Truck and Barter

Comments

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Kevin Brancato wrote:

Testing... 1. 2. 3. Testing...

-- December 14, 2006 11:07 AM ∞

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Okie wrote:

I get the honor of saying....

"WOW...a brand new scratch pad!!!"

-- December 14, 2006 11:31 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Oman...
Has pulled out of the GCC Single Currency Plan...this will set the single currency back and it appears they will not meet the 2010 date...

-- December 14, 2006 12:04 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

S.D. Sen. Johnson in critical condition
By MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press Writer Dec 14, 2006

WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was in critical condition recovering from emergency brain surgery Thursday, creating political drama over whether Democrats will control the new Senate next month if he is unable to continue in office.

Johnson, 59, suffered from bleeding in the brain caused by a congenital malformation, the U.S. Capitol physician said.

Democrats hold a fragile 51-49 margin in the new Senate that convenes Jan. 4. If Johnson leaves the Senate, the Republican governor of South Dakota could appoint a Republican to fill the remaining two years of Johnson's term — keeping the Senate in GOP hands with Vice President Dick Cheney's tie-breaking power.

Apart from the risk to his health, Johnson's illness carried political ramifications, coming so soon after the Democrats won control of the Senate. If he were forced to relinquish his seat, a replacement would be named by South Dakota's GOP Gov. Mike Rounds.

A Republican appointee would create a 50-50 tie, and allow the GOP to retain Senate control.

However, Senate historian Don Ritchie said senators serve until they resign or die. Nine senators have remained in the Senate even though illnesses kept them away from the chamber for six months or more.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061214/ap_on_go_co/johnson

-- December 14, 2006 12:08 PM ∞

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Madbrad wrote:

Okie

"WOW...a brand new scratch pad!!!"

Please we're not going to start talking about dog's again!!!!!!!!

-- December 14, 2006 2:00 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Hi everyone,

A new pad! Wow, it was needed!

Just popped in to see how everyone was doing. I have been very involved with Christmas packing and wrapping presents. I am going to travel to Ohio to see family.

I am like Sara and Turtle. After reading news articles on the politics of the Iraq Study Group, I believe Bush will reject the report.

There also seems to be inklings that there maybe a shake up in the Iraqi Parliament which will bear watching, if Maliki can't get control of the Shiiti factions on violence.

Also, Sara, your reporting on news media's bias and down right false reporting of facts is right on!!! Our troops deserve better than this!

Turtle, Outlaw and others on ground in Iraq, keep us informed on the situation on the ground. I wish you all a Merry Christmas in Iraq--such as it is. Remember the job you are doing as soldiers, contractors etc in Iraq is very important to the USA security. I am hoping you all can return to a secure America, after the job is done!

All others on forum, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

I will try and keep an eye on the forum discussions during the holidays. Also, when did Saddam died in that one article that Sara wrote in about? I guess, I did not pick up on his execution. I have not caught the news as of late.

Laura

-- December 14, 2006 2:23 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

MadBrad:

Yes, I will mention to those who are interested I have began Aston Martin on a couple of natural supplements. This regiment is designed to boost his immune system. It is my hope it makes a difference. We will see how it goes.

Now back to Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2006 2:37 PM ∞

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Madbrad wrote:

Rob N.

No worries....they are mans best friend! and I should know I had 4 of em in the last 40yrs and broke my heart every time.....

Dog free for the last 3yrs, but will go down that road again!

-- December 14, 2006 2:48 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carl:

I am glad Oman pulled out of the Gulf State Currency talks. Though it may not have directly affected the IQD and strong independent Dinar is better for us.

Do you have the source where the article may be found?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2006 4:36 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq Study Group Blames Israel First
by Deroy Murdock
Posted Dec 14, 2006

Among the many shortcomings in the widely panned Iraq Study Group (ISG) report is its blame-Israel-first mentality. If only the Jewish state would surrender more land to the Palestinians and hand Syria the now-occupied Golan Heights, grateful Iraqis would burst into song, defuse their Improvised Explosive Devices, and build a safe, free, and prosperous republic. The fact that so many of them are doing the opposite is -- what else? -- Israel’s fault.

“Iraq cannot be addressed effectively in isolation from other major regional issues, interests, and unresolved conflicts,” the ISG report declares. America cannot “achieve its goals in the Middle East unless the United States deals directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict.”

Former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani dismisses this flim-flam. Militant Islam kills Iraqis, as it does Americans, independent of Israeli circumstances.

“Israel and Palestine is an important issue,” Giuliani recently told radio host Dennis Prager. “But the reality here is that the Islamo-fundamentalist terrorists are at war with our way of life, with our modern world, with rights for women, religious freedom, societies that have religious freedom. And all of that would still exist, no matter what happens in Israel and Palestine.”

The ISG urges that America hold a regional summit with Iraq’s Arab neighbors -- but not Israel.

The ISG also suggests that America negotiate over Iraq with Syria and Iran. Syria is a bellicose, terror-sponsoring dictatorship. So is Iran, an almost cinematically wicked menace.

Perhaps the ISG forgot that oil-choked Iran is busy enriching uranium for its “nuclear power plants.” Actually, as everyone else remembers, Iran is in hot pursuit of atomic weapons. The U.N. Security Council has condemned Iran’s nuclear misconduct, while America seeks to penalize it for producing bomb-grade uranium. So, the ISG proposes, the U.S. should talk with Iran, even while endeavoring to slap it with sanctions.

Iran would make quite a negotiating partner. It is suspected of smuggling explosives and homicide bombers into Iraq to kill U.S. and Coalition GIs. Furthermore, some former U.S. diplomats held hostage in America’s Tehran Embassy between 1979 and 1981 suspect Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was among their tormentors. He doubtlessly is devoted to Israel’s destruction.

“Just as the Soviet Union was wiped out and today does not exist,” Ahmadinejad said Tuesday, “so will the Zionist regime soon be wiped out.”

Ahmadinejad addressed a two-day Holocaust-denial conference. Speakers claimed that Adolf Hitler never actually built gas chambers. Conferees trivialized Nazi Germany’s murder of some 11 million people, including six million Jews, as -- what else? -- an elaborate Jewish fabrication.

One American delegate at Ahmadinejad’s Tehran confab summarized this belief.

“The Holocaust is like a new religion,” former Ku Klux Klan imperial wizard David Duke told Fox News. “That’s because the Holocaust is used as a weapon against the Palestinians as a way of blinding the world to the holocaust that is being committed against the Palestinian people.”

Ahmadinejad warmly greeted the one-time Klan leader. They shared handshakes and backslaps. This is the same Iranian president with whom the ISG recommends America do business.

You can decide if this makes sense.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18488

-- December 14, 2006 6:16 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger wrote (Dec 10th, last thread);

"If someone point a gun to my head and asked me to either die or convert to Islam, Wow, I would convert in no time, but I can't promise I wouldn't drop it afterwards, when the threat was over."

Here you say that you would convert to Islam if they put a gun to your head.
Roger, I couldn't do that.
I could never deny the Lord Jesus who loved me enough to die for my sins and save my soul.
My response (relying upon the Grace of God) would be no denial of my faith - even if it meant my physical death.
However, I found it interesting to learn a new Islamic word today, "Taqiyah".
The dictionary online says:

Taqiyah

the practice of denying one's religion, permissible when one is faced with persecution, esp. by Sunnites: regarded as a means of protecting the religion.

Also, ta·qi·ya.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=Taqiyah

What this means is that people who are Sunni terrorists (such as Saddam or his followers) can require a person to convert to Islam by renouncing their faith at the point of a gun/sword - but when they are put in the same position, they will do exactly what you said you would do, Roger... deny their faith without changing their underlying beliefs. When you said you couldn't promise you would stay an Islamic after the threat was over, that is the same situation they would be in. After all, it is only words to them, and it is "regarded as a means of protecting the religion." After the threat is over, they are then free to return to their Islamofascist terrorist ways. All they must do is convince their captors that they are harmless "moderate" muslims or ex-muslims - of another faith, if they wish. LYING, in other words - when faced with persecution or death - is not only allowed but "regarded as a means of protecting their religion." Fidelity to the cause of their religion does not mean they have to be truthful about their beliefs in any sense of the word.

In your case, Roger, because you profess no particular religious affiliation, I can understand why this would be so. But concerning very fanatically religious Islamofascists who are willing to die for their cause... I thought it an interesting change in my view of them and their religion - one we all should keep in mind since we put such a premium on truthfulness in our culture. I thought this gave important insight into understanding the cause of some of the Islamic "doublespeak".

Sara.

-- December 14, 2006 7:21 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi all good read http://www.exchangeyourdinar.com/iraqi-dinar-exchange-rate-news.html

-- December 14, 2006 7:47 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Roger!
I am with you...I would be looking for a out, so I could get whatever weapon I could get my hands on and attempt to take care of business with those yahoo's......first rule of survival...."survive" .....rationalization of choices can be made later around the camp fire with a good glass of scotch...
Sorry! I would not ask them to convert...

-- December 14, 2006 7:54 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

What about this interesting tidbit..
Newt's plan..
which, coincidentally, is just like The Marshall Plan.
Hmmm...

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Gingrich on Iraq: Forget the 'Establishment'
by Matt Towery
Posted Dec 14, 2006

Newt Gingrich this week spoke boldly on Iraq, which is the same way he spoke on just about everything when he was U.S. speaker of the House in the 1990s.

Gingrich pointed to recent public statements made by Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in which he alluded to a world without the United States and openly cheered the prospect of the end of Israel. Iran, of course, has for years now duped the international community as it tried to prevent them from developing nuclear weapons. Iran is also believed to be supplying weapons to insurgents in Iraq.

"The recommendation [the study group] made to President Bush is, let's talk to [the Iranian leadership]," said Gingrich. "Why? What possible conversation could we have?"

Gingrich believes President George W. Bush must use his likely upcoming address on Iraq's future to link America's effort there to a wider context of dealing with these interrelated threats as they grow more serious each day.

How would Gingrich act now? He says he would pitch a sort of hybrid of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and Harry Truman's Marshall Plan. It would provide economic resources in Iraq to create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. Gingrich proposes giving "every able-bodied person" a job to do and a wage to receive. Money and personal security, he says, bring stability. For all the talk of religious strife, Iraqis want food to eat and safety on their streets as much as anyone.

Gingrich says the region should then be flooded with goods that would first be given to and later, ultimately, bought by Iraqis, with money from their new paychecks.

This perspective is a historical one. No surprise there. Gingrich has a vast knowledge of history. Part of that history is the disdain many conservatives had -- or still have -- for FDR's New Deal, with its many public-works programs designed less to accomplish public tasks than to put money in people's pockets. But Gingrich believes a similar plan in Iraq would be a critical adjunct to purely military efforts.

Nobody's saying Gingrich's ideas are flawless. Certainly not me, and not even him. Yet it's becoming abundantly clear that President Bush intends to stay in Iraq for a while. Further, he may authorize a significant number of additional troops to go there.

If so, the Gingrich Plan could become not only possible, but unavoidable. After all, the fiercest criticism of Bush among endless criticism has been the lack of "a plan." Gingrich offers one -- beyond just bombs and bullets.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18485

-- December 14, 2006 9:11 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don't quite know how to put our love into words. -- Harlan Miller

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"Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time." (Baltimore Grotto)

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I'm now old enough to personally identify every object in antique stores.

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Anyone who is under 30, and is not a liberal has no heart; and anyone who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.

- Winston Churchill -

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Our Army physical-training program requires us to run two miles every other day in platoon formation. Being somewhat older than the other soldiers, I have trouble running faster than a ten-minute mile.

During a recent run, I was finding it difficult to complete the two miles without stopping, so I raised my hands high above my head to expand my diaphragm and gain my second wind.

Suddenly I heard a voice from behind me say, "Forget it, sergeant, we don't take prisoners."

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"Suddenly, quietly, you realize that...from this moment forth... you will no longer walk through this life alone. Like a new sun this awareness arises within you, freeing you from fear, opening your life. It is the beginning of love, and the end of all that came before" (Robert Frost)

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-- December 14, 2006 9:37 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Matthew 10:32,33 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

-- December 14, 2006 10:54 PM ∞

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Neil wrote:

I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God. I then see all these incidences of Arabs giving their life to gain favor in Allah's eyes. I have alluded to this before and that is, someone is wrong and someone will die in vain.

As a child, I was taught the Christian religion as a fact. Noone mentioned that this was a belief for many years. I have been as well indoctrinated in the Christian religion as anyone and I believe in a supreme creator but I have a myriad of questions which noone can answer to my satisfacton. Example-the Bible says that divorce and remarriage is a sin but preachers will perform the ceremony. The Bible does not address cussing and swearing other than using the Lord's name in vain but most Christians think you are headed for Hell if you get too vile.

I normally agree with anything that Newt says but I am opposed to NAFTA, CAFTA, MARTIAL PLAN FOR IRAQ, and most any other give away program that someone can devise. We are out of money in this Country and we are borrowing 200 Billion or more each year so any unilateral plan that we may have for Iraq will be with borrowed money. The people have spoken about Iraq and only 27% of the people support anything that Pres Bush is doing. The Congress and Senate are gone to the Democrats-what else has to go before Mr. Bush says-hey, I'm on the wrong track?

I recognize that most of you are in lock-step behind Pres Bush but be aware that the American people do not see it your way.

-- December 14, 2006 11:20 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara: Regarding the article you quoted about linking the situation in Iraq to peace in Palestine:

I look at the linkage of these two situations from a different angle, from the overall relationship between Muslims and Europeans.

Many Muslims have moved to Europe. There are about 50 million Muslim living in Europe, by some estimates. The average family size of Muslims in Europe is about 4. In a few generations, they will be the majority, as their population expands. Europeans call this population replacement "immigration". This is a sacred belief amomg the elites of Europe, that this process continue unimpeded, and anyone who criticises this, or thinks about it's implications, is vilified as a "racist" and will be told to shut up. Like Muslims moving to Europe, many European Jews have moved to the middle east. There are about six million Jews, most of whom are of European origin, now living in the middle east. Although this population replacement is the same action as Muslims moving to Europe, that is, just people moving from point A to point B, their action, though the same, is considered evil, and called "Zionism", and is so hated by Muslims, they will kill over it. As you know, the president of Iran would like to murder all Jews in the middle east.

So, what's the difference between "Zionism" and "immigration"? Not much. It's just people moving to a new place. The difference is just atitude. The difference is a huge double standard that works against Christians and Jews. Radical Muslims want to kill anyone that comes to "their land". And they think it is fair, if at the same time, Muslims are allowed to come to anyone else's land, unimpeded, and take it over. That's the deal. Sound grossly unfair and downright stupid? Sure, but Europeans agreed to it. Here are the new rules of the game: We can't go there. But they can come to our land. Very accomadating, of Europeans. In fact, Europeans have become so accomadating to Muslims, that they don't even consider Europe to be theirs anymore. They have even lost sense over pride of owning their own land. Even James Baker buys into this nonsensical view, that Israel is somehow an affront to the middle east, but 50 million Muslims living in Europe are not. One time, James Baker said, "F**k the Jews. They didn't vote for us, anyway". That's why, for him, everything is part of a deal, to be bargained, and maybe bargained a way.

Linking peace in Iraq with the Palestinian question is absurd. It's absurd, which means it fits the warped psychology of radical Muslims. Remember how upset the Muslims got over the Danish cartoons? President Bush reacted at the time by saying, that with radical Muslims, "it's always something. If it's not the Crusades, it's the cartoons". I agree with the President. And if it's not the cartoons, it's Iraq, until the next grievance comes along. Radical Muslims will always be angry about something or another, whether it happened last month, or a thousand years ago. It's what they do best, get upset, threaten, and push the guilt button. My response to Muslims would be, if you want European Jews to leave the middle east, which is what the Palestinian question comes down to, first Muslims should have to leave Europe. That sounds fair. Tit for tat. Also, if some Muslims first go ahead and murder six million Jews, in the middle east, as has been threatened by Iranian leaders, is not a commensurate response to do the same to Muslims in Europe? Wouldn't that be fair? Sounds fair to me.

Peace in Iraq will not come from caving in to irrational, unfair demands, and trying to make deals with people who want to kill you. Nice try, James Baker. Grab a glass of Geritol and try again.

Enough of that.

Thanks to Kevin B for maintaining this site, that keeps us informed and entertained.

Enough of politics for a while.

Merry Christmas to all on this site! Hope the joy of the season is with you and those you love.

Rob N: I've lost a few pets. Don't cut yourself off from the good that having a dog brings. I'd get another dog, a puppy now, if I were you. Nothing better than a puppy at Christmas. It'll help the eventual transition, which I hope is not too soon. Best of luck. Thanks for all your digging of information.

So Merry Christmas to all, and a successful RV in 2007!

-- December 14, 2006 11:41 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

Read the articles related to the Dinar on the link you provided in your post.This LA Times article is more MSM negativity when writing about Iraq.

An economist quoted in this article predicts the exchange rate will come back down and it may, but I believe in future of this country. A peaceful and prosperus Iraq is good for its people, the region, and the United States.

The other two articles make a good point discussing a continued gradual RV to 1000 to 1. If a fixed rate of 1000 Dinar to 1 American dollar is the goal, how long will this exchange rate be fixed?

In my view, long term success in Iraq involves more than just military domination. The citizenry must have enough water and electricity. Basic needs must be met. Furthermore, starting the economic engine will help Iraqi's feel some ownership in their country. Finally, raising oil production can only help improve conditions.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 15, 2006 12:08 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Neil wrote:

I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God. I then see all these incidences of Arabs giving their life to gain favor in Allah's eyes. I have alluded to this before and that is, someone is wrong and someone will die in vain.

===

I think I understand what you are saying, Neil. You don't see any difference between an "Arab" (Islamofascist extremist) killing themselves by blowing themselves up in a vain attempt to gain a favored position in heaven, and a Christian being unwilling to deny their lifelong and heartfelt principles and beliefs when threatened with death. One of them is wrong, and you cannot tell which one. Hmmm..

Well.. I see a difference between committing murder in the name of god (Allah) and staying true to a confession of faith in God and sealing that confession with your blood if need be on principle (Christianity). But if you can't see the difference because both end up in death.. I don't know how to explain it to you.. unless maybe you or one of your loved ones become victims of one of those attempting to gain a favored position with Allah one day. Then you might notice the difference in the intentions.. one being peaceful toward mankind and holding to personal religious integrity, and the other being full of malice in a vainglorious attempt to selfishly gain for oneself future rewards (virgins, honors, etc). It is your choice how you view God and which view of God you consider to be the "wrong" choice. I choose the God of principle and peace - not malice and murder. I choose the God which rewards self-sacrifice and loving your neighbor as yourself, rather than the god which rewards one's sexual lusts with many 'virgins' in heaven and which rewards acting hatefully toward one's neighbors by taking their lives or limbs by detonating explosives in a suicide attack.

You say you were well indoctrinated in the Christian religion and that you believe in a supreme creator, that is good, but did you know that the Bible says that the demons also believe in God? Belief in Him is not quite the same as saving faith in Him..

Jam 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!

You say you "have a myriad of questions which noone can answer to my satisfacton". I think all thinking persons have deep questions they wish answered. I believe that the Bible gives satisfactory answers to all who humbly and openly examine its wisdom for truth. It isn't always the answers men wish to hear, however, and often it steps on toes. You mention the idea that "the Bible does not address cussing and swearing other than using the Lord's name in vain but most Christians think you are headed for Hell if you get too vile." If you had read the Bible carefully you might have come across this gem of wisdom:

Jam 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes," be "Yes," and your "No," "No," lest you fall into judgment.

That is pretty plain in saying swearing "with any oath" is wrong. It also says it is to be observed "above all", which places upon it a very strong importance from Holy Writ. So there is reason that Christians should not swear.. but no Christian thinks you go to hell for swearing. The Bible does not teach that. The only reason a person goes to hell isn't because they sin.. it is because they choose to pay for their own sins, taking the punishment themselves instead of accepting Jesus' sacrifice on the cross in their place.

The other part about divorce and remarriage could end up very long, so I think I will leave it there for now. :)

Sara.

-- December 15, 2006 2:04 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Hi,

YOu know I don't know how to approach this, so I guess I'll just say it and see what happens.

I know that someday we will all be wealthy when the Dinar hits. But Frankly, as a long time investor, I was getting pretty bored with Zilch return on my money.

I was going to invest another 10K on teh Dinar, when a frien of mine introduced me to another business opporotunity. I spent the last 2 months researching the company and I truly beleive it is a very stable entity.

I know that you will all find it hard to believe (:} ), but I was very skeptical at first. WEll, to make a very long story short, I am now making $1,260.00 a DAY!! on a 9K investment.

I want to share this information, but I don't know how.

It is an Internet Advertising business and the site needs to be very protected.

I wasn't going to say anything, but I know that many of you have invested your hearts out in the DInar,and getting nothing waiting and waiting and waiting.

My family and I decided that our new venture tskes some of the edge off of the waiting.

Well, give me some suggestions on if, and how I could share this information with some of you.

OR SHOULD I JUST DROP IT. God only knows, I get myself in enough trouble onthis site.

Carole

-- December 15, 2006 2:18 AM ∞

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willie wrote:

Excellent Sara, I'd like to add onto your last paragraph concerning sin. Mark 3:28,29 Jesus saids "I tell you the truth, ALL the sins and blasphamies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." I totally agree with you Sara, this eternal sin is a heart-attitude of unbelief and unrepentance. Oh Oh, I can feel a preach comin on!!!

-- December 15, 2006 2:49 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole:
Nothing wrong with sharing your the information about your new adventure if you feel comfortable in doing so.
You are not encouraging or discouraging...just talking about your experience in that particular business...
By the way...
Good luck on it, and glad to hear you have done well! It is always good to see fellow boarder to achieve their goals..

-- December 15, 2006 6:10 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Neil:
I started doing some research recently on the USA's our economic condition. I started this, simply because, elaine my partner is from England. We are paying off a bill in England, so our dollar has to be converted over to the british sterling..
What once was a $100.00 dollar payment has now become a $198.00 payment because of the dollar weakening against the Lb.
As I started looking at the dollar, I found the following:
www.world Net Daily...Dollar Collapse would result in "AMERO"
It seems two analysts who reconstructed money supply data has the opinion the coming dollar collapse will set the stage for creating the Amero as a North American currency to replace the dollar...What is the Amero? It would be one currency that would cover Mexico, United States and Canada.

They say long term we are creating inflation, and with the growing budget and trade deficits, this could lead to a dollar collapse...especially if the Feds cannot increase rates....one says we entered into a recession in
Feb 2006. Bob Chapman predicted the Fed would hold the interest rate at 5.25 and they did.
He says, the Fed's are in a tough spot...raise rates..kill the real estate market...lower the rate...watch the dollar tank...
The dollar is now at a new 20 month low against other currencies. The Situation has gotten so bad that President has sent a team to China for a Strategic Economic Dialogue"
If the dollar starts to collapse...some expect President Bush to argue that we have to form the North American Union to compete with the Euro..Creating the Amero will be presented as the solution for the dollar recovery...in reality what is going to happen the dollar will be abandeon..

-- December 15, 2006 7:09 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(826)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 826 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2006 / 12/ 14 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1411 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1409 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 60.250.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 200.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 60.250.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 200.000

-- December 15, 2006 7:13 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

This may be a misprint but if not it could be a slip of the tongue regarding the target RV at
1.5 NID: 1 USD

Unemployment at 50%, says minister
14/12/2006
Source: Azzaman

Nearly half of Iraqis able to work are idle, said Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.

Mohamed Radhi said the high jobless rate was devastating to a country torn by sectarian strife and violence.

He said combating unemployment was as important as the fight against ‘terror’. Joblessness plays into the hands of ‘terrorists’, he said.

He said he had drawn a plan to provide short-term loans to families willing to start up their own businesses particularly those who depend on social benefits for a living.

“This project will contribute to defeating terror and terrorists who target sources of energy and labor. As a result unemployment has reached more than 50 per cent in some provinces,” he said.

He said he had 100,000 small-sized projects in mind and has urged the government set aside enough allocations to have the scheme in place in 2007.

Each family will be given a loan of 10,000 dinars (approx. $6,600) to start the project, he said.

-- December 15, 2006 7:31 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Sara, Let me remind you of one more.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

-- December 15, 2006 7:34 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,
Par ercellance! response to Neil. I think the best from you yet!! Thanks for your faith, it is truly inspiring. So many have put CHrisitans in the category of Robot type, non-thinking idiots. You, for one, silences that notion.

Carl, thanks for your well wishing. I wished there was a way to share more, but I have been told there is not.

This business requires too many personal information items, like SS# Date of Birth, Fed.ID Tax #. Plus the organization does background history on all investors.

I, for one, have not felt comfortable sharing personal information, like phone numbers or e-mail sites on a chat room. BUt my husband had suggested maybe getting a PO box that interested parties could inquire at. I'm considering it.

My daughter Maureen, has had 2 payouts since she started, each in 10 day cycles of $12,600.

My husband(Retired LAPD and USMC)checked this venture out backwards and forwards. And me, being me did the same from a different perspective and it is legit and viable.

I have developed a certain affection ( addiction! (: ) to the dinaraholics here and would love to spread the opporotunity. I'll keep thinkg about it and asking questions of the company as I go along. I should get a real big Christmas check next week. It has just been an invigorating investing experience comapred to the , watching paint dry, Dinar experience. Even though when the Dinar hits, there will be no comparison.

Some people ( like my RE friend ) are drawing 50K a month.

My husband and I had 2 businesses a few years back, that we incorporated. WHile we sold the businesses themselves,we have kept the Inc. viable. So, we may change this advertising venture under the Inc. for obvious tax pruposes.

At any rate, I am still cheering for the Dinar!!!

Carole

-- December 15, 2006 8:22 AM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

Chris.....

Every morning I do a quick sweep of the Dinar news and your information about 10,000 IQD = $6,600 is all over the place.

I agree with you...it was a slip of the tongue by the Minister! Hope it's true!!!

-- December 15, 2006 9:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Here is an article from www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.

Raising the value of the dinar against the dollar by the Central Bank (11/12/06)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many specialized economists in finance and monetary considered raising the rate of the dinar against the dollar sale by the Iraqi Central Bank an important step to control the volume of inflation.




They emphasized the importance of raising the interest rate up to 12% to curb inflation, which would lead, in the short term, to stabilize the price prevailing in the Iraqi market.
A depression and confusion in the stocks of selling and purchasing the dollar in most of the banking stores in Baghdad may accompany this procedure. Thus, it is necessary to follow up this dangerous turn in the Iraqi capital market. In press statements, a number of those concerned emphasized the importance of this remarkable step towards reducing inflation, raising the value of Iraqi dinar and reducing prices of goods and services.

The minister of planning, Ali Ghalib Baban, said that the Central Bank's decision, which came after extensive study, aimed at encouraging capital owners as well as the citizens in general on saving.

On his part, Governor of the Central Bank, Sinan Shabibi said that: "The aim of the Central Bank currently is limited in the fight against inflation, which reached about 76% and reduce its heightening, through the provision of better conditions for economic development, improving the performance of the banking sector and providing stability in it".

Shabibi said that among the reasons of inflation is the increase in cash circulation, which made it necessary to follow a new monetary policy, aimed at improving the dollar's exchange rate towards reducing its price several points in the auction, organized by the Central Bank every day to sell the dollar, to withdraw currency from circulation.

Director General of Researches at the Iraqi Central Bank, Dr. Madhhar Mohamed Salih, said: the Iraqi Central Bank is responsible, according to the law No. 56 of 2004, for dealing with inflation and reduce its levels. This principle forms the main objective adopted by the monetary policy in performing its duties. Accordingly, the Central Bank must set the priorities of its policies; meaning, the monetary policy to fight inflationary activities using the tools available.

He pointed out that monetary policy faces intermediate variables or objectives that show the relationship between the impact of these variables to reduce the general level of prices and the containing inflation. Among these variables are the stabilizing interest rates "the long-termed" and the stabilizing or real exchange rate. It is noted that these variables can not be controlled directly, unless they are targeted by similar variables which are considered as signals or informative means used to influence stability in the cash market. Among these signals is what is known as the interest rate of the Iraqi Central Bank; it is an indicator price which is considered as a compass influencing the behavior of interest rates and determining what the Central Bank lends to banks, and what banks deposit in the Central Bank.

Thus, inflation is the main reason of speeding up money circulation and spending them, leading to less demand for cash and more demand for goods and services. In order to maintain the cohesion of demand and maximize cash levels in order not to turn into strong spending on goods and services, all the Central Bank had to do is to use its tools in raising the interest rate to stimulate the interest rate structure and maintain the coherence of savings and maximize their purchasing power which will help monetary policy to deal with the high levels of liquidity and contain it within the cash or " banking" market, without becoming a cash bloc drifted towards commodity and services. In light of what have previously been mentioned, several questions arise: Can the Central Bank procedure curb inflation and control the volume of cash? What is the use of raising the level of interest against the high prices?

Economists stressed the importance that the Central Bank will continue this approach to curb inflation, which now threatens the stability of the entire situation in Iraq, including security, social and economic situations.

The observers speculate that the rise in the value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar would reduce inflation and revive the economic situation of Iraqi families, who has suffered greatly because of the high rate of inflation, which is the cause of deteriorating the level of savings as well. Thus, the Central Bank had to take this action, which many observers consider it a step towards a comprehensive reform of Iraqi economy.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 15, 2006 9:48 AM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

This sounds like the "mother of all battles". Al-Sadr better consider scooting his arse on over to Iran and joining his friends in a "goat grab"....it could be his last meal.

==============================================================================
Security

Iraqi-American troops gear up for battle of Baghdad
By Basil Adas

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baghdad, 15 December 2006 (Gulf News)

A total of 250,000 Iraqi and American troops are expected to be deployed in Baghdad to ensure security.

Hadi Al Amiri, Chairman of the Security and Defence Committee at the Iraqi Parliament, said they would take up positions across Baghdad.

The move comes in line with the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group's report, also known as the Baker-Hamilton report, which was released recently. Al Amiri told Gulf News that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki is determined to win "Baghdad's battle", considering it a decisive one to improve the security situation.

"The battle is agreed upon within the Political Council for National Security, which comprises the leaders of political blocs, including the Sunni Accordance Front," Al Amiri said.

All political leaders have now agreed to activate the role of the Iraqi army and police to help achieve security and put an end to the uncontrolled presence of armed militias, he said.

Earlier, political groups were divided over sending Iraqi forces to attack gunmen inside residential areas because the move was viewed as a sectarian act, Al Amiri said.

Babakeer Zebari, the Iraqi army Chief of Staff, said: "Baghdad will be the centre of a comprehensive and firm plan to rid the city of all gunmen."

According to Major General Hussain Ali Kmal, Head of the Intelligence Department at the Interior Ministry, there are between 7,000 and 9,000 armed elements from Al Qaida and the former regime.

Due to the new security plan, Baghdad is likely to see long days of curfew and raid operations. Gunmen were seen putting up barricades in preparation for what seems to be battles with the troops.

-- December 15, 2006 10:27 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

As for Neil's judging President Bush by whether he does what is popular in the leftist agendas or even with the uninformed public.. and lamenting the fact he doesn't fall into line behind them, I wish to draw attention to the fact that not one terrorist attack on US soil has happened under his leadership. I challenge anyone to find that to be so in future administrations under the leftist agenda, if they take control of this country completely. For now, the public can happily rail at him from their safe and comfortable armchairs in front of their TV sets.. in the future, when he is gone, if they choose to reap what they believe with an administration which only lusted for power and didn't really care about their safety, they will not be so happy, nor so safe.

As I have said before, the reason the terrorists do not attack the US is simple. The man in the Whitehouse is prone to retaliate. (He could bomb Mecca and that scares them, etc.) Put in Kerry, Obama, Hillary or their terrorist appeasing crew and the terrorists will feel very comfortable with killing off a few million Americans with impunity. (Kerry would never bomb Mecca, would he? How about going to war against Iran? Hunting terrorists around the globe? naaa) Look at how ecstatic they were with the Democrats getting so much power as they have so far.. the terrorists will find it falls nicely into their plans if the Dems take the Whitehouse, too - and America will rue the day they ever listened to the hateful rhetoric of the Bush hating leftist media pundits.

True, it may be unpopular for President Bush to go on saving the ungrateful American derrieres out there as they keep trying to hide the terrorists, their plans and activities - effectively aiding and abetting the enemy to blast tons of us all to 'kingdom come'.. but I think President Bush is a wonderful person to continue to do so - and I see in Him a reflection of Jesus who died for people who spat on Him, mocked Him and reviled Him. As I remind the Lord almost daily;

Mat 25:40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

I just like to remind Him what He said about those who revile His Godfearing people so - in particular as it refers to President Bush - for I believe that a nation that claims to be Christian and God fearing, all the while walking in such disrespectful and disgraceful handling of a President is reprehensible. (Act 23:5 Then Paul said, ".... it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' ") I understand somewhat the secular media's attacks and hatred of one of God's own, but the tolerance and eventual acceptance of these vindictive and malicious attacks against one who is valued by God as working for Him - that is inexcusable and will be judged so. "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me," - I believe it will be judged of each of President Bush's disrespectful detractors to a man. Remember, the final judgement will be the one that counts, not the current judgement of the left-leaning and Christ dishonoring media.

And, if the power structure changes, many who are reviling him now will be wishing President Bush never left as they will find that the world really is a big bad jungle out there, that a few of the animals in it are really QUITE unfriendly, and that President Bush was all the time working to defend them and their loved ones from injury or death. The time to think of your own personal survival is before the bombs go off, not after.. before the terrorists sneak into position to strike, not after. The stakes are indeed quite high.. whether the uninformed public or the Dems ever see it beforehand or not. And as this man argued in the below article.. who is this entity called "The People" which Neil so glibly referred to when he said "the people do not see it your way?"

Sara.

===

What Do People Really Know About Iraq?
By Lee Ellis
Dec 13, 2006

As I check the news channels for commentary or read the liberal pundits, I chuckle at how so many quote the Baker-Hamilton study as proving that Bush has lost the war. They go on to state, "The People" have told the politicians that they are tired of losing and want a change made immediately!

Who is this entity called "The People"? Has this group been to Iraq and studied this country? Has this segment been schooled in war? From where does this group gain such knowledge that it can force politicians to fear winning a war?

Sadly, the only thing that people know about Iraq is what they see on television! Close-ups of coffins, the wounded, and destruction now govern the way people think and act. It is the polls of "The People" that cause our Congress to make decisions based on wind direction rather than genuine facts.

We forget that television news producers show only the bad news, seldom the good! I could take cameras into sections of LA and broadcast a news segment about gangs tearing apart a major city, and after most people saw this on TV, they would think that California was about to be taken over! Think about the times you have had a flood or a fire in your state. After it is shown on national TV, how many times have you had relatives or friends call you long distance to see if you were OK, even though you actually lived many miles from the affected area? This same phenomenon is true of Iraq. Segments do burn, but you seldom see the majority of cities where civilians are flooding the main streets, shopping, dining and smiling at our troops. Iraqi kids flock around American soldiers, holding their hands and telling them they love America!

Major Scott Kish, who is serving in Iraq, was just on Fox Cable News. He told us about the new schools that are being built in Iraq, how both boys and girls are going back to school and are able to learn math and have books to read. Smiles and laughter are seen on their faces for the first time in a long time. TV cameras never seem to go there! How about all the new hospitals and equipment and the rebuilding of infrastructure by our people? Oops, this does not get ratings on TV! The entire media prefers to dwell on anything that makes President Bush look bad. Only our troops who are there are able to tell a different story!

John Conyers, Jr. has a bill (HR635) to impeach President Bush! Elizabeth Holtzman, former Congresswoman and prosecuting attorney, had so much fun impeaching Nixon that she is back on the airwaves, along with David Swanson, trying to do the same with George W. Bush. Why impeachment? She tells us of all the horrible things he did to try to protect America. Holtzman decries Bush's arrogance in shredding international treaties, as well as his disdain for the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions and for the torture scandals. These concerns, she told Sean Hannity, have been compounded by growing evidence that the President deliberately misled the country into the war in Iraq. But, she said, it wasn't until the most recent revelations that President Bush directed the wiretapping of hundreds, possibly thousands, of Americans in violation of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that she felt the same sinking feeling in her stomach as she did during Watergate.

My, oh, my! I could have sworn that our President did what was necessary to protect us Americans from new terrorist strikes in a war designed to kill as many American civilians as possible. The so-called wiretaps were only on Middle East agents calling their sleeper cells here in this country. Innocent Americans were NOT being listened to by FBI or CIA agents!

Apparently, Liz Holtzman also has no concept of the difference between torture and interrogation. We who fought in WWII know what torture really is. Have any doubts? Talk to suvivors of the Bataan Death March. We have not inflicted horrible pain or hunger on any combatants captured in this war! Nor do the Geneva Conventions really apply to terrorism.

The ratified Geneva Conventions were created in 1864, 1929, and 1949 (latter based on the 1909 Hague Convention). One protocol added in 1977 has been ratified. Other protocols have not. Do not these dates tell you that these rules referred to wars between nations with uniformed armies? Terrorism by civilian thugs gathering from many different countries was unknown then. Bush was wise to adapt to this new type of warfare. Had he ignored these changes, thus allowing more 9/11s --- now, THAT would have been impeachable!

As to the use of diplomacy -- asking Iran and Syria to help us -- Donald Rumsfeld asked the all important question while on his last goodbye trip to Iraq. When questioned about this by Sean Hannity, he asked, "Why would you? Why would they want to help us?" He went on to remind us that terrorism can happen anywhere, anytime, 24/7. "There is no way of knowing where or when. It is impossible to guess!" He added that it was important that the President had taken the war to the Middle East to keep the terrorists there.

The Far Left is still trying to tell us that WMD was the only reason we went to war. Their memories are as bad as their belief system. Saddam was using his "Food for Oil" bribe money to finance and fuel al Qaeda. Establishing a listening post in the heart of the Middle East with the least loss of American lives and the least dollar cost was a must.

Television-seduced viewers will decide who is to be President in 2008. Republicans forgot all of this in the past election. Let's hope they remember when it is time to nominate, elect and vote again.

http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_21254257.shtml

-- December 15, 2006 10:37 AM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Carl: you wrote to Neil about creating a North American currency. I doubt very much that would fly with Canadians, unless.......

I have mentioned the political situation with the French speaking Canadian province of Quebec before, on this site. I follow Canadian politics very closely. By law, within 2 years, the ruling provincial party in Quebec, the Liberals, who want to keep Canada together, will face an election against the Parti Quebecois, who want to break up Canada. The Liberals are very unpopular in Quebec, and are currently sitting at 20% approval rating in the polls. The Parti Quebecois, the separtists, are currently very popular. Should the PQ win the next election, which has to take place in less than two years, in Canada, then the PQ leader, Andre Bosclair, has vowed to hold a referendum on the question of breaking up Canada. Leading French-speaking Canadians have been actively trying to dismember Canada for over forty years. They may yet succeed. Two referedums on that question have taken place, so far. The last referendum, a few years ago, the separtist party got 49.98% of the vote. Canada came within a couple of thousand votes of breaking up. Should the separtists win next time, and Canada break up, over the issue of language use, into several pieces, then the possibility of a common currency between what's left of Canada, and the States becomes much more likely.

The vote could go either way next time, but if you hear on CNN, in a year or two, that your northern neighbor is breaking into pieces, and if a common currency results down the road, don't be too surprised.

Anyway,.... something for Americans to think about, as millions of Spanish-speaking Mexicans head north.

-- December 15, 2006 11:05 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

I would be interested in the venture you were speaking about - if you wished to trouble yourself to do a PO box, I would appreciate it.

Carl;

Oman pulling out of the GCC is interesting as a development. The Dinar could be strengthened even more once it hits the freely traded market because, obviously, those not comfortable with the stability of the Oman currency could look elsewhere in the region and the Dinar is looking more attractive as time goes by.

Laura;

Thanks for your checking up on the site and your cheery input. Have a good trip to Ohio and a wonderful time with your family. The article you referred to which I had spoken of was about Iraqis who were vying to be the one to execute Saddam, not an article saying he is dead.
Here it is:

===

Iraqis Line Up to Put Hussein in the Noose
December 9, 2006
By KIRK SEMPLE

BAGHDAD, Dec. 8 — One of the most coveted jobs in Iraq does not yet exist: the executioner for Saddam Hussein. The death sentence against Mr. Hussein is still under review by an appeals court, but hundreds of people have already started lobbying the prime minister’s office for the position.

They have sent messages through cabinet officials and their assistants, and by way of government guards and clerical workers. One candidate, an Iraqi Shiite living in London whose brother was killed by Mr. Hussein, telephoned an aide to the prime minister to say he was prepared to drop everything and fly to Baghdad to execute the former ruler.

Iraqi judicial officials said they expected that the appeals process would be completed in a matter of weeks and, if the sentence is upheld, that Mr. Hussein’s hanging would take place between mid-January and mid-March.

The Shiite-led government has argued for a swift execution, saying that as long as Mr. Hussein is alive, he remains a powerful source of motivation for elements of the Sunni Arab insurgency fighting to restore him to power.

There are other critical issues the government will need to decide should the appeals court uphold the death sentence against Mr. Hussein, including where he will be executed.

Officials have considered staging a public hanging in Baghdad’s largest sports arena, Shaab Stadium, and filling the place with tens of thousands of spectators, according to a high-ranking government official involved in the executions process, who agreed to discuss the subject on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about it on the record.

But while such a spectacle might satisfy a communal need for closure, the authorities have rejected the idea for security reasons. A target that big, they say, would be highly vulnerable to attack by Sunni insurgents who might try to lob a few mortar shells into the crowd or ambush spectators on their way to and from the event.

Most likely, officials say, Mr. Hussein will be hanged at gallows specially built for him at Camp Cropper.

The protocols for his hanging have not yet been determined, including who will get to attend, Maliki administration officials said. In a standard Iraqi hanging, the attendance is limited to representatives from the Justice Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the prime minister’s office, and a doctor. Mr. Shibli, the justice minister, said the convict’s lawyer was allowed to attend, as well as a member of the clergy of the victim’s choice, though in practice they rarely do.

The usual videographer and photographer will probably be on hand, as well, to record the hanging, officials said, and excerpts of the event may be shown later on national television. Mr. Ridha says the Iraqi people will want to see it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/09/world/middleeast/09gallows.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin

-- December 15, 2006 12:21 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

I am thinkng about it. I have to check with my attorney first, as I would really like to get the PO box under my corporate name.

I will keep you posted, but probably won't make any decisions until next week sometime or right after Christmas.

Have a great day!

Carole

-- December 15, 2006 1:05 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

I agree with your view that:
"long term success in Iraq involves more than just military domination. The citizenry must have enough water and electricity. Basic needs must be met. Furthermore, starting the economic engine will help Iraqi's feel some ownership in their country. Finally, raising oil production can only help improve conditions."

Thanks also for the excellent economic posts.. they are always an encouragement along the road. :)

Chris - Thanks again for the daily auction results you keep posting. :)

Thanks also the scripture and I agree with Okie that the post about the "slip of the tongue" is intriguing.
Hopefully it isn't just a wishful slip of the tongue but one with some concrete actions going on behind the scenes..

Sara.

-- December 15, 2006 1:07 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carole, would you keep me informed also?

-- December 15, 2006 1:51 PM ∞

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Turtle wrote:

Okie: Unless you have heard something I have not, Sadr is either dead or in hiding already. Any knowledge of his current whereabouts appears to be above secret because we have heard nothing of his location since just after the Jordan meeting. There were reports that have not been confirmed either way about his location. So... Things continue to get more interesting. Now, just hope those WMDs that don't exist and haven't been found don't suddenly show up.

-- December 15, 2006 2:37 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Carole,

You have my attention also on that business info. I'm interested!

-- December 15, 2006 3:25 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Hi everyone,

Just packing the car to leave. I decided to check in and see how everyone is doing. Looks like a lot of speculation on Sadr and Iran. Something seems to be in the works. Keep us posted on these events.

Sara,

Thank you for clarification. I thought I missed the execution of Saddam in the news.

Also, your trust in Jesus is appreciated. I too would have to stand with you on our confession of faith in him. We would both be dead but alive with him in heaven.

Keep posting all and Merry Christmas.

Laura

-- December 15, 2006 3:28 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

A Christmas card for those who are serving in Iraq..
with special thanks, prayers and warm wishes to turtle,
Outlaw and the others who contribute to our forum.
All our best and God Bless,

http://www.crosscards.com/cards/cardform.aspx?cp=1&iNo=56&No=82

Sara.

-- December 15, 2006 4:58 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

NBC’s Brian Williams Corrects Laura Bush on Media Coverage of Iraq
Posted by Brent Baker on December 14, 2006 - 21:14.

On Thursday’s NBC Nightly News, anchor Brian Williams highlighted how, earlier in the day, First Lady Laura Bush “placed the blame squarely on the news media" for why so few support the President on Iraq. But instead of addressing her contention about how “there are a lot of good things that are happening that aren't covered and I think the drumbeat in the country from the media...is discouraging" as she hoped for “more balanced coverage” in the future, Williams applied a non sequitur to dismiss her assessment of the news media. He noted how “the recent report from the Iraq Study Group, however, specifically found that there has been significant under-reporting of the violence in Iraq." But that’s about the accuracy of U.S. military data collection and categorization, not the accuracy of news media coverage of the situation in Iraq. (Transcript follows)

From the December 14 NBC Nightly News:

Brian Williams: “First Lady Laura Bush had something to say about Iraq today. It was during an appearance on MSNBC. Mrs. Bush was asked by Norah O'Donnell why she thinks only two out of ten Americans, in our latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, said they approved of the President's handing in the war in Iraq. Mrs. Bush placed the blame squarely on the news media.”

First Lady Laura Bush, at the White House, on MSNBC: “I do know that there are a lot of good things that are happening that aren't covered and I think the drumbeat in the country from the media, from the only way people know what's happening unless they happen to have a loved one deployed there, is discouraging.”

Williams: “Mrs. Bush went on to say she hopes for what she called ‘more balanced coverage’ in the future. The recent report from the Iraq Study Group, however, specifically found that there has been significant under-reporting of the violence in Iraq.”

http://newsbusters.org/node/9666

A non sequitur is something that does not follow from what has been said.
Here, the media has played upon a well established and media driven
equivalency the media has created in the public mind. Their mantra is:

"If there is any violence in Iraq and any people die, it is President Bush's fault.
This is so because 'he got us into this mess.'"

Nevermind 911 - that we were attacked, or that Saddam threatened the US with WMD,
had violated UN sanctions repeatedly and had ties to the terrorist Al Qaida, etc, etc.

The media constantly brainwashed the people into not supporting the President because of violence in Iraq,
which is something they constantly can bring to the screen and blame completely on him.

The question to Laura Bush was "Why don't the people support the President?"
Her answer was, "the slanted, inaccurate and unbalanced news coverage by the media."
The media reply.. was to allude to violence in Iraq being his fault again. It was wrong, but since it
has been established in the minds of the uncritical public, judging by the polls..

I think the majority of them bought it.

Sara.

-- December 15, 2006 6:09 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Turtle....

My rowdy friends think Sadr is still hunkered down in Sadr City....Maybe in a Mosque.

Just take care...keep your head down...and most of all, Have a Merry Christmas!

-- December 15, 2006 7:02 PM ∞

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CYMRU001 wrote:

Carole,

I too am interested in your venture. I know you will make a decision after Christmas, but I have some questions.

Is there any chance you could email me and have a chat? My email address is cymru001@ntlworld.com

-- December 16, 2006 2:07 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carole, I'm headed over to Hawaii for 2 months but I'm taking my laptop. My email is wjtorres2005@yahoo.com I'm very interested.

-- December 16, 2006 4:51 PM ∞

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Robert S wrote:

Carole,

ME TOO!!!! I too am interested in your venture. I know you will make a decision after Christmas, Is there any chance you could email me and have a chat? My email address is rlsebring@cox.net

-- December 16, 2006 6:10 PM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

Subject: STARBUCKS DENIES COFFEE TO MARINES

A big sacrifice for some of you but don't you think it's worth it?

STARBUCKS DENIES COFFEE TO MARINES

Recently Marines in Iraq wrote to Starbucks because they wanted to let them know how much they liked their coffees and to request that they send some of it to the troops there.

Starbucks replied, telling the Marines thank you for their support of their business, but that Starbucks does not support the war, nor anyone in it, and that they would not send the troops their brand of coffee.

So as not to offend Starbucks, maybe we should not support them by buying any of their products! As a war vet writing to fellow patriots, I feel we should get this out in the open. I know this war might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn't mean we don't support the boys on the ground fighting street-to-street and house-to-house for what they and I believe is right.

If you feel the same as I do then pass this along, or you can discard it and no one will never know. Thanks very much for your support. I know you'll all be there again when I deploy once more.

"Semper Fidelis."
Sgt Howard C. Wright
1st Force Recon Co
1st Plt PLT

-- December 16, 2006 6:25 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Okie;

That one is false:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/starbucks.asp

QUOTE:

Sgt. Wright has since learned that what he heard was in error, and he has subsequently tried to set things right by issuing the following retraction:

Dear Readers,

Almost 5 months ago I sent an email to you my faithful friends. I did a wrong thou that needs to be cleared up. I heard from word of mouth about how Starbucks said they didn't support the war and all. I was having enough of that kind of talk and didn't do my research properly like I should have. This is not true. Starbucks supports the men and women in uniform. They have personally contacted me and I have been sent many of their Company's policy on this issue. So I apologize for this quick wrong letter I sent out to you. Now I ask that you all pass this email around to everyone you passed the last one to. Thank you very much for understanding about this.

Howard C. Wright
Sgt USMC

Sara.

-- December 16, 2006 10:25 PM ∞

---

Neil wrote:

Sara:

I appreciate the effort that you went to in presenting your viewpoint. Your posts are always well presented and extremely informative but you have a tendency to take someones position to the extreme, and most anything when taken to the extreme is undesirable. Eating is good but eating to the point that you weight 500 pounds gives eating a different face.

I did not attempt to address the merits of giving one's life for their religion. I simply said there is one way to heaven (not two ways) and if two people are travelling different paths, then one is wrong and will die in vain.

I agreed with Pres Bush when he invaded Afganistan as I thought they were in bed with terrorists. I did not see a connection with Iraq to terrorists and the WMD's did not scare me. I think that we have given birth to a large number of terrorists in Iraq by disbanning the Saddam Army and putting those trained killers back among the populace with no jobs and little hope.

Now, I am scared of China and Russia and they are growing stronger each day while we are expending our resources.

I go back to the fact that Pres Bush is elected to serve the American people and even though they may be stupid, we still have a Gov't of the people.

Please take my comments at face value and stop there. When I read what I have said after it has been taken to the extreme, it sounds ridiculous to me also.

-- December 16, 2006 11:03 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Sara....

Thanks for the Starbucks correction....now back to my Frappuccino.

-- December 16, 2006 11:38 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Neil;

I felt I did take your comments at face value and addressed them as such.
You were indeed comparing Islamofascist suicide bombings to Christian martyrdom when you said,
QUOTE:

"I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God. I then see all these incidences of Arabs giving their life to gain favor in Allah's eyes. I have alluded to this before and that is, someone is wrong and someone will die in vain."

===end of quote===

At face value and not going to any extreme, you were indeed comparing my "willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God" with "THEN" seeing "all these incidences of Arabs giving their life to gain favor in Allah's eyes" - which is suicide bombers, etc. You then say - comparing the two - that "someone is wrong and someone will die in vain." I do not see my reply to you as being extreme by taking that concept at face value and answering it with the reply I did:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/12/iraqi_dinar_dis_6.html#127007

I thank those who subsequently posted that what I had said was completely right in answering you as their comments do affirm (to me, at least) that I was not mistaking your "face value" intent when you posted these words. I do, however, appreciate the more moderate tone you have taken in this subsequent post. Perhaps your subsequent moderate tone is a result of seeing the logical end to your argument presented - which caused you to comprehend where the fault in the argument lies.

You said, "I did not attempt to address the merits of giving one's life for their religion."

But perhaps you could explain or rather clarify that statement in light of the previous comment that you found amusement in my espousing my "unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God." The full sentence you stated was, "I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God." Taking this statement at face value, it says you found something amusing in my willingness to die for my faith. This does address an attitude toward the "giving one's life for their religion." Very shortly thereafter you wrote, "someone is wrong and someone will die in vain."

Is it possible to interpret your amusement at my willingness to die for the Christian faith to be because you think it is a misplaced or wrong faith - the one where "someone will die in vain"? (Please note it is a very serious subject, what was the cause of the levity or amusement on your part?) Since the sentence you wrote actually says you found amusement from seeing my 'unyielding allegience to God'... My subsequent taking of this statement in context and at face value forces me to some assumption about what that amusement might be. It does appear to denote that you found amusement in the idea that I thought Christianity correct and your belief was that my death for that faith would be in vain.. am I correct in interpreting your amusement in that way? (Board, what do you think?) If I am not correct, do feel free to explain your "amusement" in the statement, "I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God." What exactly was this amusement about? What did you "see" in my unyeilding allegience to God which caused you to laugh? It is funny because.. ___ ?? Was it funny to you because you thought me wrong? If you thought me right, what would make it funny?

If you subsequently wish to argue my view of it is incorrect, I would like to point out that at that time, with only that post to go from, there was no additional information to make this evaluation upon. You may NOW change it to another intent than the obvious one from within the context of the post, but I am blameless as regarding how I interpreted it with the information I had at hand. I am pleased that you found your comments to be ridiculous when held up to the scrutiny I used ("it sounds ridiculous to me also."), but I do vehemently take issue with your denial of intent within the information given in the sequence within your post, which (at face value) was:

1) Your amusement at my adherence to my faith and then
2) Your immediate comparison to Islamofascist Jihadists, then
3) Saying "someone is wrong and someone will die in vain" - followed closely with
4) Elaborating on your having been raised in a Christian upbringing and your finding it inadequate to answer your questions (though plainly you had not been schooled in the Bible, as my subsequent answer illustrated) - and then
5) Your frustration with Christians was again noted in your comments - including a comment I addressed about how some Christians appeared to you to be very stringent in standing against swearing and you didn't see any reason for that

All of these sequentially added to the impression that you are not exactly endorsing Christianity as the winner in the "someone is wrong and someone will die in vain" opening statement but were effectively decrying and taking the religion I hold to to task.

The context I have here quoted does seem to lead "at face value" to the conclusion that you were in an unfriendly position toward Christianity and did indeed feel that the religion of Christianity could lead a person to die for that faith in vain. Again, if if I have taken what you said wrongly and you wish to clarify those remarks and why you made them in the context in which you did, I would be interested in an alternate explanation on your part.

Sara.

-- December 17, 2006 2:37 AM ∞

---

Justin wrote:

Carole,

I'm interested as well...my e-mail is Justin.Allensworth@gmail.com. I know a decision wont be made til after the holiday season.

Thanks,
Justin

-- December 17, 2006 5:35 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(827)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 827 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2006 / 12/ 17 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1400 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 24.930.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 24.930.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------

-- December 17, 2006 7:41 AM ∞

---

Fred wrote:

Carole-
Interested as well, Probably be hard pressed to find someone who would not be interested. I'm an avid reader of this site, kind of addictive. Wake up go to work (active duty Navy) then home to check the Truck and Barter site for anything new. Had my Dinar for two years and as with the rest am patiently waiting for some spark. It moves ever so slow but no real spark to get it going. Your oppurtunity has movement and that is what we all look for. If the Dinar did RV 1-1 for arguement sakes, we would definitely still check this site out and read each others posts. Would really like for that but will settle for any movement that is constant in that direction. Then maybe I could retire, have 21 years and getting ready to deploy in Jan. I get to enjoy the holidays and then underway until mid summer. Can't complain since my job keeps me on the ship but you never know what is in store for us from day to day. If you do choose to share I personnally would be thankful as well as the rest as well I'm sure. I will be reading this dinar posts for many more days to come.

-- December 17, 2006 9:51 AM ∞

---

Fred wrote:

Carole- my e-mail is
fmcns@yahoo.com
Thanks and enjoy the Holidays.

Happy Holidays to everyone reading, and get your shopping done. Dinar donations wil be greatly appreciated by me and my future banker!! Really Happy Holidays and lets get this bus rolloing down the Dinar highway.

-- December 17, 2006 9:56 AM ∞

---

Franko wrote:

First time posting but have been following since this board first got started. I feel like I know all of you personally. Thank you all for some good info from Dinars to religion. As for myself I have spent much time in the mid east the past three years and have been mostly in Iraq doing security work. Cannot say much due to the security implications. I have been back since July and may head back over mid January. My wife left me while I was over there and took half my purchase, Still a couple mil better then none. Carol, I too am interested in your business and you can write me to at spaceborn@yahoo.com

I hope you all have a safe and blessed MERRY CHRISTMAS and I hope to meet you all one day, maybe at the pig roast.

Franko

-- December 17, 2006 1:56 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks to those of you who came out of the woodwork and mentioned you are with us here on T and B.
Thank you for reading and the kind words about the posts here. :)

I thought I would mention that it would be really REALLY good to give your address in this form in future - saraand-at-fastmail.fm - since using the form of your email with the @ sign in it means that a troll (a robotic program) can find your email address on a net page and then use it to send you SPAM. This is a tactic the spammers use all the time. Kevin is well aware of that, and that is why he gives his address at the top in this form - kevin-at-truckandbarter.com.

I mention this to try to help you not to make your email inbox flooded with constant SPAM - as the trolling programs are remote and they mine the net for email addresses all the time (repeatedly, over and over). They recognise an email address on a page by the @ sign and then copy the address and add it to their database for the SPAMMERS. I just thought I would mention it for your future reference - for avoiding SPAM emails when you give out an email address on the net. :)

Sara.

-- December 17, 2006 2:58 PM ∞

---

CYMRU001 wrote:

Sara,

I didn't think about that and appreciate your advice.

Regards,

Cymru

-- December 17, 2006 3:33 PM ∞

---

Franko wrote:

Thanks also Sara, Now that you mentioned it I remember that now. Anyway that is my "spam" email and not the one I use on a daily basis and yes I get MANY hits on it daily. Take care

-- December 17, 2006 3:50 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

An argument for the LEGITIMACY of the US (and coalition) receiving reward from going to war in Iraq.. including part in its oil revenues.

Note that verse 8, referring to "the law" is referring to the Law of God as the authority for this position.

1Co 9:7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?
1Co 9:8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also?
1Co 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about?
1Co 9:10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.

The argument I am putting forth here is that the US is not a terrible, evil power who is trying to take over Iraq and steal all its oil revenues for itself, but that they deserve to eat of the fruit of freeing the people of Iraq from the hand of a tyrant (Saddam) and drink the milk for saving that flock. They deserve to receive back for the expenses they put themselves to for war.. including lucrative oil contracts, because it is written in the word of God, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." We as Dinar investors are also a part of that hope for Iraq - that the Iraqi people might become prosperous, free and peaceful by the intervention of the US (and its coalition partners) into its affairs.

But more than the Dinar holder's pittance we put into this pot, the US government may hold large amounts of reserves in this currency (the Iraqi Dinar) which, if there were a RV, some would say is "stealing from the Iraqi people." It is not. It is taking a part of the fruit of the vineyard because of the labor bestowed upon it. It is taking the milk from the flock which was protected and looked after by our troops sticking their necks out for the Iraqi people to help bring them that wealth. Our government has EARNED this windfall and no man is legitimate in arguing that the ox should be muzzled when it treaded out the grain.

It is cruel to think of muzzling an ox who is laboring to bring you grain, and it is also cruel to say the US is not entitled to its blessing for the hard work - blood, sweat and toil they have done - to bring Iraq to the point of freedom from tyranny and to prosperity as a sovereign nation under God. This is equally so for their partners in the coalition.. they SHOULD be given commensurate consideration for committing their armies to the cause of freeing Iraq and making her peaceful. I believe the governments involved have LEGITIMATELY hoped to receive from Iraq a payback, and they are legitimately owed the same.

Those who accuse President Bush (or Tony Blair, etc) of stealing from Iraq are as cruel as those who muzzle the ox.. and are seeking to give the wealth that rightfully and by labor belongs to the "ox" (US and its partners) to those who have not earned it. They seek to give it to those who have sat in their armchairs and railed at the US while the US and its partners expended the blood, sweat and tears of its sacrificing sons and daughters to bring the Iraqis hope and a future of peace and prosperity for them and their children.

I hope those who make these socialist snipings do not get a penny of the labor the "ox" has put forth to obtain this blessing for the Iraqi people. It is undeserved by them because they have no part in seeking the good of the Iraqi people or bringing to them any blessing. The media has done nothing but aid and abet the enemies of the Iraqi people and they deserve no consideration in any sphere of endeavor concerning the Iraqi people. I hope not one of them have invested into the Dinar and that they think the whole thing a hoax and us investors deceived.. it is deserved that they not obtain any of the blessing. Do not pity their lack of blessing or feel guilty at their remarks when you obtain this blessing as a part of the labor of the "ox".

The sniping remarks in the media that taking a portion of the fruit of Iraq is unethical behavior comes from their covetous hearts - just as Aesop's fable of the fox who cannot reach the grapes no matter how high he leaps and then reasons, "They are sour grapes anyway!" - They will try to spoil the taste of the fruit in our mouths who have helped with our labors (represented by money we have invested into the Iraqi Dinar) by saying it is ill gotten gain. I remind the board it is not. Investing in Dinar was also investing in and helping the Iraqi people when they most needed it, and we should be happy we have been a part of bringing them hope and help financially by our little contributions.. and the US (and coalition) should be amply rewarded without guilt for the HUGE part they have played in helping Iraq to obtain her eventual blessing... many having even laid down their lives to obtain this blessing for Iraq's people.

Joh 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

May God, judging by His word, not allow these sniping voices to twist this sacrifice of love which helps the Iraqi people to obtain peace and prosperity into their false argument that it is not legitimate for the ox to eat from the grain he has worked so hard to harvest for the masters of the vineyard (the Iraqis - who ultimately owe the vineyard and its fruit to God). And may we seek the blessings on our labor (which is represented in the money we obtain from it) only from God's good hand of blessing - for surely He can never be deceived by the false arguments when His word is plain in saying the blessing is legitimate on the ox which treads out the grain.

Sara.

-- December 17, 2006 4:29 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Neil wrote:

I agreed with Pres Bush when he invaded Afganistan as I thought they were in bed with terrorists. I did not see a connection with Iraq to terrorists and the WMD's did not scare me.

===end of quote==

Neil, you say you did not see a connection with Iraq to terrorists and the WMD did not concern you. Is this still the case today? Do you see no connection between Saddam and the terrorists, when we can now prove that there was a tie? Do you still think that there never were any WMD? Recent posts, there are many others:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#126870
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#126871

QUOTE:

.. an Oct. 4, 2004, report by Cybercast News Service included 42 pages of Iraqi Intelligence Service memos that revealed Saddam's purchase of mustard gas and anthrax as recently as the summer of 2000 and his extensive ties to al Qaeda.

===end of quote==

This proves that there were WMD sold to Saddam as recently as the summer of 2000 and that he had ties to al Qaeda.. the terrorists.. EXTENSIVE ties, too. Do you now see the connection with Iraq to terrorists and that there was indeed a threat of WMD making it into al Qaeda hands which may have resulted in further attacks against the US?

Also note that in June of 2006,

QUOTE:

"House Intelligence Committee Chairman Peter Hoekstra (R-Mich.) and U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) released declassified portions of an intelligence report that they said confirmed Saddam's possession of weapons of mass destruction, including mustard gas. The report indicated that 500 such weapons had been destroyed by the U.S.-led coalition since 2003 and that the U.S. and its allies were racing against terrorist groups in trying to control the remaining weapons in Iraq."

===end of quote==

Please note the recent post about an attack in Iraq which appears to have been WMD... and is still pending (sure seems quiet, no denial that it was a WMD attack is forthcoming, is it?)

From Dec 12 post here: http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#126947

IRAQ: 'NEW EXPLOSIVES USED' IN DEADLY BAGHDAD BLAST

"These chemical substances may come from chemical weapons arsenals dating from the Saddam era, developed in secret laboratories. Explosives experts from the ministry are collaborating with international experts to try and and find out more," the expert continued.

===end of quote==

Are you continuing to argue either of these two points, Neil.. that Saddam did not have ties to terrorists... or that he did not have WMD? If so, please explain, in light of this intelligence, why you are ignoring the evidence. I for one do not believe the mainstream media to be perpetually infallible in every judgement or opinion they make and I believe the factual evidence is contrary to their cherished and much published opinions. It is my observation that the MSM do appear to be unwilling to be subjected to question or revision once their minds are made up - even in light of new evidence to the contrary - so perhaps you had not heard this evidence before because they rarely seem to take the time to bring up contrary evidence or views.. (hence the Fox News popularity and their slogan as more "fair and balanced" when we all know the vast majority of the MSM is not balanced nor fair.)

Sara.

-- December 17, 2006 5:18 PM ∞

---

Hsiv Qnav wrote:

Its a lop for the iraqi dinar in early 2007. Just got this image from a reliable source in government in Iraq. He has told me to sell my dinars as the lop won't be a favorable one.

http://img15.imgspot.com/u/06/350/18/newiraqidinar20071166397916.gif

The dream is over, this sucks, i'm out.

good luck.

-- December 17, 2006 5:35 PM ∞

---

CYMRU001 wrote:

Hsiv Qnav,

Who are you, Who is your source and how reliable is he?

We have mooted the lopping point many times and we all seem to agree that this isn't a course we see the Dinar taking.

If you know more, please share any information you have. There are a lot of people who have invested in the Dinar on this site and would appreciate all you can tell us.

-- December 17, 2006 6:10 PM ∞

---

Hsiv Qnav wrote:

I am not getting drawn into this. My contact is a personal friend for 20 years or more when I worked in the diplomatic service. He is now a Minister in Iraq. Of course I cant just name him on here.

He sent me the proof and told me to get out of this investment quick as Iraq is going to screw the speculators with a real bad reprint/lop.

In truth, I got this info about 10 days ago. Once I sold my dinars on ebay, I posted this for all to see.

I am out. Hope it works out for you guys if you stay in this.

good luck.

-- December 17, 2006 6:29 PM ∞

---

Fred wrote:

Hsiv Qnav- Get drawn into what?? You made a statement and we simply would like a reply other than get out!! The picture of the currency is somewhat questionable with some english words compared to the current bills with no words leading to the western world. This new currency would have to have some background that would explain the security features. Simply put, a one dinar bill with no explanation is not a path any country would take, for they have to have a transfer period from old to new currency. But if this is to come then so be it. But to bail out of your post with the reply you do not not want to get dragged into?? Is highly questionable atleast. Please expand if you have some info, we could all use it, obviously when I find myself typing at a computer screen while the football game is on. I'm missing the game.

-- December 17, 2006 6:51 PM ∞

---

Hsiv Qnav wrote:

Hi Fred,

The image he gave me is of the "english" side. There will be an Arabic side but I can't read arabic, so what was the point in sending me that?

What I said was I don't want to get drawn into a debate over this. If you find this highly questionable, thats your perogative.

RECAP: I never told YOU to get out of this investment. YOU can do as you please.

I simply told you that my friend tipped me off and I have already put this investment behind me.

This will be my final post on the matter as I have other more important investments to chase.

Good luck with your investment Fred.

-- December 17, 2006 7:03 PM ∞

---

Fred wrote:

Hsiv Qnav-
Thanks for the reply

The Giants are getting thumped by the Eagles

-- December 17, 2006 7:14 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

I think this Hsiu guy may be onto something! Could the recent rise in the dinar value be a way to get a final rush of speculators buying up dinar? could be? What do people think?

http://img15.imgspot.com/u/06/350/18/newiraqidinar20071166397916.gif

It looks real to me. Anyway, isnt this what we all thought might happen? now it is, you are giving the guy a hard time. i am going to rethink this investment too, i think.

-- December 17, 2006 7:17 PM ∞

---

CYMRU001 wrote:

Spetz,

I don't think the rise is a way of getting more people to invest.

I also don't think we are giving him a hard time. We are simply asking for as much information as we can get. I didn't start buying Dinar 'cause one person said so. I did some research and asked some questions. I am not going to start selling 'cause one person says I should. I am simply trying to do more research. I have just come form another forum where this thing is not mentioned anyhwere.

If the zero lop and change of currency were to happen, I believe we would have more infomation. If Hsiv's friend has told him of the change, then maybe he would've told others the same? Hsiv said he knew this infomation 10 days ago. To my mind I would expect this to be more common knowledge.

For a country to completely change the currency, surely they would have to get someone to design it, they would need proofs made and then get someone to print it? A lot of people would have to be in the loop for this to be a reality. For the currency to change in the time scale mentioned would mean the currency would surely have to be in print now?

Also, if the note is genuine, irrespective of whether or not he can read Arabic, why only send him one half of one proposed note? Why would the note have an English side? This is a country in the middle east. They must realise that to change the currency would fly in the face of everything the Americans have done for them thus far. It wouls also seem to me to do nothing for their economy. Why spend so long trying to establish an economy with the present Dinar, only to change it again next year?

To do any of this would lose Iraq any credibility they currently have

-- December 17, 2006 7:52 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

I am not so sure CYMRU001.

all the arab money i have ever seen has had an english side. in fact the old iraqi money had an english side, so does the NID.

despite what arabs think of english speaking countries, they know the value of having NUMERALS and CENTRAL BANK NAMES in english on one side of their money.

its easier for banks, tourists, collecters and god knows what else.

As for the note, Hsiu said it was a proof not a note. PROOFS are created before a note goes into print, they show politicians and the like and see what they think of the proof.

Plus, the arabs always fly in the face of what the west does for them. whats new?

Dinar speculation is a massive industry. they are printing notes for next to nothing and people like us are buying them.

why would they let us all win on this investment? there is TOO MANY of us. The numbers dont add up anymore.

i think this is a genuine leak. i am pulling my 2 MIL out of this investment.

.

-- December 17, 2006 8:36 PM ∞

---

Oldskiier wrote:

What a bunch of CRAP !!!!
"IF" this was true and to sell without knowing for sure....and how would anyone know ...even if they loped ..there would be a trade in time...and with the increase of the dianr latly we would still make money..so makes no sense at all !!!..BUT, thats being said this is how I feel about it ..
I love the look of the new 1 diane note

Don't know about the lop thing though.....IMF conditions, world bank, WTO Group chair apointed, the commitment to raise the value of the dinar ..to be the currency of choice .....over the dollar . and bring the dinar to the value of the countries around them ???

-- December 17, 2006 8:37 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

Oldskiier,

I know what you are saying, but can't they give a trade in time and say the trade in value is low or something?

know what i am trying to say.

they could screw us over couldnt they?

this must breaking news too, i just checked investorsiraq.com and they dont even know about this yet.

-- December 17, 2006 8:46 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

what is the gold or yellow thing on the note supposed to be?

http://img15.imgspot.com/u/06/350/18/newiraqidinar20071166397916.gif

-- December 17, 2006 8:48 PM ∞

---

oldskiier wrote:

I have been in this for about 18 months and this is the biggest bucn of crap I have heard .......Just look at the world organizations they belong to....and with the latest raise in value to gain the trust of thier people, how do you think this would go over.....and think about it...this guy has been friends with his sorce for 20 years and he had to send him proof....and his friend just found out himself to days ago ....minister in Iraq....way to much to swallow sorry !!!!

-- December 17, 2006 8:53 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

well if it was your friend of 20 years, woudnt you wanna see some proof oldskiier?

I would.

-- December 17, 2006 8:56 PM ∞

---

oldskiier wrote:

and the serial # are not Arabic....how would the bank workers know them ???...
this is so goofy !!! I would hate to see anyone sell from this artical....NOWAY !! hang till at least till end of Jan....and I wouldnt even if it hasnt gone up then :)

-- December 17, 2006 8:57 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

serial numbers in english on 1 side, arabic the other?

possibly to do with new international banking laws to trace money laundering etc. makes sense to me anyway.

i like the note, doent look goofy to me.

-- December 17, 2006 9:00 PM ∞

---

jsfletcher wrote:

I'm not sure how someone who has a personal friend as one of the ministers in Iraq, would find ther way to a forum like this. I'm not buying this one. And not because of us speculators. The IMF World Bank, and all the countries in play here would never allow it at this point. Iraq has already decided on it's currency. And besides I played golf with Maliki last week and said they were not reprinting

-- December 17, 2006 9:03 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Spetz:

If you are selling your two million and you think this is a genuine leak, I will give you $50.00 per million you have. Since you have two million that is $100.00. Let me know.

If this is a true leak, it is better for you to end up with something rather than nothing.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:05 PM ∞

---

Oldskiier wrote:

I have a very good friend that I have know over 20 ..if he told me somthing like this ...I wouldnt want anything but his word...and the 1 dinar note..if it was even real doesnt say "reprint"...we know that when it becomes closer to the value of the dollar they will need them....but this note is not real sorry !!!! I dont care if it's a proof note or what....they wouldnt put english nubers on it !!! and thats all I will say on this fourm :) DON"T SELL FOLKS !!!!

-- December 17, 2006 9:06 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

Thanks for the offer ROB, but ill be selling them on ebay at 850 per million.

-- December 17, 2006 9:10 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.iraq-war.ru

Iraq To Meet Iran, Kuwait On Cross-Border Oil Fields -Min

12-14-06 13:04ET

ABUJA, Nigeria -(Dow Jones)- Iraqi officials are to meet representatives from Iran later this month and Kuwait after that to discuss sharing oil production contracts in cross-border fields, Iraq's oil minister said Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing on the side of a Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting here, Hussein al-Shahristani said: "We will meet in a sitting committee...with Iran in December" to examine data on the fields.

Al-Shahristani added the parties will then "select a company in a bidding round to assess the reserves."

Separately, Al-Shahristani said some $1 billion of a $1.6 billion loan granted by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation would be invested in a new fluid catalytic cracking unit at Basra's refinery.

An FCC unit produces lighter products such as gasoline from heavier crude fractions.

He said some of the loan would also be used for a new pipeline and floating terminal in the Gulf and the processing of gas, which is currently flared off.

In addition, the minister said he expects a new hydrocarbon law, which would enable the signature of the first national oil contracts since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, to be enacted in January.

He said all contracts signed under Saddam and since would be reviewed.

The new contracts would be overseen by an Iraq Petroleum Council that will define the rules of licensing qualifications as well as which companies could prequalify.

He said most details of the law had been agreed with the Kurds in the oil-rich north, who controversially have set up a separate licensing process, though there remained sticking points on the council's decision procedures.

-By Benoit Faucon, Dow Jones Newswires; +44-20-7842-9266; benoit.faucon@ dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
12-14-061304ET

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20061214%5cACQDJON200612141304DOWJONESDJONLINE001026.htm&

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:14 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.dinartrade.com

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Director hails appointment of chair of Iraq accession working group
12/17/06
Source: Kuna

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Pascal Lamy said Friday that the appointment of the Chair of accession working group for Iraq today is an important step in the process of anchoring Iraq in the Multilateral Trading System.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Lamy added this is a system of rules that provides stability, transparency and predictability to international trade exchanges.

"But the process of accession to the WTO is always a long and difficult one and will require a lot of work on Iraq's side. I know that Iraq has already provided initial material for the Working Party like a Memorandum of its foreign trade regime and replies to questions raised by its trading partners," he said.

Lamy stressed that this positive development and the appointment of the chair of the Working Party means that the negotiation can now start in earnest.

Iraq had requested accession to the WTO in October 2004 and the working group was established two years ago, but there was through the two years no chair to start the process.

The new chair whose name was adopted by consensus in the General-Council today is Colombian ambassador Claudia Uribe who will proceed in 2007 with the meetings of the working group for the accession of Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:17 PM ∞

---

Dreeson wrote:

what is the gold or yellow thing on the new 1 Dinar note supposed to be?

http://img15.imgspot.com/u/06/350/18/newiraqidinar20071166397916.gif

-- December 17, 2006 9:23 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I must agree, Hsiv Qnay's post does not make sense for several reasons.

1. Why would the Central Bank of Iraq waste time raising the exchange rate of the Bremer Dinar (New Iraqi Dinar) to change its currency in 2007? Answer they would not.

2. A change in currency is an involved process and takes longer than a one month to implement. I believe both the IMF and WTO would have to authorize the change. Both the IMF and the WTO could not review an approve a new currency inside a month. This is assuming the Iraqi parliment gave authorization of the change.

3. A change in currency would cost the country millions of dollars. In addition, the iraqi currency would loose all of its value it has gained against the dollar. The iraqi's would be back to hording greenbacks. The enconomy would fall apart

4. The 15 Billion they have in reserves include gold reserves, foriegn currency reserves, and their own currency (the Bremer Dinar).

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:53 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Dresson:

The "gold of yellow thing on the 1 Dinar note" is supposed to be the country of Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:54 PM ∞

---

Dreeson wrote:

Rob,

Wouldn't losing millions doing that be cheaper than losing billions to speculators like us?

Why wouldn't they do the best for their people? Only makes sense they would prfer to screw us over screwing their own people.

Dreeson

-- December 17, 2006 9:58 PM ∞

---

Shabibi wrote:

That would be a 10 dinar note if it were real. Another thing is the GOI would never and I mean never print a bill a color that closely resembles the green-back.

Good artist, bad joke.

-- December 17, 2006 10:02 PM ∞

---

Dreeson wrote:

Who said there isn't a 10 dinar note? We may have not seen it yet, thats all.

We know there is 14 denominations don't we.

Dreeson

-- December 17, 2006 10:09 PM ∞

---

B.Jackson wrote:

You think that note resembles the greenback?

Are you fucking blind mate?

-- December 17, 2006 10:11 PM ∞

---

B.Jackson wrote:

Plus, the last time I checked, the arse was falling out of your almighty greenback.

Fucking yanks, you really think you are the be all and the end all don't you?

Can't even win against a bunch of raghead minutemen.

-- December 17, 2006 10:15 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Go fuck yourself B.Jackson

-- December 17, 2006 10:23 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Dresson:

The amount of Dinar individual speculators like you and me hold is a fraction of the number of Dinars our government and big companies already hold. The GoI or the Central Bank are realize the financial and economic impact going the big players have already made.

The lack of electricity and the absence of oil and gas do more to harm the Iraqi people than a revalue of the Bremer Dinar. In fact, it is my contention that a revalue would certainly benefit the iraqi people not "screw" them.

In Hsiv Qnay's senario we loose a few thousdand dollars. The Iraqi government collapses and Iraq becomes completely destabilized.

Since the GoI and the Central Bank want political and economic stability Hsiv Qnay's post completely betrays the goals the U.S. and Iraq have in mind for this new democracy.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 10:27 PM ∞

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Dreeson wrote:

Calm down folks.

-- December 17, 2006 10:28 PM ∞

---

Hackett wrote:

maybe the new dinar note is real, if 10000 dinars were going to equal $6600 then wouldnt you start to print small bills because of the value of the dinar. imagine if the U.S. didnt have $1, but only $500. so i see it as a good thing. The reval is coming and they need smaller bills for everyday needs

-- December 17, 2006 10:29 PM ∞

---

Dreeson wrote:

That makes sense Rob, thanks for your answer.

But it still doesn't justify thinking there isn't a 1 Dinar Note in the proof stages, does it?

Future currency has to be planned in advance surely.

-- December 17, 2006 10:31 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Hsiv Qnay:

What signficance does the boy on your currency note have in relation to Iraqi history? Does he play an important role in Iraqi culture? What about Iraqi politics or Iraqi economics?

Each image on the Bremer Dinar is connected in someway to the Iraq the living organism. What I know about Mid East studies, this note you tout as the New Dinar has not an ounce of significance to Iraq or its people.

Please do us a favor and chase your other investments and stop spreading unsubstantiated rumors that are designed to cause panic.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

---

suzanne wrote:

The bank note posted is a photo shop of a 1976 ND Issue of the National Bank of Ethiopia. The person posting this as a dinar is posting false information.

Here is a link to it on eBay too http://cgi.ebay.com/ETHIOPIA-1-Birr-EE1969-1976-UNC_W0QQitemZ8415043910QQihZ021QQcategoryZ3422QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

-- December 17, 2006 10:35 PM ∞

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jsfletcher wrote:

It's not real, it is a photoshop of a 1976 ethiopian note

http://www.kcshop.com/fc/p.php?pic=F3603

-- December 17, 2006 10:35 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Suzanne & jsfletcher

Good detective work.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 10:37 PM ∞

---

MartinFowler wrote:

You bunch of idiots.

"Hsiu Qnav"

it is "Vanquish" backwards.

VANQUISH is know on the investorsiraq.com as a guy who thinks dinar investors are morons.

I spotted it in 3 seconds.

lol

-- December 17, 2006 10:38 PM ∞

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Paul wrote:

Maybe they are prepairing for the Dinar to reach a higher level that is closer to the Dollar. When that happens, they will need to have smaller bills available.

-- December 17, 2006 10:38 PM ∞

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suzanne wrote:

here is the image of the original -

-- December 17, 2006 10:40 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

It is not posting the image - http://i1.ebayimg.com/05/i/07/07/10/4b_1_b.JPG

-- December 17, 2006 10:40 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

B. Jackson:

The U.S. has sustained to world. We pulled the English arse out of the grinder as Hitler bombed the hell out of you. I think you would show us "Yanks" with some gratitude.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 10:41 PM ∞

---

B. Jackson wrote:

I am not English. Just refused to learn your bastardised form of it.

Thanks for noticing.

:-)

BTW:

It took you long enough to turn up to WWII.

-- December 17, 2006 10:46 PM ∞

---

dyonisus wrote:

AMERICAN ENCYCLOPEDIA

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the American War of Independence and The Revolutionary War.

REST OF THE WORLD ENCYCLOPEDIA

American insurgents use foreign mercanaries and guerilla tactics against a small british colonial force.

The ACTUAL British Army are running the largest empire the world has ever seen.

AMERICAN ENCYCLOPEDIA

WWII 1939 - 1945.

America defeats Germany

REST OF THE WORLD ENCYCLOPEDIA

A worldwide conflict fought between the Allied Powers and the Axis Powers, from 1939 until 1945. USA takes 2 years to enter the war.

AMERICAN ENCYCLOPEDIA

VIETNAM WAR 1965 - 1973

The Vietnam War was concluded on 30 April 1975, with the fall of the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon to North Vietnamese forces.

REST OF THE WORLD ENCYCLOPEDIA

The USA have their asses kicked.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Sesame streets ahead of other countries.

-- December 17, 2006 11:09 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Hisq Quav,

The next time you get the urge to post some photoshop Ethiopian bills here, try licking some donkey balls first........

I'm QUITE certain that a loser like you finds such things amusing.

-- December 17, 2006 11:54 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

B.(eeotch) Jackson,

Don't matter where you're from......

It's just plain obvious that you're dumb. Painfully obvious actually.

If I gave you half of my Dinar, would you scratch my balls please?

-- December 17, 2006 11:58 PM ∞

---

haha wrote:

So

"suzanne" from the IIF board discovered it to be a fake because she has one in her foreign notes collection?

Is that next to her stamp collection?

Get a dildo or a man girl, jeez!!!!!!!

-- December 18, 2006 12:23 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

Thank you very much. Well reasoned posts and keen observations. :)
When you say, quote:
"Please do us a favor and chase your other investments and stop spreading unsubstantiated rumors that are designed to cause panic."

I think you have something there. Some guy comes out of the blue, not a regular, never heard of him before.. and says to sell. Claims all kinds of connections to a "top" figure in Iraq.. well, if you buy it I know a guy who will sell you London Bridge in England for a reasonable price, too.. or the one in San Franciso, take your pick.

Thanks Suzanne for the, "The bank note posted is a photo shop of a 1976 ND Issue of the National Bank of Ethiopia. The person posting this as a dinar is posting false information." Appreciate it.. glad false info doesn't remain long on this site. :) Good work.. thank you.

Here is some interesting info on what is happening in Iran..

Ahmadinejad’s “Conservatives” Go Down In Iran Elections
From his heartbroken fans at Reuters:

Ahmadinejad’s allies struggle in Iran elections
Sun Dec 17, 2006
By Edmund Blair

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s allies failed to dominate elections for a powerful Iranian clerical body and local councils, early results showed on Sunday, in what analysts said was a setback to the president’s standing.

turnout of around 60 percent and Ahmadinejad’s close identification with some candidates, particularly in Tehran, suggested a shift toward more moderate policies...

Although not Iran’s most powerful figure, Ahmadinejad’s anti-Israel and anti-Western statements alarm the West, which fears Iran is seeking an atomic bomb despite Tehran’s denials.

"The results show that voters have learned from the past and concluded that we need to support … moderate figures," the daily Kargozaran said in an editorial.

"This is a blow for Ahmadinejad and Mesbah-Yazdi’s list," said one political analyst, who declined to be quoted by name.

Friday’s main battleground was Tehran City Council, where Ahmadinejad supporters competed against backers of a more moderate conservative, Tehran mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Final results for Tehran are not expected until Tuesday but partial tallies reported by Iranian news agencies showed Qalibaf’s group dominating with about nine of the 15 seats.

The rest were split between Ahmadinejad backers and the pro-reform camp, seeking a comeback after being routed in a series of polls.

Reformists said they had won at least six Tehran seats, and demanded election officials announce the results. They said the delay raised questions about the counting process.

"We have serious doubts about whether these problems are due to a lack of organization at the Interior Ministry or whether there are some efforts to tamper with votes," Mohammad Ali Najafi, a reformist candidate in Tehran, told Reuters.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/ahmadinejads-conservatives-go-down-in-iran-elections

-- December 18, 2006 1:25 AM ∞

---

keo wrote:

great work guys you're smart .....ban this vanquish dude next time he pops up

-- December 18, 2006 4:20 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(828)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 828 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2006 / 12/ 18 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 8 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1388 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 12.095.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 12.125.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------

-- December 18, 2006 7:14 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An article from www.middle-east-online.com

Maliki reaches out to former Saddam supporters

Iraqi PM urges delegates to review de-Baatification law, former Saddam soldiers to join new security forces.

By Paul Schemm – BAGHDAD

Iraq's embattled prime minister offered an olive branch Saturday to former supporters of Saddam Hussein, including the army, calling for them to join a peace process in the war-wracked country.

Opening a national reconciliation conference, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urged former soldiers from the ousted leader's defeated army to join Iraq's new security forces to fight the armed factions tearing the country apart.

He also urged delegates to review the law which banned tens of thousands of Saddam's Baath party activists from working in the civil service.

It was not clear, however, if any true representatives of the armed groups waging war against the government or any influential members of the ousted Baath party were in attendance to hear the prime minister.

"The Iraqi army opens its doors to officers and soldiers from the former army who wish to serve the country," Maliki said, adding that pensions for those not brought back would be paid.

He also called for a review of the de-Baathification process that lost so many Sunnis their jobs under the old regime.

"I call upon parliament to review the constitutional items regarding such committees as de-Baathification and the anti-corruption committee to embody the principle of forgiveness," he added.

These were key concessions and addressed a major grievance of the former military officers and government officials who were fired by the new government and went on to swell the ranks of the insurgency.

Many attendees, however, had said prior to the conference that a sweeping amnesty would be offered, while conference spokesman expressed disappointment at the lack of attendees from those against the government.

"Nobody from outside Iraq came," acknowledged Naseer al-Ani, a Sunni lawmaker and conference spokesman. "And only a very few from outside the political process in Iraq attended."

"If they boycotted this time, the next time they will see some changes and they will come," he predicted. "The 1,000-mile road starts with the first mile."

Former deputy prime minister Ahmed Chalabi, while describing the prime minister's initiatives as "very generous", cautioned against expecting any immediate results.

"I don't think this conference will have any immediate effect on the security situation."

The creation of a huge pool of embittered and armed Sunnis fuelled the subsequent rebellion against the new Shiite-led government, and filled the ranks of the nationalist and Islamist insurgent groups fighting US forces.

Since February, when Sunni extremists demolished a revered Shiite shrine in the northern city of Samarra, Iraq has been engulfed in a vicious sectarian war between Sunni and Shiite factions that claims more than 100 lives per day.

Maliki and his US allies hope the national reconciliation conference will encourage some hardline elements to join the political process and isolate those determined to continue campaigns of bombing and mass murder.

Politically, the return to public life of former Baath officials would raise the hackles of hardline Shiite militants, whose majority community was persecuted by Saddam's Sunni-led regime.

Hadi al-Ameri, the head of the Badr Brigade, the militia wing of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, was dubious about the prime minister's promise, saying forgiveness was not only the gift of the state.

"Yes, the government should spread the spirit of forgiveness," he said. "But when the Baathists kill your brother, you yourself have to be the one to give amnesty."

Shiite militias like the Badr Brigade and the Mahdi Army have been implicated in the midnight assaults by gunmen against Sunnis, leaving their bound and tortured corpses in the streets.

"We are not talking about those who committed crimes against Iraq and humanity, we are not talking about the symbols of Baathism in the past," national security advisor Muwaffaq al-Rubaie was quick to point out afterwards.

Instead, he said, rehabilitation would be reserved for ordinary people who had to join the Baath to find work. "They should come back to the political system, they should come back to their jobs," said Rubaie.

Reintegration of Baathists is seen by many experts - and by US officials keen to speed the peace process and take home the 140,000 American troops deployed in Iraq - as a key first step in calming the insurgency.

Conference organisers were careful to describe this meeting as merely a first step, with future events hopefully casting a wider net to include more factions outside the government.

-- December 18, 2006 10:17 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran vote "decisive defeat" for president: reformers
By Paul Hughes Dec 18, 2006 Reuters

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran's biggest reformist party said on Monday President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had suffered a "decisive defeat" in nationwide elections last week due to his government's "authoritarian and inefficient methods."

"The initial results of elections throughout the country indicate that Mr Ahmadinejad's list has experienced a decisive defeat nationwide," the pro-reform Islamic Iran Participation Front said in a statement.

Government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham preferred to highlight the turnout of about 60 percent, well above levels for equivalent elections in recent years.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/iran_elections_dc

-- December 18, 2006 11:32 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Summit

17-18 April , Amman, Jordan
In collaboration with the Iraqi Government, the Iraq Development Program (IDP) is proud to announce the official Iraq Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Summit. For the most important sectors of the Iraqi economy, this historic landmark event will be the first of its kind since the formation of the new Unity Government.


Iraq has the world’s second largest proven oil reserves and the Government is now finalising its new hydrocarbon laws, following the declaration of the investment laws for the extractive industries. The timing of this Summit could not be better.

The key decision makers from the Iraqi Government will be participating with the full intent of establishing relationships and entering into contractual negotiations with all international operators wishing to be part of both the upstream and downstream sectors.

This Summit represents an unmissable opportunity to sit face-to-face with the key ministerial decision makers all under one roof at the same time. They will include:
Ministry of Oil
State operating companies: Oil Projects Company, Oil Exploration Company, North Oil Company, South Oil Company, Pipelines Company, North Midland & South Refining Companies, North & South Gas Companies, Iraq Drilling Co.

Ministry of Industry & Minerals
State Company for Petrochemicals

Ministry of Electricity
Iraq Energy Council
Prime Ministers Office
Investment Promotion Agency
Kurdistan Regional Government
Ministry for Natural Resources, Office of the President



Government representation will include the Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Director Generals.

Each Ministry will also be represented by the respective head of the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO).

Other leading international bodies will be in attendance, such as UNIDO and the World Bank. The Iraqi Government will also be making direct personal invitations to GCC and international energy and oil ministers.

Key Content

Each Iraqi Government Ministry will be presenting details of their key projects, contracts and areas of investment.

Oil & Gas
• Full details of new hydrocarbon laws
• Announcement of most up-to-date geological and seismic studies
• Special announcement on Iraqi gas reserves and concession opportunities
• Drilling and exploration rights
• Refineries, oil depots, pipelines and storage tanks
• Crude oil marketing to the international community
• Details of Northern oil operations, including Kirkuk, Nineveh, Erbil and Diyalla
• Management of the 29 central and southern oil fields
• Oil refinery operations and new contract and investment opportunities
• Pumping stations and pipeline distribution
• Technological innovations for the future of Iraq’s hydrocarbon industry

Petrochemicals
• Refinery and petrochemical integration
• Feedstocks flexibility and availability for petrochemical production
• New world scale petrochemical project
• Petrochemical complex #1 Basra
• Petrochemical complex #2 (refinery-integrated) Mussayab
• South Fertiliser – Basra
• North Fertiliser – Baji
• Sawary Resins Company – Baghdad

Electricity
• Refinery and electricity integration
• Petrochemical and electricity integration
• Annual protective maintenance for generation units
• Investment in new power production facilities
• Rehabilitation of older generation units
• Stability of the power and transmission systems
• Construction of new transforming stations and power lines

Special Security Briefing

Iraq’s oil and electricity security is of paramount importance to its political and economic stability, with huge resources in place to ensure that these most vital industries are protected to the highest possible standards.

Insurgent and terrorist attacks are a daily threat to oil pipelines, refineries, petrochemical and fertiliser plants, oil tankers, storage facilities, electricity generation plants, transforming units and power lines.

The Iraq Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Summit will run a parallel briefing led by the security heads for the oil, petrochemical and electricity sectors. This will enable private security companies and defence contractors along with suppliers to present the best in breed products and services to these key decision makers.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 11:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sorry, the last post should have included the below link. www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 11:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

A second conference earlier in 2007 from www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org

Iraq Information Communication Technology (ICT)
& Education Summit

UAE 27-28 February 2007
Following on from the success of the Iraq Security, Technology & Communications (ISTC) Summit in September 2006, the Iraqi Government has requested that a second event takes place to tackle Iraq’s key ICT & Education requirements.

Hence we are proud to announce Iraq’s ICT & Education Summit to take place in the UAE, 27-28 February 2007.

A central pillar of Iraqi Government strategy is to form and strengthen relationships with leading international operators who can bring best in breed technology, training and management skills to the country.

The Iraq Development Program (IDP) is proud of its achievements in bringing the leading Iraqi Government decision makers to a safe and secure environment to spend time meeting companies who can offer practical and technological solutions to improve security and communications. The first ISTC Summit had a high quality Iraqi delegation of over 40 officials from both the Central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The Iraq ICT & Education Summit will be hosted by:
Ministry of Communications
HE Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi
Ministry of Science & Technology
HE Raed Fahmi
Ministry of Higher Education
HE Abed Theyab
Ministry of Education
HE Khudayer al-Khuzaie


The Summit will also bring in the key players who are now playing an active role in Iraq’s education system, including USAID and UNESCO.

Meetings-Based Summit

The success of the Iraq Development Program is borne out of our ability to bring the most senior Government decision-makers to the table to hold private one-to-one meetings with international delegates.

Half of the Summit programme will be devoted to private ministerial meetings. Meetings will be scheduled for 30 minutes. Further benefits are available to sponsors as outlined on the participation ratecard.

The ministries are extremely keen to meet organisations who can fulfill the requirements of their most pertinent funded projects.

Key Content

The following is a breakdown of the key areas that will be covered by the summit. This includes each ministry specifically detailing their most important contracts and funded projects that require immediate fulfillment.

Communications
• Building secure voice and data communications networks
• Mobile telecommunications infrastructure and equipment
• Microwave transmission systems
• Nationwide fixed line backbone
• Wireless local loop
• LAN and WAN solutions in government buildings

Technology
• Modernisation of IT infrastructure
• Digitising critical data records and the creation of government databases and management systems
• Modernisation of banking and financial databases
• Procurement of IT equipment and services to establish network interfacing of hardware and software
• Establishing uniform software standards
• Implementation of VSAT internet connectivity
• Development of a centralised online procurement system
• IT Training and education

Education
• Implementation of the Education Management Information System (EMIS)
• Building Ministry of Education capacity
• Specialised technology training for Ministry staff and teachers
• Supply of information technology equipment to schools and colleges
• Installation of computer labs in higher education institutes
• Establishing connectivity and internet access in student labs and university campuses
• Development of the Iraqi Virtual Science Library for scientists and educators
• Development of computer literacy and youth-orientated IT-clubs
• Establishment of accredited training centres for programmers and IT students
• Training of IT in education

Each ministry has a set of priority assignments and will be using this official summit to determine the best partners and suppliers to work with. The summit will provide an essential forum for all businesses interested in working with Iraqi Government ministries and quoting on key contracts.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 11:51 AM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

They're talking again....this is a good sign. I understand extreme pressure is being applied to get the HCL approved by years end.
=========================================================================
POL-IRAQ-OIL-KURDISTAN
Maliki, Barzani discuss draft oil law

BAGHDAD, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday conferred with a delegation representing the Kurdistan regional government led by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani discussing a draft law on oil and instruments to put it into effect.

The draft law evolves around transfer of oil revenues to the federal government's treasury, which in turn would distribute them to the country's different regions according to population proportions.

Earlier talks between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan regional government resulted in an agreement to allocate 17 percent of the state's 2007 budget to Kurdistan. (end) ihm.bz.

-- December 18, 2006 11:55 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Ahmadinejad opponents leading elections
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer Dec 18, 2006

TEHRAN, Iran - Opponents of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took an early lead in key races in Iran's local elections, according to partial results announced Monday, with moderate conservatives winning control of councils across the country.

If the final results hold — especially in the bellwether capital, Tehran — it will be an embarrassment to Ahmadinejad, whose anti-Israeli rhetoric and unyielding position on Iran's nuclear program have provoked condemnation in the West and moves toward sanctions at the U.N. Security Council.

The incomplete results announced by the Interior Ministry suggested that the winners were mostly moderate conservatives opposed to the hardline president, rather than reformists.

However, reformists, who want to bring a measure of liberalism to Iranian society and improve the country's relationship with the West, were quick to proclaim victory.

The pro-reformist newspaper Etemad-e-Melli said in an editorial: "The most important message of Friday's vote was that the people have chosen moderation and rejected extremism."

A freelance Iranian journalist of reformist sympathies, Iraj Jamshidi, described the vote as "a blow to Ahmadinejad," who was elected in June 2005.

In the key race for Tehran, candidates supporting Mayor Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, a moderate conservative opposed to the president, had taken the lead.

The Interior Ministry said only about 500,000 votes had been counted so far in Tehran, about 20 percent of the expected turnout. Final results, however, were released from all municipal districts outside the capital.

In the southern historical city of Shiraz, as well as in the provincial capitals of Rasht, northern Iran, and Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, not one pro-Ahmadinejad candidate won a seat on the city council.

The partial results indicated, separately, that reformers might be making a partial comeback, after having been suppressed in the parliamentary elections of 2004 when many of their best candidates were barred from running.

Hasan Rowhani, who was Iran's top nuclear negotiator under former President Mohammad Khatami, was elected to the assembly. Ahmadinejad has repeatedly accused Rowhani of being too soft in negotiations with the Europeans.

Turnout overall was more than 60 percent — substantially higher than that of the 2002 local elections when turnout was about 50 percent, and marginally above that of the presidential elections last year when turnout was 59 percent.

Government officials have so far given no comment on the partial results. They were quick, however, to praise the turnout, saying it would send a strong message to the West that Iran is a democracy.

A political analyst, Mostafa Mirzaeian, said Iran's political lineup was changing in favor of more moderate voices — although he stressed those winning were still within the ruling Islamic establishment.

"Results also show that a new coalition has developed between reformers and moderate conservatives, at the expense of hard-line extremists who support Ahmadinejad," he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061218/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_elections

-- December 18, 2006 11:55 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Article confirming the contentions of Carl as fact..
and the likelihood that Obaid's assertions are policy,
though he was fired for expressing them.
Sara.

===

Saudis study finds Shia ‘state’ in Iraq: report
(Reuters)
18 December 2006

WASHINGTON - Iran has effectively created a Shia “state within a state” in Iraq providing both logistical support of armed groups and funds for social programs, The Washington Times reported on Monday citing a security report commissioned by the Saudi government.

The 40-page report says Iranian military forces are providing Shia militias with weapons and training and that Teheran is actively supporting pro-Iranian Iraqi politicians, the newspaper said.

“Where the Americans have failed, the Iranians have stepped in,” it said, quoting the report.

The report described the Badr organization, the armed wing of the biggest party in Iraq’s government SCIRI, as the “key vehicle Iran is using to achieve its military security and intelligence aims,” the newspaper said.

In details on the Sunni insurgency, the report cites Iraqi tribal leaders as saying that it is run mainly by former commanders and high level-military officers of the dismantled Iraqi Ba’athist government.

The article said the report was directed by Nawaf Obaid, who recently was fired after writing an opinion piece in The Washington Post that suggested the Saudi kingdom would back Iraq’s Muslim Sunnis in the event of a wider sectarian conflict.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2006/December/middleeast_December298.xml§ion=middleeast

-- December 18, 2006 12:58 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An article from www.jacksonville.com

Gingrich calls for Marshall Plan to revive Iraq's devastated economy

By MATT TOWERY, The Times-Union

Newt Gingrich this week spoke boldly on Iraq, which is the same way he spoke on just about everything when he was speaker of the House in the 1990s.

He sees the emergence of aggressive, defiant regimes, coupled with an ungovernable spread of terrorism, as dual threats that make for a holistic threat against world peace and stability.

Gingrich believes President Bush must use his likely upcoming address on Iraq's future to link America's effort there to interrelated threats.

How would Gingrich act now? He says he would pitch a sort of hybrid of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and Harry Truman's Marshall Plan. It would provide economic resources in Iraq to create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. Gingrich proposes giving "every able-bodied person" a job to do and a wage to receive.

Money and personal security, he says, bring stability. For all the talk of religious strife, Iraqis want food to eat and safety on their streets as much as anyone.

Gingrich says the region should then be flooded with goods that would first be given to and later, ultimately, bought by Iraqis, with money from their new paychecks.

This perspective is a historical one. No surprise there. Gingrich has a vast knowledge of history.

Part of that history is the disdain many conservatives had - or still have - for FDR's New Deal, with its many public-works programs designed less to accomplish public tasks than to put money in people's pockets.

But he believes a similar plan in Iraq would be a critical adjunct to purely military efforts.

Gingrich became a critic of the handling of the war in 2003, when his basic message was that act one of the military venture, the invasion of Iraq, had gone swimmingly, but that act two had never been written, much less staged.

This Sunday, the former speaker will return to the same television venue where he voiced those concerns three years ago, NBC's Meet The Press. He'll likely revisit those previous comments with host Tim Russert.

Nobody's saying Gingrich's ideas are flawless. Certainly not me, and not even him. Yet it's becoming abundantly clear that Bush intends to stay in Iraq. Further, he may authorize a significant number of additional troops to go there.

If so, the Gingrich Plan could become not only possible, but unavoidable. After all, the fiercest criticism of Bush among endless criticism has been the lack of "a plan." Gingrich offers one - beyond just bombs and bullets.

If Bush's promised change of direction isolates Iraq as the only world danger, and if he offers only more of the same in fighting that conflict, then Gingrich believes America might as well pull out its troops and quit.

If it comes to that, he says, our nation's weakened "establishment" will have lost its resolve to address the bigger, uglier picture.

That would be the one that could threaten our existence in the years to come.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 1:49 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

I was given this link today by a young person (youth) who thought I would like it.
I thought you might find it a blessing, too. :)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-wo-_Pu0JqA

Sara.

-- December 18, 2006 2:18 PM ∞

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Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 2:34 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

UK four-square behind Iraq: Blair

BAGHDAD: Blair told Maliki that Britain will "stand four square behind you and the Iraqi people in ensuring that your democracy is not destroyed terrorism, by sectarianism by those who wish to live in hatred rather than peace."

Blair on a surprise visit to Iraq said that the task of the international community is to ensure that democracy is not defeated by terrorism.

Blair insisted Iraq has made progress since the 2003 US-led invasion. "The first time I arrived in this country there was no proper functioning democracy. Today there is," Blair said at a joint news conference with Maliki. "Our task -- ours, the Americans, the whole of the coalition, the international community and the Iraqis themselves -- is to make sure that the forces of terrorism don't defeat the will of the people to have a democracy."

The British leader was also meeting President Jalal Talabani and senior US officials.

Blair urged international support for Maliki's 7-month-old Shiite-dominated government, saying there was a "very strong obligation for all countries in the region to be supportive of the (Iraqi) prime minister and his government."

British and Iraqi troops in Basra are currently conducting "Operation Sinbad," a neighbourhood-by-neighborhood sweep aimed at rooting out weapons and militants and launching reconstruction projects.

Blair said the two leaders discussed the situation in Basra. "The operation there for the Iraqi forces to take control of security of the city is going well," he said.

He gave no new details of when troops might be withdrawn.

"It has been our strategy from the beginning with Saddam removed to have a political process that is democratic, to have our forces in support of that democratic process, but as the Iraqi capability grows then to stand our forces down," Blair said.

Blair, who is on a nation-hopping Middle East trip to generate momentum for peace, explicitly linked the violence in Iraq to the fight against international extremism and terrorism, saying the bloodshed was being carried out "by the very forces worldwide who are trying to prevent moderation." "Who is creating the difficulties in Iraq today, who is creating the challenge, who is creating the bloodshed?" he said. "Terrorists, former supporters of Saddam, everyone who doesn't want to see democracy in Iraq."

http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=53&Section=MiddleEast

-- December 18, 2006 2:53 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Johan,

Thanks for the Molotov cocktail. Stop in again and throw us another.

Investing is all about risk. Walt Disney actually went bankrupt before he became a success. If he had your attitude, he would have never have made it. Walt was a visionary who refused to listen to those who told him "you can't do that". Banks laughed at his idea to build a theme park but he refused to quit. The interesting part is that you maybe right but if you are wrong, you will understand what the bankers felt who wouldn't finance Walt. Of course, I'm assuming that you would even notice the RV happening while American Idol is on

It's sad that our public school system is more interested in teaching the principles of Captain Planet rather than our economic system.

-- December 18, 2006 2:59 PM ∞

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Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 3:06 PM ∞

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Robert S wrote:

I was looking back through messages last night and a topic I haven’t seen in a while surfaced. When the RV happens (notice the positive twist I put on that!) what are some ways to keep as much as we can while paying our capital gains tax on the investment? Will the tax be due at the RV or as we take it out. IF we applied for a MasterCard or Visa Card through CBI or Warka or any other banks for that matter and paid the balance through that bank from Iraq would it be subject to the tax? Who says we have to pull it out. Warka pays 6% to leave the Dinar there maybe more in the future. If the money never leaves the country can it be taxed? Just a thought…

-- December 18, 2006 3:10 PM ∞

---

Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 3:31 PM ∞

---

Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 3:41 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

All;

Lately, we have been hearing from those who think, "It's not what you say in your argument, it's how loud you say it." And they obviously think saying it LOUDLY and OVER AND OVER will do the trick. I, for one, am not willing for even ONE person to invest in the Dinar who should not be in it. If anyone viewing this site thinks that those of us who post on this site are here to sell Dinar to anyone, they are gravely mistaken. We are just discussing our investment and how we see Iraq and its future. I really don't care if anyone invests in Dinar or sells back any they have. As a matter of fact, there is a LOT of Dinar being bought up by the Iraqi Central Bank and that is because many think that now is the time to sell it. :) That has been good for the price of the Dinar and I note that Chris' post shows it has appreciated to 1388 today. It is encouraging to see our money appreciating a little bit on a daily basis. Also, the published article saying that it will appreciate in the future by 10% or so is good news. And I loved where "Finance Minister Baqer Solagh said the same year should see the value of the Iraqi dinar surging as a sign of a robust economy." - speaking of next year.

http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5C2006-12-07%5Ckurd2.htm

Rob N's posts today show that the Hydrocarbon Law may be passed soon in Iraq, making it possible for international companies to go develop Iraq's oil fields. We see this as great progress. His other post on Newt Gingrich's discussion of a "Marshall plan" for Iraq I believe to be a good plan and appears to me to be similar to the plans many have said that the Whitehouse is working on (ie The Economic Compact). Economic recovery for Iraq is a continuing goal and hope for the Iraqi people by the coalition.

If someone reading our posts does not believe in Iraq and do not share our hope for GOOD for Iraq's future, but believes in all the "doom and gloom" constant media mantra of defeat or these posters who have negatively posted on this site lately, this is not an investment for you. We are winners, not losers, and expect Iraq to be the same. Most people sit and let life pass them by without signing on or trying anything new. This investment is not for everyone. If anyone out there is thinking of investing, that is your perogative.. do your research on it. WE think it a good investment and a positive contribution to Iraq.. you will always have those who say an investment isn't worth it. Even those who once said not to buy Microsoft products but invest in stable commodities like foodstuffs instead. It is an individual choice.. but one those who have a spirit of adventure and a belief in the future of the Iraqi people are willing to make.

One last thing.. again, addressed to any those who might be thinking of investing in Dinar.. who exactly do you think would have the motivation to try and decry an investment like this? What I mean is.. if I think the Dinar is a good investment and buy it, I am on the positive side. If I don't, I just move on to other things. What "possesses" these negative people to run about deprecating our investment to you? What motivates them to say, "Don't buy it!" What exactly is the investment to them? This, coupled with the incredibly disrespectful tone and downright filthy mouths of many of their posters of late, has to make you wonder about the character of these people who cannot keep their thoughts out of the gutter or from shouting them LOUDLY and OVER AND OVER. In my books, they rate among the undeserving of this blessing from God and are blinded to it.. which is good. We don't really want loud, filthy mouthed (perverse) people like that having any money.. as those with poor characters can use their money in ways which are hurtful to the world. Much better if the truly blessed people financially are the kind of people who would help you out in a fix (like those who believe in helping Iraq), and could do so without sounding like they are harlots seeking customers. If a lady can be discerned by her words, so can a gentleman - I urge you to consider the motivation, source and character of those who are so negative toward investing in the Dinar and are recently spouting off on this site.

Sara.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Pro 17:20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.
Pro 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.
Pro 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.

-- December 18, 2006 4:06 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Johan:

Thanks for the warning. I am interested to know, how you reached the conclusion that the New Iraqi Dinar is worthless and it will remain worthless.

I take issue with that the Dinar is worthless. I am sure you have noticed Chris's postings regarding the Dinar verses the American dollar. I am sure you noticed the exchange rate is up to 1388 to one U.S. dollar.

I believe history is on the side of those who have invested in Iraq. The U.S. destroyed Japan then rebuilt the country. Today, Japan is one of the strongest economies in the Pacific Rim.

Why would the U.S. invest billions of dollars into a country where the indigenous remain valueless? They would not. It is in the best interest of Iraq to have a currency that has a valid exchange rate against the U.S. dollar.

Because of the billions of dollars invested in Iraq by the U.S. I do not see logically how one could arrive at the conclusion the currency will remain worthless. Iraq wishes a better life for itself and its people. The currency even at 1388 is still horribly undervalued. The way for them to arise from the third world is to revalue their currency and begin pumping lots of oil.

Furthermore, the big oil companies are ready to begin working those oil fields in Iraq. Tell me, how can a currency remain worthless especially when Iraq has the second largest oil reserves in the world and those reserves begin to produce millions of barrels per day.

The only aspect to your posts that are correct is the assertion Saddam artifically set the Dinar exchange rate. This my fried is true. Saddam did not employ economic principle when setting his exchange rate.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 4:21 PM ∞

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dale wrote:

I was just wondering how the dinar is doing against the euro. I see the slow progress to the dollar but I wonder, is it just the dinar gaining or a combination of the dollar losing & dinar gaining strength.
Does anyone know what the exchange rate was to the euro when the NIR was introduced?

I have another question. Europe has the Euro, & I hear mention of a North American currency that would be called an Amero.
What would they call a currency for all of Africa?
The Afro????

-- December 18, 2006 5:26 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Gates: Iraq Failure Would Be 'Calamity'
Dec 18, 2006

Robert Gates assumed the helm at the Pentagon on Monday, saying Iraq is his top priority and warning that failure there would be a "calamity" that would haunt the United States for many years.

"All of us want to find a way to bring America's sons and daughters home again," Gates said after taking the oath of office as defense secretary from Vice President Dick Cheney at a Pentagon ceremony. "But as the president has made clear, we simply cannot afford to fail in the Middle East. Failure in Iraq at this juncture would be a calamity that would haunt our nation, impair our credibility, and endanger Americans for decades to come."

Gates said he intends to travel to Iraq soon to hear the views of U.S. commanders on how to improve the situation, "unvarnished and straight from the shoulder." President Bush called Gates, 63, "the right man" for the multiple challenges the face in Iraq and in the global war on terrorism.

"We are a nation at war," Bush said. "And I rely on our secretary of defense to provide me with the best possible advice and to help direct our nation's armed force as they engage the enemies of freedom around the world. Bob Gates is the right man to take on these challenges. He'll be an outstanding leader for our men and women in uniform."

Besides the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gates faces other immediate challenges. One is the Army's proposal that it be allowed to grow by tens of thousands of soldiers, given the strains it is enduring from the two wars. Rumsfeld had resisted increasing the size of the Army or the Marine Corps; Gates' view is unknown.

Gates was a member of the Iraq Study Group that spent nine months assessing the situation in Iraq and produced recommendations that include phasing out most U.S. combat troops by 2008. Gates left the commission when Bush announced that he had been picked to replace Rumsfeld.

"In my view, all options are on the table, in terms of how we address this problem in Iraq," Gates said at his confirmation hearing.

Gates, a Kansas native, joined the CIA in 1966. He left in 1974 to join the staff of the National Security Council until 1979, when he returned to the spy agency. He rose to deputy director for intelligence in 1982.

His 1987 nomination to head the CIA was scuttled when he was accused of knowing more than he admitted about the Iran-Contra affair. The Reagan administration secretly had sold arms to Iran in hopes of freeing hostages in Lebanon, and used the money to help the Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

Gates went to the White House as President Reagan's deputy national security adviser in 1989, then took over the CIA in 1991. He left Washington in 1993 and since August 2002 has been president of Texas A&M University.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/18/ap/politics/mainD8M3EHR81.shtml

-- December 18, 2006 5:56 PM ∞

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CYMRU001 wrote:

Sara,

"Lately, we have been hearing from those who think, "It's not what you say in your argument, it's how loud you say it." And they obviously think saying it LOUDLY and OVER AND OVER will do the trick. I, for one, am not willing for even ONE person to invest in the Dinar who should not be in it. If anyone viewing this site thinks that those of us who post on this site are here to sell Dinar to anyone, they are gravely mistaken. We are just discussing our investment and how we see Iraq and its future. I really don't care if anyone invests in Dinar or sells back any they have. As a matter of fact, there is a LOT of Dinar being bought up by the Iraqi Central Bank and that is because many think that now is the time to sell it. :)"

I am with you. I agree we are all here because we want to be and we researched the Dinar and asked questions before embarking.

I am dissapointed by those who feel they need to make outrageous claims about lopping or outrageous insults to those who have posted as a means of informing the rest of us. I read insults directed at suzanne by haha earlier today and couldn't write anything which wasn't also insulting toward haha. I was so annoyed that someone could be so abusive to another person trying to help.

I don't understand those like Johan who post without any back-up what-so-ever.

-- December 18, 2006 7:33 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Media Shocker: Newsweek Reports Iraq Economy Booming
Posted by Noel Sheppard on December 18, 2006 - 17:08.

In the midst of all the civil war, quagmire, cataclysmic, doom and gloom reports about Iraq comes a shocking story from an even more shocking source. According to Newsweek, Iraq’s economy is booming (hat tip to Drudge, emphasis mine throughout):

"Civil war or not, Iraq has an economy, and—mother of all surprises—it's doing remarkably well. Real estate is booming. Construction, retail and wholesale trade sectors are healthy, too, according to a report by Global Insight in London. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports 34,000 registered companies in Iraq, up from 8,000 three years ago. Sales of secondhand cars, televisions and mobile phones have all risen sharply. Estimates vary, but one from Global Insight puts GDP growth at 17 percent last year and projects 13 percent for 2006. The World Bank has it lower: at 4 percent this year. But, given all the attention paid to deteriorating security, the startling fact is that Iraq is growing at all."

===end of quote==

Amazed? Shocked? Sound like those who claim that only the negative side of the story is reaching our shores? Well, there’s more: "Iraq is a crippled nation growing on the financial equivalent of steroids, with money pouring in from abroad. National oil revenues and foreign grants look set to total $41 billion this year, according to the IMF. With security improving in one key spot—the southern oilfields—that figure could go up."

And more:

"Even so, there's a vibrancy at the grass roots that is invisible in most international coverage of Iraq. Partly it's the trickle-down effect. However it's spent, whether on security or something else, money circulates. Nor are ordinary Iraqis themselves short on cash. After so many years of living under sanctions, with little to consume, many built up considerable nest eggs—which they are now spending. That's boosted economic activity, particularly in retail. Imported goods have grown increasingly affordable, thanks to the elimination of tariffs and trade barriers. Salaries have gone up more than 100 percent since the fall of Saddam, and income-tax cuts (from 45 percent to just 15 percent) have put more cash in Iraqi pockets. "The U.S. wanted to create the conditions in which small-scale private enterprise could blossom," says Jan Randolph, head of sovereign risk at Global Insight. "In a sense, they've succeeded."

Consider some less formal indicators. Perhaps the most pervasive is the horrendous Iraqi traffic jams. Roadside bombs account for fewer backups than the sheer number of secondhand cars that have crowded onto the nation's roads—five times as many in Baghdad as before the war. Cheap Chinese goods overflow from shop shelves, and store owners report quick turnover. Real-estate prices have risen several hundred percent, suggesting that Iraqis are more optimistic about the future than most Americans are.

Unbelievable! Think any of this will be front-page news or the lead story for the Nets some time soon? Or, will that have to wait until there’s a Democrat in the White House that can take all the credit?

http://newsbusters.org/node/9726

-- December 18, 2006 7:34 PM ∞

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Welshmen are all idiots wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 7:53 PM ∞

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Johan wrote:

NO SHIT?

-- December 18, 2006 8:09 PM ∞

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JPF wrote:

I've been reading this post for a while and it sounds like some pretty sharp people who have some dinar as do I. I am just wondering where these shouting morons come from telling us we are all idiots? Are they just not bright enough to see what is about to happen or mad because they don't have the money to buy dinar? I think we all have made a good investment and we will have the last laugh... :)

-- December 18, 2006 8:17 PM ∞

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Maximus wrote:

I suggest reading this before you call shouting morons.

http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc1213107.html

-- December 18, 2006 8:39 PM ∞

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JPF wrote:

ok-read the article and got no relevant info except a quote from a guy at money mart? kinda like a convenience store? LOL

-- December 18, 2006 9:05 PM ∞

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JPF wrote:

but i did get this from the article-more talk about a revalue....."Mr. Ali Abdullah of the Bank of Harem (The Regional Bank) says that attempts to raise the value of the dinar are not something new, but many preparations have been made in order for the plan to go ahead. He says that the decision was made to overcome the economic crises in Iraq."

-- December 18, 2006 9:08 PM ∞

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hackett wrote:

Johan why dont you go play with your dolls and let the grown ups talk!

-- December 18, 2006 9:19 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Maximus:

Regardless of some short term set backs in local economies. A strong Dinar is in the best of interest of the country. As a matter proof, we have continued to see the Dinar rise in value against the dollar.

I believe the Central Bank is ready to adopt an aggressive monetary policy regarding the Dinar. If each family is to receive a loan of 10,000 Dinars an equivalent to $6,600 U.S. dollars in order to start free enterprise businesses will signal to the sheiks and clerics of the Middle East that the GoI and the CBI are dedicated to a free Iraq marked by peace and prosperity.

George W. Bush in contrast to political the political rhetoric is on the right course in Iraq. This is not to say some tweaking could not possibly improve the situation. With the help of the U.S., Iraq will be on its way to becoming a strong ally to the U.S. in the region.

I beleive history is on the side of George W. Bush earlier today I mentioned Japan. Allow me to mention West Germany and South Korea. South Korea is also a bright spot on the Asian continent. While there is not a West Germany any longer, the successes a unified Germany has had can be credited back to the U.S. involvment in WWII and pouring resources into the Western half of Germany.

I have grown tired quite quickly of the naysayers and the liberals posting here spouting their defeatest persective. I am puzzled to understand why anyone would not want Iraq to succeed.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 9:26 PM ∞

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Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 9:41 PM ∞

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JPF wrote:

Johan,
Don't you have some Crayola crayons or finger paints to play with so you can let the grown-ups talk? I think you are on the wrong forum-look for Sesame Street or something like that-bye bye now

-- December 18, 2006 9:51 PM ∞

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Neil wrote:

Johan, Hisq Quan & B Jackson:

I believe that you three are part of that group of "Queers" that were posting that demented s--- a few weeks back.

Why don't you three go find a desolate alley somewhere and do whatever Queers do to each other and stay out of the way of decent people. We have intelligent, wholesome and tolerant people on this site and your posts are just something to scroll past.

-- December 18, 2006 10:45 PM ∞

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Paul wrote:

This type of thing happens all the time in the stock market. When a stock starts to take off, all the people that didn't have the guts to buy in, or were late to the party. Start to cry about what a bad investment this is in the hopes that others will sell and miss the boat.
It is very obvious that the dinar is slowly and consistantly moving in the right direction. The more I see these negative posts, the more confident I am about my investment in the dinar.

-- December 18, 2006 11:11 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Interesting, these artificial rates created by Sadam were from BEFORE Sadam came to power.... he is really something else to create those rates BEFORE he took power. Can you elaborate on that for me please? Maybe I should sell my 4 mil Dinar for some magic beans since the sky is falling.

-- December 18, 2006 11:32 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Rob
Its called baiting....react accordingly

-- December 19, 2006 6:24 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Sara:
I was willing to give Iraqslogger the benefit of the doubt...and watch what they printed or picked to be printed in their site...
You are correct...mainly left wing...
Should have known...the CEO and presdent of the company that produces the site came from CNN.
Found no news at all regarding the Iraqi stock exchange, economy, etc...

-- December 19, 2006 6:39 AM ∞

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CYMRU001 wrote:

I would like to know who the brave person is who thinks all welshmen are idiots?

Maybe you could be either brave enough to let us know who you are and we'll discuss your reasons for thinking we are idiots, or, you could crawl back under your stone and think of someone else to annoy away from this board.

-- December 19, 2006 7:27 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(829)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 829 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2006 / 12/ 19 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 8 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1380 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1378 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 10.605.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 10.880.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 10.605.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 10.880.000 -----

-- December 19, 2006 7:37 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

I think many are on the right track as far as Johan and some of the others are concerned.

I'm sitting here looking at my calendar. College exams are over. The students have moved back home and for those who couldn't land a Christmas job, things must be getting kind of boring so, adolescents do what is fun and try to be outrageous by getting a rise out of the adults around. The internet is just one big romper room.

When I was in college I watched the same maturity level run down the dorm hallway shooting fire extinguishers at each other.

Paul,

Your remark about the stocks rising and the complainers is an interesting one. Think you are right.

-- December 19, 2006 8:08 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Chris!

Did you realize that the auction prices you quoted show another big RISE in the price of the Dinar? :)

I have been hearing speculation that maybe this is part of a trend upward.. yesterday 8 points, then today.. where will it end? :)

Someone calculated that it was about 6 dollars a million Dinar it has risen. But it seems it is keeping on rising, and did you notice, they almost took in as much as they put out.. yet it rose! THAT says something about the worth of the Dinar. Things are looking interesting!

Sara.

The 829 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2006 / 12/ 19 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 8 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1380 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1378 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 10.605.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 10.880.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 10.605.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 10.880.000 -----

-- December 19, 2006 9:15 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Sara,

I hope the trend continues but we have a long way to go. The real question is

What is the target destination?

Regardless, the move is in the right direction

-- December 19, 2006 9:34 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Enclosed is an article from www.dinartrade.com

In what might be called the mother of all surprises, Iraq's economy is growing strong, even booming in places

Source: MSNBC

It may sound unreal, given the daily images of carnage and chaos. But for a certain plucky breed of businessmen, there's good money to be made in Iraq. Consider Iraqna, the leading mobile-phone company. For sure, its quarterly reports seldom make for dull reading. Despite employees kidnapped, cell-phone towers bombed, storefronts shot up and a huge security budget—up to four guards for each employee—the company posted revenues of $333 million in 2005. This year, it's on track to take in $520 million. The U.S. State Department reports that there are now 7.1 million mobile-phone subscribers in Iraq, up from just 1.4 million two years ago. Says Wael Ziada, an analyst in Cairo who tracks Iraqna: "There will always be pockets of money and wealth, no matter how bad the situation gets."

Civil war or not, Iraq has an economy, and—mother of all surprises—it's doing remarkably well. Real estate is booming. Construction, retail and wholesale trade sectors are healthy, too, according to a report by Global Insight in London. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports 34,000 registered companies in Iraq, up from 8,000 three years ago. Sales of secondhand cars, televisions and mobile phones have all risen sharply. Estimates vary, but one from Global Insight puts GDP growth at 17 percent last year and projects 13 percent for 2006. The World Bank has it lower: at 4 percent this year. But, given all the attention paid to deteriorating security, the startling fact is that Iraq is growing at all.

How? Iraq is a crippled nation growing on the financial equivalent of steroids, with money pouring in from abroad. National oil revenues and foreign grants look set to total $41 billion this year, according to the IMF. With security improving in one key spot—the southern oilfields—that figure could go up.

Not too shabby, all things considered. Yes, Iraq's problems are daunting, to say the least. Unemployment runs between 30 and 50 percent. Many former state industries have all but ceased to function. As for all that money flowing in, much of it has gone to things that do little to advance the country's future. Security, for instance, gobbles up as much as a third of most companies' operating budgets, whereas what Iraq really needs are hospitals, highways and power-generating plants.

Even so, there's a vibrancy at the grass roots that is invisible in most international coverage of Iraq. Partly it's the trickle-down effect. However it's spent, whether on security or something else, money circulates. Nor are ordinary Iraqis themselves short on cash. After so many years of living under sanctions, with little to consume, many built up considerable nest eggs—which they are now spending. That's boosted economic activity, particularly in retail. Imported goods have grown increasingly affordable, thanks to the elimination of tariffs and trade barriers. Salaries have gone up more than 100 percent since the fall of Saddam, and income-tax cuts (from 45 percent to just 15 percent) have put more cash in Iraqi pockets. "The U.S. wanted to create the conditions in which small-scale private enterprise could blossom," says Jan Randolph, head of sovereign risk at Global Insight. "In a sense, they've succeeded."

Consider some less formal indicators. Perhaps the most pervasive is the horrendous Iraqi traffic jams. Roadside bombs account for fewer backups than the sheer number of secondhand cars that have crowded onto the nation's roads—five times as many in Baghdad as before the war. Cheap Chinese goods overflow from shop shelves, and store owners report quick turnover. Real-estate prices have risen several hundred percent, suggesting that Iraqis are more optimistic about the future than most Americans are.

There's even a positive spin to be put on corruption. Money stolen from government coffers or siphoned from U.S. aid projects does not just disappear. Again, says Farid Abolfathi, a Global Insight analyst, it's the "trickledown" effect. Such "underground activity" is the most dynamic part of Iraq's economy, he says. "It might not be viewed as respectable. But in reality, that's what puts money in the hands of the little people."

Meanwhile, Iraq's official economic institutions are making progress, improbable as that might sound in the context of savage sectarian violence and a seemingly complete breakdown of leadership and law. Yet it's a fact. A government often accused of being no government at all has somehow managed to take its first steps to liberalize the highly centralized economy of the Saddam era. Iraq has a debt-relief deal with the IMF that requires Baghdad to end subsidies and open up its gas-import market. Earlier this year the government made the first hesitant steps, axing fuel subsidies—and sending prices from a few cents a liter to around 14. "This has become one important way of institutionally engaging with Iraq," says economist Colin Rowat at the University of Birmingham. "If you lose that engagement, then that means a lot more people have given up on Iraq."

It goes without saying: real progress won't be seen until the security situation clears up. Iraq still lacks a functioning banking system. Though there's an increasing awareness of Iraq as a potential emerging market, foreign investors won't make serious commitments until they are assured a measure of stability. Local moneymen are scarcely more bullish on the long term. In Iraq's nascent bond market, buyers have so far been willing to invest in local-currency Treasury bills with terms up to six months, max.

Iraqna isn't the only success story. There is also Nipal, a money-transfer service that is the backbone of Iraq's cash economy, as well as a slew of successful construction firms in Kurdistan. Such companies are not waiting for Iraq's political crisis to resolve itself. Yet imagine how they would prosper if it did, and how quickly they would be joined by others. As things stand, Iraqna faces extraordinary difficulties. It builds towers but lives in constant fear that they will be blown up. It has to be careful about whom it hires, or where it assigns people to work. Whether Sunni or Shia, it doesn't matter; criminal gangs and militias regularly try to kidnap employees to hold them hostage for ransom, regardless of ethnicity. As for long-range planning? Forget it, says Ziada, the Cairo analyst. "It's a terrible situation for any company."

But again, that's the remarkable thing. In a business climate that is inhospitable, to say the least, companies like Iraqna are thriving. The withdrawal of a certain great power could drastically reduce the foreign money flow, and knock the crippled economy flat.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2006 9:34 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Chris:
I believe it was the CBE that stated their 2007 budget is based on 1260
Some reports said 10% adjustment at 1477 so you can do the math..
Some project 1000
CBI came back and said...don't know...can't predict auction..

-- December 19, 2006 9:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Chris:

Let us hope the target destination where 10,000 dinars equals $6,600 U.S. You are right we are still a long way off.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2006 9:48 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl;

The mainstream media noted that the internet caused people to stop feeding at their trough and begin to take in other viewpoints. They started to lose influence over the minds of people who began to see their viewpoints from a more critical perspective. So, they decided to create their own "bloggers" to offset those who were blogging opposite views to the mainstream. Now you can find an absolute proliferation of "bloggers" linked to the mainstream media pages (check out CNN for their links, mainpage). People can FEEL like they are going to a person who is not mainstream (a blogger) but in reality they are people who spout the same words as the MSM, many times employed by and spun off the MSM, like an editorial page is. Clever tactic to make people THINK they are getting independent thinking when they are not.

This site Iraqslogger is the same, a pretend independent site really sponsored by big brother media (the MSM). They toe the line of PC behavior pretty strongly. But if sites like this can siphon off a few into thinking they are getting something new and independent.. then they will keep them in the "loop" of their viewpoints and help them not to see the conservative views of others, they think. I am hoping the net savvy are smarter than the dummy sites and leftist MSM blog sites.. but I note that Time Magazine's "person of the year".. is YOU! And when you look closer.. they name the net bloggers.. and then list three of them.. amazingly TWO of the three hard-news members are hardcore leftist mainstream media influencers and NONE (as in NOT ONE) is from a right political viewpoint. No change or diversity of thought there.
QUOTE:

Time named as "You" everyone trying to influence the world just a bit from their keyboard. That would include, to a miniscule degree, yours truly, and, again of course, many people who are reading this post.

Oh-so-predictably, two of the three "hard-news" members of the magazine's "15 citizens of the digital democracy" are influencers from the left side; none are from the right --

http://newsbusters.org/node/9705
===end of quote===

So again, the media pats itself on the back and calls itself "independent" in thinking.. while totally IGNORING the real news and any right or conservative perspective.. IGNORING "little" things like the economy of Iraq and the progress happening there, or the humanity and goodness of the troops. Instead, they trump up charges against those who were not even there to commit the crime.. smearing works so very well.

Case in point:

US Marine to be charged over Iraq deaths
Tuesday Dec 19 13:11 AEDT

AP - A Marine captain will be criminally charged in connection with the killing of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha, his lawyer said.

Captain Lucas McConnell, 31, was told by his commanding officer that he will be charged with dereliction of duty, said Kevin McDermott, his attorney.

"We're just absolutely clueless as to what kind of dereliction of duty he could have committed," he said, adding that his client was not present during the killings.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=150532

Even though he was not present for the operation.. they will find some way to accuse and fling dirt at the troops.. won't they? Then their MSM bloggers and sites like Iraqslogger which are owned by leftist media influencers can pick it up and echo their sentiments.. so that the undiscerning can think this is the way it is and that everyone agrees with them.. when in reality, it is not true.

A democracy is the rule of the people through their representatives based on what they think is the best for the country. If the MSM control the minds of the masses and tells them what is the best for the country - in effect monopolizing their views and telling them how to vote - the rich controllers of the MSM gain real political power. And frankly.. this is all about power.

http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/2006-12-15.png

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 10:22 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Oh.. did I mention that the MSM does not report any POSITIVE NEWS out of Iraq?

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#126982

http://newsbusters.org/node/9634

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 10:34 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl;

I also found this interesting from the same article,
QUOTE:

Additionally, Time errs in overstating the "digital democracy's" influence:

You control the Information Age. Welcome to your world.

You control the media now, and the world will never be the same.

http://newsbusters.org/node/9705

===end of quote==

They are trying to say that by going to their MSM bloggers who tell the public the same old story, they are suddenly "in control of the world." and in control of "the information age."

Delusions of grandeur or what? Truly delusional..

Is it really 'YOUR world' and do you really 'control the media' or are they still in control of the minds of the people while slyly giving them the same diet of MSM leftist news and views through their bloggers and dummy "alternate" sites?

You decide.

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 10:46 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

The Marlboro Man Lie...

I think it is just like the advertisers did with selling Marlboro cigarettes.
They didn't show someone dying of lung cancer...
they showed a rugged cowboy - the Marlboro man..
"He's handsome and rugged. He lives in a world of galloping horses, open spaces and blood red sunsets. He's the Marlboro Man."

The actual reality was far different, just as the war on terror with its forefront in Iraq is truly far different from the way the MSM portrays it.
QUOTE:

"While a government ban couldn't kill the Marlboro Man, the instrument that ended up doing the trick was the product itself. Two Marlboro men, Wayne McLaren and David McLean, died of lung cancer, but not before McLaren could testify in favor of anti-smoking legislation."

http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/marlboroman/

What "lung cancer" will the public end up with by believing this set of lies about the war effort.. ??
Will they take the MSM fluff about it not being a war on terror and our ability to pull out with no repercussions?
Will they end up having nuclear bombs going off inside the US because they didn't believe nor address the REAL threat but believed in a fiction of media and advertising strategy to keep up their readership and liberal viewpoint.. just like the Marlboro man who led many into cigarettes which shortened their lives and caused many deaths?

2Pe 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 11:43 AM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

Sara: You've been coming up with some great articles. The Mustard gas find was one of the things I thought was still confidential. 500 rounds... Have you researched the damage a single mustard tipped 155 round can do? That stuff is nasty. There may have been more stuff found but I have ot wait for more news articles. Again, what do people call WMDs? Just imagine if some farmer had been selling those rounds to insurgents. The race they described is why I think we cannot afford to fall back into out bases.

Chris: I love seeing these jumps.

The interesting thing is that 1260 was the budget. Of course, so was $50/barrel of oil as I recall. That sounds like an absolute minimum to me.

-- December 19, 2006 1:41 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Article posted on Google today

The rise in the value of the dinar

The high price of the new currency has revived hopes prosperous economic future.

Written by : * Aqil Jabbar Baghdad

Despite the emergence of the pictures of car bombs and shootings and angry demonstrators in Iraq through Arab television screens every night, remains businessmen in the region, betting on the future economic prosperity of the country, which has been ravaged by war.

That at least, is the word one of the Iraqis, who stated that the rush to buy the new Iraqi dinar, lies in the high value from 1,650 to the highest value of one thousand per dollar within two days only.

"He hailed Abbas, the director of the Gulf banking company in Baghdad, "The Jordanian businessmen were selling large amounts of dollars to buy new Iraqi money."

And the same thing is happening in Basra, except that the Kuwaitis are buying. As the morning assurances of the banking company in the southern port.

As stated in the report issued by the Egyptian government newspaper Al-Ahram had the businessmen to buy dinars, with the exception that Iraq's oil wealth in the end is the reason for the high value of the currency.

The rocket rise of the value of the Iraqi currency impact of the new expiry of the circulation of the old dinars, which bore the face of Saddam Hussein in the 15 / January, which paved the way for the new securities issued last October.

He said Mohaned Rahim, Director of Auto Fair opened, "we used to use the dollar to buy cars from Jordan and the UAE, and now after printing the new currency, and the companies agreed to export cars to Iraq for the Iraqi money."

The rise also came with the beginning of the pilgrimage season, which is traditionally a very bleak time for the Arab currencies, as pilgrims heading saying goodbye for the last time to change the dollar to be spent in Saudi Arabia.

But this year, the new Iraqi dinar currency of choice for the pilgrims.

"Mustafa said Abdul Razak Mihdawi, director of a company specialized in Mecca pilgrimage trips, "I have agreed to do the Saudi government trade exchange with the Iraqis in Iraqi currency. "

Currently used by the dinar and the dollar in the stores Iraq, and this change from the recent past, where the American currency typically used to buy expensive imported goods such as electronics.

He said Ali Osman Alvtlaoui, an employee in the company grains in the public sector "that the decline in the dollar benefit each citizen receives his salary in Iraqi currency, as this will allow him to buy anything sold the largest dollar value." The Alvtlaoui "was a video CDs sold at a price previously (60) thousand Iraqi dinars, while today is not equivalent to more than (46) thousand dinars."

However, Seif Motaz who works as an interpreter with the American army, complained that the interview of (450) net worth had declined to slightly more than half of the previous value. He said, "if the dollar continued to fall I will have to look for other work dinars."

However, the last time people looked at things Bqiasathm, Vitzkron last days before inflation in the Penal Code, when the dinar is equal to more than three dollars.

He said Rasul Al-Hammadi of age (65) years, "I hope that the value of the dinar itself, which was in the 1960s and 1970s. Each time high dinar, good things happen to Iraq and the Iraqi economy. "

-- December 19, 2006 1:54 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Further to that story on the troops, I thought this good, with comments about the MSM coverage to come:

Lawyer: Marine Captain To Be Charged In Haditha Case

From a joyous Associated Press:

Marine to Be Charged in Haditha Case
Lawyer Says Marine Captain Will Be Charged in Haditha Case
By THOMAS WATKINS

SAN DIEGO - A Marine captain has been told he will be criminally charged in connection with the killing of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha, his attorney said Monday.

"We’re just absolutely clueless as to what kind of dereliction of duty he could have committed," he said, adding that his client was not present during the killings.

The Marine Corps initially reported that 15 civilians died in a roadside-bomb blast. Citing survivor accounts and human rights groups, a media report in March said that the killings were deliberate acts by the Marines, prompting the criminal investigation.

A parallel military investigation has examined whether officers in the Marines’ chain of command tried to cover up the events. Results have not been made public.

The killing began when a roadside bomb struck the last of a four-vehicle convoy containing a 12-Marine squad and several Iraqi soldiers. Driver Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas died in the blast and two other Marines were seriously wounded.

In the events that followed, two dozen Iraqis were killed. Five men were shot to death when they approached the scene in a taxi, and others including women and children died in three houses over the next several hours.

Neal Puckett, a defense attorney for squad leader Staff Sgt. Frank D. Wuterich, has described the events of the day as a tragic but lawful combat engagement.

The criminal case will focus on whether the Marines were responding to perceived threats with legitimate force, or if the troops went too far and acted outside their rules of combat.

====end of quote===

One would hope he will get a fair trial. But it is hard to see how.

The local "witnesses" seem to be pathological liars by nature. And as far as I know, the families are still preventing the exhumation of the bodies for forensic study.

Add to that the overwhelming pressure from our one party media to convict somebody, anybody for this — to get another notch in their belts.

God help him and the rest of the accused.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/lawyer-marine-captain-to-be-charges-in-haditha-case

Accused not present AND no forensic studies,
along with lying witnesses.. based on hearsay?
Hmmm.. how fair do you think it is?

-- December 19, 2006 4:16 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Gunmen in military garb rob Baghdad bank; Iraq executes 13 prisoners
Published: Tuesday, December 19, 2006

BAGHDAD (AP) - Gunmen in military uniforms robbed government accountants as they left a Baghdad bank with bags of cash on Tuesday in the second such heist in eight days, and 13 Iraqi convicts were executed in a Baghdad jail.

Gunmen in four vehicles drove up to the Zuwiyah Bank in Baghdad's Karradah neighbourhood and fired automatic weapons in the air, then handcuffed guards and robbed accountants who had walked out of the bank with money.

The thieves escaped with more than one billion Iraqi dinars (almost C$817,000), police said.

In other news Tuesday:

-U.S.-led forces killed two insurgents in Fallujah and another in eastern Baghdad, and captured two suspected insurgents near Ramadi, the U.S. military said.

-The U.S. military announced it discovered several weapons caches south of Samarra on Saturday, including artillery and mortar rounds, rockets, dynamite, sniper rifles and machine-guns.

-Police in Diyala province east of Baghdad said five insurgents were killed Tuesday in clashes with U.S. troops north of Baqouba, and two Iraqi policemen were killed when insurgents attacked their patrol in that city.

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=6fc91c32-9fb7-4d04-ab85-14a2c473b77f&k=59543

-- December 19, 2006 4:21 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Why Has AP Revised November 28 'Burning Six' Story?
Posted by Al Brown on December 19, 2006 - 15:42.

Curt at Flopping Aces notes that the Associated Press has quietly changed the copy of their November 28 response to questions about the "burning six" story. And the Google cached version apparently has been changed, as well.

The AP angrily rejected criticism of its story about six Sunni men being dragged from prayer and burned alive after CENTCOM, the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, and bloggers questioned the identity of "police captain Jamil Hussein," their chief source for the story. CENTCOM and the MOI say that no such person is listed as a police captain. Hussein had previously been quoted by the AP in more than sixty stories over the past two years.

After Confederate Yankee noticed that the page briefly went down, an unacknowledged paragraph rewrite appeared:

"AP reporters who have been working in Iraq throughout the conflict learned of the mosque incident through witnesses and later corroborated it with police."

USA Today still has the original copy posted:

"AP reporters who have been working in Iraq throughout the conflict learned of the mosque incident through witnesses and neighborhood residents and corroborated it with a named police spokesmen and also through hospital and morgue workers."

The "neighbors" and "hospital and morgue workers" copy has been expunged.

Why would the Associated Press try to change the record on a controversial story, especially one in which the AP's sourcing has come into question?

Comments:

taznar Says:
December 19, 2006 - 16:23

Quoted in more than 60 stories in two years. The AP has had contact with him on such a regular basis and now, suddenly, he can't be found. That alone says a lot.

http://newsbusters.org/node/9749

-- December 19, 2006 4:37 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

The "new" strategy proposed for Iraq...
or is it an old one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w77sLtz754

-- December 19, 2006 4:48 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Let the troops speak themselves -
from Fox News Bill O'Reilly (who just returned from Iraq) - see his trip log:

http://msunderestimated.com/BillWTroops121806.wmv

-- December 19, 2006 5:07 PM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

Seems to be a lot going on behind closed doors. Also read where additional troops are being sent into Kuwait.
I think it's wise to be prepared for any surprises. I hope the little pencil neck geek in Iran is getting the message.

============================================================================================================
US plans major Gulf build-up
19 Dec, 2006 2318hrs IST REUTERS

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon is planning a major build-up of American naval forces in and around the Gulf region as a warning to Iran, according to a CBS News report on Monday.

A senior American defence department official told Reuters the report was "premature" and appeared to be drawing "conclusions from assumptions."

The official did not know of plans for a major change in naval deployment.

Another US defence department official called the report "speculative" and a Pentagon spokeswomen declined to comment.

Citing unidentified military officers, CBS said the plan called for the deployment of a second US aircraft carrier
to join the one already in the region.

The network said the buildup, which would begin in January, had not aimed at an attack on Iran but to discourage what US officials view as increasingly provocative acts by Tehran.

The report said Iranian naval exercises in the Gulf, its support for Shia militias in Iraq and Iran's nuclear programme were causes for concern among American officials.

-- December 19, 2006 7:17 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Okie - from "the pencil geek in Iran"
who, quite obviously, does NOT get the message you are intending him to:

Ahmadinejad Says Jesus Would Be On His Side Against US

Today’s dose of bluster from Ahmadinejad via Israel’s YNet News:
Ahmadinejad: What would Jesus do today?
Iranian president in New Year’s message to Christians: ‘God willing, Jesus will return with Imam Mahdi and wipe away oppression’
Yaakov Lappin
12.19.06, 16:57

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sent a greeting to the world’s Christians for the coming New Year, in which he has linked Christianity’s deity, Jesus, with the Shiite messianic figure, Imam Mahdi, saying he expected both to return and "wipe away oppression."

"I wish all the Christians a very happy new year and I wish to ask them a question as well," the Iranian leader said, according to the Iranian Student News Agency.

"My one question from the Christians is: What would Jesus do if he were present in the world today? What would he do before some of the oppressive powers of the world who are in fact residing in Christian countries? Which powers would he revive and which of them would he destroy?" the Iranian president asked.

"If Jesus were present today, who would be facing him and who would be following him?" He added.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/ahmadinejad-says-jesus-would-be-on-his-side-against-us

My thoughts:

In light of his recently going down to political defeat in his own country..
we can see which power God revived and which he deposed, in my opinion.

It isn't IF Jesus were present.. He IS, and He's working - as the results attest.
More to come..

Sara.

Other comments:

Steve Gilbert
December 19th, 2006 at 11:23 am

It’s clear Mr. Ahmadinejad is caught up in the Christmas spirit.

But how would Muslims react if Mr. Bush claimed that Allah (or even his stooge/prophet Mohammad) would destroy Muslim countries and their leaders if he returned to earth?

Heads would roll.

Gila Monster
December 19th, 2006 at 1:32 pm

Ahmamadjihadi is definitely tripping the light fantastic. This clown reads like a 60’s LSD experiment gone horribly wrong.

And Dhimmicrats continue to insist that Iran has nothing to do with terrorist activities in Iraq. “But we must involve them in the peace process”, they clamor.
The only way I would involve Iran is at the business end of a nuclear warhead detonated right above Ahmamadjihadi’s head.

1sttofight
December 19th, 2006 at 1:51 pm

Who said muslims dont do drugs?

englishqueen01
December 19th, 2006 at 5:48 pm

Further proof that Ahmadinejad is really a Democrat in disguise. Both invoke the name of Jesus when it suits them.

I wonder what Jesus would do to those who wish to murder his followers en-masse?

-- December 19, 2006 8:30 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Perhaps Mr. Ahmadinejad should note
this salute to gospel music from the Whitehouse
which has some of those very followers of Jesus...
asking their deity/God - Jesus - to BLESS THE USA..

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-ydjcIOEV_I

Obviously.. they, like I -
do think that in answer to his questions:

"Which powers would he revive and which of them would he destroy?"
"who would be facing him and who would be following him?"

that the answer is - Jesus would be on the side of the USA!
Or they would not be asking His BLESSING on America.
Something I, too, ask my Lord Jesus Christ for.. with all my heart.

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 8:51 PM ∞

---

anonymous wrote:

The Marlboro Man, the symbol of rugged American masculinity, was played by a number of men, over the years. There was not just one. Christian Haren was one of them. He died in 1996, in San Francisco, of lung related complications of AIDs. He worked for many years as an AIDs activist.

-- December 19, 2006 9:02 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

May we not be so ignorant as he was, anonymous, that we must die due to ingesting that which only appears outwardly to be "macho" and "cool" and the right thing to do (Politically Correct) -- following the false portrayal, instead of listening to the less popular, cold and hard facts which led to his getting lung cancer and the shortening of his life.

The hard facts led to a very different conclusion in his life than is reached by an outward look at the Marlboro Man slick advertisements - It actually led toward death for those following that glimmering path, and not listening to the FACTS of where that path was actually taking him and all those who followed him.

There is a lesson there for those who follow the glittering path of slick MSM advertising ploys, ten minute leftist newsbytes, leftist "blog sites" and "alternate" but completely MSM-commensurate (agreeing) newsplaces on the net - ignoring the true facts and perspective.. if only they would see.

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 9:24 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From my AOL home page

Bush Asks New Defense Chief for Buildup Plan
President Wants to Increase the Number of Troops in Iraq
By ROBERT BURNS, AP

WASHINGTON (Dec. 19) - A White House laboring to find a new approach in Iraq said Tuesday it is considering sending more U.S. troops, an option that worries top generals because of its questionable payoff and potential backlash. President Bush said he is ready to boost the overall size of an American military overstretched by its efforts against worldwide terrorism.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Here's a good website, for an objective, pro-military reporter,(a rare thing) who actually looks and sees with his eyes, and talks to people, in Iraq, rather than do like all the chicken shit dishonest, unprofessional idiot reporters who drink whiskey, in the Green Zone, at the Bagdhad Hilton, where a lot of so called news from Iraq comes from. He has lived and travelled extensively in Iraq, and says the Americans are definitely winning there. Anyhow, have a look: www.billroggio.com

-- December 19, 2006 11:15 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts;

That site is a keeper.. an example article I found:

The Military and The Media - The divide grows

FALLUJAH, IRAQ: I've completed the first leg of the journey to Iraq, after having moved through Dubai, Kuwait and Baghdad. I am now at Camp Fallujah. While in Fallujah, I'll embed with a Marine Police Transition Team (PTT) and also meet with the Civil Affairs Group. The next stop will be Ramadi.

Here is a brief overview of some of the discussions I had with those I met while shuttling around Kuwait and Iraq.

Ali Al Salem:

At the transient tent (where you get to sleep and store your gear while waiting), I spoke to an Explosive Ordinance and Demolitions (EOD) contractor. These are the guys that blow up the leftover explosives and munitions from the Saddam era. He told me about how the media isn't telling the full story about the nature of the enemy, and specifically complained about the manipulation and distortion of the Kay report. He said he's run across bunkers and the equipment and chemical precursors to WMD buried in the deserts of western Iraq.

During a smoke break, an Army private discussed his time in Balad. He said mortars (which are blind-fired) are the greatest threat his unit faces. Not IEDs, I asked? Nope. While waiting to board the flight to BIAP, a Marine Major complained about how the progress in western Iraq has virtually gone unnoticed, and was furious over the characterization of the Devlin report on Anbar province. I gave him my card.

BIAP:

I had the pleasure being the only person on the shuttle bus from BIAP to Camp Stryker, and the driver, an Army specialist, struck up a conversation with me. I needed a SIM chip for my cell phone so I could call the States and in Iraq, so he took me across the base on some extremely bumpy roads looking for a place that sold them. During the drive, he explained his forays into Sadr City, how the residents were largely hostile to U.S. forces, and some engagements he's encountered. Yet he spoke admirably of the Iraqi people. He said they were hard working and willing to fight, and hoped we wouldn't abandon the Iraqi people.

We couldn't find an open store that sold the SIM chip, so he kindly offered to give me his as he knew I was desperate. I paid him for the card and a little extra to call home. He said he'll get a new card tomorrow.

Camp Stryker:

While waiting to catch the flight to the Green Zone, I spoke to two Army captains, one who works in Civil Affairs, the other with the Military Transition Teams. Both explained how the situation could look very different based on your job, but that the Iraqi police and Army were making real progress. They said the Iraqis' skills ranged from poor to excellent, but they always saw improvement.

I also overheard an Army specialist sitting behind me curse the media (and I mean curse), saying they didn't know what they were talking about when it came to Iraq. I talked to him, and explained I'm considered a reporter, and that I won't argue with his points. I made him uncomfortable. Had he known I was 'the press' I think he would have kept it to himself.

LZ Washington:

While waiting to manifest on the flight to Fallujah, CNN played a news segment of President Bush announcing there would be no “graceful exit” from Iraq, and that we'd stay until the mission was complete. Two sergeants in the room cheered. Loudly. They then scoffed at the reports from Baghdad, and jeered the balcony reporting.

In nearly every conversation, the soldiers, Marines and contractors expressed they were upset with the coverage of the war in Iraq in general, and the public perception of the daily situation on the ground. They felt the media was there to sensationalize the news, and several stated some reporters were only interested in “blood and guts.” They freely admitted the obstacles in front of them in Iraq. Most recognized that while we are winning the war on the battlefield, albeit with difficulties in some areas, we are losing the information war. They felt the media had abandoned them.

This isn't the first time I encountered this sentiment from the troops. I experienced this attitude from the Marines while I was in western Iraq last year, and the soldiers in the Canadian Army in Afghanistan also expressed frustration with the media's presentation of the war.

Perhaps this tension between the media and the military is nothing new. But it appalls me none the less.

http://billroggio.com/archives/2006/12/the_military_and_the.php

-- December 20, 2006 12:59 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

All: Well, it's a real treat for me to wish everyone a, and I don't care if it's politically incorrect, "Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year" as I have just returned to the U.S. from Germany. . .I suffered a heart attack on the 1st of December, and was medevaced to Landstuhl regional medical center. . .and let me tell you what our military did for me. . and only me. . .seems I needed heart catherization and that was why I needed to go to Germany, but they had no flights scheduled for the next few days, seems there was a crew on standby in Ramstein, and they volunteered to come to Balad and pick me up and bring me to Germany. . .5 hours to Iraq, and 5 hours back. . .I was laying on a stretcher inside of a C-17, and for those of you who don't know what a C-17 looks like. . .you can drive a coupla tanks in there, I had a full bird Colonel and a Major and their staff at my side. . . when we got to Germany another crew of about 16 people took over. . .one of my arteries was 100 percent occluded and all of those people saved my life, believe me, when it comes to saving lives, our military does the best Damn job of anyone. . .So Okie, Roger, Carl, Carole, Tim, Sara, and all you other folks on this post, I'm back for another ride on the Dinar roller coaster. . .I'll be returning to Iraq around the middle of January. . . just no more smoking and I have to give up the double cafe mochas. . . Merry Christmas everyone. . .I've already gotten my present from Santa. . .the gift of life. . .

-- December 20, 2006 6:41 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

More movement

Announcement No.(830)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 830 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2006 / 12/ 20 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 9 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1373 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1371 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 22.230.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 22.230.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.500.000

-- December 20, 2006 7:07 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Panhandler:
Wondered where you went...as a heart attack suvivor myself...I can say to you...each day after your heart attack is another day to give a smile and attempt to make this a better place while here.
Some and I say some..go through a period of depression afterward. Why! Because, I believe for the first time you realize just how quickly how world can change, and just how mortal our container body is. I speak from my experience, and talking to other heart attack survivors. You will come to recognize you are now a different person...you will start to see things differently, the things that once bothered you will no longer bother you...etc.......I found myself no longer chasing the dollar as I once did...and now spend more time with my friends, and family.
I just went through a tax audit and the examiner stated, I have never seen somebody come in here smiling and laughing.
Like I told her...This audit is small stuff...compared to the path I have traveled...You appreciate every day you have been given to stay on this earth...I find myself taking nothing for granted...and tell everyone I can, how much they have contributed to my life's experience...I believe you are going to find in the future, this is going to be true for you also.
I am glad to see you survived...take things easy for a while...and see you at the roast.....

-- December 20, 2006 8:04 AM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Panhandler....

Glad to see you alive, well and kickin'. Wow! Some guys will do anything to get a trip home for Christmas! Not to worry...had a friend go thru a mirror image of your experience and he made it back to Iraq after a short home leave. His comments were like yours regarding the Military hop and medical treatment in Germany...first class!

If you need to stop smoking...try accupuncture. I was a heavy smoker and kicked it in seven days and don't miss them at all...that was five years ago.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the coming year. I'm now calling it "the year of the Dinar"!!

-- December 20, 2006 9:25 AM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

But just a minute….the MSM has been telling us that Iraq is going to hell in a hand basket….could they be bending the truth???????
===============================================================
Economy is booming
In what might be called the mother of all surprises, Iraq's economy is growing strong, even booming in places

20 December 2006 (MSNBC News Services)
Civil war or not, Iraq has an economy, and—mother of all surprises—it's doing remarkably well. Real estate is booming. Construction, retail and wholesale trade sectors are healthy, too, according to a report by Global Insight in London. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports 34,000 registered companies in Iraq, up from 8,000 three years ago. Sales of secondhand cars, televisions and mobile phones have all risen sharply. Estimates vary, but one from Global Insight puts GDP growth at 17 percent last year and projects 13 percent for 2006. The World Bank has it lower: at 4 percent this year. But, given all the attention paid to deteriorating security, the startling fact is that Iraq is growing at all.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php?refid=DH-S-20-12-2006&article=12792

-- December 20, 2006 9:30 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An article from www.english.daralhayat.com regarding Iraq's investment law.

A Law for Investment in Iraq
Ali Al-Fikaki Al-Hayat - 19/12/06//

The Iraqi Presidency Council issued Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, containing provisions for regulation, rights and encouragement for investors, encompassing Iraqis and non-Iraqis, designed for the phases of establishment and operation. The law aims to attract and encourage investment and the transfer of modern technologies to the country; to encourage both the Iraqi private sector and foreign investment in the country; to protect the property rights of investors and their profits, and the expansion of exports and enhancing the competitive edge at home and abroad.

The law covers all branches of investment, production and service activity, except for the extraction and production of oil and gas, banks, and insurance companies. However, it did turn out that the extraction activities for other minerals, in addition to the mineral refining and oil refining sectors, are covered by the law like other branches of industry, investment and other sectors like agriculture and tourism, health, etc.

The law does require the participation of an Iraqi partner with foreign investors, except for the purposes of licensing or enjoying tax exemptions and privileges and facilities. The law also stipulates the establishment of a National Commission for Investment to take up the task of implementing these provisions. It allows regions and governorates, provided they are not ensconced to the region, to form investment commissions in their own areas that enjoy licensing authority and the granting of exemptions and facilities and the management of investment projects there. In order to facilitate the licensing process, the bill authorizes the issuance of establishment approvals (investment licenses) through the establishment of the so-called 'single window' in the region or province.

The investor enjoys, regardless of nationality, all the advantages and facilities, guarantees and exemptions. In housing projects, the investor has the right to acquire the land needed for the project.

The rights, privileges and facilities in the new law include the following:

(1) Enjoying a tax exemption for a period of ten years from the year of operation, with an exemption on import duties for importing the requirements in the establishment phase, and the phases of expansion, development and modernization of equipment and machinery, means of transportation and materials, and the operational phase of the import of raw materials and intermediary and spare parts.
(2) Allowing capital and earnings in and out of the country and the opening accounts in banks inside and outside Iraq.
(3) Circulation in the Iraqi market for securities, bonds, equities, and the setting up investment portfolios.
(4) Rental of the land needed for the project for the period of 50 years; a renewable term. The right to own land also in housing projects.
(5) Facilitating the investor's enjoyment of additional advantages, especially according to the international bilateral agreements between Iraq and its government, or according to multilateral agreements. Including the right of the foreign investor to sell his project in whole or in part.

After nearly half a century of providing tax exemptions and generous assistance to the industry in Iraq, starting from the 1950s, the result was loss-making government projects that could only be resolved by selling them off. Project administrations, enterprises and factories became addicted to State assistance and protection. The projects were powerless to face up to competition, at home and abroad, accompanied by a qualitative and quantitative underdevelopment, and in terms of price, with unsustainable spin-off industries that feed key inputs into these sectors. They failed to catch up with the demands of the market for constant modernization and the fragmentation of demand. This also includes obsolete and marginal factories and declining investment rates from year to year, while the country gradually lost its ability to attract investments, and many bureaucratic complexities, and many of them administrative constraints, which prevent opportunities for progress, repressing the speed of response and wasting time and effort.

To what extent will the new law in this new phase achieve its objectives in attracting investments?

This depends primarily on the availability of advanced infrastructure, which, in turn, includes all the social, political and material factors, and not only the roads and bridges, and electricity and water; but also, the conditions of the parts and components manufacturers and the conditions of secondary, spin-off industries, and the availability of government management skills. Not to mention the tax system and the availability of transparency and the system of macroeconomic management, and the rates of education, training and the country's reserve of the educated, engineers and technicians, and population characteristics.

The availability of an infrastructure of this kind, along with the new investment law, will be a crucial factor in attracting investment.

The extent to which financial and administrative corruption is shrinking or expanding is another factor that attracts or repel investments.

In a Transparency Global (headquartered in Berlin) report, the State of Haiti ranked first among the most corrupt, and Iraq came in third. In his statement before the US Congress on February 8, 2006, former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said: "administrative and financial corruption in Iraq is omnipresent in all aspects of government administration and finance ". Even if this corruption recedes, there will remain a more deeply rooted problem, in the form of concepts, perceptions and attitudes inherited by the bureaucracy and in the government administrative cadres at all levels.

The new law has recommended adopting the so-called 'single window' to receive investment applications to decide on them. These recommendations follow the pattern of development and investment legislation in the developing countries for the purpose of simplifying procedures to save time, effort and money. Will the situation in Iraq become congenial to the establishment of this window? It is noteworthy that the General Directorate for Industrial Development in Baghdad applied this 'window' for more than a year. But what is being done by the aforementioned Directorate is just unifying the entity that receives applications (the formal side). As for the bureaucratic content, it remains the same as it was about 30 years ago or more, without change.

Certainly, Iraq will attract many investments after the issuance of the new law, but will the volume of these investments reach the desired ambition? As is the case in the South-East Asian countries, such as Singapore or Malaysia, for example, this also demands a revolutionization of the same concepts and ways of thinking and dealing with such topics. What is necessary is reliable economic administration that lays the foundations before the structure, and not vice versa, when it comes to handling development and dealing with investments. Only then can the new law achieve its goals and the aspirations of the country.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 9:55 AM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Panhandler, I'm glad you're ok. If you look after yourself, and eat well, you can be around for a long long time. Make sure you do some research on how to feed your body, to keep it going a long time.

You hightlighted how good the American military was, in doing a lot to save you. I'm not really surprised by that. That is one of the biggest differences between the American Army and the people they fight. The American Army is motivated to help Iraqis. America is about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Islamic radicals are about death and lack of freedom. I hope Americans realize how different and great that is, compared to much of the world.

I suspect a great many Iraqis still can not understand this difference. They live in a culture where the idea of being generous to a defeated people would be considered absurd. A lot of Iraqis probably assume the Americans are just as barbaric as Saddam and his crew, and are there to steal oil. America and the American troops aren't like that. American troops, with a tiny few exceptions, are very good men and women, who want to do good and help people, and improve their lives. It will take a while to build trust.

Iraqis have put up with the barbarism of Saddam and crew for a long time. That warps their perception about reality, and who to trust. They are like a dog that has been kicked too long. It's hard to trust. When people have seen evil for so long, it's hard to believe in good. This is true especially of older Iraqis. However, the first people in Iraq to understand the Americans are well intentioned will be the young children. Kids everywhere are usually free of a lot of twisted prejudices, at least till the radicals get ahold of them.

America turned Nazi Germany into a peaceful country, and they did it with Imperial Japan, with their suicide bomber pilots. Iraq is next on the to-do list.

Best of luck to you, Panhandler. See you at the roast.

-- December 20, 2006 11:53 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Wheres Roger and Carol?

-- December 20, 2006 12:53 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

They're still trying to get the HCL completed by the end of Dec. Any way you slice it....this is good news for our investment!!!!!!

===================================================================================
Iraq officials reach tentative oil law deal-sources
Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:14am ET

BAGHDAD, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Iraqi officials have reached a tentative deal on an oil law that would allow the regions to negotiate oilfield contracts with foreign investors but gives the central government the final say.

Iraq desperately needs foreign investment to revive its shattered economy, which relies heavily on oil export revenues. The country straddles the world's third largest oil reserves.

Sources close to the negotiations said Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has "signalled his approval" of the draft, but the law still awaits political approval and endorsement by the cabinet.........

http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?view=CN&symbol=&storyID=2006-12-20T131406Z_01_KAR042582_RTRIDST_0_ENERGY-IRAQ-LAW-URGENT.XML&pageNumber=0&WTModLoc=InvArt-C1-ArticlePage2&sz=13

-- December 20, 2006 1:04 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

panhandler;

I am very glad to hear you are well, panhandler. God Bless you and your rest and recovery, then your trip out to serve for us and your safety while there. May God bring you home safe. Thank you for your service in Iraq and thank God for such a wonderful military and medic teams. :)

I was thinking that the double mochas are going to be hard to give up because of the caffeine in them. But maybe you can have some of a more beneficial substance which has caffeine in it - chocolate. You see, I don't think the chocolate is bad for you, it is the OTHER stuff in it - the fat, dairy/milk and sugar which are artery cloggers, not the chocolate..

Could a Mars a day really help keep killer illness at bay...?
LOUISE GRAY

THE confectionery maker Mars yesterday unveiled new research showing that cocoa, the central ingredient in most of its products, has properties that can be used to treat diabetes, strokes and vascular disease.

The privately owned company, which makes M&Ms and Mars bars, said it hoped to make medications based on flavanols - plant chemicals with health benefits found in cocoa.

Worried in the late 1960s that the cocoa plant was prone to disease, Mars began working to understand how the plants could be insulated against disease.

In the course of the research they discovered flavanols, a plant chemical that occurs not only in cocoa beans but green tea, red wine and tomatoes, were good for human health.

This week, at a meeting organised by Mars in Switzerland, experts from around the world gathered to discuss more than 80 peer-reviewed publications on the possible health benefits of flavanols.

Among the findings at the meeting was that flavanols could relax human blood vessels, which is key to improving circulation for heart health.

A team including Ian McDonald, professor of physiology at the University of Nottingham, found that flavanols can increase blood flow to the brain, suggesting the potential for treating dementia and strokes.

Ironically, with chocolate bars usually containing so much sugar, it was also found flavanol could treat diabetes.

Norm Hollenberg, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, which has collaborated with Mars on cocoa research, said: "The mounting scientific evidence on cocoa flavanols is extraordinary.

"This is a scientific breakthrough that could well lead to a medical breakthrough."

Mars has already discovered how to replicate flavanols and has patented the method.

It is currently in "serious discussions" with pharmaceutical companies about licensing the development of these "synthesised flavanols" towards "a potential major new class of medications".

But before chocolate lovers rush out and stock up on Twixes or Twirls, nutritionists warned the healthy properties of the cocoa bean are often out-weighed by the fat, dairy products and sugar in most commercial chocolate bars.

Instead, they recommend cooking with the raw cocoa bean to benefit from the anti-oxidants, anti-depressants and sexual stimulants in chocolate.

Since the time of the ancient Mexican civilisations, chocolate has been revered as a currency, food and even an aphrodisiac.

Peter Pure, a freelance nutritionist, was not surprised to find chocolate has medicinal properties.

He said cocoa beans are full of antioxidants, anti-depressants and sexual stimulants.

But Mr Pure warned the fat in many dairy chocolate bars cancel out the goodness.

Mars has already launched CocoaVia, a nutrition bar containing 80 calories and specially preserved flavanols, which usually get destroyed in cocoa processing.

Last week an industry conference in Malaysia heard how chocolate companies had to rid their products of a junk food image and highlight cocoa's healthier qualities to encourage demand for a produce mainly grown by poor African farmers.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1682152005

Also:

- Chocolate has less caffeine than coffee.

- Chocolate contains the "good" kind of cholesterol.

Sooo.. if you really creave a mocha coffee, maybe you can have a CocoaVia instead?
And.. particularly while you are quitting smoking.. this article adds a bit of interesting info:

Chocolate May Protect Smokers' Hearts
Monday, December 19, 2005
By Sherry Rauh

Eating a small amount of dark chocolate improves smokers’ artery function in hours, and a few squares a day may reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries.

That’s the finding of a small study by Swiss researchers published in the journal Heart.

The researchers gave 20 male smokers approximately 1.4 ounces of either dark or white chocolate. In just two hours, dark chocolate significantly improved the function of endothelial cells, which line the artery walls, and reduced the activity of platelets, which help form blood clots. Smoking is known to disrupt the function of both types of cells, often leading to hardening of the arteries and heart disease.

The protective effects of dark chocolate lasted about eight hours. White chocolate had no effect on the arteries or platelets. The study did not examine the effects of chocolate in nonsmokers.

Dark Chocolate May Lower Blood Pressure - 'A Small Daily Treat'

The researchers note that too much chocolate could increase the risk of heart disease by raising blood sugar levels, body fat, and body weight. But their findings suggest just a couple ounces of dark chocolate a day may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

How could such a small amount have such a powerful effect? The authors say it’s probably because dark chocolate is so rich in antioxidants. “Dark chocolate has a much higher [antioxidant] content per gram than do other antioxidant-rich foods such as wine, tea, or berries,” they write. “Therefore, only a small daily treat of dark chocolate may substantially increase the amount of antioxidant intake” and improve cardiovascular health.

By Sherry Rauh, reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
SOURCES: Hermann, F. Heart. January 2006; vol. 92: 119–120. News release, BMJ Specialist Journals.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,179186,00.html

-- December 20, 2006 1:16 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Okie and Rob N;

Thanks for the post that the FI law has passed and that they are working to pass the Oil Law by the end of the year. It is very good news! :)

Sara.

-- December 20, 2006 1:20 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Panhandler:

Glad to hear that you are o.k. Did the military do bypass surgery or did you recieve stints. Take care of yourself.

All:

Regarding Okie's post about the HCL law still being worked out. What (if any) effect will it have on the Dinar demand against the dollar? Also, will hasten a quicker pace of revaluation?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 1:23 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

panhandler - I also thought this article worth noting:

===

Folic acid can cut heart attack risk: experts
By Patricia Reaney Fri Nov 24, 5:57 AM ET

LONDON (Reuters) - Can taking folic acid supplements reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke? British researchers believe it can.

After analyzing evidence from earlier studies, a team of scientists in Britain said on Friday there is enough research that shows folic acid lowers levels of the amino acid homocysteine and reduces the odds of cardiovacular disease.

"The evidence is very persuasive that lowering homocysteine with folic acid will lower your risk of heart attack and stroke by about 10-20 percent," David Wald, of the Wolfson Institute for Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry in London, said in an interview.

Folic acid is a synthetic compound of folate, a B vitamin found in green leafy vegetables and liver.

Wald and his team analyzed results of large cohort trials looking at homosysteine and heart attacks and strokes in mainly healthy people and others that tested the effects of lowering levels of the amino acid. They also examined studies of people with a genetic mutation, which occurs in one in 10 people, that increases their homocysteine level and the impact of folic acid in reducing it.

"All the evidence put together is compelling," he said, adding that folic acid is a cheap and simple way to reduce heart disease and strokes.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/heart_dc

-- December 20, 2006 1:29 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

I thought I would mention that I do listen to both sides of a debate.
So this was an interesting concession from the medical skeptics -
saying that chocolate is indeed (in moderation and eating the right kind) a benefit in the diet.
Note this is an older article (2004) and the other two I posted are July and Dec 2005.
The more recent findings are proving more scientific evidence that chocolate is helpful,
but I do like to keep an eye on both sides of a debate, just to be sure..

Sara.

===

Does Chocolate Qualify as a Health Food?
The Marketing, Myths and Medicine Behind the Claims That Chocolate Is Good for You

Dec. 12, 2004 — It's the news we've all been waiting for — chocolate is a healthy snack. Or so one candy company says.

This holiday season, Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier, based in St. Louis, announced it has come up with a healthy chocolate..

Is it possible, or is this news just too good to be true?

Dr. David Katz, a nutrition expert with the Yale School of Medicine, said chocolate does offer some important health benefits, if the right kind is eaten moderately — but it does not meet the standard of fruits or vegetables as a health food.

"There are some unique health benefits in chocolate," said Katz, which he says include an array of antioxidants that have been shown to give some protection against cancer.

In fact, Katz said, cocoa has more flavanoids — an important antioxidant — than green tea. "It's probably the richest source of flavanoids in our diet," he said.

Dark chocolate is the best choice, says Katz, because it is rich in fiber, magnesium and antioxidants. Moderation is the key.

"It's an indulgence," said Katz. "But if you choose wisely, you can get some health benefits."

Chocolate Facts:

- Chocolate has less caffeine than coffee.

- Chocolate contains the "good" kind of cholesterol.

- Half the calories in chocolate come from fat.

- The nutrients in chocolate include protein, calcium, riboflavin, iron, vitamin A and thiamine.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/PersonalBest/story?id=322783&page=1

-- December 20, 2006 1:51 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Green Tea?

Lastly, just one more thing I thought worth noting before leaving the subject.
Another substitute for the mocha coffee which may be beneficial is Green Tea.
I don't know how easy THAT would be to get in Iraq.. but, you never know. :)
What is the local tea the Iraqi's drink, by the way.. any health benefits?

I have read that the caffeine in Green Tea acts differently than in coffee and in beneficial ways. An article I have in my hand which I summarized below says that "Even though Green Tea has caffeine in it, it does not leach out calcium from the bones like Coffee or Coke does." So the caffeine is different when ingested through drinking Green Tea. Also, Green Tea increases bone mineral density, whereas most high caffeine drinks (coffee, coke) decrease bone mineral density. The beneficial anti-oxidants and phenols spoken of in chocolate are also present in Green Tea (that is noted in the chocolate post, above).

My summary typed out from the article (there are references from medical journals after each one - tedious to copy out):

The national drink in Japan is not pop or coffee like over here, it is GREEN TEA.. they drink that every day, up to TEN cups of it a day, easily.
Green tea has been found to prevent cancer, heart disease, problems with the liver, teeth and bones. They have proven it helps stop esophageal, colon, rectal and pancreatic cancers, also decreases the dangers from those who do smoke. It stops breast cancer (lab tests on it in 2002). It contains flavanoids which are very powerful antioxidents, more so than Vitamin C. It lowers harmful cholesterol and interferes with the oxidation of good cholesterol, preventing artherosclerosis. It is antiinflamatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

It helps bone mineral density. Unlike coffee and pop, which removes bone density, this builds it up (that is why they don't have their elderly falling down and breaking bones like over here.) Even though Green Tea has caffeine in it - yet it does not leach out calcium from the bones like Coffee or Coke does. It helps people who are overweight to lose weight in part because of the caffeine content. And Green Tea prevents the formation of certain sugars and the attachment of bacteria to dental surfaces, preventing tooth decay. It reduces plaque and cavities. Lastly, in another study, it fights prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer, acne and balding. Oh, and if you have a sore throat, you can gargle with it and it will kill off the bacteria. When people speak about how the Japanese have a greater longevity than we do over here, some think it more than likely that the Green Tea is what is responsible.

===end of summary===

So those are a few thoughts today which I hope might give you some alternates you could use which are more healthy. :)
Of course, you could have no caffeine at all.. but quitting both smoking and caffeine at once sounds a bit hard to me to do.
Hopefully these suggestions will make for a more healthy and easier transition..

Sara.

-- December 20, 2006 2:34 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Where's Roger and Carol?

-- December 20, 2006 3:34 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts;

I understand your view about the Muslims taking over by sheer numbers, but I think that as Muslims integrate into their communities they do not pose a threat. It is when Muslims remain in their groups, isolated from the rest of society and hostile to it, that we have difficulties. When they do this, they should be opposed. One incident which comes to mind was sent to me recently by a friend who wrote:

Here is an article that is all too typical around the world.

http://www.620ktar.com/?nid=45&sid=281089

Here's what it says in part:

"GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Public transit officials have apologized to a woman wearing an Islamic facial veil who was turned away from a bus and Friday rescinded a rule banning people with face coverings.

The ban was aimed at riders wearing Halloween or ski masks and officials had not considered religious dress, Rapid bus system spokeswoman Jennifer Kalczuk said. The rule was issued earlier this year so that an on-board camera system could help identify riders if there is a disturbance."

Note this part: "...officials had not considered religious dress".

Here's my response:

"The veil is not an Islamic religious dress but a radical Muslim political statement and Muslim scholars admit that. In fact, the veil is banned in many Islamic countries for that reason. Officials are right to ban them."

We should let people know the veil is not recognized as an Islam religious dress by Muslim leaders and is banned in many Muslim countries. You'll be amazed at some of the reactions you get. Why shouldn't the US ban the veil as some other Western countries have? They're being banned in Muslim countries and in Europe, so why not the US?"

===end of quote===

If we work to limit the radicalization of our culture by Muslim extremists (such as this admitted radical Muslim political statement - the veil) and allow those who only wish to live peacefully among us and be a part of our society, that should cut down on the Islamofascist danger to our collective security.

Sara.

-- December 20, 2006 4:22 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Murder Suspect Fled Britain Dressed As A Veiled Woman

From the UK’s Telegraph:
Murder suspect fled under Muslim veil
By Paul Stokes
Last Updated: 2:40pm GMT 20/12/2006

A Somali asylum seeker wanted for the murder of WPc Sharon Beshenivsky is believed to have fled Britain dressed as a woman wearing a Muslim niqab, which covers the whole face apart from the eyes.

Intelligence sources suggest he stole his sister’s passport and slipped though the net at Heathrow between Christmas and New Year.

His younger brother Yusuf Jama, 20, was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday of murdering WPc Beshenivsky, 38, in Bradford on November 18 last year.

Mustaf Jama was one of Britain’s "most wanted" when he fled. His photograph and details were circulated to every police force, port and airport. Sources believe he may have dressed in a niqab, favoured by devout Muslim women in Somalia.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said it “beggars belief” that a wanted criminal could leave the country hidden behind a veil.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme there were existing powers for people wearing veils to be searched and urged the Government to issue “urgent clarification” on whether immigration or airport officials should carry out the check.

The case has promopted calls for stricter checks at airports. Under the 1971 Immigration Act, travellers can be asked to lift the veil at passport control, with the option of using a private room with a female official present.

A male suspect in a major anti-terrorist investigation evaded capture for several days when he dressed in a burka, concealing him from head to foot.

There are four stages where "visual checks" can be carried out for departing passengers where the face is matched to a passport photograph. Airlines are responsible when passengers first check in; the British Airport Authority when people go through security with boarding passes; the Home Office at immigration control; and a final visual check possible at the boarding gate…

===end of quote===

Gosh, what a shock. Who could have ever imagined such a thing as happening?

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said it “beggars belief” that a wanted criminal could leave the country hidden behind a veil.

Right. Surely this has never happened before and will never be allowed to happen again.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Wednesday, December 20th, 2006 at 12:22 pm.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/murder-suspect-fled-britain-dressed-as-a-veiled-woman

A legitimate concern with the veil, as well -
is the criminal or terrorist element's ability to use it.

"The veil is not an Islamic religious dress but a radical Muslim political statement and Muslim scholars admit that. In fact, the veil is banned in many Islamic countries for that reason. Officials are right to ban them."

When it is just a political statement, not a religious one..
it should be banned for the public good.
Religious rights may be guaranteed, but political ones which
endanger the public (bombers) and allow criminals to flee.. are not.

Sara.

-- December 20, 2006 4:45 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara, I agree it would be better if they integrate. However, to do so, they must deny some of the radical elements of their religion, such as a lot of misogyny and persecution of gays, and intolerance against other faiths. Many Muslims are uneducated and this is difficult to do. Their religion does not celebrate or encourage tolerance.

The attitudes among the Western elites, especially in Britain doesn't help. There, Muslims were encouraged to stay apart, although that may change. The idea behind multi-culturalism was to have a bunch of co-existing cultures, each believing in different and fundementally opposed ideas about life, living side by side. It turns out, that doesn't work.

What will work is when leaders in the Western world stand up, and clarify what they stand for, and make it clear to Muslims that there are certain fundemental attitudes they must embrace, if they want to be a part of the West.

This means Western elites must start honestly criticizing Islam, when it is difficient in this area. Virtually all of the criticism in the Western world is directed inward, against itself and against Christianity. For instance, a couple of years ago, someone put a crucifix into a jar of urine, in an art gallery, in Britain. You wouldn't do that with a picture of the prophet, unless you wanted hundreds of violent young men rampaging through your streets.

Political correctness rules, and tells people they must be "sensitive" toward other cultures, which usually means other cultures are immune from honest criticism. I suspect our beliefs have become so watered down in the West, we seem to believe in so little, that many Muslims have a difficult time seeing just what they are supposed to assimilate into. Multi-culturalism and moral relativism, the modern idea that there is no such thing as truth, and all cultures are equal, is at the root of the problem. It is what the elites in the West tend to believe.

It says all cultures are equal. They are not all equal, in my opinion. Ours is better. Ours led to rationalism and science, that made life bearable for humans. Theirs didn't. Western culture led to human rights. Their's didn't. There are many ways our culture is superior. People in Europe have lost sight of that, have lost confidence in their own traditions. Part of it is most Europeans have abandoned their Christian inheritance. That leaves a void, as to what to believe in. They end up believing in nothing. Moral relativism and multi-culturalism fit this mind-set perfectly. It declares there is no such thing as truth, and all cultures are equal.

However, there is competition in the ideas market for people. Islam has ideas. Islam declares, it is the truth, and is very confident about it, and you can go to heaven if you do as you are told. Muslims, like Christians, believe life has meaning. Moral relativism tells people life is pointless, there is no truth, you have no dignity beyond this life. This is the basis of our belief in much of the West. So, at the root of it, I am talking about a deep and horrible spiritual problem, in the West.

I find it interesting that the current Pope, a very intelligent and learned man, chose a name for himself, when he became Pope, that also happened to be the name of a past Pope who presided over a very dark period in the history of Christianity, when the church and Western civilization were in very steep and corrosive decline, that took a very long time to recover from, historically. Coincidence? I think not.

Anyhow, to a thinking person who is looking for identity and confidence, this set of ideas, moral relativism and multi-culturalism, is a hard sell, as a fundemental set of beliefs about life. It sells among the soft and corrupt and spoiled and decadent elites of the West, but Muslims wisely reject it, since it offers them nothing but hopelessness.

So, it's hard for me to see how a lot of Muslims would give up a secure sense of truth and identity, to embrace the absurd idea there is no truth. Most of them have more sense than that. So they reject Western values. You can't integrate into a nullity. Multi-culturalism and moral relativism are nullities. There is nothing to integrate into. Until the West decides what it believes, and sticks up for that in a confident way, that trend will continue.

That's why you see such a strong sense of identity, in Europe, among Muslims, who see themselves as Muslims first and foremost. Survey after survey has shown that to be true.

So, by all means Muslims should integrate. And we should encourage them to do so. And, yes, most don't pose a threat. My basic theory of political life has always been, 98% of people, anywhere, of any religion or race, or ethnicity, are sheep. Only 2% are wolves. It is the wolves that decide things, not the sheep. And it is what the Muslim wolves are saying and doing that worries me, not what the Muslim sheep are doing and saying. Of course, the danger is, if the Muslim wolves control things, the Muslim sheep will naturally follow the Muslim wolves. Since Muslims are breeding like mad, and will demographically dominate Europe, very soon, this will be a big big problem for Europe, if not the end of Europe as we know it. And the fact that the European elites believe in nothing helps the Muslim wolves take over.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

And I am also sticking to my dinar story. It will turn out well in the end. It will just take a bit longer than I expected. I would be surprised, though, if an RV didn't happen next year.

-- December 20, 2006 7:33 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Tim:
You are correct on the sheep analogy...most world populations are sheep...
Most humans would rather be told what to do, when to do it, and place the responsibility of their own actions on someone or something else...ya know...the devil made me do it...
Maybe that is why the Bible says...
The Lord is MY SHEPARD

-- December 20, 2006 8:25 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Ya know folks.....29,790 barrels per day is why they call it "Black Gold"!!!!!! This one may flow even higher!!!!!
========================================================================================================================
Calibre Energy, Inc. announces update on first well in Iraqi Kurdistan

Calibre Energy, Inc., an American-based independent natural gas and oil exploration and development company, announces the Bina-Bawi-1 exploration well was at a depth of 2,112 meters (6,929 feet) and has completed running 9 5/8" casing and is currently drilling ahead to a total depth estimated to be 2,900 meters (9,514 feet).

The Bina-Bawi-1 is the first well in Calibre's planned multi-well exploration and development drilling program in Kurdistan. The primary objectives of the well are the Cretaceous, the Qurachina Formation in the Triassic, and the Chiazaire Formation in the Permian.

Calibre is participating in the Bina-Bawi-1 through an Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement ("EPSA") with the Kurdistan Regional Government ("KRG") of the Republic of Iraq in the Arbil Province, covering the Bina-Bawi structure. Calibre has a 10 percent interest in the EPSA through a participation agreement with Hawler Energy Ltd., a privately-held oil and gas exploration company based in Houston, Texas.

A&T Petroleum, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turkish-based Petoil, is the operator. While other parts of Iraq remain mired in violence and unrest, the semi- autonomous region of Kurdistan has been the most peaceful and stable region of Iraq since the creation of the no-fly zones in 1991.

The Bina-Bawi structure is a 28 kilometer by 7 kilometer anticline immediately northwest of the Taq-Taq Field where Genel Enerji and Addax Petroleum recently announced test results from the Taq-Taq 4 well which flowed at an initial aggregate maximum rate of 29,790 barrels per day from three separate reservoir intervals in the Cretaceous.

The flow rates were reported to be constrained by the limited capacity of surface testing facilities. Genel Enerji and Addax Petroleum are currently drilling an appraisal well and expect initial export of oil from the Taq Taq Field in 2007. Addax Petroleum in their November 2006 presentation estimated that the Taq Taq Field has current STOIP of 1.2 to 2.7 billion barrels with expected STOIP of 1.9 billion barrels.

-- December 20, 2006 9:20 PM ∞

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Mary Lou wrote:

Was just going through the posts. Sure do like this new one better-moves much faster.

Noticed the one posted a few days ago that said he was getting out as a "friend" warned him. I just checked GID. They are the dealer through whom I have purchased my Dinar. 1st of November, they were selling their Dinars for $740 per million. Today, the rate is $840 per million. I have always contended we could tell the direction of the dinar by the price set by the dealers.

I believe he is wrong. You can bet, if he is, he will sure be sorry down the line. If he is right, I have only invested what I thought I could afford. Lost more in the stock market than what I invested in the Dinars with a much larger potential profit for my investment.

So, will hang on to mine. Believe if he is right-will be only short term. Just look at our own financial history. 20 years ago,a $100,000 home was beautiful-now try to find one. I believe Iraq has potential to become one of the leading financial countries in the world. Not only from the physical sense with their oil reserves-but also biblically. I won't go into why-several of you are very versed on this aspect of Iraq (once known as Babylon).

Well, that's my two cents worth today.

I don't post often-so will wish you all Merry Christmas

-- December 20, 2006 9:36 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Listened to the MSM today and they estimate congress will need to appropriate another $99 billion dollars for the wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

In preparation for George W. Bush's address to the American people, I think he will allude to the need for more military troops and more dollars to equip those additional troops.

What I am interested in is to know whether you think a congress controlled by the Democrats approve such an expenditure? Please share your thoughts.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 9:46 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From http://media.netpr.pl/notatka_70035.html

2006-12-20
[15:17] The Official Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Cancels 80% of Its Iraqi Debt
PRNewswire BAGHDAD, Iraq December 20

BAGHDAD, Iraq, December 20 /PRNewswire/ --

The Government of Iraq today announced that it has reached an agreement with Export-Import Bank of Malaysia, the official export-import bank of Malaysia, canceling 80% of its bilateral claims against Iraq.

The accord is comparable to the bilateral agreements concluded since November 2004 between Iraq and the various governmental creditors comprising the Paris Club as well as other of its governmental creditors. In addition, the United States, Cyprus, Malta and Slovakia have each cancelled 100% of their bilateral claims against Iraq.

"Iraq welcomes the conclusion of another bilateral agreement with one of Iraq's non-Paris Club creditors," said Iraq's Minister of Finance Baker Jabr Al-Zubaidy. "Iraq appreciates Export-Import Bank of Malaysia's constructive approach to reaching this agreement."

Iraq is in the final stages of the restructuring of all claims resulting from the Saddam-era held by both bilateral and commercial creditors. On November 21, 2004, Iraq reached an agreement in principle with its bilateral creditors comprising the Paris Club.

The total amount of claims against Iraq held by both bilateral and commercial entities has been estimated at more than U.S. $140 billion.

Mr. Kadhim Al-Eyd

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 9:53 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From my home page on aol

U.S. Hands Najaf Control to Iraqi Forces
By WILL WEISSERT, AP

NAJAF, Iraq (Dec. 20) - U.S. forces ceded control of southern Najaf province to Iraqi police and soldiers, who marked the occasion Wednesday with a parade and martial arts demonstrations. But doubts remain about whether the Iraqis, vulnerable to insurgent attacks and militia infiltration, can handle security in more volatile provinces anytime soon

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

THE IRAQI SOLDIERS SHOWED THEIR COURAGE AND SURVIVAL SKILLS YESTERDAY

In a parade performance for their Generals, by biting the heads off of frogs and slitting open the belly of a live rabbit and biting its beating heart out...yaaaa! Boy! Makes you feel warm and fuzzy for them don't it!
Need I say anything else about that culture's way of thinking?

-- December 21, 2006 7:15 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Hi All,

Been away for awhile. I have scrolled through a few messages. Gosh, anymore if you stay away for a few days, you miss alot.

I don't know where Roger is, though he is not on my Christmas list, I do hope he is okay.

Panhandler, I am so sorry to hear about your heart attack. But thank God, you are doing well. If I remember correctly you are about my age. That would make you young for a heart attack. What kind of heart attack did you have? Any need for bypass or stent placement by angioplasty?

Fortunately, we were born at the right time in medical history, as there is so much available in the area of cardiovascular medicine.

Quiting smoking can only improve your odds of repairing or at least stopping the damage to your coronary arteries. But I will tell you that having a H.A. at your age is probably more dominated by family history than anything else.

At any rate, take it easy.

I was glad to see the info on chocolate. Not because of the scientific data presented, but mostly because I ate a whole pound of See's candy last week. I am a See's candy addict!!!I have to stay away from it all year long, but at Christmas time, almost everyone brings See's around and I can hunt that stuff down and once I find it, I am hooked!!!!till it is all gone!! LOL.

Tim, as usual you present your ideas in such an astute fashion. I am always so impressed with your ability to adddress so many thoughts and make them cohesive to a main theme. I think it also helps me becuase we seem to be on the same side of the isle. Your thoughts are balanced and more than anything not filled with skewed data. I think if anyone on this blog has the writing skills it is you. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this site. While these are very serious and dangerous times and your comments are the most relevant on this blog----I do miss your humorous blurps!!

There is alot to be thankful for, at present. But the future looks bleek, and I doubt that the Western World is going to get the hint. I think all has gone too far. Too late to turn back. I think humanity is on a slippery slope. I would be petrified, except for the hope that scripture holds for those who beleive and stake all on the infallible truth of it.

Well, my Dinar source, seems more confident than ever, that the RV is right around the corner. Hope he is right. He's saying it will RV at around $.65.

My family and I have been distracted with our new advertising venture.

I will e-mail all who asked after Christmas. In the meantime, I have done much investigating of this venture, and feel more and more confident each day. All investing has an element of risk and this one does too. Except for the fact that every 10 days you get a full return of your investment plus 40%. It pays off like a dang slot machine. :} So we are all happy campers.

I will e-mail everyone interested in a few days. I have alot more information and insight than I did when I first mentioned it, so it is just as well that I have delayed responding. I will tell you however, that we are getting paid $1260, per day on a 9K investment, that pays $12600.00 at the end of every 10 days. You don't need to invest that much, but that is where you obviously see the greatest return and that is also the maximum investment one can make. I believe you can invest as little as 100.00.

I am giving each one of my 18 yr. old grandchildren 100.00 for Christmas, strictly for this venture. They should have some fun watching their gift grow each 10 days.

Well, got to run. Every one take care and have a wonderful Christmas, and remember----wise men STILL seek HIM out and follow HIM!

Carole

-- December 21, 2006 7:24 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Article Dec 19th
Headline:
Major International Oil Companies unlikely to begin investing in Iraqi Oil Fields for another year...
According to some analysts and insiders, only an amended or new national constitution would create the necessary LEGAL FRAMEWORK for international majors to start making deals on oil reserve development.
However, if the hydrocarbon law was signed, they could at LEAST get started making plans and sign deals. The Major Oil Companies are still saying the security situation and the uncertainity of the legal issues create a legal quaqmire still to risky for them to start investing large sums of money.
ExxonMobil stated, they are interested after the establishment of a CONSTITUTIONAL RULE OF LAW, A CERTAIN TAX AND REGULATORY REGIME, AND STABLIZED SECURITY.
Its seems the present Iraqi Constitution is at legal odds with the Drafted Hydrocarbon Law....Who has the authority to award exploration and development contracts?
There major loopholes in the present constitution and clear cut contraditions in the authorities between the regions and the present central government.

And another ball has been lofted into the air....will it make the basket...or will the buzzer sound with the board showing ?????

-- December 21, 2006 7:35 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Panhandler,

Got to thinking about my comment to you and I want to make a clairification. Family History is a very dominant factor in Cardiovascular disease issues. This is not mentioned to give you a gloom and doom future. In fact if anything, it gives more insight and a target to focus on. Our generation can factor that family history data into necessary lifestyle changes and available treatment modalities. The real GOOD news is for our children, who, because of this confirmed data, have a solid HEADS UP on preventing clinical pathways of family history dominance for their future.

A few years back,we didn't have such conclusive evidence as we do now. It is equivalent to the time when it was very controversial as to whether cigarette smoking caused lung cancer. NOw the evidence is conclusive and no one argues the fact.

So, if your dad had a H.A. before age 65, and you have had one, your son has a world of information and TIME to do everything possible to fight the family history data.

SO in a time in history, when the Islamofascists may get the opporotunity to cut his head off, his arteries have a great chance of being disease free!!

Sorry for the sick humor....

Please take care and God Bless you. You will be in my prayers...

Carole

-- December 21, 2006 7:48 AM ∞

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Bob wrote:

Carole,

Would you please send the investment info to me also.......would be much appreciated....thank you. bobjenkinsus@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Bob

-- December 21, 2006 9:19 AM ∞

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Ashley wrote:

Carole,
I would also like info on the Advertising venture if you don't mind. My e-mail is ahiretn@yahoo.com. Thanks Ashley

-- December 21, 2006 9:25 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(831)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 831 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq dayThursday 2006 / 12/ 21 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 6 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1360 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1358 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 1.250.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 1.250.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.500.000

-- December 21, 2006 9:37 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Add me to the list and email me at robertnowl at aol.com

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 9:43 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I know I am stealing Chris' thunder, but I checked www.cbiraq.org. Please see the enclosed exchange rate.

Number of banks 6 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1360 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1358 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 1.250.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 1.250.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.500.000 -----

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 9:46 AM ∞

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Rick wrote:

Carole,

Please e-mail the investment info to me @ smith3159@aol.com.

Thanks Rick

-- December 21, 2006 11:52 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Sara: thanks for the info. . .having been a chef for over 20 years. . I know what the problem was. . .a pound of salted butter, and a quart of heavy whipping cream in the mashed potatoes. . .and I have quit smoking. . .

Carole: thanx for the well wishes. . .no family history of H.A., but me being from your neck of the woods, you'll obviously remember Hostess
Blackberry pies. . . 490 calories. . . 290 from fat. . .sez it all. . .so as of today, still not smoking, still haven't had a double cafe mocha, no "really good mashed potatoes" and am recuping just fine. . .going for nice long walks at the mall, and living in Panama City now, and the weather being in the 70's. . .the mall has some awfully beautiful christmas sights. . . oh, and for all that have asked, I had a stent put into my left posterior lateral. . .(distal left circ)this is what it sez on the stent implant card. . .I just wish I was with you hunting down the See's. . .

Okie: Now that I'm on the mend, and the Dinar looking as good as it does, I can see Phuket for us after the "Pig roast". . . I can hold your arm till your eyes "defog" and you can hold my arm in case my heart starts racing. . .lol. . .

-- December 21, 2006 12:06 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Carole:

Thanks, Carole, for your kind comments. Hope your new business venture continues to be successful, and if anyone else gets involved, hope they do well, also. If anyone on this blog also has success with Carole's idea, congrats and keep the rest of us up to date on your good fortune! I look forward to meeting you at the roast, one day, Carole.

Panhandler,

My brother said that he always keeps Aspirin in his house, and in his truck. There is some heart disease in our family. If you ever find you are having another heart attack, taking the proper dose of Aspirin, at the time, can significantly cut your risk of dying. A lot of people take a small daily dose of around 80 mgs, of baby aspirin, as a preventive measure. You can talk to your pharmacist about this. I won't give you specific medical advice, since I'm not a medical doctor, but if you find a credible internet source of medical information, with advice posted by cardiologists, I'm sure you can find some helpful information. Don't forget, aspirin has an expiry date. Best of luck.

Dinar Skeptic:

There are a few new people (or person) who have made very skeptical comment about this investment, under new or assumed names. To them, (singular or plural) I say: You are entitled to your opinion. I had to wonder, at the time, though, why would someone post such comments? Was it concern for me? For other people at this site? Could someone I have never met, be that concerned, about my wallet, and financial future? That's a laugh! Of course not. You've never met me. My guess is, you've invested in the dinar, out of your own hard earned money, and you are now getting cold feet.

Fair enough. I have always known, even before I got in, that this was a speculative investment. There are a lot of very smart people on this site. I think the majority of people who invested in this venture knew, before they jumped in, just how speculative this venture was. We also knew how potentially spectacular, the payoff could be. That's why we got in.

So, if anyone wants to discourage me, I say.........get a life. If you have cold feet, fair enough. Sell your dinars, get out, and leave dinar investors alone. Myself, I have never had more fun, in an investment, in my life. I've had a great time, doing this! I could give a rat's ass, how risky it is. I never bet more than I could comfortably lose. If I lose, big deal. I haven't bet the farm on it, just a couple of horses. If you happened to have bet your mortgage on it, and lose, that's your problem. For me, this remains a fascinating, rollickingly good time, reading the posts of all the players on this site, whose personalities come through, on their posts, if you read between the lines. There are a lot of cool people on this site, and I am enjoying this thoroughly! We are in a bit of a lull, but I think this fun will continue through 2007.

So, Dinar skeptic, if this site is not your bag, and if you think this speculative investment is a waste of time, and money, I'm cool with your opinion. Live and let live, I say..... Just don't pretend to be concerned about me, a dinar investor. Your posts were unintentionally amusing, not because they were clever, but because they were so easy to see through. Your posts were really about your own insecurities, not mine......As for me, I'm a big boy. I can handle winning, and I can handle losing. I wasn't born yesterday, in the middle of the night! So,.... go find something you believe in, something that's fun for you, something you think could make you some money, and good luck with that!

But, Dinar Skeptic, if you do go away, please come back, and check in, every once in a while. And when the RV hits, and I make a lot of money, I want you to hear about it, and groan, and join The Woulda-shoulda-coulda Club. Have you heard about that club? It's the club for people who heard about something good, and coulda got in on it, shoulda listened to their instincts, and woulda made a pile of money. When the good times hit, these people have a fascinating water-cooler story, for their friends, about the time they almost did something smart, and almost had the gonads, to stick with it. I want to be able to report to you, Dinar Skeptic, the good time, we all had, at the pig roast!

So, to all I say, Merry Christmas! And a successful New Year!

-- December 21, 2006 12:09 PM ∞

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Fred wrote:

Tim Bitts- Been reading here alot this year and cannot understand why people go anti against anybody's investment. If the person does not like the investment we made then why are they here causing hate and discontent. They surely can find some other website to entertain themselves. But even said that we find the scoundrels blogging this site over and over again. I'm happy to see the 40-50 pip movements the dinar is making. All the positive things that the individuals on here find and greatfully post here show time and time again that IRAQ is progressing towards democracy. With that progression it keeps scaring the dumb a$$#2 into committing violence amongst their own people. No alla or God that I know of is going to forgive such acts. But the positive news is continually improving the dinar strength. Unfortunately all that hurts our green back ever so slightly. As people have stated earlier is the dinar increasing in value or is the dollar decreasing? The dollar always fluctuates in value but the pip movement is way more than the pip movement of the dinar. Related yeah sure but not directly on a 1 to 1 ratio. The day it hits a 1-1 ratio is the day we celebrate. If and when the dinar moves 100-200 pips a day that is signs of vast absorbtion in the economy for the Euro, Pound, Dollar etc. etc. thy do move 1-200 pips daily and sometimes more when economic news comes around. Its that economic news about their economy we are waiting for, not how many millions the US is pouring into IRAQ for they need to get rolling on their own and I think the days are numbered until they get there and that is why we are seeing the pip movement everyday showing that something is happening. Well gota get wrapping the wifes presents before she gets home.

-- December 21, 2006 12:34 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

www.dinartrade.com

Head of Stock Exchange Trustees: it is time to implement the Investment Law

Head of the Iraqi Stock Exchange Trustees, Talib Tabatabai, confirmed that security situation is what hinders the Stock Exchange more than anything, and it is the reason behind the considerable challenges faced by the investor... However, he pointed out that the current situation is temporary and exceptional; therefore, the performance must be maintained consistently, as illustrated by general indicators, which confirms that the development in performance continues to be a salient feature in the march of the market.

Tabatabai added in a press statement: that the investment law being not activated, its members are not appointment and working by it has not started, created a great disappointment among investors in the Iraqi bourse, particularly that efforts have been made by workers in the bourse to update its performance; electronic equipment and supplies are being installed and Stock Exchange rooms are being organized for this purpose. He added that such electronic boards are used for the first time in Iraq...

Tabatabai expressed his hope that many factors will help the investments by shareholders better than it is now. In the forefront of these factors is the security situation.

Tabatabai pointed out that the number of shares that have been circulated in the month of September amounted to 4,212 billion shares, at an average of 527 million shares in a session, registering an increase of 54, 9% on last August. As for the volume of transactions in the month of September, Tabatabai said that they amounted to 8,422 billion dinar; that is 1,052 billion dinar in a session; and the number of contracts executed in the same month, increased to reach 2928 contracts for the month of August.

Tabatabai also stated that the banking sector is the main engine of the market, as this sector has achieved greater relative importance.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 12:36 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Another article from www.dinartrade.com

Iraq oil could provide $3,500 per citizen

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A plan gaining favor in Washington to distribute Iraq's oil revenue directly to its people could put $3,500 a year in the hands of every adult Iraqi citizen, a Texas-based energy analyst said on Tuesday.

Veteran analyst Dale Steffes said his estimate was based on an oil price of $60 a barrel, $10 a barrel production costs, and the assumption that 10 million Iraqis would be old enough to qualify for a share of their country's oil wealth.

Iraq produces 2.2 million barrels of oil a day and exports 1.5 million barrels, according to the Iraq Study Group Report issued earlier this month.

Estimates for current average annual income in Iraq vary widely, but top out at around $1,500 a year.

Steffes, who has been urging the distribution of Iraqi oil money in his reports since 2004, said in an interview the best way to administer the program may be to give the money to those who register to vote and maintain a bank account, thus promoting social involvement and stability.

"Once people understand that the money is coming to them, they will want to protect that income stream and have some kind of government that can settle disputes," he said.

Opponents say distributing the money would be difficult due to logistical and corruption problems, but the idea has picked up advocates as the United States looks for ways to stop the chaos that has followed the 2003 invasion that toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

In an op-ed piece in Monday's Wall Street Journal, two U.S. senators, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican John Ensign, urged President George W. Bush to form an "Iraq Oil Trust" modeled on the Alaskan Permanent Fund which gives Alaskan citizens a share of revenue produced from that state's oil fields.

"A distribution of revenues to all Iraqis would mean they have a greater incentive to keep the oil flowing, help the economy grow, reject the insurgency, and commit to the future of their nation," Clinton and Ensign wrote.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 12:38 PM ∞

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Gabriel wrote:

Carole- Can you please include me regarding information about your investment, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Carole.

ghernandez46@yahoo.com

-- December 21, 2006 1:45 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

I surely do believe these guys are going to talk the HCL to death....com'on, take a vote on it and lets move on to the next step!!
================================================================================

UPDATE:Iraq Kurdish PM: Oil Law Deal Reached With Baghdad

12-21-2006 7:34 AM EST

(Updates an item timed at 1039 GMT with background.)

The prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, said he has reached an agreement with the federal government on the control of oil in the region, a major source of friction between the Kurds and Baghdad and a stumbling block that was delaying the issuance of a crucial hydrocarbon law.

Barzani also said that the Iraqi federal government would discuss in a few days a final draft of an Iraqi hydrocarbon law before sending it to the parliament in Baghdad for approval.

http://news.morningstar.com/news/ViewNews.asp?article=/DJ/200612210734DOWJONESDJONLINE000637_univ.xml

-- December 21, 2006 2:24 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Fred, thanks for your comments. Hope the wife likes the gift.

Rob N:

My home province, Alberta, in Canada, is of course a major oil supplier in North America, and does some oil revenue sharing, with the citizens of the province. Residents of the province have gotten two cash installments, already. I bought a new fridge out of my last checque.

Our former premier, Ralph Klein, started this. We called them Kleinbucks. This has been a source of pride in Alberta.

The rest of Canada is not doing nearly as well as Alberta. So, when they hear that their own provincial governments are running deficits, and Alberta is literally giving money away, to anyone who lives there, this has helped start a stampede, of sorts, of people, to our province. Lots of people are moving here. Lots of people want to live here. There are help wanted signs everywhere.

Alberta is doing well, thanks to oil. I met a Christian man from Nigeria, the other day. His brother came here a year ago, and already owns a house. That's what oil can do.

As to giving money to Iraqis:

I remember reading an article once, about the relative effects of money, in relation to quantifiable measures of human happiness. It turns out, if you give a modest amount of money to a poor man, say, a few thousand dollars, it can raise his happiness level a tremendous amount. This has been mathematically quantified and studied. Let's call this value, the measured increase in happiness, 100. Now, if you give those same few thousand dollars to a middle class American, it also raises his happiness level, but not so much as it does for a poor man, who has nothing. Let's call this number 20, for the level of measured happiness increase, for a middle class American, for the value of a few thousand dollars. Now, if you gave this same amount of money to Donald Trump, it wouldn't do much for him. His happiness scale might go up 1 point, if you are lucky.

The reason for this is common sense. Donald Trump already has everything he could ever want. A few thousand dollars would buy him a bottle of rare French wine, but he can afford it already, so it won't make much difference, in his lifestyle. A middle class American has less than The Donald, he has most of his basic needs taken care of, but lacks in enough luxuries. He might use the money to buy his wife a nice diamond necklace, that would look good on her, and make her happy, which would make him happy. Now, a poor Iraqi has nothing. If you give him a few thousand dollars, it would mean the world to him. It would make a tremendous positive difference in his life. It would give him hope and confidence, and would help him trust Americans more, since he would start to believe the Americans are not stealing all the oil money in Iraq, which a lot of Iraqis believe right now.

Now, I've seen this sort of thing in my own life, where the same amount of money can have very different effects, depending on the situation. My family started out, when I was a kid, very very poor. Little things meant an awful lot back then. I remember, I got a red sleeping bag, when I was twelve, for Christmas, and it meant the world to me. Although, looking back, it was probably a cheap bag, my parents didn't have much money at the time, so it was a sacrifice for them. For me, who didn't usually get much for Christmas, it was a big big deal, and I was very very happy to get it, and I remember this present to this day....Today, I'm doing quite well, and a cheap sleeping bag from Walmart wouldn't mean much, if I got it as a present, this Christmas.

So, I think giving money to ordinary Iraqis is a very smart idea. It is actually a good war strategy, if you think about it. Winning wars means getting the other side to stop fighting. The insurgency is being caused by unhappiness and human want, and need, among other things. Giving Iraqis money, which is theirs in the first place, as far as I am concerned, would help a lot. It would help them see they, and their families, can benefit from the new Iraq. Once they realize that, there would be less support for the insurgency.

This move, if taken, would move the RV of the Dinar closer.

I hope the President listens to Senator Clinton on this one.

-- December 21, 2006 2:41 PM ∞

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hackett wrote:

Hi Carol if you could please add me tothe mailing list thank you. JHACKETT@MDPD.COM

-- December 21, 2006 6:09 PM ∞

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Rob M wrote:

Carol,
You win the award for being the most popular. If you had a nickel for every person requesting you to send info about the investment that you are in, you would not need to invest in the dinar :)
Anyway, I don't post but I have read this site every day for a year. Can you also send me some info about the investment? If the dinar breaks, I'll pay for your pork!

-- December 21, 2006 6:48 PM ∞

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Rob M wrote:

Carol,
Whoops I guess it does not show the e-mail address: value-international@cox.net

-- December 21, 2006 6:49 PM ∞

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Steve wrote:

Carol, I'm also interested in getting some info on your venture. Send to pimpmaximus69@hotmail.com.

Thank you. Have a good Christmas.......

-- December 21, 2006 7:59 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

I'm headed out for Gods Country, A.K.A. Tulsa, and wanted to wish all a Merry Christmas.

Panhandler....Keep up the fight against the cigs., your lungs will repair themselves in about a year...

COM'ON DINAR!!!!!!

-- December 21, 2006 8:42 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Okie:

You are not too far from me I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I have family in Tulsa and my dad is from Miami.

Enjoy living on Tulsa time for a while.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 9:10 PM ∞

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David wrote:

Hello, all.

Been reading avidly for more than a year, interesting to see people come and go. I interacted for a while, but didn't have the time to do any reasearch of my own that would contribute significantly and uniquely to the board, so I've become a T&B dinar voyeur. I do appreciate those of you who do have the time and the resources to think and analyze the facts about Iraq specifically, the Middle East in general, and of course, the dinar.

I found the guy who dropped in long enough to say he was getting out of his dinar investment because of some lopping rumor he heard from his friend of 20 years to be most amusing. Must have been looking for some sick entertainment of his own. The dinar train has a little more momentum than what one fellow with a flimsy rumor can derail, I think.

I imagine for those of you who post regularly here, you have a huge audience of people like me who are on the train with you, but for whatever reason, keep our mouths shut. Well, I'm going to open mine long enough to pass on some Christmas cheer -

Carole - Thanks for your sweet spirit and desire to live at peace, so far is it is up to you. Also, please add me to your list of interested parties: johnson2252 at gmail.com.

Carl - thank you for your pragmatic point of view. You make me laugh as often as you make me scratch my chin thinking about the world in different ways.

Tim Bitts - I agree with what someone once said about you: you have a book or two in you. I appreciate you for your voice of reason and the idea that someone north of the border is interested in interacting with us "southerners" in meaningful and productive ways. You are a tribute to your nation. Thanks.

Sara - the great thinker and defender of the faith. I share that faith, and am often uplifted by your comments as well as challenged by your tenacity and straightforward manner. Picking an argument with you means that someone better have their ducks in a row and have done some good thinking about their point of view, because we all know nobody gets special treatment from you. Your respect is earned, and for good reason. Thanks for keeping people honest.

And all the rest who regularly post - It is a pleasure to read what's on your good minds every now and again. It's a lively and healthy place for people to interact. And not just about the dinar, though there is almost always some link. Politics, religion, personal victories and struggles; we're all here because we have a common investment, but the beauty of real human relationships is that they can never be absolutely one-dimensional. People are far too complex for that. Anyone who expects the people on the board to talk about only one thing is awfully shallow.

And finally, to those of you serving in Iraq: Thank you. That seems inadequate, but as words go, there are none better.

Merry Christmas, all. Please spend some time considering and then sharing the love that is demonstrated in the supreme sacrifice of the Creator of the universe - that He should become...human long enough to repair the damage we did, take our place, and save us all. And of all places, it all started in a manger in a tiny town in the Middle East.

David

-- December 21, 2006 9:30 PM ∞

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DALE wrote:

Carole,
I too would like the info on your investment. If you would be so kind to send to FUGAZZIDALE AT AOL dot com. also a quick question if you invest an amount are you able to invest more at a later date? Maybe you know, or can find out. Thanks, in advance, Carole.
Boy, I hope your dinar source is on the money with the RV.65% of 5 million is a nice little sum I think. Just thinking of all the good things I will be able to do when my Dinar ship comes in.
Family, friends, & strangers will all feel the trickle down effect of my wind fall.
I only wish my friends would listen & take a lil chance on this.
Good luck to us all & Merry Christmas to all.

Dale

-- December 21, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Hi All,

Long time no see. Been busy busy, but have to go back and visit ye 'ol T&B.

Can see some frustration about the slow pace the Dinar is revaluating at.

Did some crunching, and just want to get some facts for the "are we there yet" crowd.

The Dinar have been revalued from the 2nd of Nov, from a Dollar value of 1477 to today's value of 1358 in 50 days.

Counting in the value of ONE million Dinars, this gives an originally invested 677 Dollars a profit of 59 Dollars to today's value of 736 Dollars.

It comes out to a value increase of $1.18/day

Or $430/year.

Now, take your original $677 and instead put it in one of the more traditional investment baskets, and you should be able to get about 10% (11-12% if you're lucky) per year.

That's $67

So the bottom line is, this investment is growing in a far more faster pace then most traditional investments.

We're currently looking at a 63% growth rate.

Of course, looking to it day by day, it's like watching paint dry, but in comparison with most investments, this is a fantastic investment.

We all want our millions, and it's easy to compare THAT EXPECTED amount, with what we're looking at now, and sneeze at it, thinking it's peanuts, but looking only at the Dinar right now, from a pure growth and investment viewpoint. The Dinar is doing more than GREAT.

Panhandler,

Wish you well, keep pumping.

Sara,

With two choices, die, or say what the person holding a gun to my head wants to hear, I gladly say what he wants to hear.

I mean, what's the end result of the two possible outcomes. Be right about something and be dead, or be wrong about something and be alive. If you see a semi-truck doing 65 mph in a school zone, you know he is wrong, you know that you have the right of way as a pedestrian at the crosswalk, you even have the green "walk" light, so you are all in your right.

How right can you be, would you step out? For me I rather stay, and have a life, other than walk out and have a principle.

Why the Japanese live longer, I think it's more appropriate to ask why we live shorter. Perhaps it's because we feel on occasion that our blood is sipping far too fast through our veins, and must eat a steak more often than not.

Also, one of the factors (I strongly believe) is the enormous amount of sugar we have, covering every piece of bread, every darn drink and any and all snack. In the US over 50% of our diet intake is now snack and fast food, while other countries still serve ordinary meals.

Re Veil, That was a new piece of info for me, Didn't know the Veil was banned even in some Muslim countries, didn't even know it was not considered part of the Islamic religion. So it's a culture thing plain and clear. Well, there is god and bad culture, and by putting a bag over a women, that could just be called bad culture. Some tribes in the Amazon spit in their neighbors cup, to show closeness, that and the veil could both be called bad culture.

Dinar fakes,

We seem to have had an African currency bill dressed up as an Iraqi Dinar.

Wonder how much money that person sitting doodling, with the cut and paste, doing that fake bill, would have done, would he instead have spent his time buying and selling stocks, currency or just plainly flipped burgers.

Carole,

Good luck with your new investment, sounds very profitable.

I must admit I'm ignorant as to what it is, but just by the looks of it, it seems to me that it is a Multi Level or Pyramid thing of some sort.

If it was such a thing as a producing entity, Diamond mine with a very rich yield, or similar, they would not go out and ask investors for a hundred bucks.

I'm just curious as to what the product is in this investment, I understand you have to be quiet, and all that, but at least it must be known if this is land, diamonds, gasoline, air purifying filters or whatever the basis is for the monetary yield.

Money in itself can never make money, but have to be produced by goods or service. You borrow 1000 bucks to Joe, he pays you back with 10% interest, so now you're getting $1100 from Joe.

The interest is not made by the 1000 you borrowed to him, but by Joe, that produced (worked) for an additional 100 bucks to pay you back.

Same thing in investing. Invest in Dinar, Apple or General Electric. That will give them means to operate, but the payback is from something Iraq, Apple or General Electric sold, delivered or produced.

So when investing a hundred bucks, and are getting thousands back on a regular basis, I just wonder what the basis is for the product, that will exchange to the outer world, these enormous amounts, compared with the original investment.

As I say, I just know what I'm seeing from this site, and it for sure have attracted a lot of people, but based on two reasons.....

1. The "can't tell you" factor, and
2. Out of proportion yield compared with original investment.

...this looks like an MLM or Pyramid set up, where the money flow is based on new members getting involved. As long as new members can be added, the money flow is there, but the product is to get as many as possible into the system, when that ends, the system collapses.

They all burst. Mathematically they must, and when they do, very few at the top is very rich and quite a bunch lost it all....,

Just the approach made me wonder. WOW IM GETTING MONEY BY THE BUNDLES.......but I cant tell you,.... maybe,... I can consider giving the secret to a few...

Next thing you're swamped with people that will be placed underneath you in your part of the pyramid.

I'm absolutely not saying this is all wrong, anyone that wants to gamble, go ahead.

Carole, I'm absolutely not trying to take a piss on you, I'm just saying that from what I seen regarding this, it indicates very much to me that this is a well thought out "system". A money making system, and in those, the real product is either completely absent, or cloaked in "selling cookies".

I'm sure you have heard of the getting rich system of "Stuffing Envelopes at home".

Even though there are machines that can stuff envelopes quicker than quick, this is sold as a moneymaker.

The product have nothing to do with stuffing envelopes, but the system is to get other people to sell the idea that they can stuff envelopes at home. Once they are in, they in turn are sold on the idea that they can sell the idea that others can stuff envelopes at home.

It's a pyramid, and in the whole chain, there is not one envelope needed to be stuffed what so ever.

There is no product, and if there is no product, there will be a few winners and quite a bunch of losers.

I just wondered what it is that is so valuable, and the holder of the goods or service for this valuable product are so completely cash strapped, that he gladly takes your few hundred bucks, in order to be able to sell his good or services, and is getting so much for it , that he can live very happy, and on top of it all gladly give you thousands back and still be profitable.

I have read a couple of "Money Systems" where they at page one clearly states that this is not a Pyramid or MLM system, but as I read on, it's nothing but.

Then again, I can be so wrong it's unbelievable, but then, extraordinary claims demands extraordinary proof, so, in clear text, Carole, you have stated, the number one "WOW IM DOING THE BIG MONEY" and you have stated the number two, "This is a secret, and because of this and that reason, I can't tell" and you have stated number three, "Well I might consider some of you into it".

If it is a secret, how come we all know about it?

It's all consistent with an early stage of an MLM or a Pyramid.

If it is, say so.

However don't take this is such a way that I'm not glad for your success, congratulation on your success, all the power to you.

Tim Bitts,

I think it's a good point also, as long as the Iraqis in general don't have, they will rebel. Doesn't matter what country, culture or religion is involved, as long as there is poverty, hopelessness and despair, people will rebel.

I hold true your observation you posted some time ago, when you were sitting at an outside cafe, watching the street where all kind of races, were interacting in harmony, because they were running their Lexus's, shopping their jewelery, and sipping their Starbucks.

A wealthy nation is a happy nation, in that the population have possessions they value.

Okie,

Agree, Ive been away from the Dinar game for some weeks now, and when returning, the Iraqis are STILL haggling over that HCL, should have been done by now.

Rob N,

I do believe that Iraq will not head in the direction of a common currency, the Oman is not out of it totally, the only reason they are not on board at the moment is that they consider themselves not completely ready just yet, so they will probably join later.

However when it comes to Iraq, the Iraq Central Bank article 16 will forbid the bank to go into a money union. (check CBIsite under "CBI Bank law")

All,

I just read an article from the "Holocaust Denial" session they're done with, over in Tehran. I will not refer to the article, as being so full of historically distorted data's, that you might think the article is written by a spin doctor, with a couple of too many self administered electroshocks.

What does come across though is the deep socialistic viewpoint, he is coming from. Things from the early cold war rhetoric, like "USA Imperialistic" , "Capitalistic Dominance" and such were very frequent.

It shows me how Socialism or perhaps Fascism or a shade of both have merged in the Middle East.

I'm pretty sure the people practicing their form of life over there will deny completely any Fascist or Socialist ideas, and claim solely religious motives.

It is a culture phenomenon though that Socialism is always doing well in countries that consider themselves depressed, suppressed or just outright poor. Socialism fits well into the condition of the country, the mood of the people, and an explanation why they are poor.

Socialism is on the economical level build on the principle(false) that there is zero money, and the reason they are poor is BECAUSE we are rich. We have already horded all the available money and we are therefore the cause of their poor condition.

Any 3rd world country sending their representative to the UN will undoubtedly be a Socialist, having agendas like "economic fairness" and such issues.

The Middle East have traditionally been very leaning towards the Soviets during the Cold War, and almost all their weaponry have been provided to them from there.

When Iran had their revolt in the late 70's this opened the doors for the Soviets, and now in the form of the Russians, they are still there.

The "think"in Russia have never been really changed after the fall of the Soviet, the apparatnik (the internal communist social system) have never really been dismantled, and the Russians are well entrenched with the Iranians. The Iranians will not get much of any opposition from Russia if they go on an anti-Jewish bandwagon because antisemitism is practiced very much in Russia as well.

It was just an observation of the tone of the text that I read, and it amuses me to see a supposedly religious country, declaring a bunch of crap regarding Jews, Israel, Zionism, and the whole enchilada, in a language that could have been straight from a cold war Communistic propaganda leaflet.

-- December 21, 2006 10:55 PM ∞

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HACKETT wrote:

I just read on another site that chase and B of A are not selling dinars at this time. do you all think something is in the wind

-- December 21, 2006 11:11 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carol----please put me on the info list......wjtorres2005@yahoo.com

-- December 21, 2006 11:11 PM ∞

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jsfletcher wrote:

Don't know about B of A but Chase IS selling/buying

-- December 21, 2006 11:34 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

So is Wells Fargo

-- December 22, 2006 12:22 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Carole, you can add me to the list of interested investors as well. email is eshop01@yahoo.com.

If the $.65 figure hits, I will have about 2.6 million to play with before taxs, I would go for it, and will go for it on a smaller scale anyway if I find it as promising as I hope.

-- December 22, 2006 12:41 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

About buying Dinars at a bank,

If you walk into your local Bank Branch Office and start talking Dinars, they probably wouldnt know nothing. You most probably need to ask them to call their foreign currency department, to get a straight answer.

That, in bigger banks is most probably located in one of their central banks, main banks or their main district bank.

Another poster told us some time ago, that Wells Fargo have a 24 hr service.

Other posters have been telling that B of A is dealing with Dinars.

-- December 22, 2006 12:41 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sad'r have popped up, well not him in person, but his followers, the guys that walked out in a three week boycott against the goverment.

Sad'r have "allowed" them back, and they will be in the seat in two days.

-- December 22, 2006 12:57 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

The main event here is the Dinar, but the other big event might go unnoticed, the Dollar itself. Keep an eye on it.

Have been reading up on economical news lately, and there might be a bit rough for the Dollar some time ahead.

We all know that we have a huge debt, the size of it, makes it stand out as an enormous sum compared with other countries. However per capita it's not in the panic zone, but the trouble looming ahead, is that most other countries are in about the same debt riddled category. Its a world in debt.

The Dollar have fallen in value pretty steadily lately, that will give us a chance to boost our export, however, the weakness we have, is that, most of our export producing industries are already outside the country, and our valuable goods is very much emphasized on service. Would we have had our manufacturing base intact here today, we would have done a killing right now.

China with a huge stack of Dollars as their reserves, an undervalued currency, and a more and more thirsty oil consumption will have to pay off the thirst in Dollar, as the Dollar itself is going down, many of the Central Banks, sitting on huge reserves of Dollar, would want to get more valuable currency and would want to emphasise a sell of Dollars, this further lowering the price of Dollar.

Smaller countries like Venezuela and Iran wowing to take down the Dollar will not be able to even affect the value, as their economies are too small to be significant.

The threat financially is not from there.

As the Dollar goes down, the threat is the sell off , from Central Banks all across the world, in their efforts to gain value by switching to a higher valued currency.

Their effort will probably be in a diverse field, Stirling, Euros and a general basket of the most biggest currencies.

If a free fall happens, and a panic sell out starts, some of the economic analysts are predicting the next recession, perhaps even a depression, but in a world wide form more in line with the global depression starting in the end of the 20's. That is the worst case scenario, today there are much more safety nets than in those days, but still this is a possibility.

As a result, the US will most probably lose ( it can gain back, but have to earn it back) , the Dollar as the world currency, in the same way as the Brits lost the Stirling as the world currency at the outbreak of WW2.

All the economic signs are there, the Euro is by analysts, running about 10-15% overvalued, The Chinese, are sitting on a financial bomb, The Brits are running a debt economy about as shameless as we are, and have a too far overvalued currency right now, and the Asian countries are watching what to do with their reserves, where to go, to keep a better value on it. They sell the Yankee Dollar at the drop of a hat, only to get a Euro or Stirling that in itself can adjust back down to it's more real value. After the Bank bust in the 90's the Yen have never been fully trusted, and Japan have been a question mark ever since, since it never gained back it's financial domination it had up until the -90's, in that region.

If we, and the world can ride this out, we will have some adjustments in the currencies all over the world, and a slowdown that will soon be replaced by an uptrend again.

In case a panic sell out of the Dollar starts, it's a very hard thing to stop, and there will be dire financial consequences all over the world.

Keep an eye on the Dinar, the rise in value of the Dinar is pretty much in par with the drop of the value of the Dollar, so in a sense we can say that as the Dinar is closely "Dollarised" the current rise in Dinar value is actually an adjustment towards a falling Dollar.

The planets and stars are aligned right now in such a way that the world situation is financially very volatile, and wobbly right now.

There are many possible models, depending on how the step by steps are taken, from the worst scenario to the best, either way, something is about to break loose, and it will be a very interesting time ahead.

-- December 22, 2006 1:58 AM ∞

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dale wrote:

HACKETT,

I caled Chase Bank several days ago. The person I talked to didn't know off hand, about the Dinar. The guy did look into it & found a branch that i could purchace from near me. So I am thinking, maybe, not all branches are selling it.
But I would say if some one tells you they are not selling, ask some one else. I am sure it is not an every day request, & those who say no, just are not aware of it.

-- December 22, 2006 2:03 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

What is this, a new scratchpad.....I ordered a cheeseburger.

-- December 22, 2006 2:04 AM ∞

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Galo wrote:

Carole, Thank you for sharing the investment info. Please add my address to your list.
Galo

-- December 22, 2006 2:52 AM ∞

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Galo wrote:

Carole,
Please use galoflor at sbcglobal.net
Thank you!
gALO

-- December 22, 2006 2:54 AM ∞

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Galo wrote:

Carole,
Please use galoflor at sbcglobal.net
Thank you!
Galo

-- December 22, 2006 2:55 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Anthony R,

If the goal is to bring the Dinar to a value of 10.000 Dinars equal to $6.600 and the Iraqis are doing the sliding Dinar revaluation in the pace as they are doing it now, you will have your 65 cents per Dinar in exactly 13 years, and 9 months.

-- December 22, 2006 2:58 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

About the minister that wants to give 10.000 Dinars, or about the equivalent to $6600 to needy people...
hm....I think it's a misprint of the zeroes in the Dinars, because at the time he came up with that statement, the $6600 figure corresponds pretty much with the exchange rate of 1.000.000 Dinars.

Naa...I wouldn't read more into it than that.

-- December 22, 2006 3:49 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Roger,

Welcome back, I guess!

First of all, I would like to say that what me and my family are doing is not a secret, by any means. BUT, as I stated at first I am reluctant to give personal information on a blog site.

Also, our venture is not an MLM. That was my first concern, and I fully checked it out.

It is an advertising agency that involves multiple products.

Also, this business, I have found out is not new. The uniqueness of this agency is that the "owner" has invested quite a bit of money to keep the site safe.

This is how the story goes. This owner was involved in the same business adventure and was making alot of money. One day he went to the site to do his daily procedure on the net and the site was gone. He started a 3 month long investigation as to what happened. He had already made 150K and only had 5 days in his 10 day cycle. He had about $9600 at risk, which he has since recovered.

In his investigation, he found that this business is very popular and profitable, BUT vulnerable to being shut down, because the "owner" violates some regulations, or there have been complaints issued and sites are shut down during investigations of the site.
The usual existance of these sites is about 1-3 months.

SO he decided to try to find out what exactly was happeneing to have these sites closed down. He took 6 months to figure it out and then open his own and do everyting exactly right to keep the site open and viable and profitable. He has now had the site for over 400 days, and has international investors.

We have conference calls about every 2 weeks and he encourages everyone to be very careful about spreading the news, to avert any possible trouble. He encourages everyone to help eachother, and try to keep everyone informed and happy as to keep compliants down, therby keeping the site healthy and viable.

What I like about this is that your gamble is for a very limited time. IN 10 days your money is in your bank with a 40% return. What I also like about this is that I have access to the owner. I don't know him perslonally, but have friends that introduced us to this that do know him directly.

My daughter Maureen has gone through her first 3 cycles. SHe has doubled her investment. I figure by the middle of your 2nd cycle, you have your 9K back and are going into future cycles with your profits, not your capital investment.

Where the money comes from is the advertisers that buy advertising space on the site. I guess this is a very big business, and companies pay big bucks for internet advertising.

This is where I spent my time investigating, cause I was really ignorant to the fact that there is so much money out there being spent on internet advertising. While it was a very new revelation to me, it is a very old issue. But none-the -less, I needed to check it out for myself.

You can profit by bring someone else in, but it is very minimal and there are no tiers. You are given a referral number, and if someone signs up under your referral number you get a very small % of their investment, but only for the 10 day cycle. And that is it!And you don't have to go that route if you don't want to. It is just an option. The owner is even considering doing away with that as the accounting issues can get hectic.

Once the 10 days is over and the cycle closes, your money is depostied into an internet bank called Safe Pay. I checked into this and it is as safe as any bank you walk into. You have your own account and your own pin number. YOu can take all or part-- it is yours. You can buy groceries or anything you want.

The owner, is going to keep safe pay, but wants to move forward to making it possible for everyone to have their money ( faster than safe pay) right into their own personal bank accounts. That should be available by th eend of January.

What is bothersome to me is that at this time you can only have one 9K account at a time, under one Social Security number. I would like to have at least 3 accounts running. BUt not allowed at this time. And husbands and wives can not have separate accounts.

By the way you are issued 1099's for tax purposes.

It seems legit and in a few days I will have my total investment of 9K back, plus 40%.

My other sense of security is my RE friend that is a multimillionaire, is now involved. He too is irritated that he can't have more than one account. Maybe someday that will change. I know that on the next conference call we are going to ask that question.

SO that's it Roger.

I am very protective of my family and I don't want to expose us to any potential harm by exposing personal information on the blog.

So after Christmas, I am going to forward information to those who asked, through a safe way. The problem is that I haven't quite figured out how to do that. I was thinking about a PO box.

The other thought I had was that there are a very few people here that I would feel comfortable with e-mailing. NOw if they feel that they would like to share their personal information to a whole bunch of strangers, then that is fine, I am still fairly protected.

OR.....I can just drop it!

I just felt a while back, that I wished I could find a way to share this information with others like myself that are invested in the Dinar, and getting frustrated by the many disappointments, and pennies of return. That while waiting for the big RV could make some money.

By the way, no one made me any promises or guarantees, and I would certainly not offer promises either. This kind of investing is always a chance, but so is crossing the street.

Investing is not for cowards or cry babies. And no one should ever invest in anything they can't afford to lose, is the way I look at it.

I realize there are alot of people who don't hold to that concept. I see it at the poker tables all the time. It is really sad. An addiction like anything else.

But thank God my only real addiction is See's candy!! I have little or no control over it....and only indulge myself at Christmas time!!! Cause my office gets pounds and pounds of it as gifts. The only other big item gifts we get now are Starbuck gift cards, and I hate starbucks coffee----tooo bitter!!!

Well got to get back to wrapping---Christmas is almost here and we are at the countdown here in my neck of the woods.

Carole

-- December 22, 2006 5:16 AM ∞

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Fred wrote:

Carole-

Morning and may I say you are being quite stellar in your recent posts. I for one would never head hunt the person who shared info on any investment. That is how I came across the Dinar in the first place. Your internet deal sounds good but as would any cautious person question who/what/where etc.et. I have made a few investments and seem to never get ahead, but I will always keep trying for you will never get ahead if you don't try. Maybe if you open another e-mail account up and we could all email that account to get what ever info it is we have to send in. Suggestions are a dime a dozen and I will leave you to summarize your own course of action. Thank you for coming froward and sharing the info, I'm interested!!!

-- December 22, 2006 8:40 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

No CBI auction today as it is the weekend in the Arab world.

Tim Bitts.

For some reason, there are people in this world who can't see investments. Roger has those friends who live on a dirt road. Others don't know anybody who are invested in the Dinar personally. It's a risky investment. If the Dinar went bust then what I would lose, I would soon forget about but the gain I would lose if I didn't invest, I would remember well. Don't want to be in the Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda club. I have thought about joining the procrastinators club but never got around to it. There are those who are so concerned about what people think of them that they can't stand the ribbing they would take from their friends so they refuse to take a risk. Every time I meet such people they also, either coincidentally or it's linked, have a welfare outlook on life. I need to analyze it more but you can bet that the same naysayers that won't invest will be telling us that we somehow made money on the backs of someone else when the Dinar RVs.

All I can say is that I'm happy that I was able to see this investment. I have Iraqi-American friends I worked with in the sandbox that I have to thank for that as they opened my eyes.

David,

I join you in thanking those who serve and have served. I still know people in the sandbox. Don't communicate with thenm on a regular basis but I know that they are away from their families. I remember how hard it was on my kids but am still glad I served. It just galls me to hear these Hollywood actors come out and spout ignorance. The Iraq issue is too complex for them to understand it. This is the real value to the "great American experiment". Whether we talk about politics or stardom or fame. Even the truly ignorant among us can prosper if they are willing to work hard enough. I fear that hard work is no longer respected in our society. Hope it's a blip on the radar screen that may one day reverse.

Carole,

Thanks for being willing to share your latest investment. I set up a Yahoo E-mail account so you could E-mail me. This is a solution for those who don't want to reveal their regular E-mail account to the world.

Please send me info at chrisgz at yahoo.com

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all who believe and to Roger a good night. Just kidding Roger! Welcome back!

-- December 22, 2006 9:15 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.dinartrade.com

41 billion dollars, the volume of the budget for 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Iraqi Minister of Finance, Baqer Jabr Al-Zubaydi, announced that "No change in the 2007 budget, which is fixed at 41 billion dollars", but he indicated "transfers and distributions will be made so that the new budget will cover all sectors of the Iraqi people to avoid the mistakes that happened in last year's budget, and the confusion that happened in the implementation of investment projects".

After the economic committee meeting under the chairmanship of Vice-President Adel Abdel Mahdi, the Iraqi minister revealed that "new conditions are put to punish the parties who fall behind in the implementation, then withdraw the funds that have not been spent and convert them to the implementation of large projects in the country".

Regarding the amendments to the salaries of governmental employees at the beginning of next year, Azzubaidi announced: "400 million dollars have been allocated to make the necessary adjustments to the salaries of the employees. The increases would range between 50 and 70%, and each employee will get the increase he deserves, starting from the beginning of next January".

Azzubaidi pointed out that 2007budget "will be set at the rate of 1260 dinar to the dollar and 50 dollars per barrel of oil with the production of 1.7 million barrels a day". He explained that the Iraqi Central Bank "started raising interest rates from 12 to 16% now", pointing out that there are no immediate plans to continue raising interest rates.

He explained that the aim of raising interest rates is "to strengthen the Iraqi dinar, and curb the inflation of 56% now, as well as strengthening the confidence of Iraqis in the local currency".

Source: Iraq Directory

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 10:58 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From news.yahoo.com

Rice: Iraq worth investment in U.S. aid By ANNE GEARAN, AP Diplomatic Writer
Thu Dec 21, 5:51 PM ET

WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told The Associated Press on Thursday that Iraq is "worth the investment" in American lives and dollars.

ADVERTISEMENT

The top U.S. diplomat said the United States can win in Iraq, although the war so far has been longer and more difficult than she had expected. She made the remarks at a time when President Bush is under pressure from the public and members of Congress to find a fresh course in the long-running and costly war, which has shown no signs of nearing an end and cost the lives of more than 2,950 American troops.

In the AP interview, Rice was asked whether an additional $100 billion the Pentagon wants for the Iraq and Afghan wars might amount to throwing good money after bad in Iraq. The U.S. has already spent more than $350 billion on the conflict.

"I don't think it's a matter of money," Rice said. "Along the way there have been plenty of markers that show that this is a country that is worth the investment, because once it emerges as a country that is a stabilizing factor you will have a very different kind of Middle East."

Rice added, "I know from the point of view of not just the monetary cost but the sacrifice of American lives a lot has been sacrificed for Iraq, a lot has been invested in Iraq."

Bush would not ask for continued sacrifice and spending "if he didn't believe, and in fact I believe as well, that we can in fact succeed," Rice said.

In a wide-ranging interview, Rice also said she has no reason to believe North Korea is serious about dismantling its nuclear weapons. "That's what we're testing," in disarmament talks this week that a Japanese envoy described as deadlocked.

Rice said a watered-down United Nations sanctions resolution against Iran would have more than symbolic value but said she has no assurances that Russia will vote for the resolution this week despite long efforts to satisfy Moscow's misgivings about sanctions.

She said she is confident all U.N. members will enforce the sanctions once passed, no matter how they voted.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 11:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.dinartrade.com

Iraq to propose new Baghdad security plan
12/21/2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Under a new plan, Iraqis will have the ability to launch security operations without a multinational OK, the Iraqi government said Thursday.

The security plan for war-torn Baghdad would ostensibly place Iraqi troops in the lead and coalition forces in a supporting role.

The plan emerged during talks among officials from the Iraqi Defense and Interior ministries as well as the Multi-National Forces in Iraq --and during the visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Baghdad.

The plan, which "will see the light of day soon," according to Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul-Karim Khalaf, would create a system with "swifter mobilization and decision-making."

There will be an overall Iraqi commander for Baghdad and one commander each from the largely Sunni area west of the Tigris River, called Karkh, and the largely Shiite area east of the river, called Rusafa. One commander will be from the Interior Ministry, the other from the Defense Ministry, Khalaf said.

In addition, a commander will be in charge of nine security districts in Baghdad, he said.

Security forces will remain at the same level, Khalaf said. As many as 45,000 Iraqi security forces have been in Baghdad in recent weeks.

They'll be provided with better bomb detection equipment placed at the city's entrances and 200 explosives experts. The equipment will allow troops to detect explosives from a distance of 100 meters or more.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's efforts to establish security in Baghdad have faltered in the face of Sunni-Shiite violence.

Attackers killed at least 18 people inBaghdad on Thursday, including 15 in a suicide strike that targeted men enlisting in the national police force, authorities said.

In addition, police found 38 bodies shot to death in what are regarded as sectarian killings, bringing the two-day count of bullet-riddled bodies found in Baghdad to 114.

Many of the people were bound, blindfolded and tortured, the Interior Ministry said. On Wednesday, police discovered 76 bodies in a similar state -- one of the highest daily body counts since the aftermath of the February bombing of Al-Askariya Mosque, the revered Shiite shrine in Samarra.

Thursday's suicide strike outside the Baghdad police academy involved an insurgent who detonated his explosives belt and killed at least 12 recruits and three police officers, the U.S. military said Iraqi police reported.

The attack also left 15 people wounded, authorities said.

In western Baghdad, a car bomb killed two people and wounded two others. Gunmen also attacked two female teachers, killing one and wounding another, as they were driving home from work.

Also in western Baghdad, armed men broke into the house of an adviser to Defense Minister Abdul Qadir, stole weapons and blew up his car. No one was at home at the time.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross called on kidnappers to release "unharmed, immediately and unconditionally" the remaining hostages taken from a Red Crescent office in Baghdad Sunday.

Fourteen of the 30 men taken have been freed. The Red Crescent said it will not resume its aid work in Baghdad until all are released.

Gates, the new U.S. defense secretary, met with about 15 U.S. soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division in Baghdad on Thursday to gauge whether to send more troops to Iraq. (Watch Gates seek an unfiltered view of U.S. troops, Iraqis)

Several soldiers said reinforcements would help, but military commanders have expressed concerns that a troop increase woulddelay Iraqis' efforts to take control of their security. (Full story)

Gates also met with Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister al-Maliki, the defense minister and members of the Iraqi Security Council, The Associated Press reported.

Gates has said the ultimate decision hinges on the "basic questions about the surge: What is the mission, what is the purpose, can we do it, how big can we go?"

Soldier, Marine killedA U.S. soldier and Marine died from wounds sustained during combat in Iraq's volatile Anbar province, the U.S. military announced on Thursday.

The Marine, assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died Wednesday, and the U.S. soldier, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7, died Tuesday, the military said.

Roadside bombs killed two U.S. soldiers in and around Baghdad on Wednesday, the military said.

The deaths bring the number of U.S. service members killed since the start of the Iraq war to to 2,951. In the month of December so far, 69 U.S. troops have been killed.

Seven American civilian contractors of the military also have died in the conflict.

Other developments

Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr met with representatives of seven Shiite groups comprising the largest bloc in Iraq's parliament Thursday in Najaf to discuss a one-month unilateral cease-fire, Shiite officials said. Also on the table was the lifting of a three-week boycott of al-Maliki's coalition and rejoining the political process. (Details)

A formal delegation from the Shiite-led political bloc -- the United Iraqi Alliance -- will travel to Najaf to meet with Iraq's most powerful cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, next week. The effort is aimed at avoiding a splintering within the Shiite alliance and forming a broader political alliance with other parties to stem sectarian violence. The delegation will meet separately with al-Sadr, said Ridha Jawad Taqi, a member of the United Iraqi Alliance.

Military prosecutors on Thursday charged a Marine sergeant with 13 counts of murder in connection with the shooting deaths of 24 unarmed civilians in Haditha, Iraq, last year, his lawyer said. As many as seven other Marines could be charged. (Full story)
CNN's Sam Dagher, Kyung Lah and Jomana Karadsheh contributed to this report.

Copyright 2006 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

Iraq to propose new Baghdad security plan - Source

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 11:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Correction: the above article came from safedinar.com

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 11:11 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Roger, not sure I understand your timetable of 13 years and 7 months at the current rate of appreciation of the dinar.

By my math, it looks like the Dinar is going to gain about 150 on the US dollar in november and december. By my math, that is averaging 75 dinars a month. Also, it appears to be a trend that is snowballing, by that I mean decembers gain appears to be significantly greater than novembers gain.

When I look at the current coarse of the dinar, even without the snowball effect, at a 75 dinar gain a month to the dollar, we are looking at about 12 more months before the goal of $.65 to the dinar is reached, which would put us right at the end of 2007 and I think right about where they have the goal set.

I think the recent elections have lit a fire under the Iraq administration. They realize that the republicans grip on total control is slipping, and they better get to standing on thier own 2 feet and become totally independant within the next 2 years because the american people have spoken, and they want a change. They are reading between the lines as everyone else should be and realize that the next US president is going to be a democrat and when that happens the spoon feeding will be over.

-- December 22, 2006 11:12 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Another article from www.safedinar.com

Pentagon Report Sees Progress in Iraq Despite Spike in Violence
12/21/2006

Says Iraqi government, security forces assume greater responsibility
By David Shelby
USINFO Staff Writer

Washington – A Pentagon report released December 18 identifies “incremental progress” in the capabilities of the Iraqi government and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) over a recent three-month period despite a sharp increase in violence.

“The period covered in this report (August 12, 2006-November 10, 2006) saw incremental progress in the government of Iraq’s willingness and ability to take over responsibility, to build institutions, and to deliver essential services,” says the congressionally mandated report titled Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq. “This progress is notable given the escalating violence in some of Iraq’s more populous regions and the tragic loss of civilian life at the hands of terrorists and other extremists.”

The report states that Iraqi Security Forces “have assumed more leadership in counter-insurgency and law enforcement operations” and adds that coalition forces are nearing their goals for training and equipping Iraqi forces.

Iraq’s Council of Representatives has adopted key legislation in the areas of constitutional review, foreign investment and federal region formation, the report observes, but Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s national reconciliation project, which the report identifies as a key to long-term political stability, has shown “little progress.”

The period from July to October saw sharp erosion in public confidence in the Iraqi government’s ability to improve the situation, according to State Department surveys discussed in the report. The Iraqi government must focus on key domestic issues such as enactment of a hydrocarbons law, reform of the de-Ba’athification process, demobilization of militias and a reduction in unemployment to regain the public’s confidence, the report says.

Oil production and electricity generation have risen over the past three months, though they still fall short of program goals, the report says. Daily power availability now averages 11 hours nationwide, although Baghdad, Iraq, receives electricity an average of only six hours per day. The report states that water projects have increased the nation’s supply of potable water by 35 percent over the past six months.

Although attacks on infrastructure have declined, the report says the cumulative effect of past attacks and the difficult environment for making repairs continue to impair the government’s ability to deliver basic services.

Security remains a key concern in Iraq. The report says the total number of attacks has risen 22 percent over the past three months, but it attributes part of that increase to a seasonal spike in violence during the Muslim holy month Ramadan. It says the majority of attacks are aimed at coalition forces and that most civilian violence remains localized in neighborhoods with mixed Sunni and Shiite populations. More than three-quarters of all attacks are taking place in only four provinces: al-Anbar, Baghdad, Salah ad-Din and Diyala. According to the report, more than 90 percent of Iraqis outside the Sunni Triangle say they feel “very safe” in their neighborhoods.

The report notes that the Iraqi Ministry of Defense assumed command and control of the Iraqi Ground Forces Command (IGFC) in September. It anticipates that the IGFC will take full control of all 10 divisions of the Iraqi army by June 2007. The report says the most significant challenges on the security front are addressing the ISF’s shortcomings in logistics management and reforming the Ministry of Interior’s police force to eliminate militia infiltration.

The full text of the report (PDF, 53 pages) is available on the Department of Defense Web site.

For additional information, see Iraq Update.

(USINFO is produced by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Pentagon Report Sees Progress in Iraq Despite Spike in Violence - Source

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 11:14 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

sorry, miscalculated, by the above numbers it would be about 17 months before the $.65 goal, which is longer, but still a lot better than 13 years.

Also, keep in mind that snowball effect, I am still banking on late 07.

-- December 22, 2006 11:19 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Carol,

You mentioned accounts tied in with Social Security numbers.......

Anyone asking for my Social Security Number causes me to pause instantly........

Can you get into this investment without the use of a Social?

-- December 22, 2006 11:32 AM ∞

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Steve wrote:

Anthony R.,

You cannot do your calculations based on point gain....

Roger did his based on percentage gain

You can look up an exponential decay problem and get the basics of this thinking.

Your model assumes ever increasing percentage gain, which of course is not realistic. I'll give an example.

Right now the Dinar is gaining 10 points per day , roughly. While at 1300, this represents just under 1% gain per day.

Now lets look at a date later on when ther rate is say 31 to 1. So its then 21 to 1 tomorrow and 11 to 1, so forth. Point is, in four days, you would get a 31x increase. Not likely.

Right now a 1% gain is about 13 points. When the exchange rate is 30 to 1, a 1% gain would be about .3

Hope that helps......

-- December 22, 2006 11:40 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Some might fund this interesting

http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/tad/exportal.aspx?memberKey1=460&date1key=2006-11-30&category=EXCHRT

-- December 22, 2006 2:04 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Thanks for the info, you gave a lot of meat, and I (probably I can say we) appreciate that, ok, well, I really wish you good luck Carole. We all take our chances, and you have been stumbling onto something, good for you.

The only question I have now is, ...as those sites were a borderline regulation violation,and this guy that set up the sites now have a way to keep them a bit longer, but still there is a concern about being shut down....are the accounts, when they are "active" connected with the accounts, so if the sites are shut down, will the accounts also be shut down, or are they safe.?

Seems to me that the money producing entity here is a high risk venture, but if the money connected to it, will sit in a separate account, then the money would be safe.

But then again, money can't just sit, it got to work in the business itself...

Ok I can see how high risk this would be, but then again I can also see how profitable the payout would be, so all in all, Good luck, as you say, it's risky to cross the street too, and if you're not crossing the street, you're not getting there.

Anthony R.

There are many ways you can toss these numbers around, Steve was completely correct when he mentioned the points gain, The figure of 13 years is based on the current speed in revaluation.

I figure from the start of the reval, you will increase the value of the Dinar about 430 Dollars/year, going in the exact pace you have now. Then it's easy, take the original investment of the value of one million Dinars in Dollars at the start of the reval as being $677, then take the goal as $6600, minus the original investment of 677, gives a Dollar figure of 5923 Dollars that the Dinar have to climb.

Every year is a 430 Dollar increase, so if 430 Dollars have to climb through 5923, you have to see how many times 430 will fit into 5923. It's 13.77, or in years, it will be 13 years and 9 months.

That is all assumed it will be done with the current speed, and set up, and operation. With other words, if nothing else changes.

-- December 22, 2006 2:13 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger;

Welcome back! :) HuGgggg..

Rob N;

Thanks for all the great posts lately.. good fact finding. :)
I found Roger's note to you about Iraq not joining the GCC because Article 16 prohibits it in the CBI banking law very interesting.. did you know that?

David - Thank you for your very kind comments. :)

Roger - I found interesting your analysis that Socialism does well in countries "that consider themselves depressed, suppressed or just outright poor." You say that they reason that they are poor BECAUSE others are rich. This seemed to me to be the same mentality Chris mentioned when he said that, quote: "There are those who are so concerned about what people think of them that they can't stand the ribbing they would take from their friends so they refuse to take a risk. Every time I meet such people they also, either coincidentally or it's linked, have a welfare outlook on life. I need to analyze it more but you can bet that the same naysayers that won't invest will be telling us that we somehow made money on the backs of someone else when the Dinar RVs."

To me, this Socialism idea and this welfare idea are related. Those who do not make money on the Dinar (because they refused to take that risk) will also reason that we who did take that risk "made money on the backs of someone else" - the most likely candidate for them to grasp onto is the poor among the Iraqi people, saying they are still poor BECAUSE we are rich. I believe in the case of the RV, it will take a while for the trickle down effect in Iraq and for the average or poor Iraqi to have his/her situation impacted positively. Jobs won't happen quite overnite, either. So there will still be poor people in Iraq when we have our windfalls. No doubt this will cause critics saying "the reason they are poor is BECAUSE you are rich." - not seeing the eventual positive impact the RV will have longterm in turning the Iraqi economic conditions around, nor the positive role we played in helping them by putting our money at risk in their currency. It turns into a jealousy thing with Socialism as the justification for thinking rich people sinful. Their assumption is - if we made money, we had to have done it at their expense because to be rich you have to do something wrong. Rich people, they reason, are innately evil and wicked (here, in profit taking for venturing a risk).. unlike the rest of the population (themselves - who missed that boat by choosing to take no risk, and the poor who could not take the risk).

Socialism creates this demonization of the rich very well because it takes one religious interpretation of the Bible and makes it the creed to impose upon all of humanity. Christian communes have communal ownership as their basis, which is also the the core belief of Communism. Communism just took this Christian interpretation of "how to live" (communal property, no private ownership of land, no capitalism) as the one interpretation to impose upon the world. Much like Islamofascism, they took one very extreme religious viewpoint (present in Christianity since its inception - but entered into only willingly and not by force) and decided to impose it on the world by force.. for our good, of course, and with religious zeal because they believe themselves to be morally superior and more correct in their interpretation of "how to live" than the rest of us who do not so believe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_socialism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_communism

QUOTE: "Christian communists "do not agree with the atheist views of most Marxists, but they do agree with some of the economic aspects of Marxist theory, such as the idea that capitalism exploits the working class by extracting surplus value from the workers in the form of profits. Christian communists also share some of the political goals of Marxists, for example replacing capitalism with socialism, which should in turn be followed by communism at a later point in the future.""

Thinking in the Capitalist and not Communist/Socialist way of thinking - that is, thinking that making a profit is not innately sinful - we reason that even if the amount of profit in an undertaking is a great profit (think Dinar RV, millions), it is not sinful or ill-gotten gain. (Pro 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. 1Ch 29:12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.) Indeed, we reason here that the RV of the Dinar will bring eventual wealth to the country and people of Iraq, wealth they cannot have otherwise and which will help bring stability and peace to Iraq's people.

Carole's Advertising company with multi-products is also an interesting venture which may indeed allow such profits to be legitimately made. It doesn't necessarily follow that because the profits are great it has to be something wrong (like a Pyramid scheme). However, I am as cautious as the next person, as Carole was before she checked her venture out.. and the anonymous poster who mentioned that giving out a SIN willy nilly to anyone is a concern - that also made me think. I would still like to see the venture, fully check it myself and pray about it - as Carole did - before investing. But, like the Dinar, I do not think making a lot of money in a short term venture is sinful or beyond the pale of possibility - as we all know it can and does happen - and sometimes one cannot tell if it is opportunity knocking or not.. until you check it out. For those of us in the Dinar, we think it was opportunity knocking to become involved in the Dinar. From what Carole said, her story about her investment appears to be the same kind of thing, and I for one am open to hearing, checking it out and praying for wisdom about it.

Sara.

PS I found it of interest that Communism is (rightly) referred to in the negative sense in the Capitalistic West - but found it puzzling that those who oppose Communism embrace another form of it which is applied to the family structure which was created by Marx's close companion, Engels:

"After Marx's death in 1883, Engels devoted much of the rest of his life to editing and translating Marx's writings. However, he also contributed significantly to feminist theory, seeing for instance the concept of monogamous marriage as having arisen because of the domination of man over women. In this sense, he ties communist theory to the family, arguing that men have dominated women just as the capitalist class has dominated workers."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marxism

Interesting that this accusation about men not "dominating" women is a form of Communist theory which is used by the West to deprecate the strong family ties the Muslims have which adhere to the Biblical core structure. (I'm not talking evil things like honor killings, but the strong family structure they use which is ma and pa and their kids with a white picket fence like the 1950's in America.) It is almost like the Capitalistic West is schizophrenic in denying Communism in monetary matters, but advocates Communism in the communal and family values - seeking to impose these Communist ideals on normal (Biblical) family relationships at home and abroad.

-- December 22, 2006 3:22 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Annon:

The fact that they ask for your Social is comfort to me. First of all it is needed to open the bank account, and secondly, they have to report earnings on a 1099.

Roger:
Your "bank" account with Safe pay is closed once the 10 days is up. The "job" you do with the advertising agency is not connected to the bank account other than a way to direct deposit your money.

The only money that is on the table, is that which is in your current 10 day cycle.

That is the gamble, of you will. Of the site closes down while you are in your cycle, the money that is in there then, is frozen. My only sense of security is that the owner tells our friends that as long as he is alive, no one has or ever will lose a cent. If the site is closed down it may delay payment, but we will get paid eventually.

On the internet, anytime anyone clicks to read an ad, the business involved is paying for each time that ad is clicked on. Even here on T%B, everytime soeone clicks on an ad listed on this page they pay this blog site owner a fee.

This business is the same concept. The difference is that there are literally thousands of clients for this site and they pay huge amounts for everytime someone reads their ad.

AT the beginging of each cycle we decide how many ads we want to view for 10 days. The more money you pay the bigger amount of ads you visit. However, the payout is still 40% at the end of the 10days.

For 9K you get to view 75 sites per day. It takes about 25 minutes per day.

Also, at the end of the 10 days you are completely finished. NO money rolls over. You have to decide to re-enter a new cycle and put up the money to buy the "clicks".

I know it may sound a little complicated, but is really is the easiet money I have ever made.

When I finish my cycle, $12600.00 will be deposited to my Safe Pay account. Of which 9K is my original investment,plus the $3600 profit.
Now I can take it and be finished, I can immediately transfer it to my own checking account. But it is at that time that I can re-enter a new cycle with more money, and start working the program again, for another 10 days.

I personally have been putting back the 9K. IN 30 days I can earn back my initial investment.

As long as the site stays open I have created a money making machine.

You don't have to reenter on day 11 if you don't want to start another cycle at that time. So long as your cycle is closed you can open another one at anytime.
But at a profit of $1260 a day, why would anyone want to do that? Unless of course they needed the money.

The way I figure it is that the advertising clients are probably on a payable cycle.

Our money provides the company with cash flow.

In the end when the receivables are paid the owner gets 60% and we get 40%, and the client gets his ads seen hundresds of times a day.

I am told that it is the most desirableform of advertising for companies, since TV ads are losing their potency with all of the technology in TV now where you van use your DVR to block out commericials, etc. Plyus since the Internet, the newspaper industry has taken a great big hit(loss), and has lost a significant amount of advertising customers. to the internet advertising entities.

Well, we will just have to wait and see if this really pans out.

-- December 22, 2006 3:38 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

No, I did not know that about that aspect to the Central Bank of Iraq's banking law. Very interesting.

Watching the MSM last night and they made mention of Al Sadar now wishes to be apart of the coalition government after secret talks. I have my doubts whether he really wants a peaceful and prosperous Iraq.

It is my contention that once peace is accomplished prosperity will come. We will have to wait and see.

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Panhandler, I am praying for you. Roger, glad to see your posting.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 3:43 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara: Didn't Jesus say, it is harder for a rich man, to enter the kingdom of God, than it is, for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle? What's your opinion of that verse? Does that verse not imply that there is something about money, according to Christian beliefs, that innately has the potential to corrupt human beings? Does this belief not mean that the accumulation of wealth is suspect, at best, in Christian belief? Just asking.

Personally, my belief is, when we invest in the dinar, we invest in the future of Iraq, and Iraqis. Because people like us invest in their economy, it allows Iraqis to invest in their own future. This means the future creation of wealth for Iraqis. This means, whatever money we happen to make, Iraqis will make many many times that money amount, for every dollar we invest. I'm not an economist, but I'd be very surprised if that were not true. This means, rather than exploiting, I think I am helping the process whereby Iraqis earn a lot of money. I believe, rather than being morally exploitive, the opposite is true. Investing in dinars is ultimately very moral, in my opinion, since it helps Iraqis in the process of bettering themselves, feeding and educating their children. It is moral because the other people, in the transaction end up getting more out of it, than I will. Although doing good is not the reason I invest, I think, in the real world, this will be the actual long term effect of my investment. If my belief about the real world practical economic implications of my investment are true, and demonstrably and emperically factual, that Iraqis will ultimately prosper from my decision, then that's an added bonus for me.

I think communists got it backwards. Capitalism is a win-win situation. It is also inherently moral, in my opinion, since it increases overall human happiness, and lessens suffering. Christians should be enthusiastic about capitalism, in my opinion, since it fits in with their moral beliefs, that relieving suffering is a primary objective in life. Capitalism does not intend directly, to be moral. But I don't think intentions are the ultimate judge of the rightness or wrongness of an action. I think effects are, not intentions. A great deal of good enters the world, not through direct intention and action, but through indirect effects of seemingly selfish action.

Sara, interesting comments on how communists believe men have dominated women, historically.....I was raised by a strong woman, and have a bunch of strong sisters. My view, based on my own life is, who ever came up with that theory, about men dominating women, never met my wife, or my sisters!!

All of this communist stuff comes from Karl Marx, who was a bit of a loser in his personal life. Personally, I've always preferred the other Marx brother, Groucho, and Zeppo, and especially Harpo!

Roger, good to see you weighing in on a few things!

-- December 22, 2006 4:39 PM ∞

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IRS Warning!!! wrote:

To everyone interested in Carol's "Investment"

Many of these types of investments have been tried in the past.
The IRS will always shut them down.
Anything that you "get something for nothing" will be shut down and you will be flagged by the IRS
Just because you provide a social security number does not mean that it is legal.
----Trust Me----

-- December 22, 2006 5:10 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.iraqi-dinar-exchange.com

Insurgents kill 5 more soldiers in Iraq
Friday, December 22, 2006 21:28 (Source: Yahoo! News) Insurgent attacks killed five more American troops west of the Iraqi capital, the military said Friday, making December the second deadliest month for U.S. servicemen in 2006.

So far this month, 76 American troops have died in Iraq, the same number that were killed in all of April. With nine days remaining in December, the monthly total of U.S. deaths could meet or exceed the death toll of 105 in October.

As American deaths in the war pushed closer to 3,000, Iraqis continued to fall victim to sectarian violence between Shiites and Sunnis. Police recovered 21 more bodies in the cities of Baghdad, Baqouba and Kut. With 140,000 U.S. troops now in Iraq, President Bush is considering whether to send thousands more to control the bloodshed.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates flew back to Washington on Friday to give Bush his advice on transforming U.S. policy in Iraq after holding three days of talks in the war zone with military and political leaders. Gates was scheduled to see the president at the mountain retreat of Camp David, Md., on Saturday.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 5:59 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

news.yahoo.com

DUBAI (Reuters) - The leader of an al Qaeda-backed group offered to refrain from attacking U.S. forces if they withdrew from Iraq within a month and left their heavy weapons behind, according to an audio tape posted on the Internet on Friday.

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"We call on (President George W.) Bush not to waste this historic opportunity which insures you a safe withdrawal," said the speaker, identified as Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, head of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq, which was announced in October by al Qaeda and groups linked to it.

The authenticity of the tape could not be verified, but it was posted on two main Web sites used by al Qaeda and other insurgent groups in Iraq.

"We are awaiting your response within two weeks of this announcement," said the speaker in the tape, which was dated December 22. He said insurgent groups would refrain from attacking withdrawing U.S. forces if they left within a month.

Baghdadi was a little-known militant before Sunni militant groups including al Qaeda announced what they described as an Islamic state in Iraq. Baghdadi was named as the head of the state and in November, the leader of Iraq's al Qaeda wing -- Abu Hamza al-Muhajir -- vowed allegiance to him.

The recording was posted on the Internet hours after Defense Secretary Robert Gates ended a visit to Iraq aimed at finding a new strategy to curb violence and allow U.S. troops to withdraw.

"You (Bush) wasted the opportunity of the truce offered to you by the sheikh of the mujahideen, Osama bin Laden, may God protect him," the speaker on the tape said.

In January, bin Laden warned in an audio tape that al Qaeda was preparing new attacks inside the United States, but said the group was open to a conditional truce with the Americans. Washington said it did not negotiate with terrorists.

"In these holy days (before the annual Muslim haj pilgrimage) we announce a new campaign ... to step up the fight against the crusaders," the speaker said.

"The withdrawal is to be carried out with personnel carriers and passenger planes, with troops only carrying (light) arms ... and not heavy weapons," he added.

The speaker rejected any talks through the mediation of Saudi Arabia, denouncing Saudi leaders as "tyrants."

Saudi Arabia said this week it would not take sides in Iraqi sectarian violence, denying reports the U.S.-allied kingdom may back Sunni Muslims in their fight against Shi'ites if the United States withdraws from Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 6:01 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

I appreciate your Dinar news posts and economy ones, but please don't bring in the MSM negativity and stupidity.. it is prevalent enough in the MSM. Please leave our blog for good news about our investment and Iraq.. If you wish to post their junk, please edit it to what is relevant to Iraq's progress and good, leaving out the mantra of doom and gloom. I truly DO appreciate you for your postings.. please keep them up. :)

Tim Bitts;

Have to agree with you on our investment helping the Iraqi people and economy. I won't touch the sacred cow of Christianity on this topic which you mentioned of, "there is something about money, according to Christian beliefs, that innately has the potential to corrupt human beings?" since both you and I are about to become wealthy.. and therefore, by this measure.. corrupt?? Just pointing out the fallacy.. you can see the sermon.

Sara.

-- December 22, 2006 6:49 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Rob N: If someone linked to Al Queda wants some sort of truce, with America, if the American Army will only withdraw, that is a good sign. Those sonofabitches would not consider doing America a favour. If they wish to make nice, it's because they think they will lose.

They're right.

-- December 22, 2006 6:54 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara, as I mentioned, I was born poor, but am doing reasonable well now. I have a lot of compassion for suffering people. When I get rich, I will use some of my money to help people. I already have a specific thing in mind. <