeda. For knowledgeable people, this debate ended long ago with a mountain of circumstantial evidence and common sense. It was the Clintonistas who feared Osama would "boogie to Baghdad" in 1999, not the Bushies. Now we have obtained Iraqi intelligence service documents that clearly state "OBL and The Taliban are in contact with Iraq." We have additional documents detailing money from Saddam to buy weapons for Al Qaeda operations in the Philippines.

Fact No. 5: Congressman John Murtha is lousy at math. OK, OK, that's an opinion. Rep. Murtha said recently "25,000 Iraqis are fighting with each other inside the country ... that's a civil war!" Uh, no. As Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld points out, there are 25 million Iraqis and only 135,000 of us. If the Iraqis decide they want a civil war, nobody will have to guess about it. But one-tenth of one percent of the population isn't a civil war. It's terrorism. It can be bloody and ugly, yes. Murder is an ugly thing. But civil warriors must have some hope of governing the land they're fighting over, and Al Qaeda, the insurgents and the hold-out Sunni elements have no hope of that whatsoever.

All they can hope is that the above facts will be ignored and we will lose the will to win. We cannot lose this war. We will either win, or we will quit.

And that's a fact.

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A11285

-- March 22, 2006 10:07 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Nephilim....

Thanks for your in-country views on China. A lot of people are interested in what they will do in the future. I read one report that indicated they would self-implode in a few years because their production requirements would outpace the rest of their economy, mainly due to lack of energy and the needs of the people. Any thoughts in that area?

-- March 22, 2006 3:03 PM ∞

Nephilim wrote:

Okie,

China is an interesting nation that, in my opinion, has to be seen to be understood. The cities are being developed at a level I did not think possible until I saw it for myself.

I don't think they will self implode, but I do believe that they will slow down in a few years. One of the strangest things I have ever seen is a number of 15-20 story buildings scattered through China that have a completed foundation and basic structure but then the builders just changed their minds and abbandoned them because the production costs were to high or they lost some political connection. This would be inconcievable in the United States, especially in the major cities. I think that rising energy costs and other factors will slow the economy in China after the Olympic games are over.

For those of you wondering what this has to do with the Dinar, I think it has everything to do with it. We have a huge trade deficit with China and there are a lot of potential problems that could damage our relations and severly hurt our delicate economy. You can't fight a war with no money, and if we see a severe recession because of conflicts with China, the money we are spending on Iraq might suddenly get reduced or even cut entirely. I have faith that the Dinar will eventually rebound, but not without the support of the international community.

-- March 22, 2006 6:51 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bill 1
Just read your post for the 5th time. I must be slow here, but still don't understand what your point was. Did ya mind helping me out here?

-- March 22, 2006 9:35 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Three Christian Activists Rescued in Iraq
By BASSEM MROUE, Associated Press Writer Mar 23, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. and British troops Thursday freed three Christian peace activists in rural Iraq without firing a shot, ending a four-month hostage drama in which an American among the group was shot to death and dumped on a Baghdad street.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the U.S. military spokesman, said the hostages were being held by a "kidnapping cell," and the operation to free the captives was based on information from a man captured by U.S. forces only three hours earlier.

No kidnappers were present when the troops broke into a house in western Baghdad. The captives' hands were tied, Lynch said.

"They were bound, they were together, there were no kidnappers in the areas," Lynch told a news briefing.

British officials in Baghdad said those freed were Canadians James Loney, 41, and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, and Briton Norman Kember, 74. The men — members of the Chicago-based Christian Peacemaker Teams — were kidnapped Nov. 26 along with their American colleague, Tom Fox.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060323/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_hostages_freed

-- March 23, 2006 9:30 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq the powerful new "Swing Producer" of Oil
Arab News - 23/03/2006

"Iraq seems to be the new swing producer in OPEC," says John Kingston, global director of oil at Platts. "While Iraq's geological upside is enormous, the infrastructure of the industry remains threadbare, and it is obviously an easy target of insurgency. At this point, it's difficult to imagine a jump of several hundred thousand barrels per day of output, but it's not that difficult to imagine a decline of that magnitude," Kingston argues.

... the role of Baghdad, as the new, emerging swing producer, becomes all the more apparent, when one views it from the angle that excluding Iraq, the total output from the remaining 10 OPEC members dipped by 20,000 bpd to 28.13 million bpd over the month. This was despite production increments, though much smaller in quantum when compared to the boost from Iraq, from three other countries. These included Libya, Saudi Arabia and the UAE having contributed of this reported rise in production in February over January.

The latest estimates show that the OPEC - 10 today is producing just 130,000 bpd in excess of their current output ceiling of 28 million bpd, rolled over in its last ministerial moot in Vienna. A glance at the individual production levels of the OPEC 10 is hence sufficient to generate some concerns in some quarters. While several members such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE are producing comfortably above the assigned quotas, Iran, Venezuela and Indonesia seem to be finding it hard to meet their production output quotas and are producing below that level.

Interestingly Iran is often regarded as a hawk within OPEC clamoring for tightening the global crude markets. Yet there seems pure calculation behind that. With a reportedly high depletion rate in some of its producing fields and experiencing difficulty in selling Soroush/Nowrouz crude, Iran has not managed to produce its 4.11 million bpd quota, ever since it came into effect in July 2005.

And in this perspective, contrary to its potential, Baghdad currently plays only a marginal role in the global oil markets, for obvious reasons. Yet its role in the industry cannot be marginalized for ever. The war-torn country today sits on 11 percent of the worldwide proven oil reserves of 1,050 billion barrels. This enhances its potential long term significance for international oil supplies. Experts believe Iraq's share of oil reserves might even be higher. If potential reserves are to be included, and if at least some of the US projections and forecasts about Iraq are to be believed, Baghdad could boast of holding as much as 432 billion barrels.

The role of a swing producer may thus befit Baghdad this new stature.
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=130224

-- March 23, 2006 3:54 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Sure Carl, (and you’re not slow)

The post may have been somewhat cryptic, but after reading a post posted on Mar. 20th that sounded rather War Hawkish to me, I decided to throw out my $.02 -- yet again.

I believe we're going to win this thing in Iraq. ...Although I may not be a satisfied customer as to how we went/are going about it. That’s water under the bridge by now.

One of the points to my post [the supplied links come in handy explaining this] is that I don't feel it's our business what takes place in other parts of the world from a human rights standpoint, etc. Until we roll-up our sleeves and fix what's broken here at home, we should leave others to their cultures and customs. We pay taxes for the good of the people in this country first, not spend it attempting to solve the problems of others, at the expense of our citizens.

Lastly, I bring up the fact that as our presidential administrations come and go they incessantly continue meddling in international affairs and mostly from a bias standpoint -- preaching human rights with one breath and ultimately back peddling with the other – pretty much rattle our sword and draw it from its sheath when it’s most convenient for us to do so. To the world that sends a clear message that we’re not who/what we say we are, and not much more than hypocrites -- purely out for what we can get.

As an example, the links I supplied show clearly that we’ve worked with and helped to support Saddam [even supplied him with the materiel to make WMD] – when we felt it was beneficial to do so. We’ve also worked with and supported the Iranians; as well as, the Taliban in Afghanistan at one time or another. If it wasn’t for their oil, we couldn’t care less how many of these people killed one another, or for what reason. Afghanistan may not be rich in oil, or anything else for that matter, but globally it is strategic as a stepping off point for us in the region.

Seems the world has been focused on the back-azz-ward people of the Middle East for quite some time now – not because of human rights issues, or religious freedoms issues, but because of their Oil – their Black Gold – plain and simple. Borne from our unfair practices in the Middle East, dealing with the many cultures there, are the evolving elements of terrorism. They are frustrated at our intrusions into their business, and of our forcing our ways upon them. They know they cannot fight us toe-to-toe, so they resort to an unconventional type of warfare – no different than us blowing up ships in Boston Harbor laden with tea, when the British occupied the original 13 colonies of our budding nation.

I’m not siding with the terrorists – far from it – I’m trying to understand the problem/s, and from that understanding possibly realize a solution. I will always say that giving respect gains respect. Acting contrary to that creates many problems.

In so many words what I’m attempting to say is that, to me it looks ridiculously suspect to all of a sudden have this great sense of urgency wanting to rush off and duke it out with the rest of the world, when it’s a fact that we’ve been in bed with all of them at one time or another -- when we felt it was to our benefit. But, I suppose the world’s full of double standards ...why should the greatest country on the planet be any different.

“Lying with dogs only to come up with fleas is no excuse to kill the dogs – especially when you knew they had fleas to begin with.”

JMO

-- March 23, 2006 4:22 PM ∞

Luke wrote:

JMO & others,
If you would like to see a historic perspective of the hows and whys of the middle east, do a google on "the great game". The 1st selection that was listed will give you a historical perspective of a conflict that goes back nearly 200 years. All be it for different reasons of course but the name and charactors of game have not changed. Just a little triva to think about.

-- March 23, 2006 6:15 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bill:
Thank you for explaining the post. This last one I can understand completely.

Countries do create International Friends.....
Never have ....
Never Will......

Countries only form International Mutual Interest and benefit...
Once that mutual interest and benefit desolves...conflict can begin with your ally of last year..
History illustrates this very well...so I think you are totally on the money with your opinion of international relationships.

It is highly unusual for a country to get involved with another country over human rights issues. Regardless of what we would like our children to think, we did not get into the Second World War because Germany was practicing genocide on the Jewish people, and we did not go after Saddam because of the way he treated his people. He was treating his entire people that way when we were supporting him during his conflict with Iran. So What changed?
Simply Mutual interest? Countries only push the human rights issue when it is expediate to do so. The US of A is included in that little group. I agree with you....Europe, Asia, and the Western Countries would let these people totally anilate each other without even thinking about it, if not for the oil as you said. But when you throw in that spicy component, then the soup mixture changes to something everybody wants a bowl of.

Do I think we should have gone into Iraq...Yes and No....Yes...because recently released captured documents show that saddam had a relationship with different terriorst groups, which were intending to attack us....and he was assisting them in their efforts on several different fronts No!...the timing was not right...we should have finished the Taliban first...

The rule of politics...perceived reality is more important that reality..America and most countries are hypocrites, always has and always will be...we say our roots are deep as a christian nation yet we have a recorded history of doing totally opposite. We as a nation treated our fellow americans and other human beings of color, the chinese, the negro, the italians, the Irish, the Polish, the american indian with distain, with hatred, with disrespect, treated them like chattel property, and refused them basic human rights. We even went so far as refusing to allow our own wifes to vote because we considered them inferior intelligently for years...
We say "oh! that was years ago"...No! it is still going on...just not in the open nor socially accepted as it was years ago.
I laugh when some politician gets on his soap box and starts talking about how pious we are...
We have a lot of baggage and stones to carry in our journey here...but even with all of the wagons of garbage we have...we are still the best nation in the world...
I have no self granduer or delusions about our rightousness and feel that we has human beings have fell short many times of our projected and professed values. I believe our melting pot of americans will always have conflict with each other...but when it is necessary, we come together as a family and bond into the strongest metal...and we take care of business as we should. Our ancestors have proven that time and time over again...when the time comes, I tend to have the belief this generation of today will do our ancestors proud.

Your Fellow American
Carl

-- March 23, 2006 6:41 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Bill-l:
Like Carl, I was a little befuddled by your post but I was extremely impressed with your explanation and your insight.

Carl:
I consider Newt Gendrich to be one of the smartest men that I have ever seen, but I do not consider you to be far behind. Your evaluations and explanations of the various situations is superior to most of the TV analysts. You should leave that lake and get into politics. You might make Newt a good running mate.

BOB

-- March 23, 2006 9:44 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

One step further back...

Incisive commentary, Carl, and good points, too, Bill1. Taken on the earthly plain, spot on, too.

However, I step back one step further to see the entire picture and bring in the "and what exactly is GOD doing here?" into the question before I leave the assessment, because to Him I believe these "social issues" are very important, and His hand rules the world through the Powers That Be. Let me just give you my perspective:

Isa 10:5-7 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is my indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. However he does not mean it to be so, neither does his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.

Isa 10:13-14 For he says, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: And my hand has found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathers eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

Isa 10:15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that hews with it? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shakes it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.

The US or Iran or Iraq or any country may be used as an axe to cut down or 'hew' with, but the hand holding the axe and using it is God Himself. It is foolish, this says, for the wood or axe or saw to boast that they do this of themselves when they are mere instruments in the hand of God. The fact is that once He lets go of the hilt of the axe men must retreat, and this makes for strange politics. It SEEMS rather inconsistent - however - it is not. In the larger scheme of things, God decides when to put up or put down a nation. His ultimate rulership overrules all the plans of men. That is why the nation of America appears at times Christian, and at other times not to be so but to be acting in her own interests. God moves the situations to make them work as He wills, using sometimes other motivations even as this axe did not mean it to be so, "However he does not mean it to be so, neither does his heart think so; but it is in his heart to... " No matter the motives of men in their hearts - for gain, for national security, for religious zeal, etc - the alliances formed are for a greater purpose and good which God wishes to happen.

Today, few think the US went into Iraq on humanitarian grounds. You discount the atrocities of Saddam as having any merit or worth in the decision to go into Iraq. Perhaps that is so in the earthly realm - it was nevertheless a great consideration before Heaven in its decision to pick up the axe of the United States and its military might and weild it to destroy that man's rulership. The terrorists are right. God did allow and prosper the attacks on 911.. but it was, in part, to provoke a nation to be His axe and take out Saddam Hussein. God moved upon the axe to do His will... and will do so again in future politics. God has His way upon ALL of this planet's politics, and I assure you, it was completely based on morals, for He is a moral God. Therefore, it is not wise to discount the Butcher of Baghdad's atrocities as having no bearing on the situation, when, from the Throne of heaven, it counted as no small part in the motivation for God Himself to pick up an axe and hew the man down to the dust (or spiderhole)... though it was not the only motivation, I admit. Without explaining fully all of God's reasons for taking out the Butcher of Baghdad from power, God's actions in using this military operation accorded well with our moral sensibilities and avenged the deaths of many. Saddam's humiliation was God's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

Sara.

-- March 24, 2006 6:55 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Thnak you my friends -- each and every one of you.

God bless America, and let's begin to kick the tires on this "Dinar Train" ...just one more time!!!

Have a great weekend. And, so far my twins are doing A-Ok... Forty-two days down, and 138 to go.

Bill1

-- March 24, 2006 8:10 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Did Russian Ambassador Give Saddam the U.S. War Plan?
Iraq Archive Document Alleges Russian Official Described Locations, Troops, Tanks and Other Forces Before Operation Iraqi Freedom Began

March 23, 2006 — Following are the ABC News Investigative Unit's summaries of seven documents from Saddam Hussein's government, which the U.S. government has released.

The documents discuss Osama bin Laden, weapons of mass destruction, al Qaeda and more.

The full documents can be found on the U.S. Army Foreign Military Studies Office Web site: http://fmso.leavenworth.army.mil/products-docex.htm.

Note: Document titles were added by ABC News.

"U.S. WAR PLAN LEAKED TO IRAQIS BY RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR"

Two Iraqi documents from March 2003 — on the eve of the U.S.-led invasion — and addressed to the secretary of Saddam Hussein, describe details of a U.S. plan for war. According to the documents, the plan was disclosed to the Iraqis by the Russian ambassador.

Document written sometime before March 5, 2003

The first document (CMPC-2003-001950) is a handwritten account of a meeting with the Russian ambassador that details his description of the composition, size, location and type of U.S. military forces arrayed in the Gulf and Jordan. The document includes the exact numbers of tanks, armored vehicles, different types of aircraft, missiles, helicopters, aircraft carriers, and other forces, and also includes their exact locations. The ambassador also described the positions of two Special Forces units.

Document dated March 25, 2003

The second document (CMPC-2004-001117) is a typed account, signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Hammam Abdel Khaleq, that states that the Russian ambassador has told the Iraqis that the United States was planning to deploy its force into Iraq from Basra in the South and up the Euphrates, and would avoid entering major cities on the way to Baghdad, which is, in fact what happened. The documents also state "Americans are also planning on taking control of the oil fields in Kirkuk." The information was obtained by the Russians from "sources at U.S. Central Command in Doha, Qatar," according to the document.

This document also includes an account of an amusing incident in which several Iraqi Army officers (presumably seeking further elaboration of the U.S. war plans) contacted the Russian Embassy in Baghdad and stated that the ambassador was their source. Needless to say, this caused great embarrassment to the ambassador, and the officers were instructed "not to mention the ambassador again in that context."

(Editor's Note: The Russian ambassador in March 2003 was Vladimir Teterenko. Teterenko appears in documents released by the Volker Commission, which investigated the Oil for Food scandal, as receiving allocations of 3 million barrels of oil — worth roughly $1.5 million. )

"OSAMA BIN LADEN AND THE TALIBAN"

Document dated Sept. 15, 2001

An Iraqi intelligence service document saying that their Afghan informant, who's only identified by a number, told them that the Afghan consul Ahmed Dahastani claimed the following in front of him:

- That OBL and the Taliban are in contact with Iraq and that a group of Taliban and bin Laden group members visited Iraq
- That the U.S. has proof THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT and "BIN LADEN'S GROUP" agreed to cooperate TO ATTACK TARGETS INSIDE AMERICA.
- That in case the Taliban and bin Laden's group turn out to be involved in "these destructive operations," the U.S. may strike Iraq and Afghanistan.
- That the Afghan consul heard about the issue of Iraq's relationship with "bin Laden's group" while he was in Iran.

"HIDING DOCS FROM THE U.N. TEAM"

Document dated March 23, 1997

"Al QAEDA PRESENCE IN IRAQ"

Document dated August 2002

http://abcnews.go.com/International/IraqCoverage/story?id=1734490&page=1

I added the capitalization for emphasis, including the one sentence above which states...
- That the U.S. has proof THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT and "BIN LADEN'S GROUP" agreed to cooperate TO ATTACK TARGETS INSIDE AMERICA.

Sara.

-- March 24, 2006 4:26 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

DO I HEAR.....
THE ECHO'S OF AL GORE...TED KENNEDY..KERRY
Screaming " PRESIDENT BUSH LIED TO US "
Fadiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnngg---

-- March 24, 2006 4:33 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Sara and carl……..

Just wanted to thank both of you for the time and effort you put into your posts on this forum. Your posts make me want to visit here at least once a day and I appreciate how much effort and energy it takes to keep T&B rolling along. I especially like the posts by Sara because I know her thoughts come not only from a fine mind but also from a strong warm heart, a knowing soul and a very enlightened spirit. Keep up the good work.

“Com’on Dinar”

-- March 24, 2006 7:42 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thank you for your kind post, Anonymous.
It is much appreciated. :)

This was interesting news!! Hopefully we will see a new Iraqi government in place by the end of this month! :)
Great news!
Sara.

Iraqi president, party blocs agree on major advisory committee
------------------------
*24 March 2006 (BBC Monitoring)*

Text of news conference given by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani; Adnan al-Dulaymi, head of the Al-Tawafuq [Accord] Bloc at the Iraqi parliament; and Jawad al-Maliki, from the United Iraqi Alliance bloc; with unidentified correspondents, in Baghdad, broadcast live in progress by Iraqi TV station Al-Iraqiyah TV on 24 March

[Talabani, in progress] - We will declare that later. It is an agreement on the creation of a major and esteemed advisory committee representing the three chairmanships [the president, the parliament Speaker and the prime minister], the heads of the regions and the heads of the judiciary. The committee will not be a substitute for the government, but will work in parallel with the government and the state to help it make the basic security, political and other decisions. The details will be published once a final formula is reached.

[Correspondent] Mr President, you said it will be a major advisory committee. Are the decisions of this commission binding or just advisory?

[Talabani] As a major moral committee, its decisions will be considered as recommendations and proposals to be sent to the concerned parties. But note the significance of this committee, which will have representatives from the presidency, the prime ministry, the parliament speakership and the heads of the parliamentary blocs. If those bodies meet and decide something - [changes thought] why did we say recommendations and proposals? This is because we do not want to be at odds with the constitution. The constitution gives the Council of Ministers, the presidency and the National Assembly the right to make decisions. We do not want to bypass it. Therefore, we tried to reach a formula that is in compliance with the constitution. But in fact, the committee's decisions would be powerful moral decisions. When the presidency, the prime ministry and the parliament speakership and the heads of the blocs agree on something, what else would remain in the country? [laughs]

[Correspondent] Mr President, there is news that there are other candidates for the post of prime minister.

[Talabani] So far, there are no other candidates [besides Ibrahim al-Ja'fari].

[Correspondent] This is considered an advanced step towards forming the government.

[Talabani] Absolutely.

[Correspondent] Will we witness the birth of a government -

[Talabani, interrupting] God willing. Let us hope for the best. God willing, we will soon witness the emergence of the hoped-for national unity government.

[Correspondent] Has a mechanism for making decisions within the Council of Ministers been studied?

[Talabani] Yes, in principle, we agreed on a mechanism. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, we will, God willing, discuss the internal statute of the Council of Ministers. We agreed on the mechanism.

[Unidentified correspondent] You promised in a previous conference that the Iraqi government would be formed before the end of the month. Do you still believe that this is possible?

[Talabani] God willing, God willing. I am always optimistic. Sometimes I am too optimistic. God willing there will be a government before the end of the month. Otherwise, we hope it will not much longer than that. We are about to agree on the duties. What remain are the ministries and some other issues.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/6677?

-- March 25, 2006 12:36 AM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Sara: Beware anyone in this culture that answers a questions starting with God Willing. In Arabic, the word is Enshalla and in most cases it should be translated "If God wants it done, he will come down and do it himself." Just so you know, I am only half joking. I think things look positive but it scares me to read God Willing used so frequently. Anyway, I think things will happen over the next month - hope.

-- March 25, 2006 12:07 PM ∞

Outlaw wrote:

Sara,

I decided to touch base and see if there were any good news on T&B. I just wanted to say, as usual you always amaze me with the facts that you are able to compile on a daily basis. I hope to meet you and the gang at the Pig Roast... Please keep up the fantastic work...

Throwing up a hand and waving to all of my friends...

Outlaw in "Gulfport"

-- March 25, 2006 8:16 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks Outlaw and Turtle..

I am hoping to see the government formed very soon. It seems that the pie is able to be divided so both sides feel they have the biggest piece, after all. Both sides had needs and they appear to be met in the new deal. Mr. Jaafari can be in power which the UIA wants, and the other opposition parties have input on his decisions through the new council and don't feel isolated from the process as they have in the past. The mechanism is useful and practical for both sides to feel they have a worthwhile deal. It should work to create a working powersharing arrangement they can all live with. :)

Once they have the government in place, the economic reform (which is central to the Dinar) should be dealt with - which is good news to all Dinar holders as it is to our benefit to see these good economic reforms come into place. :)

Sara.

-- March 25, 2006 8:39 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Pelosi Hints at Democrats' 'Unified' Agenda
Democrats real agenda involves censure and possible impeachment of President Bush says Republican Party
By Susan Jones
CNSNews.com Senior Editor
March 15, 2006

(CNSNews.com) - The Republican Party has wondered what's taking Democrats so long to unveil their election-year agenda. Amid press reports that it will happen any day now, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday offered what amounts to a draft version.

Americans who find it hard to make ends meet may like the promises they hear from the Democrats. But the companies that employ such Americans may not like the plan.

In any case, the Republican Party says the Democrats' real agenda involves the censure and possible impeachment of President George W. Bush.

According to Pelosi, Democrats are "about the future" and making it "better for the next generation."

But the Republican Party says Democrats are about censure and impeachment.

As Democrats keep promising to introduce their 2006 policy agenda and the date keeps slipping, look what's been happening, the Republican National Committee said on its website:

On Monday, Sen. Russ Feingold, a Wisconsin Democrat, introduced a resolution to censure a sitting president in a time of war - "over a program that is successfully stopping terrorists," the RNC said.

And Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has introduced a resolution that would create a select committee "to make recommendations regarding grounds for possible impeachment" of President Bush.

The Conyers resolution, introduced in December, now has 29 Democratic co-sponsors, the RNC said.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200603/POL20060315b.html

-- March 26, 2006 1:12 AM ∞

KaiserSosay wrote:

What has been the most reliable source for obtaining the dinar? I see a couple advertisers on Google but I just want to be safe. I see that no major corporation is providing this service and that makes me nervous. Please advise.

-- March 26, 2006 10:21 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

I believe we’re on the cusp of a good solution for a balanced Government in Iraq. I like Sen. McCain and I believe he did some severe arm twisting during his visit to Baghdad.

It will take billions of dollars to get the petro-chem industry (the golden goose) back on it’s feet and the Iraqis will not use the currently valued Dinar to purchase the necessary material and labor to complete this work. The Dinar will be at a value that allows the work to be completed without placing the Central Bank in danger. Their assets would easily allow them to value the Dinar at 1 dinar= 1US$ but I think they will start at a lower value and let the market set the value.

I agree with Turtle…..the statement “inshallah”--- if Allah is willing--- will drive you crazy and is only surpassed by the statement….”buchara inshallah”---- tomorrow if Allah is willing. All I can say is, com’on Dinar, I’m ready……

-- March 26, 2006 10:27 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

I believe several people who have invested in the Dinar are also interested in investing in Iraqi stocks. I'm considering sending a list of stocks to Warka to purchase for me when it becomes legal The site below is a good place to do some basic research. Anybody interested in posting their choices in the Iraqi stock market?

http://www.isx-data.com/info/faq/#isx_foreign

-- March 26, 2006 11:45 AM ∞

B-Money wrote:

I was wondering if anyone thought that it was possible to see the dinar peg in 2006? And if so.... Any thoughts on how to handle the exchange to US dollars? Also, Will we face any kind of tax in the process? SARA,I read your posts all the time,keep up the good work. Your constant insight into whats going on over there helps us all! Thankyou!!!!

-- March 26, 2006 4:39 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

B-Money

When the Dinar becomes public, and you decide to sell, any large bank with a foreign exchange operation will do it for you and charge a small service fee.

If you make a profit when you sell your Dinars, then you’re liable for taxes to the US Government, no matter where you live in the world.

You can't evade taxes without breaking the law. You can, however, reduce and minimize your taxes to the best of your ability.

My solution: Go to the State or Country where you want to live and:

1. Hire a very good accounting firm for assistance.

2. Give them full disclosure of what you have and your plans.

3. They will provide a plan that's legal.

4. Follow the plan and enjoy the money.

5. Quit looking over your shoulder for the IRS.

PS- The accounting firm will save you more than their fee.
I believe the peg/float of the Dinar will be before Aug’ 06.

-- March 26, 2006 8:12 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Any reason for that Aug. Date Okie??? I would love to know if there is reason or if its just a hunch. I hope you are right as I am worried about my investment as well as the state of the middle east. I would be a very happy man if we saw some progress by August, not saying I would cash in immediately, but progress would be nice to see.

-- March 27, 2006 2:58 AM ∞

Carl wrote:

Anthony:
If the dinar goes up in value it will happen, with or without your worry. So that should tell ya just how valuable your worrying is. I too, want it to move upward...but it has its own time frame that neither you or I have any control over.
Just sit back and watch history play itself out.
Its like watching a shakespeare,alfred hitchcock, steven spielberg, and tom hanks production rolled up into one.
Food for thought! The average stock investor goes into the stock for the long haul. The medium time for a stock to start showing any meaningful gain for the investment is 10 years.
Now! with that in mind....the dinar valuation has influences that have not even come up YEEEEET..
Reason...some of the twisted minds in that region have not decided on the time to impliment their little plan ....but its coming believe me...get off of the edge of the chair and sit back deep...relax...enjoy the beverage of your choice...take a nap even...there will be plenty to watch when you wake up...
The beauty is you are already invested... yes! you may lose it all...but that is no different than any stock investor...just we have a little more varables to contend with...and it has a whole lot more adventure to it...

but then again... you did something greater than buy iraqi dinar...you purchased "hope also"...hope for yourself and family....isn't that is what dreams are made of ? The dinar increasing in value is a real viable reality.... one day you may have the chicken hawk grin as you start to exchange your dinar on an investment, that you have told yourself "was a stupid thing to do" over and over again.

This is life...and the last time I looked life has no guarantee's other than what you created by your ..thoughts...words....deeds....which turned you into a "shaking don knotts dinar investor like us".

August is no more important than any other month. To set yourself up for a expected dinar valuation date ..will only bring dislusion because the dinar did not meet your fabricated time frame...

Remember the middleeast has its own drummer...

-- March 27, 2006 7:13 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Different accounts of incident cause
Iraq ruling Shias demand control over security
(Reuters)
27 March 2006

BAGHDAD - Iraq’s ruling Shia Islamist Alliance bloc demanded on Monday that U.S. forces return control of security to the Iraqi government after what it called ”cold-blooded” killings of unarmed people by troops in a mosque.

Earlier, Iraq’s minister of state for national security gave a death toll of 37, much higher than the 20 quoted by police, and renewed allegations that U.S. and Iraqi troops tied up worshippers and others in the mosque complex and shot them.

Rida Jawad Al Takki, from the SCIRI party in the Alliance, said the operation was carried out by IRAQI FORCES that were under U.S. control and not accountable to the government.

The U.S. military’s version of events is that IRAQI SPECIAL FORCES, advised by Americans, raided a building which was not a mosque and killed 16 “insurgents” after coming under fire.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2006/March/focusoniraq_March119.xml§ion=focusoniraq&col=

-- March 27, 2006 7:09 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

B-Money, ty for the kind words. I think others here on the board did a splendid job of explaining how to cash out and pay your taxes in a coming revaluation of the Dinar. :)

Okie, from those who are in the ISX at this time, I hear that at this point you really have to have your finger on the pulse of what is going on in Iraq to judge properly how to place your money in the stock market. Those within Iraq are able to do this best, and I was advised by someone there with banking contacts that to speculate on their market from outside the country would not be a wise thing at this time. Once it opens up to foreign investment and there is larger and more open disclosure of information, you will have more information to go by. For now, the ISX is really closed to outside investment because we are too blinded by a lack of information to make wise choices, IMO. There are those who are positioning themselves to take advantage of the ISX and if you are interested you should seek them out. Check the IIF (investorsiraq) for more info.

KaiserSosay;
As for a recommend on Dinar buying..
http://www.dinartrade.com/index.html
is pretty good. I haven't personally bought from them but I have heard nothing but good from those who have.

Okie;
I think we are about to see a new Iraqi government, too. I just pray it will be good for the country of Iraq and not play into Iran's wishes. I am hopeful the new council will cause it to be a government which is broad based and not an agenda set by one party.

Carl;
I am in it long or short term, too. I am still hopeful for a substantially sooner RV than the ten year average you speak of, though! :)

Sara.

-- March 27, 2006 7:30 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Saddam was training terrorists for attacks in London
Monday, March 27, 2006

Among the documents released last week was a translation of a three-page Iraqi Intelligence memo regarding a wave of attacks to be conducted by the Saddam Fedayeen. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence website states that it cannot verify the authenticity of the posted documents, but the document appears to be similar to one described in the "Iraqi Perspectives Study." The undated document was apparently prepared in response to orders given on May 5, 1999.

According to those orders, the Fedayeen
Saddam was "to start planning from now on to perform special operations (assassinations/bombings) for the centers and the traitor symbols in the fields of (London/Iran/self-ruled areas) and for coordination with the Intelligence service to secure deliveries, accommodations, and target guidance." The execution of the plan would take place in several steps. After the IIS selected 50 "fedayeen martyrs," they were to receive training at an IIS school. Those who passed the tests would be assigned targets. "The first ten will work in the European field (London). The second ten will be working in the Iranian field. The third will be working in the self-ruled field."

From Stephen Hayes:
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/024eyieu.asp

-- March 27, 2006 8:32 PM ∞

Mary Lou Clayton wrote:

Arab FMs approve draft resolution on Iraq, to refer it to summit

POL-LD ARAB-FOREIGN-IRAQ
Arab FMs approve draft resolution on Iraq, to refer it to summit

KHARTOUM, March 25 (KUNA) -- Arab League secretary general Amr Moussa said Saturday Arab foreign ministers have approved a draft resolution over Iraq to be referred to the summit, slated for March 28-29.

Moussa told reporters after a meeting of Arab ministerial committee on Iraq that they have also agreed to enforce the Arab role to shape up the future of Iraq and the need to forming a government of national unity, in addition to sending the Arab League mission to Baghdad.

The ministers, according to Moussa, also agreed to write off the debts on Iraq and extending economic assistance to the Iraqi people. It is unclear what is the mechanism of the debt question.

Moussa denied sending Arab or Islamic forces to Iraq.

Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari praised outcome of the meeting and said the committee members discussed the affirmation of the Arab presence in Iraq and visiting Iraq at the official and popular levels.

Zebari said they committee members underlined importance of the Iraqi national conciliation conference, due in Baghdad in June.

On sending Arab and Islamic forces to Iraq in line with a US proposal, Zebari said "We did not hear about this request. This request is not on the table and the Arab countries have refused to send any forces to Iraq." The Iraqi foreign minister said contacts were underway to form a government of national unity. He hoped this government would be formed before end of next month.

(pickup previous)
kt

KUNA 251253 Mar 06NNNN

-- March 27, 2006 10:51 PM ∞

Anthony R wrote:

Carl, its not that I am terribly worried about my Dinar investment, my view, over anything I have done in life is, no use crying over spilled milk. I have invested the money, if it works out, awesome for me, if not, oh well, its done, move on. I come here, reading for the great posts by our small global community here at T & B. When I see a post with a specific date as the one I referenced, it intrigues me, so I ask questions about it to see if the poster might have some facts that others don't, or if the poster is posting on a hunch.

-- March 28, 2006 3:00 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Anthony R

To me, all investments range from “sure thing” like US bonds to “risky” such as the Iraqi Dinar. My tools used in investing include knowledge and experience at one end and “SWAG” Simple Wild A_ _ Guess at the other end. I believe my investment in the Dinar is an educated SWAG. And here’s why….
I’ve spent over twenty years working on Petro-Chem projects in the Middle East….primarily in Saudi Arabia but recently in Iraq. I know for a fact that the Iraqis must rebuild their oil industry if they want to have a good future and facts are that it will require billions of dollars to construct and maintain the oil industry. The construction being funded and completed now by the US and other friends of the Iraqis will drop off at a rapid rate after the new Government has been formed and they begin funding their own projects.
The Iraqis have plenty of assets to borrow and/or finance their required projects. I don’t believe they will do that until they RV the Dinar to a higher value so they don’t end up selling off the country in order to get the job done. I believe they will value the Dinar at around 28 US cents which is just a little above the Saudi Riyal. I also believe this will happen between now and Aug.’06 and they will let the open market determine the value of their Dinar.
It the Dinar a high risk investment…..you betcha it is! Will we make some money when they decide to RV….you betcha we will!!!

-- March 28, 2006 1:34 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Smart move by our President. Hope this will speed up the process of forming the new Government.

http://story.iraqsun.com/p.x/ct/9/cid/c31d0aaa23b24a75/id/eb38e9520e58a6c2/

-- March 29, 2006 8:47 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S. fires back at Iraq raid critics
Originally published on March 29, 2006
NEWS WIRE SERVICES

WASHINGTON - Pentagon leaders yesterday defended a raid on a Baghdad complex by Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces, showing pictures of weapons they said were found inside.

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, showed reporters an aerial photograph of the site and said Iraqi troops involved in Sunday's raid were fired upon from surrounding buildings and from the complex itself.

Pace said the site was "an old school complex" believed to hold a ring of kidnappers involved in grabbing people off the street as hostages to get ransom money.

"When they [troops] got into that compound, they found that there was a building there that had a small minaret and a prayer room inside of it. Some people are calling it a mosque," Pace said.

The U.S. military has insisted the raid involved an office compound, not a mosque. U.S. commanders say those describing the raid as a massacre faked evidence by moving bodies of gunmen killed fighting the Iraqi troops.

Pace showed pictures he said were rocket-propelled grenades and parts of roadside bombs.

"Those are not religious instruments," Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said.

As the U.S. military said previously, the troops did find a hostage in the complex, Pace said.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/wn_report/story/403837p-342049c.html

-- March 29, 2006 12:20 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Tough talks resume to form new Iraq government
by Paul Schemm

BAGHDAD, March 31, 2006 (AFP) - Tough negotiations on forming Iraq's long-delayed national unity government resumed Friday after a two-day suspension.

"It's true, the pace of discussions between the political blocs has been slow, but I remain confident that the government will be formed in April," Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari said on Thursday.

But on Friday, political leaders were arriving for the meeting at the house of President Jalal Talabani.

Those familiar with the talks have said that nearly all the ministries have been apportioned save for the extremely sensitive ones such as interior and defense.

The bylaws governing the operation of the cabinet have been agreed to as has the formation of a national security council which would make sure that all political parties have input into the security situation.

That agreement, however, did not prevent a break off in talks earlier this week as Sunnis and Shiites sparred over a Sunni proposal to give a deputy prime minister, presumably a Sunni, direct oversight on the interior ministry.

"We warn all the politicians chasing after ministries and looting the country's wealth about the terrible consequences the country is facing," said Grand Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi, one of the four most revered Shiite clerics in the country, in statement calling for the prompt formation of a government.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/VBOL-6NEHB2?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P

-- March 31, 2006 1:10 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

There is No Civil War in Iraq: Here is Why
31/03/2006
Is Iraq in a state of civil war?

My notes show that, since the fall of Saddam Hussein in April 2003m the question has risen once every two months. Having made the cover of almost every major news magazine, it has also been the theme of countless television and radio programmes in Europe and the United States.

The answer, however, is the same firm “no” that it was when it was when BBC television just devoted a programme to it just weeks after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Nevertheless, it is important to review some of the reasons behind our firm “no”.

Iraq is currently the scene of four parallel and at times overlapping conflicts.

The first is between the forces of old Iraq , principally the remnants of the Ba’ath regime, and those of the new emerging Iraq .

The second is between Iraqis of different backgrounds and ideologies against the coalition forces led by the United Sates.

The third is between non-Iraqi Jihadists against both the US-led coalition and the forces of new Iraq .

The fourth is a sectarian feud between Arab Sunnis and Arab Shi’ites in which non-Iraqi Jihadists often intervene on the side of the former.

For Iraq to experience a civil war it is necessary for those four conflicts to be summed up in a single one fought by two rival camps of more or less equal strength at the start, consisting of Iraqi citizens divided not by ethnic and/or sectarian differences but by mutually exclusive political visions for the nation. And that certainly is not the case now.

Dr. Allawi is wrong: Iraq is not in a civil war, and, while the danger of one breaking out in the future cannot be discarded, the prospect of such an event remains remote.

http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=2&id=4346

-- March 31, 2006 4:40 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

After careful consideration (I checked my ouija board three times), consultation with experts (my rowdy friends in Iraq) and a good shot of coffee with Baileys Irish cream, I sent a list of ten stocks to Warka Bank to purchase for me. They will hold these stocks for me and transfer to my account at a later date. Some trust in Warka is required by the buyer. Hope it pays off.....

-- March 31, 2006 8:51 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Looks like they're finally getting serious about forming the new Government. Too many people are against the proposed PM.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060401/ts_nm/iraq_dc_333

-- April 1, 2006 9:36 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Yes, okie, it does look like they are getting serious about forming a government. :)

This is a lot like watching a ping pong or tennis game, where one side shoots over the net, then the other side does a return, then they respond.. and you wonder who is going to win. Today's news highlights the fight..

Shias call on al-Jaafari to quit
Saturday 01 April 2006

Senior members of Iraq's ruling Shia Alliance bloc have for the first time openly called on Ibrahim al-Jaafari to step down as prime minister to break months of deadlock over the formation of a national unity government.

"I call on Jaafari to take a courageous step and set a fine example by stepping down," said Kasim Daoud, a senior member of the independent group within the Alliance.

A senior aide to al-Jaafari responded by saying the Iraqi prime minister would not step aside and give up his nomination for a second term in office.

"He is definitely not going to step down. He is the only candidate and will continue to the end," said Jawad al-Maliki, a senior official in Jaafari's Dawa party.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/681D5D3C-0DD9-4D26-BF33-D406319007C0.htm

-- April 1, 2006 6:19 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Prime Minister Faces Confidence Showdown
by UPI Wire Apr 1, 2006
BAGHDAD, April 1, 2006 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari has until Sunday to convince opponents he should keep the job in Iraq's next government, it was reported.

Four of the seven parties that make up the United Iraqi Alliance told al-Jaafari on Thursday he had 72 hours to win over his opponents or be pushed aside, U.S. and Shiite sources told The Washington Post.

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_21212713.shtml

-- April 1, 2006 8:17 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

Sara...The arm twisting continues...I hope the deciding action will be taken at their meeting on Monday.

Rice, Straw in Iraq to break deadlock.

In talks with President Jalal Talabani, Rice and Straw said they prefer a prime minister who can unite Iraqis and that Jaafari does not have that quality, political sources said.

A British embassy official said the ministers were not expecting to hold a news conference in Baghdad until Monday. They have a program of meetings with Shi'ite, Sunni, Kurdish and secular leaders, both bilateral and as a full group.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060402/pl_nm/iraq_rice_straw_dc_11

-- April 2, 2006 11:50 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Sara....Another version of the posting above....this is certainly like a real life drama....

“We’re going to urge that the negotiations be wrapped up,” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said as she and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw flew overnight to the Iraqi capital for meetings with the current interim government and ethnic and religious power brokers.

Straw said the choice of leaders is up to Iraqis alone, but neither he nor Rice disguised the blunt nature of their mission.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12115902/

-- April 2, 2006 12:40 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Zarqawi forced to give up his political role

`Zarqawi replaced at head of Iraq resistance`

Amman, Apr 02: Iraq's resistance has replaced Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as political head of the rebels, confining him to a military role, the son of Osama bin Laden's mentor said today in Jordan.

"The Iraqi Resistance's high command asked Zarqawi to give up his political role and replaced him with an Iraqi, because of several mistakes he made," said Hudayf Azzam, who claims close contacts with the rebels.

He said Zarqawi "made many political mistakes", including "the creation of an independent organisation, al-Qaeda in Iraq".

"Zarqawi pledged not to carry out any more attacks against Iraq's neighbours after having been criticised for these operations which are considered a violation of Sharia (Islamic Law)," Azzam said.

http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=285767&sid=WOR

-- April 2, 2006 2:25 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Retired general calls times crucial
2006-04-02
by Patricia Grames Pollock of The Daily Times Staff

Retired Army Gen. Carl W. Stiner minced no words about the need for the United States continued presence in Iraq at the annual Lincoln Day dinner Friday.

``We're facing the most crucial time in the nation that I've seen in my lifetime,'' said the veteran, who added that the war on terrorism began long before 9-11.

He drew a grim picture of what he feels would happen if the U.S. withdrew from Iraq now.

``We would no longer be the premier nation in the world,'' he warned.

If that were the case, he feels the U.S. would lose support from other nations, and the extremists would win.

``If we can't stop them, how can anyone else, and who would be willing to try?'' he pointed out.

He stated that full support must be given to the war on terrorism and that criticism aids and abets the enemy. The war is better to fought abroad than at home, he added.

The retired four-star general has served in such places as Korea, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Panama, where he was the operational commander of all forces employed in Operation Just Cause in Panama in December 1989.

Stiner remains optimistic for the future.

``Our future is bright,'' he said. ``We have always come through when we're united as a nation. The future does not belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.''
http://www.thedailytimes.com/sited/story/html/234299

-- April 3, 2006 1:20 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

The lenders of the world are already lining up to loan the Iraqs a lot of money.

"Both governments will sign an agreement after the new Iraqi government is established."

http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=1077

-- April 3, 2006 9:39 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rice, Straw to Iraqis: Form Gov't Quickly
By ANNE GEARAN, AP Diplomatic Writer April 3, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Secretary of State Rice and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Monday that while it is up to the Iraqi people to chose their own leaders, the international backers who have spent blood and money to end a dictatorship here have a right to expect that it will happen quickly.

"We are entitled to say that whilst it is up to you, the Iraqis, to say who will fill these positions, someone must fill these positions and fill them quickly," Straw told reporters at a news conference.

"There is no doubt the political vacuum that is here at the moment is not assisting the security situation," Straw said.

Rice said the troubles in Iraq called for a strong leader who could help unify the people of this war-ravaged land.

But, she added, "It's not our job to say who that person ought to be."

Rice said the quick formation of a new government "is something that the international community has a right to expect."

"You cannot have a circumstance in which there is a political vacuum in a country like this that faces so much threat of violence," Rice said.

Both Rice and Straw.. spoke of the need for the next government to curb the power of sectarian militias alleged to have been behind the wave of reprisal killings of Shiites and Sunnis.

"You have to have the state with a monopoly of power," Rice said. "We have sent very strong messages" that there must be "a reining in of militias."

On Sunday another Shiite legislator Jalal Eddin al-Sagheer called for al-Jaafari to withdraw his nomination, saying the prime minister no longer had the acceptance of Iraqi parties and the international community.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060403/ap_on_re_mi_ea/rice_straw_iraq

-- April 3, 2006 10:21 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

I believe this is the worst crime Saddam did while in power. It's pretty grim when a person can justify killing men, women and children with a gas attack. I hope justice is done.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060404/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_saddam_11

-- April 4, 2006 11:14 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Let me see now....if your debts are going down and your assets are going up...even in econ. 101 class thats positive movement.

http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=1094

-- April 4, 2006 1:03 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

More pressure on Jaafari to step aside.........

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060404/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_060404183945

-- April 4, 2006 7:43 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Come on fellas: The T&B is slowing way down and I know many of you have information that we need. You people on the ground in Iraq, you are seeing things that most of us would be delighted to hear about. Tell us what you are seeing. It may seem insignificant to you but we are interested in hearing about any of your experiences.
Whatever you tell us may impact our analysis of the dinar.

I don't do much research, but I do stir the pot occasionally and I am about to stir it again.

Sara: You are a religious woman and I respect that but I have a few things about the bible that I have problems with. Maybe you can help me, and we may have other theologians who can contribute.

The church that I go to is totally opposed to any form of alcohol. I see in the bible that Jesus and his deciples went to a wedding and wanted wine and there was none so he took to containers that feet were washed in and filled them with water and turned them into wine. Then he and the deciples drank the wine. How then, can the church be so opposed to drinking.

Carl, we need you to be posting more often. Sara is being burdened with too much of the MC load.

-- April 4, 2006 11:09 PM ∞

Terrance wrote:

The Iranian war games in recent days are ramping up the intesity on the Iranian/Nuke situation. I believe this will all come to a head within the next 6 months - the final result should be a sustained series of Israeli airstrikes over a period of 2 -3 days using
Iraqi airspace which we control. This will prove to be the best solution and Israel is justified in the attack geopolitically because of direct threats from the Iranian president to annialate them. Keep your eye on this duriing the summer months. The IQD's future depends on what happens in Iran.

Off the IQD subject for a moment to address Bob -

Bob -

Your problem is not with the bible. It is with either you or your church. The bible only says - do not get drunk with wine. It doesn't say don't drink wine. Paul instructed Timothy in his letter to him to drink wine for his ailing stomach. But getting drunk is totally off limits according to scripture. Why is that so? I think the reason is obvious. Being a drunkard destroys the drunkards life and innocent peoples lives around that drunkard, like those killed by drunk drivers, kids beaten by drunken fathers, family breakups are caused, etc. God laws are ALWAYS for man's benefit - always. God values people and life. The bible declares that God loves man over and over again.

Sidenote: Guess how many times the Koran says that God loves man. ZERO - a big fat nill. The bible states that over 380 times.

I think your problem is with your church and the fact you're not really sure what the bible says, not the bible itself. Move past the smokescreen issues like "can I have a beer?" and to real matters - "Am I trusting in Christ's work on the cross to deal with my sin?"

Here to hoping for a pigroast sooner rather than later -

From the West Coast and surf city,

Terrance

-- April 5, 2006 11:51 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq president says parliament to decide PM fate: report
Wed Apr 5, 6:01 AM ET

RIYADH (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari's fate will be decided in parliament if he does not voluntarily step down, President Jalal Talabani said in remarks published on Wednesday.

"Consultations are taking place and quickly. We hope they will not take any longer and if the (Shi'ite) Alliance insists on its stance, to nominate Ibrahim Jaafari, then we will resort to parliament," Saudi Arabia's Al Madina newspaper quoted Talabani as saying.

Jaafari has come under growing pressure from Iraqi and Western officials to step down to break an impasse over forming a government, four months after parliamentary elections. Jaafari's appointment has yet to be confirmed.

The Alliance, as the biggest bloc in parliament, has the right to nominate the prime minister, but if the presidency council, which consists of Talabani and his two vice presidents, fails to agree on the candidate, parliament must elect another by a two thirds majority.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060405/wl_nm/iraq_talabani_dc_2

-- April 5, 2006 12:28 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Okie, from the article I just posted, it looks like the Iraqi Parliament will decide this issue of who will be the PM of Iraq. I am glad to see an END to this stalemate is in sight. :)

Bob/Terrance;

I agree the main issue is the Love of God, because God IS Love (1 John 4:8). A religion not professing ANY Love would thus be diametrically opposed to the God who is Love. The complete lack of any reference to Love you mentioned is thus very problematic, Terrance...

As for the idea of drinking wine, I agree with Terrance. The Bible never said not to drink wine, just not to get DRUNK. I had a friend in my church in my teens who was once a drunkard before he repented of it and asked God's forgiveness for all his sins (including the drunkenness). Since then, he had power over alcohol and had not touched it again. He was against ALL drinking of alcohol, including wine. For his sake, I never once touched wine when he was around. He said it was a bad example and it was something which can destroy families, as his was destroyed. Sometimes, when you care about others, it is best not to drink wine. I suppose it comes down to the same issue as in Paul's day about weaker brothers who were concerned about eating what they thought of as tainted meat...

1Co 8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

1Co 8:12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

1Co 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Although I share the viewpoint that drinking wine is not a sin in itself (only drunkenness), I would not drink if I thought by it another would stumble. I certainly think drinking Welch's Grape Juice for communion is a blessing for those who are compromised by the idea of drinking real wine.

Your speaking of the reference about wine being good for the stomach is bourne out in studies drawn from tests upon the blood after people of different blood types drank red wine, Bob. No harm was found to happen to anyone in any grouping of human blood types, and some had beneficial effects upon the blood and digestion.

RED WINE - BENEFICIAL: Contains component which either blocks polyamine synthesis or lowers indican levels.
http://www.dadamo.com/typebase4/depictor5.pl?454

GLOSSARY TERMS:

http://www.dadamo.com/glossary/glossary.cgi?word=Indican
http://www.dadamo.com/glossary/glossary.cgi?word=Polyamines

This was also found to be true of grapes/grape juice, so the alcohol content is likely not the reason for the benefit, but the grapes themselves.

GRAPES:

http://www.dadamo.com/typebase4/depictor5.pl?178

-- April 5, 2006 1:41 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

There has been much touting of the French being healthy because they drink wine, but white wine may not be beneficial as red wine is, and some studies say white wine can cause cancer.

Study on Lung Cancer risk increasing because of white wine:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/10/28/wine.cancer.reut/index.html
Drinking red wine could protect against lung cancer, but white wine may increase the risk, Spanish scientists said on Thursday.

White Wine:

http://www.dadamo.com/typebase4/depictor5.pl?455

Distilled spirits turns up very bad in blood tests, but I do not think that is the issue under discussion as distilled spirits are not mentioned in the Bible, only WINE.

http://www.dadamo.com/typebase4/depictor5.pl?231
Distilled spirits: AVOID: Inhibits proper gastric function or blocks assimilation. Contains component which can (negatively) modify known disease susceptibility.

Drinking something which takes the immune system down and leaves you open to whatever diseases are floating around (particularily if drinking in a public place) is just plain not wise, even for those who have no religious convictions against distilled spirits.

Thanks, Bob, I do try to post at least once a day. I also think that once the PM is decided and the parliament sits, we may see some change with the fortunes of the Dinar. I appreciated this tidbit...

Some foreigners, however, are already bullish on Iraq. In fact, United States and other coalition forces serving in Iraq are betting on an economically successful future for Baghdad. Many American troops are putting their money into purchasing the new national currency in hopes that a secure and prosperous Iraq will emerge. The fact that they are already not paid enough for the work that they do and that they are using their hard-earned paychecks and intimate knowledge of the Iraqi environment to purchase a share of Iraq's future speaks volumes about the potential for a forthcoming significant economic expansion in Iraq. Perhaps the not-too-distant future will teach the impatient that, with time, large returns can come from a substantial investment.

http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=9616

Sara.

-- April 5, 2006 1:43 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Hey! Guys:
Sorry been out of pocket for a few days with Coast Guard. Just in for a couple days then going back to sea for two weeks, and should be back around 24 of April.
Been trying to keep up with post but difficult to do while underway.

Sara...sorry I have not been able to contribute lately...glad to see ya still carrying the banner...I appreciate it and I know the other readers here do also.

Just a few comments here about my opinion on recent events...

Pressure is being put on the Iraqi parliament to form their government without further delay. What has been posted in the past is now evident....jafarri is fighting to stay not because he knows he is popular with the Iraqi people, but because he was the chosen one by the Iranian government to fill that position. All plans were based on Sadr, Jafarri, chalabi, and Sadr's ex-militia leader taking key positions. If Jafarri gets the boot, it upsets the apple cart...

It has now been confirmed that most of the killings being carried out during the night are performed by the Interior Ministry Special Commando Units, Sadr's militia, and police officers loyal to Sadr or the interior minister. Jafarri is doing nothing to control Sadr's Militia or stop the Interior Ministry from carrying out executions at night. Therefore, he is no longer seen as having any credibility. Personally, I believe he will be removed fairly soon.

But we still have the Iranian card to deal with. That is a tempest that could totally wreck every positive step that has been made in Iraq. I do not feel very comfortable about anything at this time in Iraq. Too many sticks stirring the campfire, and you never know when one of those cinders is going to ignite something that cannot be put out with a quick shot of water.

I worry about out Military Units there. If somebody, other than other arabs, gets blast happy with the Iranian nuclear reactors, Iran is going to invade Iraq. If they do, our Military Units can hold for awhile, but we do not have the logistics, equipment or other men to rescue the ones there. These soldiers will immediately be designated the rapid deployment force for the region. These units are designed to hold for a certain amount of time. They are not expected to win....the casualty rate is projected for any inserted rapid force is estimated to be 100%.

Things are presently in a stall in Iraq. That is why the UK and USA sent Straw and Rice over there now. They know that if this continues much longer....civil war is going to happen...

Okie..saw where you decided to get involved in the Iraqi stock exchange...I wish you the best....You better use both hands to cover your future children....I would hate for you to lose them .....
Carl

-- April 5, 2006 10:15 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Sara & Terrance:

Good reply to the alcohol question. I, too, believe that excess is most anything is undesirable, but for a church to condemn any form of alcohol is not consistant with the bible. I do appreciate your taking time out to address this subject.

Often, as I scroll down to the current comments, I land on something that catches my eye. Tonight I saw a comment by Bill-1 about Afganistan in which he told about the primitive conditions there and how far they were behind Iraq but their economy was pegged at $.02 per USD. This has to be encouraging.

Does anyone have a quicker way of getting to the current posts other than hitting Ctrl and End simultaneously.

-- April 5, 2006 10:54 PM ∞

Mary Lou wrote:

Iraqi private company to operate direct flight to China April 4, 2006 - A senior official of the state-run Iraqi Airways announced that an Iraqi private company will operate a direct weekly flight between Iraq and China, Xinhuanet reported.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-04-05 Read More
Iraq builds 7 electrical transformation stations in Maysan April 3, 2006 - According to the Director of the Mayssan Electricity Distribution Department, 7 electrical transformation stations were established by the department, four in Amara city as a contribution to put an end to the severe electricity crisis that the population of Amara has suffered from for a long period, Alsabah reported.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-04-05 Read More
Food prices rise after reduction of monthly rations April 2, 2006 - The price of some staple food has increased in Iraq after the Ministry of Trade announced last week that several items provided by a monthly food-ration programme would be cancelled. This prompted shopkeepers to raise the cost of items which are being imported at a high price.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-04-03 Read More
Iraq buys Australian wheat March 29, 2006 - Iraq bought 500,000 tonnes of wheat from Australian firms at $190 per tonne and 450,000 tonne from US firms at $189 per tonne to complete a 1.6 million tonne tender issued in January, Iraq's Grain Board said.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-04-01 Read More
Report Adds to Criticism of Halliburton's Iraq Role March 29, 2006 - Even as a Halliburton subsidiary was absorbing harsh criticism of its costs on a 2003 no-bid contract for work in Iraq, the government officials overseeing a second contract wrote that the company was running up exorbitant new expenses on similar work, according to a report issued yesterday by the staff for the Democrats on the House Government Reform Committee.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-29 Read More
Poverty chronic in Iraq March 26, 2006 - More than 20% of Iraqis live in abject poverty despite the boost in government’s social security program, a report by the Ministry of Planning reveals.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-28 Read More
Iraqi corruption busters venture above the parapet March 28, 2006 - Iraqi officials charged with uncovering state corruption said on Tuesday that the government was not doing enough to support the campaign against graft.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-28 Read More
Oil Ministry in crisis, experts say March 23, 2006 - Iraq’s oil ministry, mired in corruption, is facing a serious crisis, experts said.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-27 Read More
Trade Bank announces Iraq's first ATM now available March 27, 2006 - The Trade Bank of Iraq announced today that the first automatic teller machine in Iraq is now available for the public.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-27 Read More
Work set on Iraq oil metering system March 27, 2006 - Iraq, under international pressure to crack down on oil smuggling, is finally starting work on a long-delayed system to metre its oil production, an Iraqi diplomat said on Friday.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-27 Read More
Iraq plans to purchase 300,000 tonnes of sugar March 26, 2006 - A European traders announced that Iraq is planning this month to purchase at least 300,000 tonnes of white sugar for shipment in the third and fourth quarter of 2006, Reuters reported.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-27 Read More
Iraq meat prices up March 25, 2006 - Red meat prices have doubled in Iraq as demand has increased, following a ban on imported chickens announced after the death of two Iraqis from the H5N1 avian virus.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-27 Read More
Program to promote maize production, develop Iraqi businesses March 21, 2006 - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is promoting private sector development for improved maize production in Iraq.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-22 Read More
Storage tank project provides Iraqis with fresh water March 21, 2006 - Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers tested water storage tanks March 20 in four communities north of Baghdad, signaling the completion of a project to supply local citizens with fresh drinking water.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-22 Read More
Iran earmarks $1 billion to invest in Iraq March 20, 2006 - Iran announced that it will invest around $1 billion in Iraq's ravaged industrial sector, NewKerala reported.
Posted by admin Published: 2006-03-22 Read More

-- April 6, 2006 1:18 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, MaryLou! It is nice to see a good word or two about Iraq.. as this frustrated soldier says...

Piss poor coverage of the War! says American soldier in Iraq

---------------

Piss poor coverage of the War!

American Soldier says,

I have been doing some catch up on the news. I will say that the media here in the United States is piss poor. Why is it that the MSM’s report Baghdad as being the war? Sh** doesn’t even really go on there. There are far worse places in Iraq that have story’s that would blow one’s mind if they knew. Where I was at, I hardly EVER saw reporters there. Heck we didn’t even get USO people there. Simply put, they were scared to be there. At least in Baghdad you could be behind 2 miles of heavily fortified protection.

I know my boys back in the ‘raq’ are fully engaged on a daily basis and I haven’t read a single blurb about the good things they have been doing.

Other than being engaged and f*&$ing the enemy up, we did great things as well. We enabled kids to go to school, we protected children along certain routes, etc, etc. If the media only knew what these big bad killing machine US Soldiers really did? Could they possibly show compassion or not shoot someone? It’s always about the bad or Baghdad!

http://www.soldierlife.com/2006/04/...age-of-the-war/

-- April 6, 2006 1:58 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Hey Guys,

Been out of pocket myself too, but have been trying to keep up with the board as best I can.

Carl,

I wouldn't worry about the troops in Iraq too much. If something happens they'll know what to do, and believe me we have response forces available and ready to respond within 48 hours guaranteed!!! ...if not sooner.

In some instances I wish Iran would be tempted to show their hand, because that's the excuse we're looking for to tan their backsides. And then of course, once we've accomplished that, we'd be free and clear to make some real progress in Iraq.

Got'a Jordanian military officer in my class, and we discussed the Iraqi situation during one of the breaks, and he feels the same as I mention above.

Remember too that where Iran is Shiite centric, Jordan is Sunni centric, and fully supports their Sunni brethren in Iraq. So, it would seem we and our Allies in the Middle East are all on the same sheet of music, and just wanting for the opportunity to squash Iran's interference in the region.

Bill1

-- April 6, 2006 5:56 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

I have mixed emotions about Jill Carroll, The free lance reporter for the Christian Science Monitor. On one hand I’m very happy she regained her freedom and made it back to her family in good shape. On the other hand I believe she violated a serious rule in Iraq.....you never say or do anything that will have a negative impact on our Military. The conflict is between her right to seek a story outside the wire and the Military right to expect everybody to not create a situation that might place them in harms way. Her translator was killed during the abduction and paid a high price for her expression of freedom. What it boils down to is:

“YOUR RIGHTS END WHERE MINE BEGIN ”

-- April 6, 2006 8:15 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Bill!
Always good to read your input...you being on the ground and in the know brings 500% more reliable information that anything I could project. I just remember when I was attached to the 131st Aviation group back in the mid 80's and we were part of the rapid deployment force. We were told what was expected of us and what the outcome would more than likely be.
I just don't won't our guys to get blind sided without a way to "diddie diddie" out of there, if things get too hot.

OKIE...I think Jill has a good heart for the Iraqi people, and thought that the insurgents would see her as no threat or at the best neutral. This blind hog trust got her in deep muck, which she could not talk her way out of....She knew the risk...it comes with the territory.
I don't blame her for lying about anything....if that saved her life so be it....rectify the situation when you get where you are save again...dead is dead no matter the noble stance or cause.

Iran keeps rattling the dry grass so they will be noticed. Just part of their "the mother of all shows senario"

Bob! Just ask yourself this....What would I allow myself do if I knew for 100% certainty no one would ever know about it?
The answer will tell..YOU...about your true character. I read your post and I see a reflection of a man with a good heart. Your solid stock...
Drinking beer,wine,or mix drinks is not the issue....Its very simple...drink too much and your body will let ya know the next day...no mystery there...no need to allow some pious jerk to ruin ya day over their self perceived superior knowledge of some religious doctrine about drinking wine.

-- April 6, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran test-fires 'top secret' missile
ALI AKBAR DAREINI Posted on Wed, Apr. 05, 2006

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran said Wednesday it has successfully test-fired a "top secret" missile, the third in a week, state-run television reported. The report called the missile an "ultra-horizon" weapon and said it could be fired from all military helicopters and jet fighters.

The tests came amid war games being held since Friday by the elite Revolutionary Guards in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea at a time of increased tension with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program.

Iranian television called it a "turning point" in its missile tests but gave no other details.

At the same time, the head of the Revolutionary Guards, Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi, said the United States must recognize Iran as a "big, regional power."

Speaking on state television, Safavi said Iran could use the Straits of Hormuz to apply pressure on foreign powers. About two-fifths of the world's oil supplies pass through the 34-mile-wide entrance to the Gulf.

"The Straits of Hormuz are a point of control and economic pressure on the energy transfer route for those foreign powers that might want to undermine regional security," Safavi said.

He reiterated that Iran could defend itself against any invasion and added: "I advise Americans not to move toward a military strike against Iran."

On Tuesday, Safavi called for foreign forces to leave the region. The U.S. 5th Fleet is based in Bahrain.

That same day, Iran tested a new surface-to-sea radar-avoiding missile equipped with remote-control and searching systems, state TV reported. It said the new missile, called Kowsar, was a medium-range weapon that Iran could mass-produce.

It also said the Kowsar's guidance system could not be scrambled, and it had been designed to sink ships.

On Friday, Iran tested the Fajr-3, a missile that it said can avoid radar and hit several targets simultaneously using multiple warheads. Iran also has tested what it calls two new torpedoes.

One of the torpedoes, unveiled Monday, was tested in the Straits of Hormuz. That seemed to be a clear warning to the United States that Iran believes it has the capability to disable oil tankers moving through the Gulf.

The Revolutionary Guards have been holding their maneuvers - code-named the "Great Prophet" - since Friday.

Some military analysts in Moscow said it appears the high-speed torpedoes likely were Russian-built weapons that may have been acquired from China or Kyrgyzstan.

On Tuesday, state TV also said the Revolutionary Guards had tested what it called a "super-modern flying boat" capable of evading radar.

The report showed the boat, looking like an aircraft, taking off from the sea and flying low over the water.

Iran has held war games for two decades to improve its combat readiness and test locally made equipment.

Iran launched an arms development program during its 1980-88 war with Iraq to compensate for a U.S. weapons embargo. Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and a fighter plane.

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/14270310.htm

-- April 7, 2006 8:21 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

More Political Delays
April 5, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq -

"Position doesn't mean anything to me," al-Jaafari told reporters Thursday. "So I have no hesitation in giving up this position, but the question is who is the one to decide? If my people decide I will obey. If the parliament agreed in the legal way for me to step aside, I will. The people elected this parliament, so whatever they say I will do it."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060406/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- April 7, 2006 8:27 PM ∞

Outlaw wrote:

Well gang... Hang on tight because I think this ride is about to get real rough.

Outlaw

-- April 7, 2006 10:31 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Congress pushing to limit protests at veterans’ funerals
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, April 8, 2006

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers supporting a bill to limit protests at some veterans cemeteries said Thursday they’ll speed up the legislative process in hopes of getting the measure signed into law by Memorial Day.

The bill, prompted by a series of protests at military funerals by members of the Westboro Baptist Church, would prohibit demonstrations an hour before or after a funeral at any national cemetery, and force picket lines to stay at least 500 feet from the grieving family. Violators could face up to one year in jail and a $100,000 fine for each offense.

Five states — South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Indiana and Kentucky — have passed funeral protest laws, and several others are considering similar proposals. Rogers said he hopes the federal bill can serve as a template for future state laws.
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=36334

-- April 8, 2006 4:21 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

It is unclear if Talabani has the authority to appoint the PM of Iraq.

Top Iraqi officials say parliament may have to sort out standoff over government
By Robert H. Reid

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari says he is refusing to abandon his bid for a second term to break the deadlock over a new government... Although parliament may have to decide al-Jaafari's future, Shiite officials said they are reluctant to dump the issue on lawmakers until there is a comprehensive deal among all ethnic- and religious-based parties, including an agreement on who will be the new president.

“Consultations are taking place quickly,” Talabani said. “We hope they will not take much longer, and if the (Shiites) stick by their stand on nominating Ibrahim al-Jaafari, then we will resort to parliament.”

However, it was unclear how parliament could legally resolve the standoff. The constitution states that the president must nominate the candidate of the largest bloc – the Shiites. The prime minister-designate then presents his Cabinet to parliament for approval by a majority of all 275 members.

Under the constitution, however, parliament must first elect a new president and two vice presidents by a two-thirds vote. With Talabani's term also ending, it is unclear whether he would have the authority to appoint a prime minister, and the Shiites could block his re-election.

Because of those legal uncertainties, several Shiite officials said they were reluctant to take the issue to parliament. One described the current standoff as a crisis and said “nobody sees a way out.” They all spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/iraq/20060405-0655-iraq.html

-- April 8, 2006 4:51 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Saddam Ordered Suicide Attacks on U.S. Targets
Thursday, April 6, 2006

A newly translated document from Saddam Hussein's intelligence files indicates that the Iraqi dictator ordered suicide attacks against U.S. targets six months before the 9/11 attacks.

Dated March 11, 2001, the Iraqi memo reads:

To all the Units
Subject: Volunteer for Suicide Mission

... from the Command of Ali Military Division on 10/3/2001 we ask to provide that Division with the names of those who desire to volunteer for Suicide Mission to liberate Palestine and to strike American Interests and according what is shown below to please review and inform us.

The document is signed by Air Brigadier General Abdel Magid Hammot Ali.

While the big media has so far ignored the find, Captain's Quarters blogger Ed Morrissey notes:

"If this translation stands up to further scrutiny, it will provide a substantial answer to the question of Saddam's role in terrorism, both in general and specifically aimed at America.

"This memo will prove that Saddam had no intention of remaining neutralized in the region. He not only funded and encouraged terrorism, but he actively recruited terrorists from the ranks of his own military to carry out suicide attacks on American interests."

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/4/6/230437.shtml?s=lh

-- April 8, 2006 11:40 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S. looks at military options to sway Iran -
Attacks unlikely, but threat seen as useful
By Peter Baker, Dafna Linzer and Thomas E. Ricks
The Washington Post
Published April 9, 2006

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is studying options for military strikes against Iran as part of a broader strategy of coercive diplomacy to pressure Tehran to abandon its alleged nuclear arms program, according to U.S. officials and independent analysts.

No attack appears likely soon, and many specialists inside and outside the U.S. government harbor grave doubts about an armed response. But administration officials are preparing for it as an option and using the threat "to convince them this is more and more serious," as a senior official put it.

Others believe it is more than bluster.

"The Bush team is looking at the viability of air strikes simply because many think air strikes are the only real option ahead," said Kurt Campbell, a former Pentagon policy official.

Iran appears to be taking the threat seriously, reinforcing sites and recently testing several new missiles.

Israel points to those missiles to press its case. Israeli officials traveled to Washington recently to convey more urgency about Iran, saying it could achieve a nuclear breakthrough within months.

"What the Israelis are saying is this year . . . would be the year [Iran] will master the engineering problem," a U.S. official said.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0604090203apr09,1,4477094.story?track=rss&ctrack=1&cset=true

-- April 9, 2006 10:20 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Moving right along at a snails pace.....

"Efforts to form a new government have reached a deadlock over the nomination of Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari for a new term. Shiite politicians met Sunday to discuss the impasse, but made no decision to replace al-Jaafari as their nominee, officials said.

Instead, representatives from the seven factions of the United Iraqi Alliance, the Shiite bloc, formed a three member committee better ascertain the reasons for Sunni and Kurdish opposition to al-Jaafari, said Shiite official Ridha Jawad Taqi.

The Shiite alliance will meet again Monday to review the committee's findings, he said."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060409/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_060409084918

-- April 9, 2006 10:28 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq parliament could convene soon
Reuters Apr 9, 2006 — By Michael Georgy

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's acting speaker of parliament said on Sunday he would call on the assembly to convene in the next few days, raising the possibility that political deadlock over a new prime minister may be broken.

Pachachi did not say whether the assembly would vote on a prime minister and there was no suggestion that Ibrahim al- Jaafari would finally agree to widespread calls for him to step aside as the main Shi'ite Alliance's nominee.

As the biggest bloc in parliament, the Alliance has the constitutional right to nominate a prime minister. It needs a simple majority to push through its candidate.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1822821

THAT is interesting, is it not? SIMPLE MAJORITY.. (50 plus percent)... many have said up until now it was necesssary for them to get two-thirds.

Sara.

-- April 9, 2006 10:38 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq not in civil war, says Straw
Last Updated: Sunday, 9 April 2006, 10:19 GMT 11:19 UK

Extremists in Iraq have failed in their attempts to provoke a civil war, said UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

Speaking on BBC One's Sunday AM show, Mr Straw was responding to a warning from Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak that the country is close to civil war.

Mr Straw told Sunday AM: "What's happening is that [Jordanian al-Qaeda militant] al-Zarqawi and other terrorists associated with al-Qaeda and some of the Baathist extremists are trying to provoke a civil war.

"So far, despite huge slaughter, they have not succeeded - above all because of the restraint exercised within the Shia community by the Ayatollah Sistani and by other leaders," he said.

The minister said he also disagreed with Mr Mubarak's comments claiming Shia, across the Arab world, had a greater loyalty to Iran than to their own countries.

"I have spoken to many Shia leaders in Iraq and indeed elsewhere. So far as Iraq is concerned these people are Shia...but they are Iraqis first."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4892906.stm

-- April 9, 2006 11:24 AM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

And the saga continues......

Mubarak said in his comments, broadcast on al Arabiya satellite channel Saturday, that Shi'ites in Arab states were more loyal to Iran than their own countries, echoing accusations by Iraqi Sunnis about their Shi'ite leaders in their country.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060409/ts_nm/iraq_dc_25

-- April 9, 2006 11:49 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

And just to the East of Iraq......

Who cares if we irritate the Muslims? They have been at war with the West for hundreds of years. Just remember...they started this war.

"Iran now tops international agenda.

Preparations for confrontation with Iran underscore how the issue has vaulted to the front of President Bush's agenda even as he struggles with a relentless war in next-door Iraq. Bush views Tehran as a serious menace that must be dealt with before his presidency ends, aides said, and the White House, in its new National Security Strategy, last month labeled Iran the most serious challenge to the United States posed by any country.

Many military officers and specialists, however, view the saber rattling with alarm. A strike at Iran, they warn, would at best just delay its nuclear program by a few years but could inflame international opinion against the United States, particularly in the Muslim world and especially within Iran, while making U.S. troops in Iraq targets for retaliation."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12225188/

-- April 9, 2006 12:28 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

How does this look for stock picks? All comments appreciated.....

Number Stock symbol Stock Name Dinar Amount

1 THRR Al-Tharar for Agriculture Production 200,000
2 MOSL Mosul Bank for Development 100,000
3 MAMA Al-Mamoura Real Estate Investment Co 100,000
4 WRKA Warka Investment Bank 800,000
5 CBNK Commercial Bank of Iraq 200,000
6 KHZR Al-Khazir Construction 100,000
7 BBNK Baghdad Bank 100,000
8 BNBK Basrah National Bank 100,000
9 ENGP Iraqi Engineering Industries 200,000
10 INAT Iraqi Civilian/National Bank 100,000
__________
Total Dinar to Invest = 2,000,000

-- April 10, 2006 7:19 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran claims success in uranium enrichment
Ali Akbar Dareini, Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, April 11, 2006

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran has successfully enriched uranium for the first time, a major development in its quest to produce nuclear fuel, former president Hashemi Rafsanjani said Tuesday.

The UN Security Council has demanded that Iran stop all uranium enrichment activity by April 28. Iran has rejected the demand, saying it has a right to develop the process. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency, Mohamed ElBaradei, is due in Iran this week for talks to try to resolve the standoff.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday Iran ''will soon join the club of countries possessing nuclear technology.'' Speaking to a crowd in northeastern Iran, Ahmadinejad said: ''Enemies can't dissuade the Iranian nation from the path of progress that it has chosen.''

Enriching uranium to a low level produces fuel for nuclear reactors. To a higher level, it produces the material for a nuclear bomb. The reported breakthrough came only two months after Iran resumed research on enrichment at its facility in the central town of Natanz in February.

The U.S. is pressing for sanctions against Iran, a step Russia and China have so far opposed.

Rafsanjani said the breakthrough would put Iran in a good position for the visit of ElBaradei, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

''When ElBaradei arrives in Iran, he will face new circumstances,'' Rafsanjani said, according to KUNA.

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=905d73fa-6f80-498f-9aea-8b75a7df89f3&k=20864

-- April 12, 2006 2:32 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Bush had good reason to believe there were WMD in Iraq
Bush may have been misled by the information he had, but he did not lie.
By John Hughes from the April 12, 2006 edition

SALT LAKE CITY – Among the allegations leveled at President Bush by his critics, probably the most serious is that he took the United States to war in Iraq on false pretenses. He told the American people that Saddam Hussein had a collection of dangerous weapons of mass destruction when Mr. Hussein did not.

In retrospect it is clear that the weapons did not exist, although they had in the past, and Hussein had used them against his enemies. But what is also clear from captured documents now coming to light is that Mr. Bush had every reason to believe they still existed at the time he launched the military campaign in Iraq. Not only did US and allied intelligence agencies assert that the weapons were there, but Hussein himself played a dangerous game of convincing enemies such as Iran, and even his own generals, that he had such weapons, while protesting to United Nations inspectors that he did not.

While Bush may have been badly misled by his own intelligence and other sources, he did not lie. He believed, and had good reason to believe, that the weapons existed.

From thousands of official Iraqi documents captured by American forces, and dozens of interviews with captured senior military and political leaders, a picture is now emerging of the world of delusion in which Hussein lived when he was in power. It is being chronicled in magazines such as the Weekly Standard and a forthcoming issue of Foreign Affairs and books such as "Cobra II." Written by New York Times reporter Michael Gordon and Gen. Bernard Trainor, the book is being hailed as one of the most comprehensive accounts of the war in Iraq.

The Bush critics can argue that the president was too gullible in accepting the conclusion of his intelligence agencies. But the evidence does not suggest that he knowingly lied to the American public about the existence of WMD.

http://search.csmonitor.com/2006/0412/p09s02-cojh.html

-- April 12, 2006 3:00 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Sadr and his buddy Sistani are two people that need to be out of the new Iraq Government!

"Tensions between Iran and the United States have heated up to the point that some analysts, particularly in the Arab world, surmise that the struggle between the Iraqi transitional government and the Shi'ite resistance led by Muqtada al-Sadr is in essence a proxy war between Iran and the US."

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HD12Ak02.html

-- April 12, 2006 9:13 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq parliament to convene April 17
Press Trust of India

Baghdad, April 12, 2006 -Iraq's Parliament will convene on Monday, the speaker of the assembly Adnan Pachachi told reporters on Wednesday.

"There are signs that there will be agreement on all problems concerning formation of the government" and so "the parliament will convene on April 17 at 11:00 am," Pachachi.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1673302,00050004.htm

-- April 12, 2006 11:45 AM ∞

BOB wrote:

I am finding it more and more difficult to understand our role in this world. It seems to me that we can be friends with all these countries and trade with them, but not enter into all these costly ventures to install democracy.

We have our neck stuck out all over the world with our commitments to protect these countries. What are we getting from these alliances. I believe that you can see the followers into Iraq that we had.

Why is it important to us to protect South Korea, Israel,
and Taiwan, much less what could have been important enough for us to pay the enormous cost in lives and resourses in Viet Nam?

This adversarial position we are taking unilaterally is stupid IMO. Venesulea(SIC)is a good example of a country that we could be friendly with inasmuch as we need them so bad. Democracy is great but do we have any right to cram it down anyone else's throat. It they prefer a dictator, let them have a dictator.

Saddam called Secretary of State Baker to Iraq and told he was going to invade Kuwait and if the USA would stay out of it that he would make the USA a fabulous deal on oil. We refused when 99% of the other countries of this world would have accepted. If we had stayed out of Iraq, then Iraq would be fighting Iran right now and this nuclear topic would not be in the forefront.

With the 280 billion we have spent in Iraq so far, we could build a totally new interstate system thoughout this country.

I truly would appreciate someone showing me where my thinking is awray.

-- April 12, 2006 11:15 PM ∞

Mary Lou wrote:

Wall http://www.opinionjournal.com/federation/feature/?id=110008212Street Journal - 4/11/06

OPINIONJOURNAL FEDERATION

Bullish on Baghdad
The Iraqi economy shows signs of strength.

BY ROBERT T. MCLEAN
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 12:01 a.m. EDT

A key to success in Iraq will be the ability of the Iraqi people and coalition members to transform the country's economy from a state of ruin to a model for prosperity in the Middle East. Iraqis with jobs and opportunities are less likely to join or sympathize with terrorist and insurgent efforts, focusing more of their energies on improving their individual situation than on political developments that could be interpreted as a danger to their sect. This outcome parallels one of the Bush administration's original goals of the invasion in establishing a bridgehead for reform in the Middle East, while reducing the potential of a drawn out and costly American presence in Iraq. Thus, while the vast majority of attention has been placed on the political violence plaguing Iraq, the economic development of the country deserves additional scrutiny and provides reason for guarded optimism.

As the Iraq campaign continues to be labeled a disaster by political opponents of the Bush administration at home, by those suspicious of the United States abroad, and increasingly by conservatives who call themselves realists yet have no realistic plan for Iraq, positive indicators about the Iraqi economy are not too hard to find. Though the economy expanded by an unimpressive 2.6% in real terms in 2005, that figure is scheduled to reach over 10% this year, as reported by the International Monetary Fund. Dawn Liberi, director of the U.S. Agency for International Development in Iraq, noted in February that per capita income has increased from $500 at the time of the invasion in 2003 to $1,500 today.

Despite the charge by Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies that American efforts to improve the devastated Iraqi economy "have largely been a wasteful, and highly ideological and bureaucratic failure," more than 30,000 new businesses have been registered with USAID in the past seven months alone. While the bureaucracy undoubtedly has been responsible for waste and inefficiency--not something uncommon with these types of establishments--ideological efforts to introduce conservative principles into the Iraqi economy seem as little cause for alarm.

In 2004 a modest 5% national tariff rate was imposed to help fund reconstruction costs. A flat corporate tax rate of 15% was applied by the Coalition Provisional Authority and foreign investment restrictions were extremely limited, with the exclusion of national resources such as the country's oil fields. After years of sanctions and isolation--with the exception of Saddam Hussein's corrupt enterprises--the above noted efforts have been relatively successful in opening up the nation's economy.

As Niall Ferguson persuasively advanced in his work "Colossus: The Price of America's Empire": "It has been convincingly shown that one of the principal reasons for widening international inequality in the 1970s and 1980s was in fact protectionism in less developed countries." Citing a 1995 publication by the Brookings Institution, Mr. Ferguson supports the claim by illustrating that when the per capita GDPs of developing countries were contrasted, it was discovered that "closed" economies grew at an annual rate of only 0.7% while "open" countries expanded by a healthy 4.5%. The Bush administration, therefore, has not merely steered the Iraqi economy in a direction of a liberal market economy based on ideology, but has done so under a historical precedent of success.

Historical precedents are also relevant in examining how to establish long-term stability and productivity. An influential piece by Stanley Kurtz titled "Democratic Imperialism: A Blueprint" that appeared in Policy Review in April 2003 predicted a protracted but ultimately beneficial occupation of Iraq. The paradigm, according to Mr. Kurtz, was to follow the lessons of the British imperial experience in India. Of principle importance to establishing a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous nation is the development of a sound education system.

Although coming well short of suggesting a similar dawdling reform process, Mr. Kurtz professes that "the educational policies set up by liberal British administrators 100 years before independence had laid the foundation for democratic self-rule in India." Whereas the British sought to hold on to their colonial possession throughout much of their rule of India, the United States wants nothing more than to return home. Thus, the success in the construction of schools, the training of more than 36,000 teachers, and the provision of nearly nine million textbooks should prove to be a valuable investment for the political and economic future of Iraq.

Of the most disingenuous, or simply ignorant, charges that were leveled prior to, during and following the spring 2003 invasion of Iraq was that the war was conceived to rob the Iraqis of their oil reserves. This imprudent accusation has largely disappeared because few have the audaciousness to carry on this conspiratorial paranoia. However, the administration's reluctance to become thoroughly engaged in the Iraqi oil industry--a result of domestic and foreign critics--has made things unnecessarily difficult for the Washington and Baghdad alike. Put simply, the Bush administration needs to focus more on Iraq's oil.
One of the first actions taken by the United States following the ouster of Saddam Hussein was the nearly immediate transfer of sovereignty of Iraq's oil industry back to the people of Iraq. Even after handing the key to nation's wealth back to Iraqis, the United States has sought little influence in oil policy-making decisions. When asked by the Baghdad based daily Al-Adalah about American and British interference in the Iraqi oil industry, former oil minister Dr. Thamir al-Ghadban responded:

No doubt the U.S., British and other forces are here in Iraq. This is an accomplished fact and known to everybody. But throughout my experience after the fall of the regime until I left the ministry I can affirm that no person or side tried to influence on the approach that we adopted in the oil policy. Where is the influence?
Attacks on oil pipelines have made deliveries north to Turkey virtually unattainable, limiting Iraq's near-term export potential. Additionally, the lack of investment from Saddam Hussein's regime left the technology and infrastructure of the country's oil industry in desperate need of modernization. The goal articulated by the Bureau of International Information Programs of the U.S. State Department is for Iraqis to expand production to more than five million barrels a day from the 2.1 million that is currently extracted from the country's vast reserves. A dedicated commitment through investment and technological assistance from the United States is necessary to help the Iraqi government generate revenue and decrease dependence on American assistance. This is entirely achievable, and as attacks on pipelines decrease, the oil industry will become a boon to an increasingly diverse Iraqi economy.
As with the oil industry, other significant problems needlessly obstruct potential economic growth. As noted by Rashid Ashraf of the Financial Times: "More than half of the families in Iraq still receive a monthly food parcel of basic supplies. This legacy of the oil-for-food programme in the long years of sanctions is expensive, and distorts the market." Socialist prescriptions such as these were necessary under the sanctions regime to keep millions of Iraqis from starving, but are no longer appropriate. As the economy continues to advance, free market principles will rightfully continue to be encouraged by the United States as a means to facilitate those gains.

The new Iraqi dinar, the official currency introduced in July 2003, has become a stable and unifying presence in the economy of Iraq. The banking sector is emerging as a powerful economic staple now that the Baathists no longer corrupt and distort the system. A similar development has occurred with the 2004 introduction of the Iraq Stock Exchange, as it too is free from the corruption that beleaguered the Hussein-era Baghdad Stock Exchange. About 90 stocks are listed, and market capitalization grew from $1.15 billion at the end of 2004 to $2.14 billion at the same time last year. However, fear of foreign domination of the market has kept it closed to international investors. An Iraqi investor noted to Agence France-Presse late last February that the best way to increase the capital flowing into the Iraq Stock Exchange is to "open the market to foreign investors and get money into the market." This will happen over time.

Some foreigners, however, are already bullish on Iraq. In fact, United States and other coalition forces serving in Iraq are betting on an economically successful future for Baghdad. Many American troops are putting their money into purchasing the new national currency in hopes that a secure and prosperous Iraq will emerge. The fact that they are already not paid enough for the work that they do and that they are using their hard-earned paychecks and intimate knowledge of the Iraqi environment to purchase a share of Iraq's future speaks volumes about the potential for a forthcoming significant economic expansion in Iraq. Perhaps the not-too-distant future will teach the impatient that, with time, large returns can come from a substantial investment.

Mr. McLean is a research associate at the Center for Security Policy in Washington. This article appeared on the Web site of The American Spectator.

-- April 12, 2006 11:17 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

It has been a while since I placed a post on this board. The U.S. media has really succeeded at casting the Iraqi war in a negative light. To discuss a worse case senario though has value.

Regardless of long term indicators and despite positive news from Iraq, I do not think investors will see either a reevaluation or open market trading in 2006.

George W. Bush has two years through diplomacy and necessary military action to bring stability to Iraq. I think a change from a Republican administration to a Democratic one in 2008 will signal the beginning of a withdrawl from Iraq both militarily and financially.

If after the 2008 Presidential election the U.S. pulls its support we could see Iraq scrap the NID and use a different currency. Furthermore, with a passive Democratic President Iran's agressive nature will go unchecked and cause more instability in the region.

If these factors come to pass, I think the investment we have made into the NID is just money lost.

Personally, I can see this senario coming to pass, but on the other hand if Iraq can come together to govern the country the NID may have a different future. I am hoping for the latter, this is why I am hanging on to my DINAR. I have no choice though, because right now it is not really worth anything.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 13, 2006 11:10 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

WHY HELP OTHERS GET DEMOCRACY?

Bob;

In reply to your post I thought I would give you some thoughts on the matters you brought up... you said, quote:

I am finding it more and more difficult to understand our role in this world. It seems to me that we can be friends with all these countries and trade with them, but not enter into all these costly ventures to install democracy.

What are we getting from these alliances....Why is it important to us to protect.... what could have been important enough for us to pay the enormous cost in lives and resourses... Democracy is great but do we have any right to cram it down anyone else's throat. It they prefer a dictator, let them have a dictator.

====end of quote===

This issue you brought up is what is the role of the US and why is it spreading Democracy? You ended with "If they prefer a dictator, let them have a dictator." But the truth is that those who are under oppression do NOT wish to be oppressed, but free, just like you and me. THEY want the protection and help of the US. And, they are grateful for it. For instance, these two Middle Eastern articles..

Article: The Liberation of Iraq
Thursday, 06 April 2006

By Lawk Salih - On April 8th, 2003 the U.S. and Coalition forces entered Iraq to in order to overthrow Saddam Hussein's tyrannical regime. The decision was made by the U.S. government after the terrorist attacks occurred in the United States that damaged the Pentagon and brought down the Twin Towers in New York City. Three thousand innocent lives were taken by extremist Muslims originating from the UAE and Saudi Arabia in corporation with the Al-Qaeda Network based in Afghanistan. With the support of the American public, President Bush made the decision, along with the British Government, to destroy all terrorist training camps in Afghanistan and Iraq. The decision also freed the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. It helped them freely elect their own government, ministries, and to run their own affairs without interference from any brutal dictators such as Saddam in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

http://thekurdistani.com/news/content/view/2151/2/

Iraqi president's son calls Iraqi war 'noble and just cause'
Qubad Talabani describes experiences under Hussein, Americans
By: Joshua Rabon
Issue date: 4/4/06 Section: News

Qubad Talabani, son of the current Iraqi president, spoke to students and community members Monday night in the law center.

"The main message is the U.S. intervention in Iraq was a noble and just cause," Talabani said of his lecture "The Future of Iraq."

"It wasn't for our oil; it was to free millions of people from the worst form of dictatorship," he added.

Talabani said the progress in Iraq in the past three years was critical, but he knew the American public was growing impatient and reminded the audience of the past of their own country.

"We have made a lot of progress in the last three years, but it's going to take time," Talabani said. "It took America over 200 years and it's still evolving."

Talabani cited some major areas of concern in Iraq such as sectarian violence, the relatively slow progress of the reconstruction effort, and terrorists rooted within the country. He said these problems often overshadow the good taking place in Iraq, citing such victories as the removal of Saddam Hussein, healthy development on the political front, and the voter turnout from the last election.

"I don't want to belittle the bad news or paint a rosy picture; Iraq has some serious problems, but what frustrates me is the lack of good news being covered," Talabani said.

Talabani said the removal of Hussein is a debt Iraq will always owe to the U.S.

"Some people assume the war started in 2003," Talabani said. "That's not true, the war started when Saddam took power back in the 1960s. I cannot tell you in a way you could possibly comprehend the oppression Iraqis suffered under Saddam. We have dug up nearly 600,000 bodies across the country. You removed Saddam, and for that we could never repay you."

http://www.dailygamecock.com/media/storage/paper247/news/2006/04/04/News/Iraqi.Presidents.Son.Calls.Iraqi.War.noble.And.Just.Cause-1778004.shtml?norewrite200604131627&sourcedomain=www.dailygamecock.com

It may seem of little significance to you if you look only at dollar figures, but people and compassion count for something in this, too.

Sara.

-- April 13, 2006 4:40 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

March 13, 2006, 8:15 a.m.
John, Meet Jack
We do have reliable information about how things are going in Iraq.

By Richard Nadler

.... Then he admitted that facts like these, taken on their own, were insufficient for forming an accurate assessment of progress in Iraq.

"If material and institutional circumstances are really improving," he said, "this will be reflected in the attitudes of the Iraqi people themselves. The polls will either confirm what the official statistics tell us, or they will contradict those statistics."

Indyk then proceeded to describe the findings of the most extensive and scientific polls of Iraq opinion, performed by Arabic speakers for Oxford Research International near the beginning of 2004, then at the end of 2005. These polls covered all of Iraq's major regions and demographic groups.

Asked to compare their current lives with their lives under Saddam, Iraqis reported an improvement in availability of necessities, and an improvement in overall economic wellbeing. They reported superior access to clean water, health care, and education. Iraqi respondents believed that their local governments had improved. Asked what form of government they hoped to live under going forward, democracy won handily: four-to-one over the rule of one-man, and ten-to-one over totalitarianism.

Iraqis list security as their most pressing problem. But a plurality of Iraqis feel safer now than under Saddam, and a majority feel safer from ordinary crime. Moreover, better than 60 percent feel personally safe in their neighborhoods.

Marine Corporal Gibson's presentation sorted out these seemingly contradictory findings. The problem most Americans have, he said, in understanding Iraqi opinions on security, is that we operate from a different baseline. Iraq under Saddam was an incredibly violent place.

Iraq Body Count, an antiwar group that keeps a running tally of Iraqi civilian deaths, reports that the daily toll under the occupation falls in the range of 25 to 28 per day. But under Saddam's rule, the death toll averaged three times that, including 600,000 civilian executions recorded by the Documental Center for Human Rights, and the 100,000 Kurds killed during the Anfal operation. A violent day under the coalition would be just a routine day under Saddam.

http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/nadler200603130815.asp

-- April 13, 2006 5:06 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

The numbers tell the story in Iraq
--------------------------

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/g...id=oid%3A11285

Fact No. 1: Invading Iraq and toppling Saddam has SAVED lives, not cost them. Under Saddam, some 5 percent of the 25 million Iraqi population were murdered or disappeared. The low estimates are that a thousand people died on average during Saddam's 20 years in power. Other estimates go as high as 4,000 a month. Before they started hating President Bush, anti-war activists insisted that evil UN sanctions against Iraq were killing 5,000 children a month — a "fact" they completely abandoned when the war began.

Today, according to the anti-war website IraqBodyCount.net, the maximum Iraqi death toll in these three years was under 40,000 Iraqis. Or the equivalent of eight months of "peaceful" U.N. sanctions.

-- April 13, 2006 5:08 PM ∞

Anonymous wrote:

And Jesus said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his clothing, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out money, and gave it to the host, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatever you spend more, when I come again, I will repay you.

Which now of these three, do you think, was neighbour to him that fell among the thieves?

And the man answered, He that showed mercy on him.

Then said Jesus to him, Go, and you do likewise.

===

It cost the Samaritan some money out of pocket, too, didn't it?

Sara.

-- April 13, 2006 5:14 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Seems to me the problem is that America elected a Christian President who actually has a heart.. and cared about the people of Iraq, unlike the "priest" (Imam) who walked by the suffering Samaritan in Jesus' tale.

You are right. If the American people elect Democrats, they will have no such scruples and will abandon Iraq back into the ditch and let them bleed to death from the wounds the robbers inflict on them. There won't be any such problems under a Democratic leadership. Bottom line or cashflow is all that will count there, for sure.

Sara.

-- April 13, 2006 5:39 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Here is a story from www.iraqieconomy.org about the World Bank's role in helping rebuild Iraq.

World Bank has role in rebuilding Iraq: Wolfowitz April 9, 2006 - The World Bank has a role to play in helping Iraq rebuild, its chief Paul Wolfowitz told news agencies in an interview today.
"The Iraqi people deserve a peaceful, stable country and the World Bank has a contribution to make clearly on the development side," he said.
The contribution could be in the form of shared advice and expertise as much as in financial assistance, he said, speaking during a visit to Indonesia.
"They are trying to get ministries that were fundamentally corrupted...And are trying to rebuild those things almost from scratch and they need a lot of advice and support from US," he said.
Asked about the possibility of the World Bank reopening an office in the Iraqi capital, Wolfowitz said no decision had yet been taken.
The World Bank closed its Baghdad office in 2004 after a member of staff was killed during an attack on a UN building there. The bank has worked out of Amman in neighbouring Jordan ever since.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 14, 2006 2:14 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Japan's plans to build a power plant in the southern city of Samawa. This again is from www.iraqieconomy.org

$119 million power plant for Samawa April 2, 2006 - Japan is building a $119 million power plant in the southern city of Samawa, a move which the inhabitants have received with glee.
The 60-megawatt plant, to be completed in 21 months, is part of several projects the Japanese government has pledged to undertake in the impoverished city.
The Governor of the southern Province of Muthana Mohammed Ali publicly thanked Tokyo for efforts to develop Samawa.
Samawa is the provincial capital and home to nearly 200,000 people.
“In the name of the people of Samawa we thank the Japanese leadership and are looking forward for more development projects,” Ali Said.
Japan is reported to have pledged to end power shortages in the province and will construct two more power plants each with 25-megawatt capacity, the governor told a cheering crowd.
Samawa’s most famous attraction is the ancient city of Urkuk, the largest Sumerian capital which flourished in southern Iraq in about 2,500 B.C.
Archaeologists say the ancient city saw the birth of the first written scripts in human history.
The former region had turned Samawa into a cement manufacturing center where it constructed some of the largest cement factories in the region.
But the factories have fallen into disrepair.
The city has also lost its attraction as a tourist center when its tourist facilities along the shores of the magnificent Samawa Lake were plundered in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 14, 2006 2:17 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

This may be old news now and may have been covered on this board in my absence. If so, please forgive the repetitiveness of content.

USAID grants $8.9 million to set up microfinance industry in Iraq March 21, 2006 - The U.S. Agency for International Development announced that it has awarded three grants, totaling $8.9 million, to set up a sustainable microfinance industry in Iraq, Portal Iraq reported.
USAID's private sector development program, Izdihar, recently awarded the grants, each for approximately $3 million, to three international non-governmental organizations to help build the capacity of Iraqi microfinance institutions throughout all of Iraq's 18 provinces.
Two of the recipients already have existing operations in Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 14, 2006 2:23 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran Leader: Israel Will Be Annihilated
Apr 14, 12:34 PM (ET) By ALI AKBAR DAREINI

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - The president of Iran again lashed out at Israel on Friday and said it was "heading toward annihilation," just days after Tehran raised fears about its nuclear activities by saying it successfully enriched uranium for the first time.

"Like it or not, the Zionist regime is heading toward annihilation," Ahmadinejad said at the opening of a conference in support of the Palestinians. "The Zionist regime is a rotten, dried tree that will be eliminated by one storm."

The land of Palestine, he said, referring to the British mandated territory that includes all of Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, "will be freed soon."

He did not say how this would be achieved, but insisted to the audience of at least 900 people: "Believe that Palestine will be freed soon."

"The existence of this (Israeli) regime is a permanent threat" to the Middle East, he added. "Its existence has harmed the dignity of Islamic nations."

The three-day conference on Palestine is being attended by officials of Hamas, the ruling party in the Palestinian territories.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060414/D8GVSUC0H.html

-- April 14, 2006 5:34 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl said that the Arabs should take a hand in what is happening in Iraq.. this appears to be a good step toward that goal.
Sara.

Arab League to open Iraq office next week
Last update on: 7-4-2006 CAIRO (AFP)

The Arab League said yesterday that it was sending a delegation to the Iraqi capital next week to open an office in the city, paving the way for a stronger Arab involvement in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq.

The 22-member pan-Arab body made the announcement ahead of a meeting in Cairo next Wednesday of a group of Arab foreign ministers to discuss developments in Iraq.

http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp?CategoryId=2&ArticleId=102192

-- April 14, 2006 6:00 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Again, the Arab League and other interested parties do appear to be taking some role in this, which is very good, as Carl said it may be the way to diffuse the situation without having to go to war.
Sara.

Jordan to host April conference for Iraqi religious leaders
(DPA) 6 April 2006

AMMAN - Jordan’s King Abdullah is to host a conference on April 22 for Iraqi religious leaders with the aim of arriving at a ”political solution” in the war-ravaged country, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The monarch hopes that the meeting could help bring an end to the ongoing sectarian fighting between Shias and Sunnis in the country as well other forms of “violence and terrorism,” said the statement issued by the state-run al-Albeit Foundation for Islamic Thought (AAFIT).

The meeting, under the banner “The Conference of Concord and Agreement” will feature prominent Shia and Sunni leaders from Iraq, as well as renowned scholars from other influential Islamic countries particularly Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Turkey and Egypt.

The conference, to be co-sponsored by the AAFIT and the Cairo- based Arab League, “will represent an important and key step towards ending inter-fighting and violence in Iraq and boosting its unity and stability,” the statement said.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2006/April/middleeast_April143.xml§ion=middleeast&col=

-- April 14, 2006 6:04 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I think the US is not thinking of quitting Iraq anytime soon. :)
Sara.

U.S. building massive embassy in Baghdad
Friday, April 14, 2006
By CHARLES J. HANLEY AP SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The fortress-like compound rising beside the Tigris River here will be the largest of its kind in the world, the size of Vatican City, with the population of a small town, its own defense force, self-contained power and water, and a precarious perch at the heart of Iraq's turbulent future.

The embassy complex - 21 buildings on 104 acres, according to a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee report - is taking shape on riverside parkland in the fortified "Green Zone," just east of al-Samoud, a former palace of Saddam Hussein's, and across the road from the building where the ex-dictator is now on trial.

Higgins said the work, under way on all parts of the project, is more than one-third complete.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Iraq_New_Embassy.html

-- April 14, 2006 7:37 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N. - Thank you for those good and positive articles and comments. They are positive indicators for a good Dinar value. :)

Mary Lou - Thanks for that post. I appreciated the article. It is good to see positive news about people investing in the Dinar.

Bob - Sorry if I seemed overly harsh to you in my viewpoint - I am in the news daily and all it ever says is negative and never one word of good for the sacrifice, care and contributions the troops over there make every day of their lives. Such negativity is unwarranted.

Okie - I think we will see the way forward for Iraq and the fortunes of the Dinar more easily once the PM issue is resolved.

Sara.

-- April 14, 2006 11:15 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Please read all of this post..
Sara.

Troops express support for war in Iraq
2006/4/15
By Wade Zirklen Special to The Washington Post

Earlier this year there was a town hall meeting on the Iraq war, sponsored by Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., with the participation of such antiwar organizations as CodePink and MoveOn.org. The event also featured Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a former Marine who had become an outspoken critic of the war. To this Iraq war veteran, it was a good example of something that's become all too common: People from politics, the media and elsewhere purporting to represent "our" views. With all due respect, most often they don't.

The tenor of the town meeting was mostly what one might expect, but during the question-and-answer period, a veteran injured in Afghanistan stood up to offer his view. "If I didn't have a herniated disc, I would volunteer to go to Iraq in a second with my troops," said Mark Seavey, a former Army sergeant who had recently returned from Afghanistan. "I know you keep saying how you have talked to the troops and the troops are demoralized, and I really resent that characterization. The morale of the troops I talk to is phenomenal, which is why my troops are volunteering to go back despite the hardships. ..."

"And, Congressman Moran, 200 of your constituents just arrived back from Afghanistan -- we never got a letter, we never got a visit from you, you didn't come to our homecoming. The only thing we got was a letter from the governor of this state thanking us for our service in Iraq, when we were in Afghanistan. That's reprehensible. I don't know who you two are talking to, but the morale of the troops is very high."

What was the response? Murtha said nothing, while Moran attempted to move on, no pun intended, stating: "That wasn't in the form of a question, it was a statement."

It was indeed a statement; a statement from both a constituent and a veteran that should have elicited something more than silence or a dismissive comment highlighting a supposed breach of protocol. This exchange, captured on video (it was on C-SPAN), has since been forwarded from base to base in military circles. It has not been well received there, and it only raises the already high level of frustration among military personnel that their opinions are not being heard.

(Murtha's)... comments supposedly expressing the negative views of those who have and are now serving in the Middle East run counter to what I and others know and hear from our own colleagues -- from junior officers to the enlisted backbone of our fighting force. When he called for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, there was a sense of respectful disagreement among most military personnel. But when he subsequently stated that he would not join today's military, he made clear to the majority of us that he is out of touch with the troops. Quite frankly, it was received as a slap in the face.

Like so many others past and present, I proudly volunteered to serve in the military. I served one tour in Iraq and then volunteered to go back. Veterans continue to make clear that they are determined to succeed in Iraq. They are making this clear the best way they can: by volunteering to go back for third and sometimes fourth deployments. This fact is backed up by official Pentagon recruitment reports released as recently as Monday.

The morale of the trigger-pulling class of today's fighting force is strong. Unfortunately, we have not had a microphone or media audience willing to report our comments. Despite this frustration, our military continues to proudly dedicate itself to the mission at hand: a free, democratic and stable Iraq and a more secure America. All citizens have a right to express their views on this important national challenge, and all should be heard. Veterans ask no more, and they deserve no less.

The writer is executive director of Vets for Freedom. He served two tours in Iraq with the Marines before being wounded in action.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/detail.asp?ID=80502&GRP=i

-- April 15, 2006 11:46 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Sounds like a lot of closed door negotiations taking place....maybe we'll see some progress on the new Government by Monday.

"Two Shiite officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions, said the formula called for Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to step aside in favor of another candidate from his Dawa party"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060415/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq;_ylt=Ahz_p44pAGyhPGkhO8jRWRNg.3QA;_ylu=X3oDMTA3b2NibDltBHNlYwM3MTY-

-- April 15, 2006 12:38 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rumsfeld Rejects Criticism
Associated Press | April 15, 2006

CAIRO, Egypt - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld rejected criticism that he had sent too few U.S. troops to Iraq.

In the interview with the pan-Arab Al-Arabiya that aired Friday, Rumsfeld denied that insufficient troop levels had led to scandals such as Abu Ghraib.

He said three generals who oversaw the campaign's planning - Tom Franks, John Abizaid and George Casey - had determined the overall number of troops, and that he and President Bush agreed with them.

"There is a balance that is needed in this. You can have not enough troops, in which case things can be disorderly, or you can have too many troops and be too intrusive, too much of an occupying force," Rumsfeld said.

Asked about the retired generals calling for him to lose his job, Rumsfeld said there were between 3,000 and 6,000 generals on duty and retired.

"If out of thousands and thousands of admirals and generals, if every time two or three people disagreed, we changed the secretary of defense of the United States, it would be like a merry-go-round," he said.

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,94376,00.html?ESRC=iraq.RSS

-- April 15, 2006 5:40 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran issues stark military warning to United States
Apr 15 4:42 AM US/Eastern

Iran said it could defeat any American military action over its controversial nuclear drive, in one of the Islamic regime's boldest challenges yet to the United States.

"You can start a war but it won't be you who finishes it," said General Yahya Rahim Safavi, the head of the Revolutionary Guards and among the regime's most powerful figures.

"The Americans know better than anyone that their troops in the region and in Iraq are vulnerable. I would advise them not to commit such a strategic error," he told reporters on the sidelines of a pro-Palestinian conference in Tehran.

The United States accuses Iran of using an atomic energy drive as a mask for weapons development. Last weekend US news reports said President George W. Bush's administration was refining plans for preventive strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

"I would advise them to first get out of their quagmire in Iraq before getting into an even bigger one," General Safavi said with a grin.

"We have American forces in the region under total surveillance. For the past two years, we have been ready for any scenario, whether sanctions or an attack."

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/04/15/060415084241.xdv0o3w3.html

"We have American forces in the region under total surveillance." is a telling comment. It seems the insurgents who watch the troops.. have ties to Iran, then, no?

-- April 15, 2006 7:46 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I have seen the enemy ... (a report from the frontlines)

I have seen the enemy ...
Posted: April 14, 2006 By Franklin Raff

An Iraqi officer of significant rank approached my translator as I quietly took notes near the banks of the Euphrates River, at a combat observation post named COP Dunlop. He knew I was an embedded American. He had a sense, perhaps, that I was a sympathetic soul, and he wanted to pass along an urgent message.

We shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.And at a certain moment, he grew a little uneasy and blurted out what he had wanted to say from the beginning:

Quote:
Why do you people not tell our story? Why do you not say what is going on? Why do you come to our country and see what is happening, you see the schools and the hospitals and you see the markets and you eat with Sunni and Shia soldiers – everybody eats together, everybody works together –you see that Saddam is gone forever and we are free to speak and complain.

You see we are working and eating together and fighting together – Sunni and Shia – you see what we are building here, you see the votes we make as one people. Then you say to the world about a great war and horrible things and how we are all killing each other? We are not animals! We are Iraqis. Look around you! Look!

===end of quote===

Let me tell you what has become somewhat of a running joke among coalition soldiers.. (please read this one).

The lies aren't relegated to firsthand reports. I listen to NPR every morning. I read the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and scan any number of online media. As a lifelong and moderately accomplished student of war history and of the works (and memoranda) of men like Sergei Eisenstein and Josef Goebbels, I have been keenly aware of an increasing use of elemental propaganda techniques and tactics in "mainstream" reporting on the war.

Let's use, for example...

In the minds of those who do not recognize the telltale signs of subversive delivery, the desired effect is achieved.

I did not see a civil war. I did not see the beginnings of a civil war. But I did learn a thing or two about the "roots" of this civil war: Iraq's civil war has been engineered, in no small part, from the comfort of a Baghdad hotel room. It is catalyzed by minor exaggerations, partial facts, and propagandistic suppressions. It will escalate, over time and across media, as minor mistruths beget outright lies, until the truth itself begins to change.

As our new Iraqi allies become discouraged by what they see in the world news, and as they start losing hope, they may abandon their dreams once and for all. Our media's dark prophecies will then have fulfilled themselves. Then, and tragically, Iraqi and coalition pleas for "truth" may finally be silenced.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49739

-- April 16, 2006 12:43 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

And the wheels of progress slow down again....not to worry....it will be resolved.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A scheduled Monday session of Iraq's parliament was postponed by the acting speaker on Sunday, further delaying the formation of a government already held up by four months of wrangling by political groups.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060416/ts_nm/iraq_dc_3

-- April 16, 2006 12:29 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran wants to to contribute to the formation of the Iraqi government

Iran’s Man in Iraq: "We Do Not Take Orders from the Americans"
Posted Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2006

What is Tehran’s main man in Iraq up to? Hassan Kazemi Ghomi... denied he is playing a military role in Iraq. He says most of his generation of government officials served, as did he, in the Revolutionary Guards’ Baseej (“volunteer”) units during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s but explains that “I stopped my military service years ago.”

Ghomi denied U.S. claims that his country’s special forces were operating inside Iraq or that Iran’s military was aiding the insurgency with ever more sophisticated weapons. Ghomi is not likely to suffer any anxiety over U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s threat of “strong action” against Iran in the U.N. Security Council in response to the news that Tehran had finally enriched a small quantity of uranium. Ghomi made it clear his government does not take kindly to being told what to do.

Iranian policy, he says, is to stabilize the nascent government in Baghdad, not to disrupt it. Instead, he says, it is time for Tehran and Baghdad to establish a strong strategic relationship, replete with intelligence sharing and Iranian assistance in building up the Iraqi security forces, roles the U.S. currently holds a monopoly over. “What we actually want inside Iraq today is to contribute to the formation of the government” said the diplomat, staking out what until now has been the province of U.S. and British advisors.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1183235,00.html

WHY is there a delay in forming the Iraqi government? Might Iran be wishing to have a part of it happening.. and be working behind the scenes to delay it?

Sara.

-- April 16, 2006 7:12 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iranian group signing up potential martyrs
U.S. think tank: Iran reinforcing facilities

Sunday, April 16, 2006; Posted: 10:06 a.m. EDT (14:06 GMT)

TEHRAN, Iran (Reuters) -- Some 200 Iranians have volunteered in the past few days to carry out "martyrdom missions" against U.S. and British interests around the world if Iran is attacked, a hard-line group said Sunday.

The news of potential martyrs came as The Institute for Science and International Security, a U.S. think tank, said Sunday that Iran has expanded its uranium conversion facilities in Isfahan and reinforced its Natanz underground uranium enrichment plant.

Chanting "Death to America" and "Nuclear technology is our right", volunteers registered their names at the former American Embassy in southern Tehran on Sunday.

"We will give a good lesson to those who dare to attack our country," said Ali, a 25-year-old masked volunteer, after filling out registration form.

When asked why he had covered his face, Ali said: "I do not want to be recognized when traveling abroad to harm American and British interests."

The Sunday Times of London, quoting unnamed Iranian officials, reported Iran had 40,000 trained suicide bombers prepared to strike western targets if Iran is attacked.

"Harm will not only engulf the Islamic Republic of Iran, but the region and everybody," the influential Iranian leader told a news conference with Syrian Vice President Farouq al-Shara.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan told Spain's ABC daily that the situation was already "too heated" to withstand any further aggravation.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/04/16/iran.wrapup.reut/index.html

-- April 16, 2006 7:37 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

I am going to say again, why are we unilaterally policing the Middle East? Why are we the only ones concerned with who has WMDs and Nukes?

We will never make a friend or ally of Iraq, but if the money keeps flowing in large quantities, they will tolorate us. There is already rumbling from the new government that we are intefering with their decision making.

How can we ask a soldier to fight a war when he doesn't know who his enemy is. He has to dodge a bullet or watch a buddy's vehicle being blown up before he can take action. His every action is scrutinized as to whether it was appropriate or too harsh.

We need to infiltrate these trouble spots with CIA spies who have authority to reek havock like these terrorist are doing.

We are in a quagmire in Iraq and unless Mr. Bush alters his approach to solving this situation, the Rupublican Party is going to suffer immensely in November. Tell me after November how wrong I am.

-- April 16, 2006 10:55 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran sets up new terror camp in eastern Iraq - report
Sun. 16 Apr 2006 Iran Focus

London, Apr. 16 – Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has set up a new terrorist training camp in Eastern Iraq, according to a commander of Iraq’s border police.

The Iraqi officer told the National Iraqi News Agency that the camp was situated 2.5 kilometres from the Iran-Iraq border in the Iraqi province of Diyala.

The IRGC has been holding training courses lasting two weeks at the camp for its Iraqi mercenaries to carry out assassinations of Sunni Iraqis, especially those who held officer ranks in the Iraqi army during the reign of Saddam Hussein, the officer said.
http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/redir.php?jid=898cef0ef52e269e&cat=c31d0aaa23b24a75

-- April 17, 2006 12:29 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

www.freakingnews.com has a spoof of a NID. On the currency it shows President Bush as the prominent figure with a missle to his left and a U.S. Soldier to his right.

I know the evaluation of the NID is serious, but I thought it funny given Iraq being the Presidents central item on his agenda.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 17, 2006 12:53 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Bob...

I offer the following comments in response to your questions.

I am going to say again, why are we unilaterally policing the Middle East? Why are we the only ones concerned with who has WMDs and Nukes?

“The last time I checked we had a lot of countries in the coalition to help fight the terrorists.”

We will never make a friend or ally of Iraq, but if the money keeps flowing in large quantities, they will tolorate us. There is already rumbling from the new government that we are intefering with their decision making.

“Actually, Iraq makes no secret of the fact they want a close relationship with the US even after the major aid programs end later in the year.”

How can we ask a soldier to fight a war when he doesn't know who his enemy is. He has to dodge a bullet or watch a buddy's vehicle being blown up before he can take action. His every action is scrutinized as to whether it was appropriate or too harsh.

“I never met any one in the Military who didn’t know who the enemy was or the rules of engagement. A lot of confusion is created by our liberal press.”

We need to infiltrate these trouble spots with CIA spies who have authority to reek havock like these terrorist are doing.

“Bingo! You must realize we have overt and covert capability.”

We are in a quagmire in Iraq and unless Mr. Bush alters his approach to solving this situation, the Rupublican Party is going to suffer immensely in November. Tell me after November how wrong I am.

“We’re very fortunate to have a very strong born again Christian leading our nation during a time like this. Most Americans realize this.

-- April 17, 2006 7:02 PM ∞

BOB wrote:

Oakie: Stop believing everything you hear in those staff briefings.

In response to your comments, I offer the following:
If 3 friendly looking Iraqis were approaching you, how would you know if two were friendly and one was strapped with bombs. The first military man to not know his enemy could very well be you.

I sincerely hope that we have some type of covert operation going that is significant enough to have any meaning.

Also Oakie, please read some polls, only 36% of the people support anything that Mr. Bush is doing.

I recognize that soldiers must have an upbeat, positive approach to their assigned mission and that morale must be high in order to stay dedicated and I have the utmost respect for what you are doing even though I may disagree with why you are doing it.

-- April 17, 2006 10:51 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Oakie, allow me.

Bob: 3 Iraqis approach me, which one is friendly? None but they were all searched 20 meters by an Iraqi soldier so none have bombs. Any that have not been searched are tirned away or shot.

Secret things going on? I support things every day that you will never hear about. Trust me, they exist.

Turtle

-- April 17, 2006 11:43 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Bob:

Have you purchased any Iraqi Dinar notes? If so, then it seems logical your interest should be in the success of Iraq not in the liberal bias of the U.S. media.

Paul Bremer in his new book paints a different picture of the country than what Elizabeth Vargas, Bob Scheffer, and Brian Williams says about Iraq on the nightly news.

Do you think, these three network anchors are not bias? You chide Okie for listening to white house briefings. I guess you should be chided for listening to the network anchors. We all know there genda it is to destroy public confidence in the war effort. Their public opinon polls regarding Bush's handling of the war have been manipulated by staticians to reflect what the networks want these polls to say.

I understand that both sides have an agenda, but now that I have invested into Iraq buy purchasing the NID, I want the country to prosper and succeed. I think its best chance to succeed is with our help. I would think if you too have bought the NID you would want the same thing.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 18, 2006 10:22 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

The only way to remove him is a vote by the Iraqi Parliament. Let it happen soon!!

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari insisted Wednesday he will be the Shiite nominee for a new term, saying it is "out of the question" that he will step down. Al-Jaafari's comments, made in a nationally televised press conference, mean the deadlock over the premiership likely will continue.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060419/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_politics

-- April 19, 2006 8:43 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Negotiations and wrangling continue, NOT a hurdle in forming the government

New rift in Iraq unity government talks
18-04-2006 / 15:30

A new split clouded protracted efforts to form a national unity government in Iraq, this time between the ousted Sunni Arab elite and secularist supporters of former premier Iyad Allawi.

Allawi, whose bloc holds 25 seats in the 275-member parliament, has made a bid for one of the two vice president posts, angering the main Sunni grouping, the National Concord Front.

Sunnis had reservations about Allawi's candidacy, because "they say the two vice presidencies are meant for Shiite and Sunni candidates".

"We do not agree with such sectarian sharing. Nothing in the constitution says that the posts should be shared like this." Awadi said.

Zhafer al-Ani, spokesman of the National Concord Front confirmed the group had reservations about the nomination of Allawi, a pro-Western secular Shiite.

"There is another problem. Allawi wants the post of vice president which is ours," Ani said.

The Sunnis are also facing stiff opposition from the Shiite alliance to their candidacy for the post of parliament speaker.

"The Shiite opposition is a reaction to our opposition to Jaafari," Ani charged.

But Ani insisted his group would not act as a "hurdle in the formation of a national unity government", adding "there are still many differences within the groups and I think we need at least a month to form the government."

http://www.wanadoo.jo/factu.php?articleId=971904

-- April 19, 2006 12:03 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Turtle.. for you and those like you, an article of support..
Sara.

War in Iraq -- who is telling the truth?
Sharon Hughes
April 18, 2006

There is no doubt that negative feedback about the war is emphasized by the mainstream media which, while accusing legislators of politicizing the war, in fact are as guilty, if not more, of doing the same. Case in point: Cindy Sheehan. Who would argue that the air and print time given to this anti- war poster-mom of the left wasn't exhaustive? Yet hardly a mention has been given to the Blue Star Moms and others who have also lost sons in the war, and have something to say, but from a different point of view than Sheehan. Let's not forget, the media made Cindy Sheehan.

The headlines of major print media, especially online where articles are grouped by topic, could be enough to make the less informed think we are losing the war, that the effort and sacrifice paid already by our troops have been in vain. However, when you read the stories themselves, very often there's little substance to support the headline accusations, once you get past the spin.

That's why I like to read and hear it from the Iraqi people, our soldiers, and others who are not interested in politicizing the war.

Such as Franklin Raff....

And Officer Dan Maher of the New York Police Department, who recently spent a year helping to train an Iraqi police force...

He tells his experience straight, just like it is. And many others have and are doing the same, but their voices are rarely heard.

I've interviewed several soldiers, officers and journalists who have been in Iraq, on my show since the war began and they all echo Dan Maher's attitude.

No one wants to go to war, except aggressors who want to dominate the world. Not soldiers. Not officers. Not presidents. Not Americans. Not our allies. Not any civilized people or freedom-loving country. Nevertheless, when the safety of the people is at risk, both imminent and in the foreseeable future, the brave and understanding are willing to enter the fray when necessary.

There have always been, and always will be, the bullies of the world who will not stop, unless they are stopped. That's why war is a reality. And that's why the great majority of us, who stay at home while our troops defend us, are so grateful for their effort on our behalf. That's why "supporting our troops" fighting the war on terror is alive and well.

Oh, I know I'll get a ton of mail for saying these things from those who disagree. But I comfort myself with the knowledge that the vast majority of Americans wish there was no such thing as war, but understand the consequences of not standing up to the bullies of the world. If you can say anything about America, you can say this...we will not be beaten in the school yard of the world.

To those who think my comments are ridiculous, let me ask you, what do you think then of 9/ll terrorist, Zacarias Moussaoui's statements in court on Thursday, April 13th, 2006, in anwser to Prosecutor Rob Spencer's questioning? ...

Spencer: "So you would be happy to see 9/11 again?"

Moussaoui: "Every day until we get you. I'm glad there was pain, and I wish there will be more pain."

Spencer: "So, you have no regret, no remorse?"

Moussaoui: "No regret, no remorse. We have an obligation to be the superpower. You have to be subdued."

Is war a seamless operation? No. Is the war in Iraq running smoothly? What does that mean? War is hell! But, in the midst of it all, because of the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers, much good is happening to defend us at home and to extend freedom in countries that have not known freedom.

Who is telling the truth about the war in Iraq? Those who don't have an axe to grind. Those who are saying it like it is...LIKE IT REALLY IS.

http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/hughes/060418http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/hughes/060418

-- April 19, 2006 12:08 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

At Heart of Iraqi Impasse, a Family Feud Militia-Backed Shiite Factions Vie for Political Dominance

By Jonathan Finer
Washington Post Foreign Service
Wednesday, April 19, 2006; Page A01

NAJAF, Iraq -- On one side of the grinding political deadlock over who should lead Iraq's next government is a plain-spoken cleric with the puffed cheeks and patchy beard of youth, a fiery icon of the downtrodden with an exalted family name: al-Sadr.

On the other is a wizened mullah from the clerical old guard, whose al-Hakim clan founded Iraq's largest political party and whose scholarly air belies a reputation for ruthlessness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/18/AR2006041801625.html

-- April 20, 2006 9:00 AM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Bill1 et al: I single you out because I know your daughters are in the neighborhood but this effects everyone. Unfortunately, I cannot give details because it is still not public knowledge and is still speculative. But... Keep an eye on the news. I got some information today that could mean the insurgents are beginning to come up short on high grade explosives. It could also mean nothing but it is significant. I should have thought of it sooner but if Iran is ramping up for war, they and Syria may have stopped sending as much over the boarder. Anyway, that is totally hypothetical but that they are at least currently low on supplies is almost certain.

I also had the pleasure of getting to see some of the new armor and that stuff can take some serious thumps. Anyway, just a slice of potential good news for a father.

Add that to things finally breaking on Jafari and I think I can call this the most significant day I've seen from this view since the elections. I haven't had time to watch the US news much lately but I have to wonder if the civil war muck is still being thrown or have they finally conceded that it was a load of garbage? Anyway, we had a huge storm a few days and I got to see hale in this country for the first time and it was on a day of 100 plus temps. I almost came on and told everyone to expect great things because I had seen proof that a snowball in fact stood a chance in h...

Quick point... Remember a couple weeks back when Okie and I discussed the fine points of Enshalla - God's Will being used in sentences here? Well, I checked the news reports today and they aren't using Enshalla a whole lot when speaking of things coming together soon. I HOPE this is a sign that back room politics have won the day and things are more decided than they are admitting right now. I'm not making any preditctions mind you, but I have hope based on what I am hearing. Keep praying Sara, we're still in the dark but there just might be daylight on the horizon.

-- April 20, 2006 10:28 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Here is an article from 2003 from the Council on Foreign Affairs.
The Benefits of the New Iraqi Dinar
Author: Brad Setser

August 7, 2003
Iraq Reconstruction Report

The Coalition’s decision to print a fresh batch of Saddam dinar notes this June drove home the urgent need to select the currency and monetary institutions for post-Saddam Iraq. The decision to introduce a new dinar rather than to dollarize or create a currency board was the right one.

The immediate advantages of introducing new dinars are clear. Saddam’s face won’t be on them. Moreover, the “Saddam” dinar only comes in two sizes. The 10,000 dinar note (worth a bit more than five dollars) is tainted by rumors of counterfeiting and is too large for everyday transactions. In contrast, the 250 dinar note (worth between a dime and a quarter) has not only continued to circulate, it has also appreciated in value relative to both the dollar and the 10,000 note. There is simply no practical alternative to small dinar notes in an economy where many people live on less than a dollar a day. With many payments being made in dollars, more dollars were chasing the same set of dinars. But even in an economy where $50 a month is a good salary, it is not terribly practical to pay salaries in dimes and quarters. New bills in a wider range of denominations should make day to day life in Iraq easier.

The long-term advantages of a new currency backed by a respected central bank are potentially even more important. The Saddam dinar was never a viable candidate for Iraq’s future currency. The only real question was how quickly it would be replaced, and with what. But there were a range of possible replacements other than a new currency and an independent central bank. The Saddam dinar could have been replaced with the dollar, the pound or the euro or a new dinar that was permanently tied to the dollar (or another anchor currency) through a currency board. A currency board effectively would put an Iraqi face on the dollar while locking Iraq’s into following the U.S. monetary policy. In a currency board, monetary policy is committed solely toward the maintenance of a fixed parity between the local currency and the anchor currency. Dollarization requires the immediate commitment to spend scare funds to buy back existing dinar, and a currency board requires an equal commitment of reserves to back a new dinar.

Advantages Over Dollarization

However, there are good reasons to think that neither outright dollarization nor a currency board would be superior in the long-run to an independent Iraqi currency that can float against the dollar. Why? The simple answer is that it makes little sense for an economy that relies heavily on oil exports to adopt the currency of an oil importer. For example, tying Iraq’s monetary policy to that of the United States is a problem when an oil supply shock drives up the world price for oil, slowing the economies of major oil importers while putting additional cash in the pockets of oil exporters. Right now the stagnant U.S. needs relatively low interest rates, while most oil producers are flush (Iraq excepted, given its limited current oil production) and need relatively high interest rates.

A currency that is tightly linked to the dollar would also make it harder for the government of Iraq to manage its dependence on oil revenues. The dollar revenue from oil sales is highly volatile, so the government would have trouble paying the same dollar salary when oil is at $10 a barrel and when oil is at $30 a barrel. Rather than matching expenses and revenues by paying dollar salaries that vary in line with global oil prices, it is far easier to pay salaries in a local currency and let the value of the local currency fluctuate against the dollar. Since the currency of commodity exporters tends to rise and fall with commodity prices, a fixed local currency salary has a smaller dollar value when oil prices are low (150,000 dinars might be worth $100 when oil is high, but only say $75 when oil is low), and this is exactly what the economy needs.

Managing Oil Revenue Volatility

The difficulties volatility in oil revenues creates for the government are also found in the overall economy. If the currency is tied to the dollar, prices and wages need to be very flexible since the economy’s dollar earnings will fluctuate in line with global oil prices. Wages have to fall when the oil price falls to avoid unemployment. One major oil exporter— Ecuador— has adopted the dollar, but that country’s dollarization has yet to be tested by a period of low oil prices that requires domestic wages and prices to fall. Far better to look to the example provided by major commodity producers like Canada, Australia, Norway, Mexico and Russia who let their currencies float. Changes in the currency’s external value help cushion against falls in local prices and wages when lower commodity prices require economic adjustment. There are other ways to smooth out volatility in oil export earnings, including putting money into an oil stabilization fund when prices are high to support the economy–and the currency— when oil prices are low. But a managed float that allows for some exchange rate flexibility could be part of a set of policies that helps Iraq manage the economic risks associated with oil dependence.

Immediate Concerns

In the near term, however, the focus is likely to be on the set of obstacles that need to be overcome to have a successful currency reform rather than on the long-term advantages of an independent currency. These include:

Completing the proposed currency reform. The exchange will run from mid October to mid December, with Saddam dinars exchanged at one to one for new dinars, and the Swiss dinars that circulate in the Kurdish north exchanged for 150 new dinars. The risk that this swap will fail are minimal. A government that pays salaries, collects taxes and buys goods in the new currency can directly influence the type of currency that people want to use. Moreover, the broader range of notes should flat out make the new dinar more useful than the Saddam dinar.

Broadening the use of the dinar and reducing the use of dollars. After getting Saddam’s face off the currency, the U.S. also should consider the advantages of taking George Washington’s face off Iraq’s daily commerce. Iraq would gain in the long-run if the dinar, not the dollar, is an accepted store of financial value and the unit of account in the financial system, not just the currency used for small everyday transactions. Paying government employees in dinar is a good place to start. Emerging economies can live with some informal dollarization, but heavy reliance on the dollar in the domestic financial system complicates economic management. For example, informal dollarization makes it difficult for the government to act as a lender of last resort to the banking system and harder for exchange rate adjustment to help buffer against commodity shocks.

Managing monetary policy. The new Iraqi government is unlikely to be in a position for some time to issue dinar debt that can be bought and sold to help regulate the money supply. Managing bank balances and buying and selling foreign currency will be the dominant monetary policy instruments for a while. And since most of the economy’s hard currency earnings are coming from the sale of oil by the government, the transfer of frozen assets to the government and international aid, the state will play a much larger role in the foreign exchange market than is typical in advanced economies.

There are significant technical challenges associated with managing monetary policy in a financially underdeveloped economy. The U.S. should not skimp on technical assistance, nor should it hesitate to draw on the IMF and World Bank’s on-the-ground experience in poor and underdeveloped economies. Above all, the United States should not look to an independent central bank to minimize the cost of reconstruction or to fill gaps in the budget. Even a floating currency needs substantial reserve backing and the new dinar won’t hold its value if the central bank starts printing dinars to make up for a shortage of grant aid or oil revenue in the budget. It is impossible to build the foundation for financial stability on the cheap.

A stable currency alone won’t create jobs for unemployed former soldiers, create jobs for employees of Iraqi businesses that cannot compete effectively with imports now that sanctions have been lifted, repair existing oil infrastructure or provide the $100 billion plus in new investment that Iraq may need to return to its 1990 living standards. Yet a sound currency is a precondition for near term economic stabilization and, over time, the introduction of a new currency should help create the foundation for an economy that can use monetary policy as a buffer against the risks stemming from its inherent dependence on oil.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 20, 2006 10:57 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

My thoughts on the PM wrangling, and yes, turtle, I am praying.. I feel it in the air, too.
Sara.

Quote of article today:

Jaafari backtracks over Iraq PM post
Thursday 20 April 2006, 14:07 Makka Time, 11:07 GMT

Ibrahim al-Jaafari has told Iraq's Shia alliance he was no longer insisting on being the country's prime minister, saying his fate now rests in the hands of the alliance members.

The announcement on Thursday morning came just hours before the Iraqi parliament was to meet for only the second time since a landmark election in December, with political leaders still squabbling over top government posts.

Jawad al-Maliki, a key leader in the conservative Shia bloc, the United Iraq Alliance, said: "Jaafari has left the decision about his candidacy with the alliance."

"Mr Jaafari told the alliance today that it was up to it to decide whether it feels it is necessary" to have him as the next prime minister, "which means he is no longer insisting on the post," al-Maliki said.

"Now it will be the alliance which will decide."

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/8FAE928B-88FC-42AE-A3E9-03C93C7873DE.htm

In my opinion, this is not a softening of Jaafari's stand as is supposed.

Two possibilities suggest themselves to me. First, Jaafari is certain that the alliance will not insist on his leaving and this course of action allows him to DELAY the process longer while making everyone happy and looking like he is cooperative (and the push to DELAY the process coming through Iran continues).

Quote:

Also, the UIC is under pressure to name another candidate than Ibrahim el-Jaafari for premier how was chosen to form Iraq’s first fully elected government after a hotly-contested vote in UIC.

The Sunnis and Kurds have declared their rejection of Jaafari as the next prime minister.

http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=17896&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

The second possibility was suggested to me in a conversation a while back by Carl who said Jaafari's deputy lived 15 years in Iran and is as much a threat to US interests as Jaafari is. IF they decide Jaafari must step aside and choose his deputy instead, we are not getting anything new or more flexible, only another Iranian agent - a person with the same values and viewpoint - something Iran will be happy about. After all, they are behind the scenes very frantically pulling the strings and wishing to have a say in "forming the government".

Quote:

Iranian policy, he says, is to stabilize the nascent government in Baghdad, not to disrupt it. Instead, he says, it is time for Tehran and Baghdad to establish a strong strategic relationship, replete with intelligence sharing and Iranian assistance in building up the Iraqi security forces, roles the U.S. currently holds a monopoly over. “What we actually want inside Iraq today is to contribute to the formation of the government” said the diplomat, staking out what until now has been the province of U.S. and British advisors.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1183235,00.html

Sara.

-- April 20, 2006 11:35 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

This is what you are sensing in the air, I think, turtle..
Sara.

Coup and counter-coup: The struggle for Iraq
By Sami Moubayed Apr 21, 2006

DAMASCUS - Amid all the political confusion in Iraq, Baghdad is swirling with rumors that former prime minister Iyad Allawi is planning a military coup to end the gridlock over the choice of Ibrahim al-Jaafari as prime minister-designate.

Allawi's group currently has 25 seats in the 275-seat parliament - not enough to realize the former prime minister's ambitions through democratic and legal means, justifying, perhaps, a military coup to achieve them by force.

The speculation is that Allawi will use the armed forces to seize power and topple the stubborn Jaafari, who insists on staying in power (he was premier in the previous administration) although he has lost support of everybody around him, including the Americans, the British, the Sunnis, the Kurds, the seculars and some of the Shi'ites in his own United Iraqi Alliance (UIA). His only remaining supporters are the Da'wa Party, which he heads, and the rebel-cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

With strong American support, Allawi would prop himself up as prime minister, and probably take over the Ministry of Defense or Interior as well, then create a mini-dictatorship where he would unleash hell on his enemies: the former Ba'athists, the Sunni insurgency of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the pro-Iran officials of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution of Iraq (SCIRI), the Badr Brigade and Muqtada al-Sadr.

Allawi said last month that the sectarian killing in the country amounted to a "civil war".

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HD21Ak02.html

-- April 20, 2006 12:10 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

If Carl were here (he is out serving in the Gulf on Coast Guard duty) I am certain he would say that Iran is just trying to make up an excuse to attack Iraq. Iran has built up their army along the Iran/Iraq border, then delayed the formation of the Iraqi government, and now they have formed this lie about Allawi which came to us through the CHINA press.. and they will allege that Iraq is in crisis and that the Iranians need to come in and protect their Shiite brethren. The mosque attack/civil war line did not work, this is the next strategy to bring the war to a head. Iran wants to be in a war with the US and Iraq is the location they are choosing.

Will the US diffuse this quickly as they did the Civil War talk? Or will they take care of Iran because they need to be taken care of.. if Iran invades Iraq? Invading Iraq brings war upon the US forces and, from the Iranian perspective, may usher in the chaos, war and destruction necessary for the Mahdi to appear (as they confront "the great evil" prophecied of, which they believe is the US).

Sara.

-- April 20, 2006 12:23 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I received this reply to this post today, which I thought I would share with the forum:

From a military standpoint and without going into great detail, realignments of strategic assets have already taken place to insure the scenario posted by Sara does not occur.
====

:)

===
Also:

"Looks like Saturday is gonna be a good day with new PM that is accepted by all."

- Statement from a video on Fox News quoting Talibani.

Click on the news clip on the site called, "Iraq: A new Era".

-- April 20, 2006 3:26 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Thanks for the heads-up Turtle.

One of my daughters is in a Communications Squadron, and the other is with a Motor Transport unit. I won't give anymore details than that.

I'm now learning that where I thought I understood they'd be over there on a six-month pump ...it's now turned into a nine(9)-month pump.

The one in MT (Motor Transport) she provides cover using her vehicle w/ it's gunner and crew served weapon for the HE (Heavy Equipment) Marines repairing the roads. You've probably have seen or heard of them doing this over there using 100# bags of cement to repair holes, etc, in the local, main, road surface/s.

She told me recently that they broke their old record of 15 repairs per day by three -- they're now up to eighteen. Being Marines I know they've got their sights on breaking the 20 per day mark.

Got some pictures of them too. They had a tearful reunion once they both got into country, as they're pretty close being fraternal twins.

Three months down and now six to go...

God bless you all,

Bill1

-- April 20, 2006 3:44 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Hi all..

I hope I wasn't telling tales out of school by my mentioning Carl being away lately - his insights are helpful to the board, and I supposed that care which motivated him to mention to me his reasons for being absent for a while and unable to communicate with the board would be appreciated. :)

Now that the PM of Iraq has allowed his party to choose another candidate, there appears to be two candidates which they are considering.. Mahdi, the gentleman who was defeated by only ONE vote by Jaafari for the nomination last time, and a newer candidate who is more "sectarian" in his views:

Shiites Appear Split on Choice of New PM
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA, Associated Press Writer April 21, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite politicians appeared divided Friday over their choice of a new nominee to head the next government after Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari agreed to let them try to find someone else acceptable to Sunnis and Kurds.

Shiite officials said it was unlikely the alliance committee would agree on a single candidate at the meeting and would instead focus on the mechanism for choosing a nominee. Such a vote would probably take place Saturday before an afternoon session of parliament.

Al-Jaafari's Dawa party was leaning toward Jawad al-Maliki, a leading member of the party. Al-Maliki's candidacy would complicate the issue because he may be unacceptable to groups outside the alliance due to his sectarian views.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060421/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- April 21, 2006 8:13 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I had thought that Mahdi, who lost to Jaafari by only one single vote last time, was a shoe-in for the position this time around. However, it appears that the condition by which Jaafari stepped down was that Mahdi would not run for the PM spot - as this says, quote, "It is our understanding with them that if Jaafari withdraws they will not present any candidate to replace him".
Sara.

Jaafari’s Dawa party chooses two candidates for Iraq PM
(AFP) 21 April 2006

BAGHDAD - Embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari is out of the running for the post of premier and his party has selected two other potential candidates, an MP from his Dawa party said on Friday.

“We had meetings between ourselves and the Moqtada Sadr group and have come up with two names, Jawad Al Maliki and Ali Al Adeeb, as candidates for the post of prime minister,” said Hassan Al Senaed, a Shiite MP from Jaafari’s Dawa party.

If the candidates are approved, “the names will be forwarded to the 130 members of the United Iraqi Alliance for a final opinion”, he added.

He further said that the Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) will not present a candidate for the prime minister’s post.

“It is our understanding with them that if Jaafari withdraws they will not present any candidate to replace him,” Senaed said.

In February when Jaafari was selected by the alliance as candidate for the premier’s post, he had beaten SCIRI’s Adel Abdel Mahdi by a single vote.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2006/April/focusoniraq_April128.xml§ion=focusoniraq&col=

-- April 21, 2006 9:53 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

The Parliament is done for Sat. and will meet again to settle on the PM position. The link gives a blow-by-blow of the session. Some interesting comments regarding the PM position.

"I guess not because if any of the two new candidates gets to be the new PM, Iraq will–in my opinion-continue to descend for the next four years in the same way it's been doing since the interim government was installed last year. And after all, the UIA's decision to replace Jafari with al-Adeeb or al-Maliki is a solution designed for preserving the brittle unity of the UIA and not for the creation of a unity government because they know very well that the rest of blocs were hoping to see Abdul Mahdi replace Jafari and maybe the UIA is twisting arms with this new nomination and betting on splitting the lines of the anti-Jafari mass thinking those would not be willing to prolong the deadlock by refusing the new candidates.

Will we see a surprise in tomorrow's session? Will the deadlock remain? Could it be that the Kurds, Sunni and secular blocs are just trying to trick the UIA into approving a presidency council and get the dispute to the parliament to overthrow the UIA's candidate(s) and force their own candidate?
This is what we'll find out tomorrow."

http://www.iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/

-- April 22, 2006 1:02 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Things are moving at a faster pace now....COM'ON DINAR!!!

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's president formally designated Shiite politician Jawad al-Maliki to form a new government Saturday, starting a process aimed at healing ethnic and religious wounds and pulling the nation out of insurgency and sectarian strife.

The designation ends months of political deadlock among Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds that threatened to drag the nation into civil war. Al-Maliki has 30 days to present his Cabinet to parliament for approval.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060422/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_060421193531

-- April 22, 2006 1:26 PM ∞

Terri wrote:

I have read through your forum...I feel SO dumb! I'm a single mom, I live paycheck to paycheck...someone, ANYONE, please advise me...should I invest in the Dinar (I've only got $2,000) to invest...what is the predicted payoff/increase? What is the increase dependent upon? Yes, I'm the first to admit, many who read this will ignor me for the simplicity and directness of my question...I'm desperate! I have such a small amount to invest and there doesn't seem to by anything else out there that will generate any type of income within the next rive years... PLEASE, someone, anyone ... give me some advice!
Respectfully, Terri B.

-- April 22, 2006 5:14 PM ∞

Outlaw in Gulfport wrote:

Terri B...

You are asking questions that NO ONE CAN ANSWER... This country is in the middle of a war that no one knows how long it will last. If we have to go into Iran... this whole region of the world... and possibly the whole world its self, could be in a war that could possibly do the dinar in forever. I have invested about $17,000.00 into IQD and am worried about my investment.

My best advise my friend, is don't spend anything that you can't afford to loose!

Outlaw

-- April 22, 2006 10:50 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Terri B....

Outlaw did a good job of telling you that this investment is very risky and it could be lost due to a variety of reasons. In your current position I wouldn't invest more than 10% of the savings that you have. Iraq is looking a little bit better in the last few days....but you never can tell...

-- April 23, 2006 12:47 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Terri, when you said, "there doesn't seem to by anything else out there that will generate any type of income within the next five years..." I noted the FIVE YEARS you mentioned. I think it is good you are not thinking that tomorrow you will cash out whatever Dinar you do buy. This is a good mentality. :)

It could happen quickly or slowly.. or not at all. Only invest what you are willing to lose because this is a high risk venture. That said, I think it is a good venture and that it is likely to make you a handsome return. Just recognise that we are investing in IRAQ and its future place in the global economy. We have faith that good things will happen soon.

Here is some positive news about what is happening in the political and economic worlds concerning Iraq which lends credence to the idea that this investment has international support and help. :)

Official Delegations Attend Important Gatherings

-----------------

22 April 2006 (Baghdad: Al-Iraqiyah TV)

Two official delegations are currently attending separate international meetings. One delegation is led by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ali Abdul Allawi, accompanied by Dr. Sinan AL Shibibi, Governor of the Central Bank, which is conducting negotiations with officials of the IMF in Washington over both Iraqi economic reforms and the reduction of Iraq’s large debt, already reduced by about half thanks to the efforts and help of the Paris Club Members Declaration made at the end of 2004.

The second delegation is led by the Minister of Oil, Hashem AL Hashemi, accompanied by a number of senior oil experts in AL Doha, Qatar, attending the World Energy Conference in which world trade, industrial, and oil personalities are discussing world economic affairs and in which they intend to advocate solutions and recommendations.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/7380

We see this political and economic goodwill as positive measurements of the viability of our investment.

Sara.

-- April 23, 2006 10:32 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Terri,

If I might suggest possibly investing $250.00 of your $2,000.00 and purchasing a 1/4 million IQD. Okie has been kicking around a proposed revaluation of the IQD at around .28 (USD). Under those circumstances your 1/4 mil IQD would be worth approximately $70,000.00 before taxes.

Again, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE w/ THIS INVESTMENT!

To ensure you get what you pay for I would suggest "dima89" the seller on "ebay". Certainly, there are other sellers out there, but he's the only guy I trust. Everyone in my office has purchased IQD through him and every transaction went extremely smoothly, and at a good price too.

If you do decide to invest in the IQD, then allow me to formally welcome you to the legendary "Dinar Train"! You'll meet a lot of good and decent folks/friends here all working/cooperating together to help pass as much information on the IQD and the situation in Iraq as is humanly possible.

best wishes,

Bill1

-- April 24, 2006 9:44 AM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Terri,

If I might suggest possibly investing $250.00 of your $2,000.00 and purchasing a 1/4 million IQD. Okie has been kicking around a proposed revaluation of the IQD at around .28 (USD). Under those circumstances your 1/4 mil IQD would be worth approximately $70,000.00 before taxes.

Again, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE w/ THIS INVESTMENT!

To ensure you get what you pay for I would suggest "dima89" the seller on "ebay". Certainly, there are other sellers out there, but he's the only guy I trust. Everyone in my office has purchased IQD through him and every transaction went extremely smoothly, and at a good price too.

If you do decide to invest in the IQD, then allow me to formally welcome you to the legendary "Dinar Train"! You'll meet a lot of good and decent folks/friends here all working/cooperating together to help pass as much information on the IQD and the situation in Iraq as is humanly possible.

Best wishes,

Bill1

-- April 24, 2006 9:44 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Terri:

There is nothing to feel dumb about. I would encourage you to be pragmatic concerning this investment. It is not a get rich quick scheme.

Before investing any U.S. dollars into the New Iraqi Dinar consider the following. To begin with, I tend to lean to a greater than five year period before realizing any profit from this investment. You must consider whether or not you can afford to tie up money in the NID for that long of period.

Next, the NID currently does not possess liquidity. In the current environment, the NID you purchase can not be redeemed for U.S. dollars. Currently, currency exchange for the NID in the U.S. is non-existent. Are you prepared to invest hard earned U.S. dollars into a currency not easily divested of?

You must determine what your risk level is. It is a real possibility that the NID may devalue since billions of these notes have already been sold. Understand, the real winners relating to the NID at least in the short term are the currency dealers.

Last, buy from a reputable dealer. Do not buy any Dinar with the picture of Saddam. Make sure you are purchasing the New Iraqi Dinar or the Bremer Dinar as it sometimes called.

Please do not consider my posting as being negative. I think pragmatism saves us all from wild and irrational speculation.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2006 12:30 PM ∞

CommonSense wrote:

Hello Everyone,

Just giving my 2 cents (or 2 dinars, as the case may be). If everyone would just use a little commonsense, all this wild speculation should stop. The only possible way that dinars would peg at such a high rate is if dinars were not printed in sufficient demand. However, this is not the case since every tom,dick, and harry is selling them. After the peg and market forces come into play, it makes sense that the market price should hover around 1460d to a dollar. Remember, this would be an open market. For every seller, there must be a buyer. Would YOU pay $70,000 for dinars that cost you $250 just a few days ago. Market forces have already balanced the dinar exchange rate. Best case scenerio is that you make a few percentage points on your investment. Worst case is you lose it all. Commonsense also tells us that the Iraqi government would overinflate the value of the dinar (versus undervalue it for millions of dollars) so that they have more purchasing power. My prediction is that the dinar will lose roughly 10-20% of its purchasing power after it is on the market. For people already invested, good luck to you and I hope you get your millions. For new investors, just go in with your eyes open and your commonsense in place. Everyone thinks they will win the lottery, but ultimately it is a tax on people who cannot do math.

-- April 24, 2006 1:02 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Bill1:

In your response to Terri regarding an investment in the NID you said, "Okie has been kicking around a proposed revaluation of the IQD at around .28 (USD). " What factors have led Okie to the conclusion of a $.28 reevaluation?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 24, 2006 1:54 PM ∞

Bill1 wrote:

Not sure Rob, Okie will have to defend that one. But, he has mentioned it more than once, and seems to be based in the country as a contractor of some sort ...with [possibly] good connections to those in the countries financial community.

You and Commonsense make good pragmatic disclaimers when warning against over zealousness in regard to IQD investment.

I believe [as do many others] that we will reap a tidy/handsome profit from this investment -- how much, and when, still remains to be seen.

As an example Terri, many of us here have been sitting on our IQD investments for two (2) years, or more. At this point the IQD's immediate future lies primarily in the hands of the newly elected Iraqi government.

I have a good feeling that if this government gets it's act together, barring further outside intrusion ...[don't hold your breath], that the IQD stands a good chance of making an initial move toward a revaluation sometime this year, or early next year.

Just a hunch of mine, but certainly nothing's guaranteed in this venture.

Okie ...what say you?!? The podium is all yours my friend.

Bill1

-- April 24, 2006 7:51 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

What CommonSense says is a possibility. However, there is another possiblity that drove my decision to buy. In 1991, according to my friends who were in OIF1, the Kuwaiti Dinar was also valued at roughly $700 per million KD. The KD is now valued at 3.5 times the value of the US$. For clarity, that $700 would be worth about $3,500,000 now. Now, assuming what I was told is true... Kuwait had a more stable government immidiately which helped the cause there. Iraq faces its challenges but it carries a much larger share of the world's oil supply and far more potential tourist atractions. The toursit side will only be realized once the country stabalizes but once that happens Iraq will become one of if not THE richest country in the world. Again, this is all based on politics and current events. Assuming things stabalize, and I'm not even projecting best case scenario, I see it as common sense dictates that one of the oil ginats of the world will not continue to trade currency at a rate of 1/1000 the value of $1

On the other hand, this government could collapse and we can all use what we've bought for monopoly money. I view this like buying junk bonds. We'll either get rich or lose it all and I don't see it landing in the middle. That's just my 2 cents.

-- April 25, 2006 1:44 PM ∞

Commonsense wrote:

Although the Kuwaiti dinar example is touted by a lot of Iraqi Dinar Sellers, I would caution getting your expectations to that high a level. There are a number of differences between Kuwait and Iraq. First, Kuwait is a stable country an government before the first gulf war and it is stable today. The reason for the drop in currency was because Iraq had invaded Kuwait and most people thought the country was wiped off the planet. No government = no currency thus the Kuwaiti dinar fell from 1KD to $2.80 to 1KD to $.10 However, once it was known the U.S. would come back, the KD shot back up and the country right now is stable, making money from high oil prices, secure in the knowledge that the U.S. has its back, and has no internal political problems (aka insurgents) therefore it is now 1 KD = $3.20. But here is the question, how many people do you know that got rich from Kuwaiti dinars? (not dinar sellers but actual friends). You have to be quick, smart, lucky, and in the minority to make that kind of cash. Now, how many people do you know who own Iraqi dinars? The problem is that no one thought Kuwait would come back until the U.S. got involved. Once that was known, the KD went back to where it was.
The differences with Iraq is that
1) Saddam artifically had its dinars inflated - Saddam dinars were not publicly traded
2) Iraq is an unstable country
3) There has been a sufficient amount of time for market forces to stabilize the dinar to its current rate (everyone who wanted dinars has gotten dinars).
4) Half the population of the U.S. is convinced that Iraq will succeed

To make the Kuwait analogy work in today's scenario is if the U.S. pulled out, and 99.9% of the people in the world believed the country would fall apart - driving the rate from 1460 IQD = $1.00 to 1,460,000 IQD = $1
However, this would also mean that there would be a 99.9% chance the country would fail. (meaning the currency would be useless). At that moment, you buy more dinars as thousands and thousands of iraqis kill each other - THEN suddenly, the next day, everyone makes peace and everything was back to normal with the economy humming along and everyone getting along. If you were to get that call right, then you could make the kind of cash like Kuwait. To make that much money, you have to take a HUGE risk - like buying currency in a country which was just overrun by its neighbor and there being no indication that anyone would step in. Commonsense - someone has to think that their dinars are going to be worthless tomorrow in order for them to sell them to you for 1 dinar for 10 cents (when they bought them for #2.80).

-- April 25, 2006 4:05 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Ending Jam, Iraq Fills Government Posts
4/24/2006

By KIRK SEMPLE
BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 22 — Breaking months of political paralysis, Parliament installed the cornerstones of Iraq's first permanent post-invasion government on Saturday, approving a president, a speaker and their deputies, and formally giving the Shiite prime minister nominee the task of forming a cabinet.

Under the Constitution, the prime minister nominee, Jawad al-Maliki, has 30 days to complete the government, a duty that Iraqi and American officials have said will be crucial to restoring confidence in the public leadership and ending the raging sectarian violence that has brought this country to the brink of civil war.

"We are going to form a family that will not be based on sectarian or ethnic backgrounds," he said at a news conference on Saturday.

Parliament's actions ended a bitter two-month deadlock over the prime minister post. The Shiite bloc's first candidate, Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, was fiercely opposed by Sunni Arabs, Kurds and even some within the Shiite alliance, who regarded him as weak and inept. Mr. Jaafari finally capitulated Thursday, opening the door for Mr. Maliki's ascent and Parliament's votes.

Political leaders sought to put that period of rancor behind them on Saturday, hailing the opportunity for building a unity government and tackling the country's many crises. "We can't say there won't be any obstacles in the future, but huge obstacles have been removed," Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, the leader of the Shiite bloc, said before the session. "We will start the process and move quickly."

Writing on paper ballots, with the results tallied in marker pen on a large whiteboard, the legislators voted to keep the current president, Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, in his post. Parliament also approved two vice presidents: Tariq al-Hashemi, the leader of the main Sunni Arab bloc, and Adel Abdul Mahdi, a Shiite who was a vice-president under Mr. Jaafari..

Mahmoud Mashhadani, a Sunni Islamist who opposed the American-led invasion in 2003, was elected speaker, while the deputy speaker posts went to Khalid al-Attiya, a Shiite, and Aref Tayfour, a Kurd.

Violence around the country underscored some of the challenges the new government will face.

Four American soldiers were killed Saturday when a homemade bomb detonated next to their vehicle during a combat patrol south of Baghdad, the American military command said. A fifth American soldier died in a separate attack south of Baghdad, the military said.

An improvised bomb exploded in a marketplace in Miqdadiya, north of Baghdad, setting a shop on fire, according to the police. When firefighters arrived at the site, the police said, another bomb exploded, killing a firefighter and a civilian and wounding 15 civilians.

Australian military officials said Saturday that an Australian soldier had shot himself in the head in a "tragic accident" in Baghdad's heavily fortified international zone, The Associated Press reported. He was the Australian military's first casualty since the Iraq war began in 2003.

After the Iraqi parliamentary vote, President Bush, on a four-day trip to California, said the new Iraqi government was "an opportunity for America to open a new chapter in our partnership with the Iraqi people."

Speaking at the California Highway Patrol Academy in Sacramento, he said the United States would "work with the new Iraqi government to reassess our tactics, adjust our methods and strengthen our mutual efforts to achieve victory in this central front in the war on terror," adding: "The new Iraqi government will assume growing responsibility for their nation's security. And as more Iraqi forces stand up, American forces will stand down."

In Washington, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hailed the Parliament's action as an important milestone and described Mr. Maliki as someone the Bush administration could work with. But reflecting the administration's growing concern that the recent political paralysis had led to more instability, she called for the new government to end sectarian strife in its security forces and deliver services to pacify the country's most troubled areas.

"There obviously will be now a lot of work to do," she said in a telephone conference call with State Department reporters. "Obviously the security situation is key. This is going to be a government that needs our help." She added that the United States would "intensify" its involvement in training ministries and local governments to deliver services with an independent civil service.

The results of the voting in Parliament were largely a foregone conclusion, having been settled in meetings among political leaders during the past several days. The key to the breakthrough, officials said, was convincing Mr. Jaafari to step aside.

Shortly before 3 p.m. on Saturday, the scheduled hour for the session, most of Iraq's top political leaders and the American ambassador, Zalmay Khalilzad, slipped into a conference room in the Convention Center, where the legislature meets. They exited half an hour later, and Mr. Khalilzad exclaimed, "It's all been cooked, all the ingredients are there!" He moved his hands together in the air as if stirring a big pot. "The temperature is just right!"

Mr. Mashhadani's candidacy worried many Shiite leaders, who regard him as hard-line and provocative. For their part, some Sunni leaders have viewed Mr. Maliki with distrust, saying he is too sectarian.

But according to several politicians interviewed Saturday, the vote was secured by a hard-fought deal that required the Shiites to back Mr. Mashhadani in return for a Sunni guarantee of support for Mr. Maliki.

"The whole political process is a process of compromise," said Mowaffak al-Rubaie, the national security adviser and a Shiite. "Even though some of the candidates are unpalatable for the other blocs, they will accept them."

Mr. Khalilzad, in a news conference, said the process "was not your typical post-election division of posts between different members of a coalition." He added, "This was, in part, peacemaking among people who have not agreed, some of whom have been involved in active conflict against the new order."

After the vote, however, several politicians said they had been unsettled by Mr. Mashhadani's speech during the session, a full-throated address in which, oddly, he invoked an ancient form of justice to express a larger point about democratic harmony.

"The unity of Iraqis is an obligation for all of us," he said, "Any hand or tongue that harms this unity by wrongdoing or provocation deserves to be cut off."

Mahmoud Othman, a member of Parliament and senior official in the Kurdistan Alliance, called the remark "alarming."

Political leaders acknowledged that more feuding likely lay ahead. The selection of a cabinet is expected to be contentious, with the main political blocs jockeying over the deputy prime minister posts and the leadership of more than two dozen ministries. Of those, the nominees for the Interior and Defense Ministries will come under extraordinary scrutiny because of their importance to the American-backed push to rid the country's security forces of sectarian influences.

"Arms should be in the hands of the government," Mr. Maliki said during the news conference.

The legislative session, only the second since elections last December, took place in a hall within the Convention Center. It was largely a picture of decorum and civility, though it was marred by a faulty air-conditioning system that turned the room into a mild sauna. Representatives wiped sweat from their brows and fanned their faces with documents.

Abdul Razzaq al-Saiedi contributed reporting from Baghdad for this article, and Steven R. Weisman from Washington.

Ending Jam, Iraq Fills Government Posts - Source

-- April 25, 2006 5:49 PM ∞

Mary Lou wrote:

April 24, 2006
js-4205

Deputy Secretary Kimmitt to Hold Press Briefing Following Roundtable with Iraqi Finance Officials

Deputy Secretary Robert M. Kimmitt will hold a press briefing tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) following a roundtable discussion with senior U.S. and Iraqi financial officials including Iraqi Finance Minister Allawi and Central Bank Governor Shabibi.

Discussion topics for the roundtable will include Iraq's IMF program, monetary policy, banking sector reform and efforts to strengthen anti money-laundering and counter terrorist financing efforts. In addition to U.S. Treasury officials, representatives from the Federal Reserve, State Department, USAID and the NSC will participate. Joining Minister Allawi and Governor Shabibi will be representatives from Iraq's Finance Ministry and Central Bank.

Who Deputy Secretary Robert M. Kimmitt
Treasury's Outgoing Financial Attaché in Iraq Kevin Taecker
Treasury's Incoming Financial Attaché in Iraq Jeremiah Pam

What Press Briefing

When Tuesday, April 25, 1:30 p.m. EDT

Where Treasury Department - Gallatin Room, 2124
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC

Note Media without Treasury press credentials planning to attend should contact Frances Anderson in Treasury's Office of Public Affairs at (202) 622-2960 or (202) 528-9086 with the following information: name, Social Security number and date of birth. This information may also be emailed to frances.anderson@do.treas.gov.

-30-

-- April 26, 2006 12:04 AM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Though I am a pragmatic NID investor, I looked on the American Express Travelers website and found exchage rates from IQD to USD.

Classic Converter Results

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

2,000,000 Iraqi Dinar = 1,425.76 US Dollar
2,000,000 US Dollar (USD) = 2,805,516,120 Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

With the NID being posted on money exchange sites with conversion rates, does this mean that the World will see the IQD (NID) as a viable currency?

Anyone's thoughts are welcome.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 26, 2006 12:41 PM ∞

Turtle wrote:

Actually, I would have to disagree on a couple points.
1) There are relatively few people investing in Iraqi Dinar.
2) If 10 times the amount of people purchased dinar, the individuals still would not come close to what most countries purchase. Someone posted not to long ago that something like 80% of the dinar purchased so far was by the US government. Anyway, you cannot say it has reached a mature value when it has not hit the world market yet. That would be like saying Yahoo had reached its max value before being released on the Sotck Exchange.
3) This country has not truly had time to stabalize yet but things are not nearly as bad as they seem when you understand what you're looking at. In this country, politics is often supported by militia strength. Why else do you think every politician has his own army? Why is Al-Sadr weaker than Sistani in religious following a force in politics? Do you ever hear anyone mention him without adding something about the Mahdi Army? When the politics get hottest, so goes the conflicts. Things will not improve overnight,but I have not been surprised by anything yet. It is quite predictable really.
4) Based on modern day examples, look at Israel. They are riddled with strife, have no oil, and are still valued at 22 cents on the $. When talking about value of a country's currency you have to take in account the value of its exports and ability to generate income. Kuwait is more stable but it has NOTHING to offer beyond the oil trade.

With all that said, I agree that Iran and other forces in theatre create potential for disaster. Syria does not help the situation. There is also the chance that this government could suddenly choose to create a whole new currency. I am not one of the people predicting immidiate success but I do see the Dinar being very lucrative 5 years from now. The Iraqi police force and military are gainging strength, confidence, and quality of character. They will not be kicked around much longer. The government is out to make a statement about their ability to succeed so things will change there also. The extremists are making this their battleground so I see the fight lasting a bit longer, but I do see the signs of success beginning to grow. But hey, I'll admit having been wrong before. based on what I'm seeing and hearing, I don't think I am wrong this time.

-- April 26, 2006 12:52 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Bill 1

Thanks for the offer of a soap box to explain my RV prediction. My thought process was fairly simple and went like this:

CAN THE US WIN THE BATTLES IN IRAQ?
I was lucky during my Time in Iraq and spent most of my time surrounded by US Marines. It was awhile since I had been this close to our Military and needless to say the men and women of our Military are impressive and left no doubt in my mind that the answer to my question was YES.

CAN WE CONVERT THEIR GOVERNMENT?
I knew that everyone from our President on down was putting on the full court press to make this happen. Several of the surrounding countries have a fairly moderate Government and I knew the Iraqi’s wanted a change so my answer to this question was YES.

DOES IRAQ HAVE ASSETS THAT SUPPORT THEIR DINARS?
This was almost a no-brainer because Iraq has always had good assets going back to Biblical times. They always had trade, water and agriculture. Now they’ve added oil and gas to their cookie jar. All they have to do is get their country going again so the answer to my question was YES.

WILL THE DINAR GO UP IN VALUE?
I’ve spent over 20 years in the Middle East as a contractor doing Systems and Instrument Engineering/construction work. I’ve worked mostly in Saudi Arabia but also did 18 months in Iraq. I’m now in the US but still involved with projects in Iraq. Due to this background, I knew the Iraqi’s would have to spend a huge amount of money to re-build their petro-chemical, power, water and other elements of their infrastructure. I don’t believe they will pay for all of this work with the current value of the Dinar. My answer to this question was YES.

WHAT’S THE FUTURE VALUE OF THE DINAR?
That’s the burning question and probably the only people who know are light years above us. My educated guess is somewhere between 28 US cents to 1 US Dollar. I believe their assets would support 1 Dinar=1 Dollar but it will be introduced at a lower value and let the market decide. I estimate they won’t go lower in value than their Sunni neighbors to the South of them. National pride kicks in on this one. So my answer to this question is I don’t know but I’m investing on the premise that it will be at least 28 US cents=1 Dinar. I started buying Dinar in July 2004, about a month after I arrived in Iraq, and my most recent purchase was in Jan. 2006. I have 50% in Warka and the rest in cash. COM’ON DINAR……

P.S. The next time you talk to your Daughters in Iraq tell them that a lot of people over here are including them in their prayers. I wish them Godspeed and a good wind at their back during their tour and their eventual journey back to the “Land of the Free and home of the Brave”.

-- April 26, 2006 1:07 PM ∞

Rob N. wrote:

Okie:

Regarding your statement; "I have 50% in Warka." I am not sure what you are referring to concerning Warka. Also, from your perspective, what are the pro's and con's to putting the NID in one of Iraq's state or private banks?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- April 26, 2006 5:48 PM ∞

Mary Lou wrote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Al-Basrah Oil Terminal Improvements Increase Oil Exports

Gulf Region Southern District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Base Camp Adder (Ali Base) Iraq – The Al-Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) Hydraulic Bridge System Repair is now complete. After years of neglect and disrepair, the telescopic platform bridging systems at Berths 1 & 2 (Platform A) and Berths 3 and 4 (Platform B) were removed, repaired and reinstalled. Hydraulic power units, directional control valves and other system-critical equipment was also repaired and reinstalled.

This refurbishment will make terminal operations more efficient which will increase the terminal’s reliability and capacity to export more oil. New construction at the site improves reliability and safety standards for terminal operations. This increased commerce will further stimulate Iraq’s economy.
This tasking was one of eight under the Al-Basrah Oil Terminal project, a major terminal overhaul. The ABOT is essential to Iraq’s reconstruction because oil exports generate revenues of approximately $130 million per day. It is one of Iraq’s two operating offshore terminals; the second, Kwahr Abd Allah Oil Terminal (KAAOT), needs repair and is limited to loading small tankers.
This construction project was completed at a cost of $273,000. Construction was funded by the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/recon042506.html

-- April 26, 2006 10:44 PM ∞

TC Dash wrote:

Hello everbody ,Just wanted to know what exactly is Warka? Should I invest some of my dinar in this? How do I go about it to do this investment? I'm asking for all your input on these questions . Thank You TC Dash

-- April 27, 2006 12:22 AM ∞

Mary Lou wrote:

http://www.edinarfinancial.net/news/

Iraqi News & Iraqi dinar Updates
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next

Basket of leaderships in Iraq
April 24, 2006
Yesterday was the end of the crisis that was started by last Dec.15, 2005, the day of voting till its end with the end of latest session of Council of Representatives when basket of state leaderships were declared.

Read More

International bank ministry increased donation for 167,900 million iraqi dinar
April 24, 2006
International bank coordinator at municipality ministry declared that the bank had lifted ministry specific grant from 90 up to 167,900 million iraqi dinar aimed covering increased costs for some projects.

Read More

Iraq will buy two oil tankers; inaugurates border crossing with Iran
April 18, 2006
The Transport Ministry has allocated $25 million for the purchase of two oil tankers, said an official at the Iraqi Oil Tanker Company. The official, Hammed Khudayer, said the capacity of each tanker will be 10,000 tons of crude oil.

Read More

Kurds in Iraq appoint own oil minister
April 18, 2006
The Kurdish regional government, cementing its semi-independent status, has created a new cabinet post to handle the region’s oil affairs. Kurdish Prime Minister Nejervan Barzani has already nominated Seperyas Hurani to the oil portfolio.

Read More

Iraq purchasing two Airbus planes from France
April 14, 2006
Iraq has sent a delegation to France to buy two Airbus passenger planes, a senior Transport Ministry official said. Yaarib al-Rudaini said the planes will be delivered to Iraq in 2008. Iraq currently operates two Being 727 planes which it loaned from Jordan.

Read More

Japanese government loan of approx 953,000 million Iraqi dinar to Iraq extended
April 06, 2006
Japanese Ambassador in Iraq Hesano Makotchi emphasized that his government interested within the current political discussions in Iraq and the necessity of national unity government forming, grantees real participation for all formed fonts specially in this historical period of Iraq.

Read More

For approx 436,500 million iraqi dinar loan from Japan to modernize Iraq ports
April 06, 2006
Japan has agreed to build for approx 436,500 million iraqi dinar to modernize Umm Qasr, the Iraq's main maritime outlet at the head of the Gulf.

Read More

Japan building a $119 million dollar (approx IQD 173,145,000,000 iraqi dinar) power plant for Samawa
April 04, 2006
Japan is building $119 million (approx IQD 173,145,000,000 iraqi dinar) power plant in the southern city of Samawa, a move which the inhabitants have received with glee.

Read More

Iraq Presidencies meet tomorrow for parliament session
April 01, 2006
Security file was the main subject in talks following disputes between political blocks over who would charge of the security in Iraq.

Read More

Industry builds three boats for approx 67,500,000,000 Iraq Dinar, Rehabilates Najaf factory
April 01, 2006
Iraq Industry Ministry achieved building three boats for the Iraq Defence Ministry for approx 67,500,000,000 Iraq Dinar, when it accomplished building the last two boats.

Read More

Dyala, Iraq raise police to ten thousand members
April 01, 2006
Dyala police chief described five of the province as hot areas, announcing securing Muqdadia district in Iraq, and increasing its police force members to ten thousand.

Read More

Sajad bridge in Najaf, Iraq opened
April 01, 2006
Governor of Najaf, Iraq province Asaad Abo Kalal has opened Sajad's bridge in Manathera district yesterday with two schools and started delivering the amounts of the social security protection money for the poor families in the district.

Read More

Bush asks Shiites to replace Prime Minister in Iraq.
April 01, 2006
U.S. President George W. Bush has thrown his weight behind a solution to the current political stalemate in Iraq, sources said. They said Bush has sent a personal letter to Abdulaziz al-Hakim, head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, asking him to withdraw the nomination of Ibrhaim al-Jaafari for the premiership.

Read More

'University City’ for Nasiriya, Iraq
April 01, 2006
The University of Nasiriya, Iraq will have a new campus to house its colleges and departments, the university’s vice-chancellor, Abbas Jabiri, said.

Read More

Meetings go on in President's House in Iraq
March 26, 2006
Iraqi politicians described leaders of blocks at Iraq President Jalal Talbani's house as a meeting of sharing sovereignty posts among the winning slates in addition to ending subjects of a national security council.

Read More

Iraq Labour ministry gives salary for social insurance
March 26, 2006
Iraq ministry of Labor and social affairs has called on people included in the new law of social insurance to direct for post offices specified for distributing salaries to receive there money, a source at the ministry said.

Read More

Activating terror fight law in Iraq minimizes violance
March 26, 2006
The head of the central criminal court in Baghdad, Iraq said that the activation of terror fight law will participate effectively in stopping terror acts and crimes which lead to wide spreading fear among people, threatening their lives and freedom and destabilizing the country.

Read More

Iraq and Jordan discuss ties
March 26, 2006
Minister of transportation, al-Malikii has said in Jordan that a specialized company is putting a plan to protect Baghdad- Amman road, showing that this meets the ambition of his ministry to protect land transportation which supports commerce.

Read More

Almost 30 Iraqi companies taking part in Cairo trade fair
March 22, 2006
Some 30 Iraqi companies are attending the International Cairo Trade Fair, exhibiting 200 new industrial products, said Minister of Industry and Minerals Usama al-Najafi.

Read More

Iraq Ministry announces 1,000 new Ph.D. scholarships
March 16, 2006
The Iraq Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific research will send 1,000 students abroad to obtain Ph.D. degrees. It will be the largest batch of students to travel abroad as part of a comprehensive scholarship program for more than three decades.

Read More

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next

-- April 27, 2006 1:39 AM ∞

Okie wrote:

Rob N.

"Warka" is Al-Warka Investment Bank in Baghdad. Several people have used them with good results. Contact info. is in the link. I don't know that much about the Banks in Iraq but normally Banks in the Middle East are as good if not better than in the US. Al-Warks bank is good but very slow due to the fact they are still up-grading to standard systems.

http://warkainvestmentbank.com/

-- April 27, 2006 9:05 AM ∞

chris wrote:

Hey Guys, I don't post much, I just like to sit back and learn from you guys. I just would like to inform eveyone what is happing where I am. I work at a hospital and a large group of Arabic doctors just received over 75 million NID's they told me that the peg will happen soon after the government is seated. And they also said they were waiting for a loan from Japan to be approved before they got theirs I do not know what it all means but I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Take care guys.

Chris

-- April 27, 2006 12:00 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Chris.. they are saying a peg soon after the government is seated? Hmmm...

Iraq PM hopes to form government in a week
Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:54am ET

By Terry Friel
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Prime Minister-designate Nuri al-Maliki said on Thursday he hoped to form a government within a week after meeting Washington's top defense and foreign affairs officials and two of Iraq's most powerful clerics.

As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Donald Rumseld flew out, Maliki pledged to fill the key posts of interior and defense ministers with non-sectarian appointees.

Maliki has 30 days from last Saturday to present his cabinet to parliament for approval but has said he wants to move faster on creating a grand coalition of majority Shi'ite Muslims, Sunni Arabs and Kurds to combat the violence wracking the country.

"The dialogue is still ongoing with the different parties from which the government will be formed, including on the important ministries," Maliki told reporters after meeting Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy southern city of Najaf.

"God willing, it will be settled next week."

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2006-04-27T125438Z_01_L27440085_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAQ.xml

-- April 27, 2006 12:25 PM ∞

Okie wrote:

Bingo!.....the picture is finally coming on the radar that a lot of cash will be required to re-build the country. How do we get a bunch of cash to get things rolling? Duh!...I think a healthy RV of the Dinar would really come in handy.

I believe the Iraqi Government wants the RV so bad they can taste it. I also believe they have to jump thru some last minute hoops before it happens. As soon as the new cabinet is seated...then things will really speed up. COM'ON Dinar!!!

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093110877

-- April 27, 2006 1:01 PM ∞

Carl wrote:

Hello! Guy's
Just got back from CG duty in Gulf. Been reading up on all the post since I have been gone and find them very informative. Like most of you, I believe our investment will pay in the long term, baring some events which could be devasting to the entire world. I still remain very apprehensive about the events to come.
We still have the Iran nuclear issue which "has to be resolved" one way or the other.

Iran has already told us what to expect when enforcement begins against them.
Quote! "We will attack American Interest "throught out" the world.
Put that in another way....If any attempt to stop us is made....we will attack "IRAQ" (which is one of America's many interest.)Personally! I believe that was and is the sole purpose of fabicating information to give to the american intell agents to begin with. Think about it...The Iranians fought Saddem for years and could not take Iraq. Create a situation, where the Americans will do it for us, and then just walk into the vacancy created.
"Checkmate" You now have Iran the largest, wealthest nation in the Middle East. Next is Saudi Arabia, Eygpt, Jordan, Kuwait, etc... as the years go by.... you then have Persia of Old.
Very few individuals doubt that Iran is not baiting the West to attack....
For what purpose.......? What do you think? Is it as I believe or for other reasons such as bringing back the Islamic 12 Iman?

Iraq has a new man in the "CAT BIRD" SEAT. The problem is nothing has changed as far as Iran having direct influence on the political process.
The new man Nuri-Al-Maliki stayed even longer in Iran than Jarfarri....so Jarfarri's new appointee was not only his assistant, but also has strong ties to Iran....

Its like trading cars and getting the same model just a different color....The old and new still operate with the same.

-- April 28, 2006 8:15 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Welcome back, Carl. Glad to see you home again. :) Couple of articles here I thought to share with you and the board today..
Sara.

U.N. confirms Iran has enriched uranium
Sources say report to Security Council criticizes non-compliance
Posted: April 28, 2006

An International Atomic Energy Agency report released today to the Security Council confirms Iran successfully has enriched uranium-235 at Natanz in the four months since the plant was re-opened, according to WND columnist Jerome Corsi, citing sources in New York.

The sources said the report is critical of Iran's continued non-compliance with IAEA inspection demands.

A spokesman at the IAEA in Austria told Corsi today the report is "secret" until the next IAEA meeting but many Security Council members are "leaky" and it probably will be circulated by one of the 28 nations that received a copy this morning.

This morning, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is widely quoted in world media saying Iran "won't give a ****" about any Security Council resolutions concerning its nuclear program.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49967

-- April 29, 2006 6:56 AM ∞

SaraMadgid wrote:

Note the last sentence in this one.
Sara.

al-Qaida Leaders Losing Control, U.S. Says
Apr 28, 12:15 PM (ET)
By BARRY SCHWEID

WASHINGTON (AP) - Leaders of al-Qaida lost some control of the terror network last year due to the arrests and deaths of top operational planners...

Overall, the report tallied about 11,000 terror attacks around the world last year, resulting in more than 14,600 deaths. That is almost a fourfold increase in attacks from 2004...

The report said that Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders are scattered and on the run and Afghanistan is no longer a safe haven for the network. In addition, al-Qaida's relations with the Taliban that once ruled Afghanistan are growing weaker and the group's finances and logistics have been disrupted, the report said.

"Al-Qaida is not the organization it was four years ago," the report said.

However, "overall, we are in the first phase of a potentially long war," it said. "The enemy's proven ability to adapt means we will go through several more cycles of action/reaction before the war's outcome is no longer in doubt. It is likely we will have a resilient enemy for years to come."

"We must maintain unrelenting pressure against al-Qaida," Henry Crumpton, the U.S. ambassador in charge of counterterrorism, said Friday at a briefing at the State Department. "We know they aim to attack the U.S. homeland."

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060428/D8H93VGO0.html

-- April 29, 2006 6:59 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Al-Qaeda's number two Ayman al-Zawahiri has appeared in a video saying that Iraqi insurgents have "broken the back" of the US military.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4957078.stm

The insurgents press releases in the news lately sound desperate and like they are in DIRE STRAITS.. and afraid they will soon lose.
They know the only place they have a chance at winning is the minds of their enemies.. psychological warfare.. weaken the will of the US.
That is indeed the strategy in issuing these blustery press reports.. filled with false bravado.. and desperate dying measures.
If the US were to hold to its mission and not waver.. they haven't a military hope in... that hot place.. so the only hope they have is to lie.. and have it believed. You see, it worked once in Vietnam. If they only can do what happened there.. make the US pull out when it was winning militarily by making it unpopular at home.. that is their only hope.
I hope the US populace is not that stupid, however.
I PRAY they are not..
The media is fond of saying this is another Vietnam. It is indeed, and we made a TERRIBLE MISTAKE that time.. and I pray we don't repeat that error this time, because when they pulled out after just over 47,000 US servicemen died.. the enemy killed over 2 MILLION Cambodians. The enemy took Vietnam AND the result was the killing two MILLION Cambodians.. AFTER the US pulled out. That is like.. pulling out of Iraq.. and having the Iranians come and take Iraq and Saudi Arabia for good measure and kill two MILLION Saudis. Is that really the kind of history we wish to repeat?
I pray this generation has more brains.. and compassion.

Vietnam War Statistics and Facts
Hostile deaths: 47,359
http://25thaviation.org/id275.htm

Pol Pot in Cambodia 1975 - 1979 2,000,000 deaths -
By 1975, the U.S. had withdrawn its troops from Vietnam. Cambodia's government, plagued by corruption and incompetence, also lost its American military support. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge army, consisting of teenage peasant guerrillas, marched into Phnom Penh and on April 17 effectively seized control of Cambodia.

Once in power, Pol Pot began a radical experiment to create an agrarian utopia inspired in part by Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution which he had witnessed first-hand during a visit to Communist China.

Mao's "Great Leap Forward" economic program included forced evacuations of Chinese cities and the purging of "class enemies." Pol Pot would now attempt his own "Super Great Leap Forward" in Cambodia, which he renamed the Democratic Republic of Kampuchea.

http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/pol-pot.htm

While 47,359 was a large total - certainly large in comparison to the total of under 3,000 in Iraq - yet, if the US had stayed, over 2 MILLION deaths could have been prevented in Cambodia alone. Are the two million Cambodian's lives which were forfeited for this mistake that much LESS valuable? Are the Iraqi lives, or the Saudi's? It was a mistake to pull out of Vietnam.. and would be to pull out of Iraq.. for many reasons - but the potential loss of life should be a very large moral lesson to us NOT to listen to and heed such reports which urge us to make this another Vietnam.. another MISTAKE.

SaraDinar.

-- April 29, 2006 7:04 AM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

I was thinking..

It won't be the Cambodians or the Saudis that Iran takes out with its nuclear weapons this time around, though, will it? It was ISRAEL that Iran said should be wiped off the map and issued a fatwa that nukes were allowed to be employed to do this in one horrendous nuclear attack.

Quote:
Mad mullahs issue fatwa to use nuclear weapons
Posted: February 21, 2006

An Iranian fatwa (holy edict) permitting the use of nuclear weapons has been issued for the first time. Mohsen Gharavian, a disciple of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, has stated that using nuclear weapons as a counter-measure is acceptable in terms of sharia (Islamic law), depending upon the goal for which the weapons are used.

Up until now, the religious leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran have publicly declared that the use of nuclear weapons are opposed to sharia, maintaining this position to buttress the argument that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

With Iran's President Ahmadinejad openly declaring that Israel must be wiped from the map of the Middle East, we are compelled to ask if Gharavian would consider killing Israeli Jews to be a purpose that sharia would consider acceptable for the use of nuclear weapons?

This fatwa marks a clear signal that the ultra-conservative spiritual leaders in Iran are in full control. With Iran and Hamas both declaring that Israel has no legitimate reason to survive...

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48925

I pray the US won't fall for the media propaganda like they did in Vietnam and abandon Israel to nuclear holocaust. Pulling out.. would cause the deaths of millions again, just like pulling out of Vietnam - only it would be Jews, just like Hitler's holocaust was. Are we really going to stand back and let this new Hitler kill the Jewish nation?

I don't think we can or should, do you?

If I were to say what I thought was the time we are living in.. truly.. this is the time I would say it should be. NOT the time of the end, but the time of ushering in peace for Israel with God, for the Egyptians with God and for the Assyrians with God (including the Iraqis):

Isa 19:23 In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.
Isa 19:24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:
Isa 19:25 Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

I believe we may be on the cusp of God calling Israel back to Himself as a people.. as His inheritance, and also calling the Middle East to Himself.. the Egyptians and Assyrians.. that they might be called the work of HIS HANDS. In this crucial time, America must play its part. It must not allow the deaths of millions of Israelis when they are called to be "Israel my inheritance" by God. That is my belief of where we fit in history. And it is right to defend Israel even if it isn't yet this time.. but as a Christian, I think it is.

OK, off my soapbox... :)

Sara.

-- April 29, 2006 12:40 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

While the T and B was down there for a bit, I read about this evil tragedy which happened to this brave man, Iraq's Vice President:

Sister of Iraqi Vice President Shot Dead
By LEE KEATH, Associated Press Writer April 27, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A sister of Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi was killed in a drive-by shooting in Baghdad Thursday, police said.

Mayson Ahmed Bakir al-Hashimi was shot by unidentified gunmen as she was leaving her home Thursday morning in southwestern Baghdad, said police Capt. Jamel Hussein.

It was the second killing in al-Hashimi's immediate family in two weeks. On April 13, his brother, Mahmoud al-Hashimi, was shot dead while driving in a mostly Shiite area of east Baghdad.

The new Sunni vice president, Tariq al-Hashimi, made a show of unity with his Kurdish and Shiite colleagues, calling for Iraq's insurgency to be put down by force.

Al-Hashimi shrugged off a videotape by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in which the al-Qaida in Iraq leader tried to rally Sunni Arabs to fight the new government and denounced Sunnis who cooperate with it as "agents" of the Americans.

"I say, yes, we're agents. We're agents for Islam, for the oppressed. We have to defend the future of our people," al-Hashimi said at a news conference with President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, and his fellow vice president, Shiite Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

"We believe that Iraq's interest now is to normalize the situation and maintain stability, as well as to impose security and peace by force," he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060427/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- April 29, 2006 1:24 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thinking upon this tragedy I wrote...

About so great an evil as the Vice President of Iraq is dealing with..
A Story..

Did God create everything that exists? Does evil exist? Did God
create evil?

A University professor at a well known institution of higher learning
challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that
exists?" A student bravely replied, "Yes He did". "God created everything?"
the professor asked. "Yessir, He certainly did." the student replied.

The professor answered, "If God created everything; then God created evil.
And since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define
who we are, then we can assume God is evil."

The student became quiet and did not answer the professor's hypothetical
definition. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the
students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.

Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question,
professor?" "Of course", replied the professor. The student stood up and
asked, "Professor, does cold exist?" "What kind of a question is this? Of
course it exists. Have you never been cold?"
The other students snickered at the young man's question.

The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the
laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reallity the absence of heat.
Every body, or object, is susceptible to study when it has or transmits
energy, and heat is what makes a body, or matter, have or transmit energy.
Absolute zero (-460 F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter
becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does
not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat.

The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?" The professor
responded, "Of course it does."

The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."

Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir does evil exist?"

Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said, we see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.

To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor sat down.

The young man's name was - Albert Einstein
===

By this definition, the insurgents who shot that lady dead, the Vice President of Iraq's sister - and his brother, too.. did so because they do not adhere to GOD and His law concerning not killing.. they are without God.

May God give the family of these victims comfort and help in this time of trial and great need.

Sara.

PS For those of you who are sticky about where the stories come from.. according to the legend debunking site called snopes, they say they cannot tell if it is or is not from Einstein. They use the argument there of ... "Although 2004 tellings of the legend name Albert Einstein as the faith-driven student, there is no reason to suppose the renowned physicist had anything to do with the fictive incident. Biographies of the man are silent on his having dealt one of his teachers such a comeuppance."

In other words, an argument from silence.

But whether or not Albert actually did say this or not, I still think the argument true and relevant.. and applicable. Do you?

Sara.

-- April 29, 2006 1:32 PM ∞

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq Cabinet within week, claims leader
Terry Friel
Friday, April 28, 2006

Iraq's prime minister-designate, Nuri al-Maliki, says he hopes to form a government within a week after meeting Washington's top defense and foreign affairs officials and two of Iraq's most powerful clerics.

As US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld flew out of Baghdad, Maliki pledged to fill the key posts of interior and defense ministers with non- sectarian appointees.

Al-Maliki had 30 days from last Saturday to present his Cabinet to parliament for approval, but has said he wants to move faster on creating a grand coalition of majority Shiite Muslims, Sunni Arabs and Kurds to combat the violence wracking the country.

"The dialogue is still ongoing with the different parties from which the government will be formed, including on the important ministries," Maliki said after meeting Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy southern city of Najaf. "God willing, it will be settled next week."

"I think it's fair to say that all these Iraqi leaders recognize the challenges before them, recognize that the Iraqi people expect their government to be able to meet those challenges," Rice said at the US embassy in the heavily guarded Green Zone.

She said the leaders they met, including Maliki, outgoing prime minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari and one-time interim prime minister Iyad Allawi, were "focused" and "serious."

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=17&art_id=17548&sid=7709080&con_type=1

-- April 29, 2006 4:16 PM ∞

Kevin Brancato wrote:

THIS POST IS CLOSED TO NEW COMMENTS

You may continue the discussion here...

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/04/iraqi_dinar_dis_3.html

-- April 30, 2006 9:46 AM ∞